All Together Now magazine - Issue 28 - December 2009

YOUR AWARD-WINNING CHARITY MAGAZINE THAT’S BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIERS WIN! WIN! WIN!

THEATRES WHAT’S ON p8-9

p9 COLLEGES WHAT’S NEW p14-17

All Together Now! is supported by:

BEAT THE BLUES

p11

‘Why everyone should p6 support this fab magazine’ — MIKE McCARTNEY

DECEMBER JANUARY 2010

INSIDE

SIR BOBBY’S GOAL

THE NEW

People with p5 mental health problems deserve better

STEVE’S NEW STARS

FAB FOUR

p16-17

p5

www.direct.gov.uk/disability Public services all in one place www.direct.gov.uk

When you have finished reading this magazine please pass it on to a friend or neighbour

All Together NOW!

2

What’s inside NEWS:

p2-5

YOUR LETTERS:

p6-7

THEATRE GUIDE:

p8-9

MERESEYTRAVEL:

p10

GARDENING: Competition

p11

HOLIDAYS

p12

SKILLZONE:

p13-21

PUZZLEZONE:

p18-19

MOTORZONE:

p22-23

HEALTHZONE:

p24-27

CAREZONE:

p28

NOTICEBOARD:

p30

SPORTSZONE :

p31-32

Call us on: 0151 230 0307

Who to contact Editorial Editor: Tom Dowling email: news@alltogethernow.org.uk

Advertising/sponsorship Chris Groves Gemma Tasker email: sales@alltogethernow.org.uk IT Support: Ken Almond Website: Pharos Design

December/January 2010

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

NEWS

Minister snapsup up snaps Tim’s winning picture picture AN award-winning picture of a man with learning disabilities playing his violin is to take pride of place in the office of care services minister Phil Hope.

Tim Thackery, gold award winner of Snap! – Mencap’s national photo and film competition–- travelled from his home in Preston to the Department of Health in London

PICTURE PERFECT: Tim presents the minister with his winning photo

PENSIONERS have warned political leaders to ignore the grey vote at their peril.

to personally deliver his photo, ‘Open Strings’.Tim said: “My picture is so nice and motivating to look at.

“It is fantastic that the minister chose to have my photograph in his office. Coming down to London to meet him and present my picture has been brilliant.”

The minister bought Tim’s photo after he was a presenter at the star-studded awards ceremony earlier this year at the Proud Galleries in London.

Mr Hope said: “Tim’s photo captures the essence of what Mencap’s national photo and film competition is about – challenging perceptions of people with learning disabilities.”

Snap! is an annual photo and story competition that aims to increase the public’s understanding of learning disability.

Every entry is either taken by, or features, someone with a learning disability.

Martin’s Christmas present to spina bifida charity SINGER-songwriter Martin Stanyer has released a Christmas Single in aid of the spina bifida charity ASBAH. Stanyer 25, who performs his own material in various local acts and currently goes under the banner of “Naked Sunday”, lost his six week-old sister Elizabeth to the spine debilitating disease.

‘Autism law will transform our lives . . .’

All proceeds from the track, Pull My Cracker, will go towards the charity which provides a vast range of support including a dedicated helpline.

You can buy the single direct from Guitar & Son in Stafford for £2, contact Martin on 07526 895664, or email TommyRai1@hotmail.co.uk

Monday 31 January, 2010

Printed by Trinity Mirror NW2, Oldham, Lancashire

A BILL aimed at giving people with autism improved rights has passed its final stage in the House of Lords and is set to become law.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) heralded the move as “groundbreaking” and said health and social care services could now face legal action if they failed to provide support for people with

Dot Gibson, head of Britain’s biggest body representing pensioners’ interests, said: “Whilst it’s true that pensioners don’t vote on block, they are more likely than any other section of society to turn out to the polling booth.

“All the political parties need to realise that if they want our votes, they must start addressing our concerns,” added Ms Gibson, general secretary of the National Pensioners’ Convention.

Her warning came as the NPC launched a manifesto for next year’s General Election.

The manifesto calls on the major parties to include six key issues in their own policies: n Raising the basic state pension above the official poverty level (estimated at £165 a week in 2009), and linking it to the higher of earnings or prices. n Introducing free longterm and social care funded from general taxation and provided without the need for means-testing, rationing or a postcode lottery. n Good quality local services to be funded through income tax rather than council tax. n Free UK-wide travel to be extended to all forms of public transport (buses, trams and local rail).

Winter fuel

NEXT EDITION:

All Together Now! is published by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Registered Charity No.1106387 Company No. 5096931

Grey vote matters at next election

the condition, which affects over half a million people in the UK. Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS, said: “Thousands of adults with autism told us they were experiencing serious mental health difficulties due to a lack of support.

“After a year of lobbying, this is the watershed moment they have been waiting for – this law could literally transform lives.

“It will add serious weight to the

forthcoming adult autism strategy so now we’ll be keeping the pressure up on Government to make sure they get it right and deliver lasting change for people with this serious, lifelong and disabling condition.”

The Autism Bill was drafted by the NAS on behalf of a coalition of autism charities. n NAS Autism Helpline: 0845 070 4004 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, (local rates apply).

To advertise call us NOW! 0151 230 0307

n Ending age discrimination where it adversely affects the opportunities, goods and services available to older people. n Raising the winter fuel allowance to £500 per pensioner households.

Ms Gibson said:“One in four older people still live in poverty, over 20,000 die every year of coldrelated illnesses and the cost and quality of care that pensioners receive is a national scandal.”

TAKE ME HOME!

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers, advertisers, sponsors and supporters

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

All Together NOW! is doing a great job in raising awareness about the wideranging health problems that so many of us face on a daily basis.

The letters on Pages 6 and 7 show just how valuable readers think of our UNIQUE and FREE publication and online magazine.

But it’s a costly business and we are always looking for ways to balance the books – and to be able to print and distribute even more copies . . .

One way that would certainly help us would be for a company to take us on as their ‘Charity of the Year’.

If the company you, or someone in your family, or friends, work for operates such a scheme, please consider nominating All Together NOW! Your suggestion might just give us the boost we need . . .

Thanks.

— TOM DOWLING, editor

Thanks, Tony . . .

CAN WE BE YOUR COMPANY’S ‘CHARITY OF THE YEAR’?

IMPRESSED: Disability minister Jonathan Shaw wished us well at the recent Equality 2025 seminar (Page 16). “I’m very impressed,” he said, “and I wish the charity every success.”

Christmas family portrait offer

All Together NOW! has teamed up with Studio 42 to offer readers a fantastic family portrait opportunity.

Studio 42 provides high quality commercial, portrait and wedding photography.

Owner Ken Almond, who also An ideal assists with the Christmas Present production of All Together NOW!, says: “We are delighted to offer readers a Christmas and New Year discount on any of our products and services.

“All you have to do to take advantage of this offer is cut out the voucher on this page and call in and see us.

“A family portrait would make an ideal Christmas present!”

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All Together NOW! has lost one of its most dedicated and enthusiastic supporters – and I have lost a very close pal, writes editor, Tom Dowling.

Thomas Anthony Owens, ‘Tony’ to his friends, was the first person to offer help when I tried to set up the All Together NOW! charity five years ago.

We’d been friends for more than 30 years, and he knew all about the inequalities that people affected by disability faced on a daily basis.

A keen sportsman – he regularly banged in the goals with West Cheshire League club, Poulton Vics in the early 70s, and in later years was a regular on the golf course.

He was also very much into national hunt horse racing and was already looking ahead to the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals when he was suddenly taken ill.

Tony was 61 and had much to live for. He was a great family man – and a very kind and thoughtful friend who will be sorely missed by many.

All our thoughts are with his wife, Tania, and daughter, Alex . .

Making music ‘can improve your mood’ To be redeemed for any goods or services from Studio 42 Photography.

Only one voucher per individual.

A family or individual portrait session including a 16x12inch framed print costs just £60 Additional vouchers are available from the studio in values of: £10, £20, £30, £40, £50 and £60

Studio 42 Photography 255 Seabank Road, New Brighton, Wallasey CH45 1HE Tel: 0151 536 0759 Email: ken@42multimedia.co.uk

PLAYING a musical instrument is good therapy, an expert says.

Music should be used in neuropsychological therapy to improve language skills, memory or mood, according to Lutz Jäncke, a member of Faculty of 1000 Medicine.

“The brain regions involved in music processing are also required for other tasks, such as memory or language skills,” Jäncke says.

“If music has such a strong influence on brain plasticity, this raises the question of whether this effect can be used to enhance cognitive performance.”

Your chance to help

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

NEWS

Fire safety DVD for deaf

Could YOU be the one for this role?

THE search is on for someone who can help improve access and transport services for visually impaired people.

The Joint Committee on Mobility of Blind and Partially Sighted People (JCMBPS) wants applications to fill a vacancy for a new co-opted member.

The JCMBPS works with central and local government, transport providers, and others to ensure the requirements of blind, deafblind and partially sighted people are recognised and taken into account.

Priorities include pedestrian areas; public transport including audible announcements on buses, and mobility and technology including the implications of hybrid/electric ‘quiet vehicles’.

The committee meets four times a year, normally in central London, and travel expenses can be available. n Interested? Contact Gill Kenyon on 0845 241 2178. Closing date: December 31. www.jcmbps.org.uk

Billions go begging MORE than half of UK buisnesses are still missing out on the estimated £80 BILLION annual spending power of disabled people, says a new report.

Susan Scott-Parker, chief executive of national charity Employers Forum on Disability, said: “One in three people are disabled or close to someone who is. Organisations that meet the needs of disabled customers will win more business.”

The charity’s Disability Standard is the only business-led benchmark that measures an organisation’s performance on every aspect of disability as it affects a business.

Positive talk!

B ALL SMILES: The Positive Action Awards recognise people achieving great things despite disability

USINESSES, organisations and people achieving great things despite disability were recognised at the sixth annual Positive Action Awards.

Fifteen awards were presented to this year’s winners at a glittering ceremony at the Halliwell Stadium, Warrington.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the North West Development Agency which sponsors the awards, said: “People with a disability make a valuable economic contribution to our region.

“It is vital that we recognise this and create an environment that allows them to fulfil their potential.

Dave Thompson, chair of

‘Rewarding those who make a difference’ – Dave Thompson

Warrington Disability Partnership which organise the event, said: “During the past six years the awards have acknowledged the work of nearly 100 individuals and businesses that have made a difference.

“These include people who have dedicated their lives to enabling disabled people to become more independent, small businesses that have made changes to their

services to accommodate the needs of disabled customers, large nationally recognised employers who are delivering fantastic support to disabled employees, a team of volunteers who have preserved a heritage site and made it accessible for all, and local organisations that are managed by disabled people and carers promoting empowerment.”

The awards were presented by Evelyn Asante-Mensah, head of equality and economic inclusion at the North West Development Agency.

Entertainment was provided by the drummers from the Warrington based Phoenix Drum Corps and previous award winner, visually impaired singer, Andrew Coleman.

Roll of Honour Asda, Radcliffe, for their positive employment policies.

Cheshire West and Chester Disabled Children’s Team for helping young disabled people build new relationships.

Wymott Prison, Leyland, for being proactive in efforts to address the needs of disabled people.

Workbase, Cumbria, for helping people with severe mental health problems find employment and training.

Coffee Aroma, Birkenhead, for providing placements and part-time paid work for disabled people.

The Everton Foundation for building the world’s biggest disability football development programmes.

Mark Hill, from Chorley, for helping people with learning difficulties gain jobs – and realise dreams on stage.

Kidz2gether, Bolton, for supporting 250 families affected by autism.

Eileen McDonald, from Warrington, for helping people with physical and mental long term health conditions.

Rick Stubbs, from Bury, for using his IT skills to help disabled musicians.

Streetwise 2000, Bury, for helping young musicians to develop their skills and improve their confidence.

Salford Young Carers Forum for the support they provide to family members – and each other.

Halton Zipper Club for helping people with heart problems.

Eurest Catering for “going the extra mile” to support disabled employees and others on work placements.

Liverpool ONE for providing excellent access.

A NEW fire safety DVD is available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The DVD, which uses British Sign Language to spell out key messages about fire safety in the home, is part of the government’s Fire Kills campaign.

People with hearing problems can also get free home fire risk checks and help with planning escape routes, positioning alarms and ensuring that the correct, working smoke alarm is fitted.

Specialist alarms available include those that vibrate, those with strobe lighting, and small radio-linked pagers that can be worn and which are connected to a smoke alarm.

For a copy of the DVD or for a free fire risk safety check contact your local fire and rescue service.

Top tips: n Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them weekly. n If you are using a specialist smoke alarm, place the vibrating pad under your pillow and the strobe light unit next to your bed. n Take care when cooking – remove pans from the cooker if you need to leave the kitchen and be careful with hot oil. n Avoid overloading plug sockets – keep to one plug per socket. n Stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully. n Plan an escape route for your home – and make sure everyone knows it. n In the event of a fire get out, stay out and call 999 or 18000 if you are a text phone user. n Don’t try to tackle fires yourself.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

Win yourself a festive treat

COMPETITION

Sir Bobby and Ruby in mental health drive

Doddy and Wally’s write good reads . . .

M

EET the new Fab Four – comic Ken Dodd, ex-journalist Walter Huntley and their side-kicks, Dicky Mint and Jimmy Turner.

The foursome met up to launch Ken’s and Walter’s first books – Look At It My Way, a collection of pictures and anecdotes of Doddy’s career, and Dummy Bullets, a story about Walter’s war time exploits as a ventriloquist accompanied by his pal “Gunner” Jimmy Turner.

Walter, a former associate editor of the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo, said: “I was so thrilled to meet up with Ken and

his pal, Dicky Mint. It was a marvellous moment for me and Jimmy – especially in my 90th year.

“I was on the same bill as Ken 60 years ago at the Picton Hall venue in Liverpool.

We were both starting out in our careers.

Ken, 82, said: “I have read Walter’s autobiographical book and found it tattitifilarious.

“He is a true vent!”

We have teamed up with publishers Trinity Mirror to offer readers the chance to win one of six signed copies of Ken’s and Walter’s books.

Just send us the names of Ken and

Walter’s dummies to: Doddy and Wally Competition, All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive by Friday, January 22.

Or email your entry to:competition@alltogethernow.org.uk Please also tell us what you think about All Together NOW! and where you picked up four copy. n Look at It My Way (£16.99) and Dummy Bullets by Walter Huntley (£6.99) are available from www.merseyshop.com and all good bookshops.

SIR Bobby Charlton and TV celebrity Ruby Wax joined mental health NHS trusts at the No Health without Mental Health conference, held at Old Trafford.

Sir Bobby has backed a number of mental health campaigns, most recently lending his support to the ‘It’s a Goal! @ The Theatre of Dreams’ initiative which aims to combat depression among young men using football.

Ruby, who holds a degree in psychotherapy, spoke about how she has experienced episodes of depression for most of her life but only realised how widespread mental problems are after seeking help.

“We need to take the stigma out of mental illness,” she said. “I hope pretty soon it’ll be okay for everyone to talk openly about their mental health without fear of being treated differently.”

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All Together NOW!

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December/January 2010

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MAKING A BIG Here’s what YOU say about our UNIQUE magazine I AM my wife’s full time carer and we both look forward to each new copy of All Together NOW! We spend a lot of time in hospital waiting areas and the different articles and features really do make the time fly! Thanks for all your hard work and effort. It really does make a difference.

Ged & Maria Pringle (by email) WHAT a marvellous publication. Nice to see articles on Alzheimer’s and carers, plus items on job and training opportunities for disabled people.

William Tackaberry, Highwood Crescent, Carlisle (Sands Centre, Carlisle)

All Together NOW! is the best read ever. Just great!

Mrs K Crowther, Salcombe Road, St Annes on Sea (Dobbies, Preston) I ENJOY the articles about real people who are doing amazing things despite the odds stacked against them. The message is to keep positive whatever life throws at us.

Ann Scarborough, Kirklington Road, Bilsthorpe, Newark (Wirral Country Park) I LIKE All Together NOW! because it is full of news and information that I would not have known about. The publication shows what people with disabilities can do – and do well!

Joanne Whelan, Queens Drive, Walton (Active Age Centre, Walton) I LIKE the fact that the stories are about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Fran Walker, student, Edge Hill University THE magazine has opened my eyes to so many places of information and support for many people.

Shelagh McCusker, Foxdale Close, Oxton, Birkenhead (Neurosupport Centre) THERE’S something for everyone. A real community read.

Heather Platt, Renolds House, Everard Street, Salford (Urbis, Manchester) HOME! TAKE ME HO

I THINK the

Why we all should support this vitally important magazine

BIG SUPPORTER: Mike McCartney Picture by Sonny McCartney

AS PATRON of DaDa (ex North West Disability Arts) and Cultural Ambassador for Wirral, I’d like to say why I believe in the importance of All Together NOW! . . . a magazine particularly vital for anyone affected by disability.

As there are almost 1.5 million people in the North West alone who are permanently sick or disabled – and a further 750,000 carers – you can see the necessity for such a publication.

Through its bright, positive and unique content, All Together NOW! regularly informs its ever-growing army of readers about issues that are so important to magazine is just wonderful.

Audrey Florence Woodward, Trewan’s Home, Ditchfield Road, Hough Green, Widnes (Rivendell Garden Centre)

All Together NOW! is full of sunshine and help.

Mrs V Medcalf, Jamieson Avenue, Crosby THIS magazine makes me realise how lucky I am compared to a lot of people. It made me want to go and help those less fortunate.

Mrs C Pond, Chestnut Drive, Fulwood, Preston (Dobbies, Preston) IT’S a real lifeline. I am in my 80s, use a wheelchair to get around in, and the magazine keeps me in touch with things.

Mrs J Harrison, Hillview, Liverpool

All Together NOW! brightens up my parents’ day as they can no longer get out.

It has also helped relatives get in touch with carers’ organisations.

(Anonymous, Netherton Library) All Together NOW! – the newspaper

disabled people and carers. There are articles that provide so much help and inspiration such as advice on benefits and rights, and lots of news about training, employment and leisure opportunities.

Not only that – it’s fun!

So, all together now . . . Let’s ALL support All Together NOW! . . . unbelievably, the only publication of its kind in the UK – and it’s produced here in Merseyside . . . and by a charity!

Thank U Very Much!!

Mike McCartney – “ex-McGear, ex-Scaffold, ex-actly!”

with something for everybody.

J A Swift, Oakmere Drive, Penketh, Warrington (Sainsbury’s, Warrington)

ROLL on the next edition.

E Lynskay, Lathom Road, Bootle (Maritime Museum, Liverpool)

I JUST couldn’t put the paper down until I read it from cover to cover.

Congratulations!

Jonathan taylor, Salisbury House, St James Drive, Bootle (Walton Hospital)

A VERY positive paper. It has raised my awareness of disability news. I am amazed at the achievements mentioned in this issue.

J Buccieri, Warham Road, Liverpool (Liverpool Cathedral)

VERY informative in every way, covering so many aspects of ALL our lives and so much information for disabled people. As for Angela Gilchrist (cover story) – WOW! What a woman! A super publication that has everything.

Good luck.

Ann S Fogg, Dalmorton Road, Wallasey (Floral Pavilion) VERY impressed with your valuable and informative articles, particularly those for the deaf who seem to be overlooked.

S Petterson, Crofters Heath, Great Sutton (Ellesmere Port Library)) I PICKED All Together NOW! up on the X2 bus and think it is brilliant.

D Skelland, Pinehurst Avenue, Liverpool

IT’S BRILLIANT! I particularly like the disability information and gardening.

Rita Hyde, Northcombe Road, Adswood, Stockport (Sainsbury’s) I LIKE the paper’s positivity – no doom and gloom here!

P G Horton, Hollin Road, Bollington, Macclesfield THIS is my first ‘experience’ of All Together NOW! – and it will not be the last. How refreshing to find a newspaper that is devoid of all filling up of rubbish. I wish you all success for the future.

A Wright, Oteley Avenue, Wirral (Burleydam Garden Centre)

Will your company be one of our sponsors . . ?

0151 230 0307

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2010

All Together NOW!

DIFFERENCE — YOU think our website’s a winner, too . . .

THE website is a fantastic – easily navigated and filled with news, great tips and information. A wonderful charity, doing a first-class job.

Alison Lind, Little Houghton, Northamptonshire

HAPPY FAMILY: Mike, Marion, Daisy May and Barry Hynes with All Together NOW! editor Tom Dowling.

Picture: KEN ALMOND

GREAT website! Have found out lots of info for my elderly nanna.

Maria Knight,,Halstead,Essex LOVE the website! I have a husband with a chronic illness and depression and a mother in law with a degenerative neurological condition.

Sometimes you feel like you are alone with no where to turn. Your articles are helpful and inspiring. Thank you.

Naomi Muggeridge, Wolverhampton YOUR website has really helped me since I became paraplegic two years ago.

Thank you for making my life easier.

Sally-Ann Wallace, Walton-leDale All Together Now! is a feelgood site that is a mine of information for all.

Joy Owen, Walsall IT’S really hard to find good informative articles about mental health issues that are positive - but your site is very helpful.

L Carter, Seaforth, Liverpool www.alltogethernow.org.uk is perfect. Don’t change a thing!

Mr Watson, Chelmsford, Essex I REALLY like the positive tone of the website and think it is great for raising awareness of the issues that disabled people face on a daily basis.

Lucy Taylor, Salford YOUR site is great – love that it can be viewed in larger and smaller font (my father in law is registered blind so very useful for him!).

Cheryll Hastie, Deeping St James

Terrific, say hamper winners ALL SMILES – and no wonder!

The Hynes family from Southport are the winners of our fantastic Park Hamper Christmas competition – and it’s all thanks to four-year-old Daisy May . . .

Mum Marion said: “I was shopping at Dobbies Garden Centre and when I got home I realised Daisy May had picked up a copy of All Together NOW! from your dispenser in the store.

“I’d not seen the publication before and thought it was just another paper for the recycle bag.

“However, when I started to read it I was absolutely amazed!

It is so well put together and

THE website is excellent, very attractive, informative, inspiring and easy to read.

C Jassi, Rufford, Lancashire WEBSITE is great. I will suggest it to my patients (I’m an OT). Lots of useful info on there.

Lindsey Allison, Doncaster I AM glad of the mental health section, as it’s very useful for people like me!

Mark Adams, Telford, Shropshire FANTASTICALLY informative.

Support and practical information together with contact details which covers the whole spectrum of disability from start to finish.

really does help raise awareness of the challenges so many people have in the lives.

“The article about diabetes especially touched my heart. My father-in-law, who has now sadly passed on, had diabetes and had his leg amputated at the age of 75. It was all knew to us and we didn’t know where to go to get information to help hi. If only we had known then about this magazine!”

Marion, who works at TV shopping channel QVC, added: “It’s been a bit tough this year, for all sorts of reasons, and to get this news, well, it’s just terrific. We can hardly believe our luck!”

It was our biggest and most

Miss Loretta Cerioli, Portishead, North Somerset THE website is very good, My brother has recently lost both legs and I will be looking at your website for help and advice.

Mrs Janet Dring, Slackeys Lane, Crossens, Southport I REALLY like the mental health section of the site. As someone with mental health problems, it is good to see them being addressed like this.

CS, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancs I DISCOVERED your site while researching some information for my partner and loved the professional, matter of fact tone of

Check out our online mag . . .

successful competition yet, attracting more than 5,000 entries – through the post and online.

Park’s super prize is the top of the range Empire hamper, worth £495, and filled with top brand confectionery, desserts, soft drinks, beers, wines, spirits, pasta, soups, vegetables, freezer foods and the finest quality meat.

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the website. Similar websites can be very patronising or depressingly stern!

Susan Mackenzie, Edinburgh YOUR site is great. It lets people know that whatever their disability or age that they are not alone and that so many people are making positive steps in making access to sites and services equal to absolutely everyone.

Alexa Flynn, Pontypridd AS a carer for my husband it is important we have a website that keeps us up to date with current thinking. Thank you.

Janette Burt, Canonsfield, Welwyn, Herts

I THINK it’s great! Found some useful information for my mum! Pity the Northern Ireland Health Care Trust does not also support your charity!

Agnes Weir, Glencairn, Lisburn I WORK with a lot of charities and not for profit organisations and your website has been mentioned to me on several occasions.

Kate Biggs, Lower Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire BRILLIANT website.

Provides an easy way to keep up-to-date with changes to legislation etc that’s relevant to me and my family without the need to wade through the BBC News website or the political section in The Times.

Georgina Copeland, Chesham, Buckinghamshire CHEERS - the website is great! I hope the print magazine expands to London soon.

Sarah Steel, London I DISCOVERED your website when I was looking for information for a friend about diabetes. Your site shows that if you want something, you can get it!

Disability can’t stop you from following your dreams!

Ana Carina Xavier, Lincoln BEST disability web site there is.

Jennifer Powell, Blunsdon, Wilts REALLY interesting website.

I was looking for information as part of an assignment I was doing as part of my nursing degree.

Ann-Marie Lorimer, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

TAKE ME HOME!

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Your at-a-glance guide to theatreland

www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

FREE ENTRY Funded by: DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund and the Molly Tomlinson Bequests

Nov 20-Jan 23: Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold. The same team is back again for another panto with soul.

Nov 27-Jan 23: Oliver Twist, Octagon, Bolton. BSL interpreted show, Dec 19. Audio described, Jan 18.

Dec 4-Jan 3: Peter Pan, Grand Theatre, Blackpool Dec 4-Jan 10: Cinderella, Theatre Royal, St Helens Dec 5-6: Ken Dodd Happiness Show, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Dec 5-Jan 3: Aladdin, Opera House, Manchester. Coronation Street’s Gary O’Brien and Eric Potts in the lead roles.

Dec 5-Jan 23: Grimm Tales, Manchester Library Theatre.

Dec 5-Jan 23: Grimm Tales, Theatre Library, Manchester.

Audio Described, Dec 16 (2.30pm), Dec 18 (7.30pm), Jan 14 (2.25pm), Jan 23 (2.30pm).

Signed, Dec 16 (2.15pm), Jan 14 (2.15pm), Jan 16 (2.30pm).

Captioned, Jan 9 (2.30pm), Jan 22 (7.30pm).

Dec 7-12: Rocky Horror Show, Palace Theatre, Manchester.

Dec 8-Jan 3: Cinderella, Charter Theatre, Preston. Ted Robbins stars. BSL interpreted show, Dec 18.

Dec 9-31: A Christmas Carol, Theatr Clwyd, 7.30pm.

Dec 10-Jan 10: Dick Whittington, Regent, Stoke Dec 10-19: The Snow Queen, The Citadel, St Helens.

Dec 10: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Christmas Concert, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Dec 11-Jan 10: Cinderella, The Brindley. Audio Described, Wed Dec 16, 1.30pm. Captioned, Wed Dec 30, 7pm.

Dec 11-19: Humpty Dumpty, Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight.

Dec 11-Jan 2: Peter Pan, Liverpool Empire. Henry Winkler stars as the evil Captain Hook.

Dec 12: Tchaikovsky Gala Ballet, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Dec 14-Jan 3: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Venue Cymru, Llanudno.

Dec 15-Jan 16: The Sound of Music, Palace Theatre, Manchester. Connie Fisher as Maria.

Dec 19-Jan 10: Snow White and the Seven TAKE ME HOME! Dwarfs, Floral

n IT’S ‘Panto Time’ so make sure you know what shows are going on and where with our ‘at-aglance’ guide to theatreland across the region. n Pictured above are the cast from Humpty Dumpty who are apeearing at The Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, Worral. n There’s also great fun to be had at The Brindley, Runcorn, with their fun-packed production of Cinderella

Pavilion, New Brighton, with Pete Price, Pauline Daniels and Roy Brandon.

Dec 22 - Sat Jan 16: Porridge, The Lowry. Signed, Jan 6, 8pm.

Audio Described, Sat Jan 9, 3pm.

Touch Tour 2pm.

Stagetext Captioned, Sat Jan 16, 3pm.

Dec 29: The Houghton Weavers Christmas Show, Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight. Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Prom Guild Hall, Preston. Great classics, rousing proms favourites and fantastic indoor fireworks.

Jan 7-9: Sleeping Beauty, Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight.

Jan 8: Swan Lake, Grand Theatre, Blackpool Jan 12: Brendan Cole, Opera House, Manchester.

Jan 13: Sleeping Beauty, Regent, Stoke Jan 14: The Nutcracker, Regent, Stoke Jan 14-Jan 16; Jacko and the Beanstalk, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Starlight Youth Theatre.

Jan 16: Abba Forever, Opera House, Manchester.

Jan 17: The Elvis Collection, Charter Theatre, Preston.

Jan 17: Pauline Daniels Late, Late Christmas Show, Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight.

Jan 19: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra: Bonbons, Guild Hall, Preston.

Jan 19-Feb 13: Les Miserables, Palace Theatre, Manchester.

Jan 20-Jan 30: Whistle Down The Wind, Liverpool Empire.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman’s musical is set to thrill audiences once again.

Jan 21-23: The Tinderbox, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. St Albans Players return with their panto version of the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale.

Jan 22-Feb 27: Come Dancing, Opera House, Manchester. The Kinks’ front man, Ray Davies’ winning musical hit.

Jan 23: Ross Male Voice Choir in Concert, Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight.

Jan 23: Circus of Horrors: The Day of the Dead. Charter Theatre, Preston. Not suitable for children.

Jan 27-29: Men of the World, Charter Theatre, Preston.

Touching comedy by John Godber. BSL signed show, Jan 28.

Jan 29: Candoco Dance Company, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. The UK’s leading dance company of disabled and nondisabled dancers.

Feb 1-Feb 6: Disney’s High School Musical 2, Liverpool Empire. School’s out and the East High Wildcats are diving into the enchanted world of Lava Springs Country Club.

Feb 1-6: Chicago, Charter Theatre, Preston. Marti Pellow back in the star role as Billy Flynn. BSL signed performance, Feb 4.

For the very best in the arts

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

9

19th DECEMBER 2009 to 10th JANUARY 2010

0151 666 0000

You ain’t seen nothing yet!

I

T’S been a fantastic year for DaDaFest09, themed ‘Imperfect Moments’.

How great to see so many people attending and taking part in the arts, creating their own ‘perfect moments’ Highlights are many, but achieving the Olympic Inspire Mark for DaDaVisions is a very significant achievement.

Events like Dream in a Box, where learning disability arts were promoted, and the ongoing work with young people in YoungDaDaFest, was also something very special.

Yes, it’s been a great festival all right, but stand by for something even better . . .

Artistic director Garry Robson is already working on the 2010 programme.

He has some very exciting ideas and has been meeting

RUTH GOULD, chief executive of Dada, reflects of this year’s festival

with people from across the globe including San Franciscobased Sins Invalid.

He is also hoping to work with influential performance artists in Australia, a Japanese deaf dancer, as well as artists from New Zealand and from all over the UK. Although he is keeping his cards close to his chest on the exact detail, here are a few tantalising things to look forward to . . .

Two key themes will be:

Intra Cultural Work, with work from artists notorious for subverting stereotypes.

New Fusions, where we will be including artists from a variety of sectors such as dance and physical theatre.

Two more themes are linked to the Olympic 2012 values - Body Economy and Arts and Sport.

Above all else, DaDaFest2010 will challenge the notions of normality and achievement as well as celebrating diversity.

DaDaFest10 will run from November 3 until December 3.

Keep your diaries free, especially as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of the festival a truly remarkable acheivement.

www.floralpavilion.com

To advertise on these pages call Gemma Tasker

TAKE ME HOME!

0151 230 0307

AN INSPIRATIONAL EXHIBITION

NOW ON! Including the UK Première of the Secrets of Mona Lisa

Inventor, artist, scientist, engineer, anatomist… Leonardo da Vinci was all these things and more. Uncover the genius behind Da Vinci’s amazing inventions, drawings and paintings and get inside the mind of one of the most extraordinary people of all time.

www.dadahello.com

. . . www.alltogethernow.org.uk

TAKE ME HOME!

Buy your tickets TODAY online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or from the MOSI Box Office This exhibition has been created by Grande Exhibitions, the Anthropos Foundation, Italy and Pascal Cotte, France.

3753_DaVinciAd_150x98.indd 1

23/11/09 11:59:33

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10

December/January 2010

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Link gets stronger!

PARTNERS: From left: Cllr Dave Callan; Jane Greene, Merseylink, Cllr Mark Dowd, Cllr Peter Millea with Merseylink service users

M

ERSEYLINK – Merseytravel’s transport service for people unable to use buses and trains – is in line for some major improvements.

Councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel, said: “What we’ve tried to do is to make the service better for those who really do need it.

“The service has been operating for 25 years and has helped tens of thousands of people in that time. And it will continue to help many more.”

Over the last 18 months Merseytravel launched a major consultation exercise in a bid to bring the always done is provide people in service up to date. most need with that all-important Working in partnership with access to the wider world. service users, the new-look “What we’ve done is look to service is aiming to make provide better value for money Merseylink more inclusive by and target those who have linking door-to-door services more greatest need for the service. effectively with mainstream, “We are bringing the service right accessible bus and rail services. up to date and aligning it more Neil Scales, chief executive and closely with our vision for a fully director general of Merseytravel, accessible transport network for added: “What this service has all, making Merseylink the

“missing link” in a journey, rather than the sole means of making every journey.”

The service allows members approximately 40 miles transport per month.

It is free to those who are registered blind, receive the higher rate care or mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), higher rate Attendance Allowance or are in receipt of a

War Disablement Pension.

Councillor Bob Roberts, chair of Merseytravel’s Transport Access Panel, said: “We have looked at a number of ways to improve Merseylink and to make the service available to the widest number of people.

“For so many people it can be a lifeline to services they may not be able to access by other means.

“Consulting the service users

gave us a clear insight into the best way forward and over 90% of our respondents agreed with the proposed changes.” n Contact the Merseylink team at 24 Hatton Garden, Liverpool L3 2AN. Tel. 0151 330 1660 (bookings); 0151 330 1661 (cancellations).

RNID Typetalk – Dial 18001 before either of the numbers above for a typetalk assisted call.

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

We care about the accessibility of our buildings, vehicles and information.

All of our staff are trained to be courteous and considerate, particularly when our customers have special requirements.

Whether it be automatic door-openers in our head office, availability of textphones for main points of contact, or producing timetables in large print, we want to make public transport easier for everyone to use.

Among our services and facilities are: UÊÊ Merseylink – a door to door fully accessible transport service for people who are mobility impaired.

UÊÊ ree concessionary travel for over 48,000 people with disabilities.

U Modern, low floor, fully accessible buses, which are developed in partnership with local authorities and bus companies.

UÊÊ Information in a variety of formats, including the Merseytravel Access Guide – containing access details for all bus and rail stations on Merseyside.

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

AD346A

Textphone users can dial 18001 then 0871 200 22 33 for a typetalk assisted call.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

CHECKLIST

PLAN AHEAD: Plant snowdrop bulbs in March or April – or wait until the autumn – and you won’t be disappointed

Beat the blues C

HRISTMAS is a time for colour – and lots of it. The more, the better.

And not just in the house, either . . .

With a bit of careful planning you can create a fantastic winter display in your garden.

So why not plan and plant a small bed or a few prominent spots with flowers that are guaranteed to beat the winter blues?

The secret of success is: n Clear the chosen areas of non-winter plants except evergreens. n Choose your winter varieties, planning small flowers at the front and larger ones farther back. n Keep spaces for the new plants hoes and moist until the right time of year to buy and plant them. n First in the field for winter are snowdrops, simple yet stunning if planted closely in drifts or clumps. n For an even better effect, mix them with low-growing bronze grasses. n Try to get a supply of snowdrop bulbs for planting in March or April when the leaves are still green. Otherwise plant in autumn, soaking the dry bulbs for a few hours before planting.

Crocuses do not usually flower before February but there are early species, such as the deep gold Crocus ancyrenis and lilac-blue Crocus tommasinianus, which are worth seeking out for autumn planting.

Where grey squirrels attack bulbs, bury them 15cm (6in) deep with the top and sides protected by half-inch wire mesh.

Hellebores offer a wonderful range of long-lasting colours on saucer-shaped blooms from white through green and lilac to shades of pink, purple and even a nearly-black variety.

One of the earliest to bloom is the stinking hellebore, Helleborus foetidus. That’s a slanderous misnomer, by the way, because it is only the crushed leaves that pong while the numerous creamy-green blooms can be pleasantly scented. Flowering often starts in December and continues to February.

The Christmas rose, Helleborus niger, is perhaps the loveliest, producing pure white blooms with great golden stamens from January.

WIN! WIN! WIN! CLEMATIS are among the most rewarding, colourful plants to grow and we are offering prime plants of three old favourites from Highfield Nurseries, one of Britain’s leading plant suppliers, in this competition.

Dr Ruppel has flowers up to 18cm (7in) across with long, pointed petals of deep rose-pink with a darker central stripe and pale chocolate anthers. It grows to 3m (10ft), flowers freely in May-June and can continue to bloom through summer.

Miss Bateman produces 8cm-10cm (3in-4in) flowers in March-April, with white, rounded petals and red anthers. The plant has a compact habit and reaches 2.4m (8ft).

The President’s blooms, up to 18cm (7in) across, have purple petals with silver on the underside and red anthers. It grows to 2.4m (8ft) and the flowers, opening in early summer, are followed by spiky seedheads.

We have FOUR sets of these classic varieties, worth £40 per set including

delivery, as prizes.

All varieties are fully hardy. They can be allowed to climb freely or trained easily along a wall or fence.

For the full range of Gloucestershire-based Highfield Nurseries’ climbers, shrubs, fruit and perennial plants, see www.highfieldnurseries.co.uk or phone 01452-740266 for a catalogue.

A form of the Lenten rose is another early candidate – Helleborus orientalis abchasicus – opens its spotted purple flowers for New Year.

For an unexpected winter splash of rich coral pink, grow one of the lungworts, Pulmonaria rubra, an excellent ground-cover plant which thrives in dampish ground.

Towards the end of February, the winter anemones - ideal for planting underneath deciduous shrubs - come into their own.

Anemone blanda opens daisy-like flowers

To enter our contest, answer this question: What colour are the petals of clematis The President?

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! – and tell us what you like about the magazine – to Clematis Competition, All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. n You can enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk Closing date: January 22.

of brilliant blue which continue until late April.

Then they disappear, leaves and all, leaving no untidy, decaying foliage like daffodils.

There are large-flowered forms – ‘White Splendour’ and ‘Blue Shades’.

Our native wood anemone, Anemone nemorosa, is another beauty.

White with golden stamens, it is a delight in late winter. Give it a shaded position, TAKE ME HOME! preferably in moist soil.

Will your garden centre stock our magazine?

FLOWERS: Tidy up flower borders but leave dying foliage and seedheads on some plants like hydrangeas, achillea and crocosmia (montbretia) because they look attractive and help protect the roots from frost.

SHRUBS AND TREES: If frost is severe enough to lift the roots of autumn-planted shrubs, firm them back in after the thaw. Heavy snow can break branches of evergreen trees and shrubs so brush it off. Virginia creeper and other rampant climbers on house walls should be pruned well clear of gutters and windows to allow for the new year’s growth.

PATIOS: Move pots into the sunniest position and raise them on bricks or pot feet so they do not stand in puddles after winter rains.

LAWNS: When frost strikes, keep off the grass to avoid causing dead patches.

PONDS: Clear fallen leaves from the surface before they sink and pollute the water. When ice covers the pond, allow gases in the water to escape by using a saucepan of boiling water to melt a hole. Never use a hammer to break the ice as the shock waves can harm fish.

VEGETABLES: Plant shallot bulbs during mild weather, in wellraked ground to which a general fertiliser has been applied. Plant firmly with just the tips of the shoots showing.

FRUIT: Cut down the canes of autumn-fruited raspberries to ground level - but not the young green canes of summer-fruiting varieties. These should be tied to wires stretched along the row.

HERBS: Pot up parsley and chives to grow on an indoor windowsill. Also pot up roots of mint in 22cm (9in) pots and keep them under glass to provide early shoots.

GLASS: Wash greenhouse pots and trays in warm, soapy water, then dip them in a weak solution of household bleach at 5ml to 1 litre (1.5 fluid ounces to a gallon) of water.

HOUSEPLANTS: Keep houseplants on the dry side if they flowered earlier in the year but feed and water regularly those which are flowering or are still coming into bloom, such as Christmas cactus. Cyclamen and azaleas prefer a cool room and plenty of water. Poinsettias and bulbs need to be kept constantly moist.

WILDLIFE: Put out fresh water and different foods such as thistle seed for finches, nuts for bluetits, and crumbs, apple cores and currants for robins and blackbirds.

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All Together NOW!

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December/January 2010

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Signing up . . .

Campaign to shame venues

G

OOD news for deaf and hard of hearing visitors to Liverpool Cathedral.

The morning Eucharist service on the last Sunday of every month will be interpreted into British Sign Language – as will the Eucharist service on Christmas Day. Last year a captioned, BSL film tour was made of the Anglican cathedral as an alternative to the audio tour used by hearing people.

Rev Dr Hannah Lewis, team leader for work among among deaf people in the Diocese of Liverpool, said: “The new interpreted services, in addition to the BSL DVD tour really put the cathedral at the forefront of provision for deaf people in the diocese and nationally.”

Good reeding

A NEW reedbed walk has been created around the WWT Martin Mere reserve at Burscough, Lancashire.

Manager Andy Wooldridge said: “This walk rivals the Leighton Moss reedbed as the only other walk of this type in the North-West.

“The fact that people don’t have to pay to come in to Martin Mere to go on this walk will hopefully mean many more people will utilise the beautiful footpaths in the local area.”

A PATIENCE PLEASE: Gordon Millward at the signing of his new book

Parkinson’s made me a poet UNTIL six years ago Gordon Milward had never written a word of poetry. But when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease the verses began to flow . . .

Now, aged 67, he has just had his first anthology – Days Of Hope – published.

“While one part of my brain is closing down a creative part has opened up,” said Gordon, whose poems are an inspiration to others being helped with Parkinson’s at Liverpool’s Walton Centre.

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PARTY at the Bond Hotel Blackpool, where the great fun atmosphere is a very popular choice for many of our guests. The hotel has 65 bedrooms, most of which are wheelchair-accessible, and all the extra facilities that you might require during your stay. With great food, and nightly entertainment, this hotel offers the perfect Blackpool holiday!

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“I soon discovered that I could write poetry, something that I had never done before.

“If I can help someone with a few kind words then it’s all been worthwhile.”

Gordon, who lives in Sefton, added: “My philosophy is one day at a time. This illness must not win.

“I’m lucky I have met the most wonderful people along the way and being able to write poetry is something to keep my brain active.

“We all have a goal in life – it

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LUXURY travel wherever you choose to stay, you will have access to Bond Accessible Coaches Ltd who will pick you up and take you home at very reasonable prices So come and explore a whole world of special holidays for very special guests. Whether it's a week with the stars of “Coronation Street or Emmerdale”, a break on a nature reserve, or a luxury room with a great sea view, we can provide it - and at a great price too!

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ENJOY our de-luxe holiday homes at scenic Marton Mere. If you would prefer a self-catering break, these superbly appointed holiday homes could be just the thing. They sleep up to six, have central heating and all mod cons, are fully accessible, and overlook the beautiful lake and wildlife area at this popular resort.

HOLIDAY HOMES

gives us something to live for.

“In my poetry I try to show how this illness can affect your day to day living.”

The poems in Gordon’s book cover a range of subjects including his family and loved ones, nature, the Walton Centre and living with his condition. n The book costs £3.

Cheques, payable to The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, to: Zoe Graham, Second Floor The Walton Centre, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool, L9 7LJ.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR 2009

Book your 2009 holidays with us before the end of September 2008 and we’ll give them to you at 2008 prices

For a colour brochure

Tel: 01768 776380 www.disabled-holiday.net email: joan@irtonhousefarm.co.uk

Book now!

For details on bookings and availabilities Rob and Tracey Cleary on: 01841 521920 (Int: +44 1841 521920)

CCESS facilities at pubs, clubs, cinemas, theatres, sports grounds and leisure facilities are being put under the spotlight by an army of 150 young disabled campaigners.

The nationwide undercover investigation is being carried out

by Trailblazers, a group of young campaigners from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

They say that despite new antidiscrimination laws, wheelchair users have been branded ‘fire risks’ at cinemas, and that sports and music fans are often refused entrance to venues.

The group is aiming to name and shame those places that fall short of the mark AND highlight the best.

Trailblazers ambassador, 25year-old David Gale from Carlisle, who has Becker muscular dystrophy, said: “I am a huge football fan and during my travels to different grounds I have encountered vast differences in the level of accessibility and provisions for disabled people.

“The Disability Discrimination Act says that reasonable adjustments need to be made to make sure venues and leisure attractions are fully accessible.

Our investigation will ask whether this law is being broken.

“I hope this investigation will expose what some places are doing right and how others can improve to make sure everyone can enjoy them.”

Philip Butcher, chief executive of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, said: “Many people take for granted the ability to watch a film, to visit a museum or to support their local football team. This simply is not an option to some disabled people if leisure facilities fail to conform to the Disability Discrimination Act. “The Trailblazers are determined, motivated and passionate about making society more accessible and I’m sure this report will have impact.” n www.muscular-dystrophy.org

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2010

All Together NOW!

EMPLOYMENT . . . TRAINING . . . EDUCATION . . . BUSINESS . . . RIGHTS

We’ve won the lottery

BRIGHT OUTLOOK: Trainees at work at Brighter Future Workshop, Skelmersdale. The massive grant has assured their future

C

HRISTMAS has come early for staff and trainees at Brighter Future Workshop.

The Skelmersdalebased charity that restores and repairs old mobility equipment – and provides training and work opportunities for disabled people – has just been given a double boost.

A massive £391,940 lottery grant has come their way – and judges at the Social Enterprise Coalition have just named BFW as Social Enterprise of the Year!

“We are all absolutely delighted,” said the charity’s chairman and founder, Peter Cousins.

“This really is the perfect boost for our team and is a fantastic tribute to everyone involved with our work.

The future is BRIGHT all right!

“It all means we can now look forward to operating our workshop for the next three years.”

Set up four years ago with just eight trainees, BFW has gone from strength to strength and now provides placements for almost 50 young people!

“Our aims are very simple,” said Peter. “We want to put a smile on the faces of our young trainees who are disabled and disadvantaged.

“We want to help them to play a fuller role in the local community – and we want to provide a very reasonable and

reliable service for those people who cannot afford some of the high costs involved in buying mobility equipment.”

By recycling old wheelchairs and other mobility equipment, BFW is providing a also valuable service to NHS independent living centres – and keeping their raw material costs to a minimum.

“We are very happy to receive these old and unwanted products,” explained Peter, awarded an MBE last year for his outstanding voluntary work.

“With tender loving care our technicians and trainees we make them very useable again and sell them at very reasonable rates.”

n BFW: 01695 724361

www.bfworkshop.co.uk

ENTER AN UNSEEN WORLD OF SMUGGLING, INTRIGUE AND DETECTION WHERE THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY SEEM. Merseyside Maritime Museum Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ Call us on 0151 478 4499 or visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

FREE ENTRY

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

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EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . .

Business scholarships on offer

City College Manchester and MANCAT have come together to form The Manchester College

Better for school leavers Better for employment skills Better for career development Better for businesses Better for higher education Better for you, better for Manchester For more information about courses call: 0800 068 8585 or visit: www.themanchestercollege.ac.uk

TWO new scholarships at Warwick Business School are being offered to people with disabilities and their carers.

One of the awards (£2,500) is aimed at disabled people for a place on the school’s highly rated distance learning programme.

The other is a bursary (£10,200) for a full-time placement for someone caring for a disabled

person or who is disabled themselves.

Ben Plummer-Powell, WBS’ director of development and alumni relations, said: “Our donors felt that they wanted to ensure that the opportunity to study at the Warwick MBA was available to the most talented minds from around the world.

“We recognise that finance is not the only

barrier to study, but hope that with other academic and pastoral support services available as well, disabled applicants will be encouraged to come forward.”

Teens see the future

n Contact Rachel Killian, Marketing & Recruitment Manager, The Warwick MBA, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL. Tel. 024 7652 8225.

M

ORE than 200 young people with learning difficulties and disabilities have been planning their future with the help of experts.

A wide range of training providers, employers and organisations specialising in support for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities were on hand to offer guidance at the event, at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight, Wirral.

Peter Burgess, team manager for transition services, at Wirral council said.

“There are many opportunities available to young people with learning difficulties and disabilities and ‘Your Future Your Choice’ aimed to bring all that information together under one roof so young people, carers and parents can make the right choices.

“In Wirral a lot of work is being undertaken to reduce the relatively high number of young people who leave school at 16 and then do not engage in any planned progression route, employment or training.

“We are seeing improvements but they are not being matched among those with special educational needs, learning difficulties or other disabilities.”

Young people with learning difficulties and disabilities are twice as likely to drop out of education or become unemployed after school.

CAPTION:

Get it right on rights A NEW handbook has been published to help public authorities promote and deliver disability equality.

Lights, Camera, Action is packed with practical tips on how to involve disabled people effectively and create strong action plans.

Published by Radar (Royal Association for Disability Rights), the guide includes many case studies of public authorities – from councils to colleges and regulatory bodies – successfully using the Disability Equality Duty to deliver greater equality and inclusion for disabled people. www.radar.org.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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

Uni’s prosthetics course shortened

LEGWORK: A prosthetics student

‘

THE University of Salford has revamped – and shortened – its BSC (Hons) Prosthetics and Orthotics degree in time for next year’s intake of students.

Currently a four-year course, the new degree will be an intensive three years with work placements throughout the programme.

The degree trains prosthetists who provide artificial replacements for people without a limb, and orthotists are trained to provide a range of braces, splints and special footwear to assist people’s movement and relieve discomfort.

Senior lecturer Dr Martin Twiste said: “The Salford prosthetics and orthotics degree is unique in England and one of only two programmes of its type in the UK. It will help to address the worldwide shortage of prosthetists and orthotists while ensuring we maintain our leading edge.”

Graduates left behind O

NLY one-third of organisations that recruit graduates are trying to attract those with disabilities, a new survey reveals.

The findings, contained in a report from national charity Shaw Trust, reinforce previous evidence of the employment gap for students with disabilities, who are 1.5 times more likely to face unemployment than non disabled students.

Most of the companies surveyed (67%) had diversity programmes in place and were large organisations with formal graduate programmes.

While over half (54%) said that they attached a high degree of importance to disability, only 37% of those believed that a good representation of disabilities has been achieved within their organisation.

When asked what the most demanding aspects of recruiting, managing and developing staff with disabilities were almost half

All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

Disabled students face an even tougher time

of respondents (45%) said that support for the hired person with disabilities was the most demanding issue while 42% indicated that it was keeping up with the legislation.

The market sectors represented by employers who responded to the survey were: legal; financial services, banking and accountancy services; construction and engineering, and government and public services.

Other respondents were from the IT, marketing/sales related services, science and healthcare sectors.

Karin Pappenheim,

director of Shaw Trust’s Work and Independence division, said: “This survey shows that many employers who recruit graduates are still missing out on the talent pool of students with disabilities.

“There are nearly 16,000 students with disabilities graduating from British universities each year.

“They are facing an even tougher time in the recession in securing the career opportunities for which they have studied and worked so hard.

“The good news is that major employers are still recruiting graduates, albeit not in such large numbers as pre-recession, and are still committed to diversity at work.

“But this research shows they will need to try harder on disability in their diversity and graduate recruitment.”

n Shaw Trust, formed in 1982, helps people with

disability or disadvantage to find work and achieve independence. n Across the UK about 1,400 staff oversee more than 200 projects. www.shaw-trust.org.uk

15

‘This is an

Liverpool Community College

g n i d n a t s out ’ e g e l l o c

Summary of Ofsted inspection report, March, 2009

‘ The college has woven an intricate web of learning opportunities and support ’ Ofsted, March 2009 The report highlights the following key strengths:

high pass rates on most courses

outstanding teaching and learning

innovative and high quality partnership working exemplary responsiveness to the needs of the local community

outstanding support for learners

outstanding management of change by the principal and senior leaders

outstanding curriculum management outstanding approach to equality of opportunity and inclusion.

Course information:

0151 252 3000 www.liv-coll.ac.uk

All Together NOW!

16

December/January 2010

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

RIGHTS . . . BUSINESS . . . TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . .R

December/January 2010

DOING THE BUSINESS: Winners at this year’s Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards which attracted a record entry.

The Morgan Foundation chairman, Steve Morgan, said: “Picking the finalists was difficult enough, let alone the winners and runners-up”

Yes, Minister . . . we want ACTION

Everyone a winner!

D

A

TAKE ME HOME!

included in future activity.

“Over the next weeks and months we’ll continue to make sure delegates’ voices are heard across government, as we help create a fairer society for all.” n Equality 2025 comprises 19 disabled

people from all over the UK – chosen by the Minister for Disabled People.

Contact them if you have strong views on an issue relating to disability. Their address is: Equality 2025, c/o The Secretariat, Caxton House, 7-12 Tothill Street, London, SW1H 9DA Tel. 0845 460 2025. Email EQ2025.Secretariat@dwp.gsi.gov.uk www.odi.gov.uk/equality2025

— a big THANKS to all our supporters . . .

17

RIGHTS . . . BUSINESS . . . TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . .R

FAIR PLAY: Rowen Jade and Minister for Disabled People, Jonathan Shaw

ISABILITY minister Jonathan Shaw asked for disabled people’s views on all matters affecting their lives – and was told in no uncertain manner.

Concerns about benefits, employment, transport and disability hate crime were the key concerns of the 100 disabled people who attended the third annual meeting of Equality 2025, the Government’s disability advisory group, taking place at Manchester City Football Club.

Mr Shaw, who was appointed Minister for Disabled People in October 2008, said: “If we are to achieve our goal of equality for everyone by the year 2025 then a lot of hard work needs to be done.”

He said that working with and listening to the views of the Equality 2025 group will help all Government departments to be more inclusive in everything they do.

The group’s chair, Rowen Jade said: “The event was an opportunity for disabled people to come together and talk about the issues that affect our lives including social care, employment and transport.

“We are the ones who know what our future needs to be.”

“Delegates told us they were particularly concerned about disability hate crime.

“We’re already working with the Home Office to tackle this issue and we’ll make sure the views expressed here are

All Together NOW!

HUGELY popular community project that gives young people new chances in life won the Against All Odds category in this year’s Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards.

The emotional climax of a glittering prize night at Cheshire’s luxury Carden Park Hotel saw the £10,000 award go to The Nessie Club, Runcorn.

Paul Wright said that ‘against all odds’ sums up the ground-breaking achievements of seven ‘failing and underachieving’ 13-year-olds who set up the Nessie Club in 2001.

Judges said the canal boat-based social inclusion project has enabled more than 1,000 vulnerable and at-risk young people to overcome poverty and deprivation.

All Together NOW! founder and editor Tom Dowling was among four people who were highly commended.

Steve Morgan, chairman of the Morgan Foundation, said: “Despite, or maybe because of, the current economic climate, there were a record number of entries this year and the overall standard was higher than ever.

“Picking the finalists was difficult enough, let alone the winners and runners-up. We were looking for those with a sound plan and the grit and determination to make it succeed and I believe we’ve found them.”

The winners and runners up in the six categories won a total of £100,000 plus a package of valuable professional services, including free banking advice from the main sponsor Barclays Commercial Bank.

Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards 2009: The Roll of Honour Against All Odds (£10,000) The Nessie Club, Runcorn.

Highly Commended n Dan Cundall, NMC Design+Print, Winsford, Cheshire. n Tom Dowling, All Together NOW! n Barkhad Hassan, The Hub, Wolverhampton.

Liz Howard, The Novelty Warehouse, Wallasey, Merseyside.

Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise (£10,000) Five Children and Families Trust Ltd, Speke.

In a very strong category, the judges said the Trust responded to needs innovatively and profitably and made a real difference to the local community.

Runners-up (£2,500 each) n Rape and Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre, Birkenhead, Wirral. n The Neuromuscular Centre (NMC), Winsford, Cheshire.

Highly Commended n Pictures to Share CIC, Tattenhall, Cheshire. n Ellesmere Port & Neston Community Transport Ltd, Ellesmere Port

Best Individual Entrepreneur Working in a Charity or Social Enterprise (£10,000) Alison McCausland, The Relationships Centre, Warrington.

Alison works in partnership with a range of independent and specialist providers to offer innovative solutions; both treating the effects and targeting the causes of abuse and relationship problems.

Runners-up (£2,500 each) n Helen Bate, Pictures to Share CIC, Tattenhall, Cheshire. In 2004 Helen recognised that there was an unmet need for high quality and attractive books designed to be accessible for people with dementia. n Chris Wright, The Greenfield Valley Trust Ltd, Holywell, Flintshire.

Chris looks after a 70-acre heritage park and Museum of Welsh Agricultural and Industrial Heritage.

Highly Commended Richard Davies, Marches Energy Agency, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Best Business Providing a Social or Economic Contribution (£10,000) Kid’z’Ink, Anglesey.

They offer good quality, safe childcare facilities.

Runners-up (£2,500 each) n Walton Lea Project, Warrington, Cheshire. Horticultural employment project providing training to more than 50 adults with learning difficulties. n Cheshire Furniture Re-use Forum Highly Commended n Cymen Cyf, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, for its innovative WelshEnglish translation services. n Portland Hall Spa, Southport, Merseyside.

Best New Buisness (£20,000) Greengrape Solutions, Liverpool.

Formed just over two years ago by Emma Loizidis, John McDonald and Charlotte McDonald, the company supports the recruitment, training and business needs of public and private providers delivering significant Welfare-to-Work programmes on behalf of central government Runners-up (£5,000 each) n The Novelty Warehouse, Wallasey, Wirral. An online shop specialising in multi-sensory

resources and toys, especially for children with special needs. n The UK Foodhall Ltd, Welshpool, who provide healthy, local food for schools.

Highly Commended Healthy Paws Ltd, Formby Portland Hall Spa, Southport, Best Young Entrepreneur (£10,000) John Kelly.

Since starting his business – John Kelly Construction Services Ltd, Anglesey – two years ago, 24-year John has built a strong reputation for reliability, quality and professionalism. Having left school at the age of 16, the judges recognised his grit and quiet determination to succeed Runners-up (£2,500 each) n Megan Finlinson, Finn’s Cheesecake Company, Merseyside. n Kathryn Holloway, Promofix Ltd, Shropshire.

Highly Commended n Kenneth Cheung, BEEcycle Ltd, Merseyside. n Marcel Deer, Fashlink.com, Wirral.

www.mf-awards.co.uk

Nov advert - all together now:Layout 1

11/24/09

12:43 PM

Improve your IT skills Starting January 2010 (unless stated) Introduction to Computers Thursday 9am - 12pm Computers - What Can We Do? Friday 9am - 12pm Getting the best out of your Digital Photos Wednesday 1 - 3pm (starting 24 Feb - 24 March 2010) Certificate in Interactive Media Level 1 Monday 9am - 12pm Certificate in Interactive Media Level 2 Wednesday 9am - 12pm Certificate / Diploma for IT users Level 1 (CLAiT) Wednesday 6 - 9pm / Friday 9am - 12pm iTQ Levels 1, 2 & 3 1 day and a half per week (time to be agreed) ECDL Extra Level 2 Wednesday 6 - 9pm Greenbank Lane Liverpool L17 1AG 0151 733 7255 greenbankiag@greenbank-project.org.uk www.greenbankcollege.org.uk

Page 1

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December/January 2010

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The Accumulator Quiz

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

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ACROSS

DOWN

1.

6.

8.

9.

10.

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23.

27.

28.

30.

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1.

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Artistic patent (9) Worthless dog (3) Rich mass of gold (7) Boundary (5) Choose (4) Garden plot (3) Land measure (4) Low basin (5) Escape (3,3) Worked hard (6) Twist (5) Swedish pop group (4) Ben --- (3) Fanciful notion (4) Deal with, handle (5) Pamphlet (7) Second person (3) First meal of the day (9)

A A young goat in its second year B A loincloth C A small beard D A goatherd QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: Who would be given the title Master of the Rolls?

A B C D

A Rotterdam B The Hague C Amsterdam D Maastricht QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: Which state of the USA is known as the Aloha State?

A New Mexico B Alaska C Florida D Hawaii QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: What is the name of the device inserted in cans to give a foamy head when beer is poured?

Whelp (3) Overwhelming fear (5) South African currency (4) Scratched (6) Incline (4) Humorous (7) Dutch port (9) Splendid display (9) Female dog (5) Discourage (5) Motor coach (3) Pull along (3) Dramatic scene (7) Loose rock (6) Board game (5) Pierce (4) Direct one’s gaze (4) Songbird (3)

A B C D

India Malaya Burma China

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Which dish consists of anchovies and eggs on toast?

Singer and dancer Kimberly Wyatt. See Question 7

A B C D

Welsh rarebit Scotch woodcock Devils on horseback Eggs Benedict

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: Which class of racing yacht currently used in the Olympics is the largest?

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: Which all-girl pop group did Kimberly Wyatt join as a member in 2003?

A B C D

A Pussycat Dolls B Girls Aloud C Atomic Kitten D Sugababes QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: In which ocean is the Barents Sea?

Laser 470 Finn Star

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: In which region of Europe were the Hussite Wars fought?

A Thingummy B Grommet C Widget D Gadget QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: Which spice gives curries a yellow colour?

A Pacific B Atlantic C Indian D Arctic QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: Which of these gases has the same name as the Greek word for green?

A B C D

A B C D

A B C D

A B C D

Paprika Cardamom Ginger Turmeric

Lying with head erect On hind legs Sleeping Walking

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: Where did the Allied special forces known as the Chindits operate in World War II?

A liveried chauffeur The most senior judge in the UK’s civil Court of Appeal C Britain’s baker of the year D The UK champion gymnast QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: What is the capital city of the Netherlands?

SUDOKU

Hungary Bohemia Poland Austria

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: What was the codename of the wartime German spy in the British embassy in Turkey?

Neon Chlorine Helium Nitrogen

Plato Cicero Oscar Oberon

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 need to have to guess.

EASY

DIFFICULT

2 6 1 7 5 9 2 4 1 5 9 7 2 1 5 6 8 3 4 5 4 8 1 9 9 2 6 7 1 9 5 6 2 TAKE ME HOME!

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: What in heraldry is the meaning of the term passant?

A B

18 19

27

13

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

QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: Which of the following is a goatee?

★ 8

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

5 8

4 4 6 1

9 3 2 4 3 2 6

6 7 9 7 4 6

3

2 5

5 1

I PICKED up All Together NOW! at MOSI, Manchester. What an informative and brill read!! It opened my mind, and certainly addressed a few personal issue for me. Your website is also very Dorothy Hartley (email) good, too!

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

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

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

MEDIUM 11

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i GOT my copy of All Together NOW! while in whiston hospital and it made my day brighter as I was having a long wait with my daughter, who was having tests. Keep up good work.

B Connor (email)

TAKE ME HOME!

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

19

RIGHTS . . . BUSINESS . . . TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . .R DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE 10

8

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

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

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

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1 []’–

2 ABC

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

1. chemical elements 848 264 861 642 535 583 712 252 486 163 791 227 266 126 773 366 169 943 617 876 861 493 764 361 746 678 7 4. types of crime 843 381 252 256 245 675 284 483 712 776 467 543 846 413 674 127 728 581 727 318 254 761 474 386 871 459 142 76

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

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

184 728 716 684 774

2. Coronation Street characters 536 122 756 912 388 918 877 461 445 321 643 361 337 122 763 713 621 742 775 371 837 213 825 967 841 364 591 684 368 135 743 182 663 7

3. Frank Sinatra songs 691 929 156 831 263 774 243 178 726 437 618 431 644 481 444 673 714 183 146 818 863 371 691 754 612 246

162 617 379 263 263

5. vegetables 687 476 661 768 622 654 122 222 166 466 122 854 162 643 868 812 717 933 826 761 179 333

6. and pieces 633 288 137 246 368 483 712 786 213 387 717 647 738 134 868 363 681 356 872 612 538 726 179 282 416 126 313 637

words or phrases for bits

286 431 356 828 235

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 the surnames of 18 female writers.

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

127 732 937 623 379

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

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S MAKE A DATE

D

175 488 163 631 337

WORD WIZARD

2

WHIFFLER

E

E

162 714 414 681 442

1) An official

F

who goes in front of a procession to

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N

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

SETTER

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1. The ice cream cone is launched by Charles Menches at the St Louis World fair.

2) A fish related

N

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L

2. Japan declares war on Russia after launching a surprise attack on the Russian fleet at Port Arthur.

3) A species of

OLD

–––––––

FOOT

–––––

END

O

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PALE

–––––––––

SILK

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––––

S K O O C TRANSFORMER

ARCH

–––––

CAKE

LUMP

––––––

BLOW

LEADS

clear the way;

to the turbot;

small curlew with a long

3. The Czech composer Antonin Dvorák dies at the age of 62.

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

Clue: Create an explosive pudding.

high-pitched

WAS IT? a) 1896; b) 1900; c) 1904; d) 1908; e) 1912.

____ +E=____E

cry.

ALL THE ANSWERS

4 6 5 9 7 3 8 2 1

7 1 9 4 2 8 5 6 3

1 8 2 7 5 9 6 3 4

SUDOKU EASY

3 5 4 2 6 1 7 8 9

6 9 7 3 8 4 2 1 5

5 7 1 8 9 2 3 4 6

9 4 8 6 3 7 1 5 2

2 3 6 1 4 5 9 7 8

2 8 9 1 3 6 5 7 4

5 1 3 9 7 4 8 2 6

7 4 6 8 5 2 1 9 3

4 2 1 5 9 3 7 6 8

1

J W K

X

15 2

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U

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R G

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CROSS CODE

9 7 5 6 8 1 4 3 2

3 6 8 4 2 7 9 1 5

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

8 9 2 7 6 5 3 4 1

6 5 4 3 1 9 2 8 7

1 3 7 2 4 8 6 5 9

3

10 35 10

5

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9 6

16

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1 9

KAKURO MEDIUM

YOUR online magazine is very good. I really hope that you continue getting the funding and support that your charity deserves.

— Nicky Quinn, Crimsworth Road, London

8 2 3 5 1 6 4 9 7

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Accumulator Quiz 1 – C; 2 – B; 3 – C; 4 – D; 5 – C; 6 – D; 7 – A; 8 – D; 9 – B; 10 – D; 11 – C; 12 – B; 13 – D; 14 – B; 15 – B. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Copyright; 6 Cur; 8 Bonanza; 9 Limit; 10 Pick; 11 Bed; 13 Acre; 14 Bidet; 16 Get out; 18 Toiled; 19 Screw; 21 Abba; 22 Hur; 23 Whim; 27 Treat; 28 Booklet; 30 You; 31 Breakfast.

Down – 1 Cub; 2 Panic; 3 Rand; 4 Grazed; 5 Tilt; 6 Comical; 7 Rotterdam; 10 Pageantry; 11 Bitch; 12 Deter; 14 Bus; 15 Tow; 17 Tableau; 20 Rubble; 24 Halma; 25 Stab; 26 Look; 29 Tit. Star Name: KATHY BURKE

Word Wizard No 1 is correct. A whiffler is a person who precedes a procession.

Dialling Codes 1. titanium; nickel; silver; calcium; mercury; carbon; copper; neon; oxygen; strontium; hydrogen; phosphorus.

2. Ken Barlow; Betty Turpin; Hilda Ogden; Des Barnes; Ena Sharples; Vera Duckworth; Emily Nugent; Elsie Tanner.

3. My Way; Love And Marriage; Strangers In The Night; High Hopes; I’ve Got You Under My Skin; Chicago.

4. theft; blackmail; manslaughter; arson; shoplifting; forgery; assault; rape; vandalism; grievous bodily harm.

YOUR story about obesity and osteoarthrirtis has encouraged me to join a slimming group and lose weight as I never realised I was 19 times more likely to have it than a normal weight person. Thank you for the wake up call. Mrs Patricia Anne Roberts, Blackpool

Pathwords Spark; Austen; Rendell; Collins; Brontë; Christie; Cooper; Drabble; Cookson; Blyton; Du Maurier; Sayers; Cartland; Heyer; Fraser; Trollope; Murdoch; Tremain.

5. mushroom; potato; broccoli; cabbage; pea; onion; cauliflower; mange-tout; cucumber; sweetcorn; celery; swede.

6. offcut; fragment; sliver; crumb; detritus; snippet; divot; oddment; flotsam and jetsam; swatch; odds and ends.

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

Missing Link English; loose; imitation; jump; angel; hammer. Biblical character: Elijah.

Make a Date The year was 1904.

Transformer Bomb + E = Bombe.

TAKE ME HOME!

TAKE ME HOME!

All Together NOW!

20

December/January 2010

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GCSEs no barrier to trainees

RIGHTS . . . BUSINESS . . .

RIGHTS . . . EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . .R

D

ISABILITY campaigners are celebrating the Government’s promise to ignore the five GCSE clause for disabled people applying for the new apprenticeship scheme.

The move follows a meeting between minister for business, innovations and skills, Lord Young and members of the Alliance for Inclusive Education (ALLFIE). young people to be assisted with The alliance had argued that finding a foundation or advanced young people with disabilities placement if they achieved 5 would face great barriers GCSEs. participating in the Government’s Simone Aspis, campaigns and apprenticeships scheme unless policy coordinator at ALLFIE, said: changes were made to the “There was nothing in the Bill that Apprenticeships, Skills, Children said how disabled young people and Learning Bill. will be supported while they The ASCL Bill creates an undertake their training. apprenticeships framework which “However, we have now been includes an entitlement for all

reassured the apprenticeships regulations will allow for flexibility of participation for disabled apprentices.

“While support for disabled apprentices is not included in the Bill, we have been given assurance that Access To Work will be available as they are in employment.

“We now need to make sure this

Helping to build a stronger future for the local community With a proud heritage which includes the development of the world's first commercial nuclear power station, Sellafield Ltd has emerged from the groundbreaking reorganisation of the country's nuclear assets and liabilities as the team responsible for the safe delivery of multi-million pound contracts at Sellafield and Capenhurst on behalf of site owners the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

The challenge of managing the UK's nuclear legacy comes with the responsibility to ensure that our operations and activities leave the lightest environmental footprint. To that end the company, in discussion with the Environment Agency, undertakes an embedded programme of monitoring of our environments.

We have a long history of supporting our local communities. Working with the NDA our socioeconomic plans encourage employee involvement in local activities, charitable donation schemes and inward investment.

Our endeavours in this area are born from a wish to protect the current skills base, encourage new businesses and, wherever we can, help the overall socio-economic well being of our local communities.

We take great pride in being able to make a positive impact on people's lives.

We have invested over £2million through our economic development programme.

Sustainability and enhanced prosperity in our local regions is the focal point of our economic regeneration policy. We encourage skills development for both businesses and individuals enabling them to take control of their own future.

Our support builds upon the efforts and enthusiasm of our partners in the community, and our own employees, where we are all striving to achieve a vibrant and healthy community.

For more information, please visit www.sellafieldsites.com

all happens in practise.”

The Alliance for Inclusive Education is an organisation run and controlled by disabled people.

ALLFIE campaigns for disabled learners rights to participate in all mainstream educational settings. n Alliance for Inclusive Education, 336 Brixton Road, London SW9 7AA. Tel. 020 7737 6030. www.allfie.org.uk

Vulnerable warned over wills VULNERABLE people are being left without a trust or adequate provision following their parents’ death due to nightmare wills from unregulated will writers, says the Law Society.

Research has found that badly drafted wills can render the deceased’s estate wholly or partially intestate with poor tax planning, ‘vanishing wills’ and hidden charges, which can run to much higher costs than the initial advertised price.

As many individuals with a learning disability are dependent on parents or carers into adulthood, the Law Society stresses it is of particular importance to have a legally-binding will that will ensure adequate provisions are made, such as a trust.

Law Society President, Robert Heslett says: “Solicitors know of so many cases of people who have turned to them for help after being left with what can only be described as nightmare wills by will writers.” n If you do not already have a solicitor, call the Law Society on 0870 606 2555 or visit www.lawsociety.org.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2010

All Together NOW!

21

RIGHTS . . . BUSINESS . . . TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . .R

Why Deborah’s giggling all the way to the bank A

WOMAN who has triumphed over adversity to successfully establish her own business has been named the overall winner of the 2009 Barclays Trading Places Awards.

The Government-backed awards recognise people who are turning their lives around by choosing to start up a business.

Deborah Stone, 31, who opened her card and gift shop, Gigglebucket, in December 2006, also scooped the Triumph over Disability Award and was presented with a cheque for £5,000.

On her 16th birthday, Deborah, from Liverpool, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. She was so ill that she was advised to abandon her upcoming GCSEs and

concentrate on getting better. But that only made her more determined to take her exams and she achieved eight Grade A passes.

Deborah went on to pass her Alevels, achieved a degree in orthotics and started working for the NHS. All through this time, Deborah continued to battle with her health. She regularly attended hospital for antibiotic therapy, and also contracted meningitis.

She even had her appendix removed under local anaesthetic whilst on holiday in the Dominican Republic.

After six years working in a job she loved, Deborah’s health deteriorated significantly following the birth of her daughter and she was forced to take early retirement.

Deborah was not yet 30 and felt she had been thrown on the scrapheap.

Determined not to let her disability hold her back, she decided it was time to become her own boss and started her own card and gift shop. The majority of her sales are now online. n JOE Brown, 20, from Preston, collected the Success after Unemployment Award, for his egg delivery company.

Joe was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism, at the age of three.

Despite obtaining a BTEC Diploma in art he struggled to find work – until setting up his own business.

Joe now has 300 customers on his four weekly rounds living within a mile of his home.

Scandal of poor

P

OVERTY and discrimination is affecting more and more disabled people, according to leading charity Leonard Cheshire Disability.

In its annual national survey the charity found that 42% of disabled people surveyed were struggling to live on their present income, a rise of 9% since 2007.

More than half (55%) of respondents had no savings, a rise of 6% since 2007. This is compared to 12% of the general UK population.

Three quarters (75%) of respondents with dependent children were living below the poverty line.

The Disability Review 2009 also revealed that almost two thirds (63%) were in fuel poverty, compared to 11% of the general UK population.

The report also found that disability discrimination continues to exist across a wide range of other areas including: n Education: 35% believe

Shocking numbers trapped in poverty – report

that teaching staff had a negative attitude towards them because of their impairment. n Crime: 9% of respondents report they have been the victim of disability hate crime. n Employment: 43% believe that they have been turned down for a job or jobs because of their impairment, a rise of 7% from 2008. n Social care: 50% of respondents who are living in poverty and need social care support are having to pay towards that care, in some cases covering all of the costs.

John Knight, director of policy and campaigns at LCD, said: “Disabled people

are twice as likely to live in poverty as non-disabled people.

“Our survey reveals that disabled people are continuing to have very low levels of income, very low levels of savings and are clearly struggling to meet even the basic costs of living.

“The need for a government strategy to tackle disability poverty is now more urgent than ever.”

Mr Knight also raised concerns about disability hate crime. He said: “The fact that 9% of respondents report they have been the victim of hate crime is deeply worrying. There is a clear need for more robust identification and recording of disability hate crimes, better support for disabled people who are victims of crime and improved access to justice.”

n Copies of the Disability Review 2009 are available at the charity website www.lcdisability.org or by emailing amy.burns @LCDisability.org

INSPIRATION: Deborah Stone, who has cyctic fibrosis, was presented with her awards by entrepreneur and BBC TV’s Dragons Den panelist Theo Paphitis.

Debbie’s card and gift shop called Gigglebucket is a resounding success story, said judges at Barclays Trading Places Awards

22

All Together NOW!

CONTACTS

Mike’s deaf challenge December/January 2010

n Wrightington Mobility Centre, Hall Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9EP. Tel. 01257 256409 www.mobility-centre.org.uk n The North Wales Driving Assessment Centre, Disability Resources Centre, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire.

Tel. 01745 584858 n Regional Driving Assessment Centre, Unit 11, Network Park, Duddeston Mill Road, Birmingham.

Tel. 0845 3371540 n Motability, Goodman House, Station Approach, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2ET. Helpline 0845 456 4566 (voice), 01279 632273 (text). www.motability.co.uk n National Association of Bikers with a Disability, Unit 20, The Bridgewater Centre, Robson Avenue, Urmston, Manchester, Tel. 0870 759 0603. www.nabd.org.uk n Disabled Motorcyclists Association, Ada House, 77 Thompson Street, Manchester, M4 5FY. Tel. 0161 214 8314, 07947 138303.

Inva 165x265 11-09:Invatravel 19/11/09 www.thedma.org.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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16:00

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LESSONS: Kathy Higgins and Mike Wood

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RIVING instructor Mike Woods had an unusual challenge on his hands when his two children signed up for lessons.

Debbie, 21, and Michael, 19, are both deaf – and very determined to drive.

Enter Kathy Higgins, one of the region’s specialist trainers skilled in tutoring driving instructors how to teach deaf people how to drive.

Kathy, who runs the Insight2Drive School, said: “There is nothing in the rules saying deaf people cannot go to ordinary instructors, but deafness does present a number of problems and issues when learner drivers are being taught and tested.

“Instructors generally talk towards the windscreen because they are looking at the road ahead, but pupils who are deaf need to see mouth movements, and even the way you talk makes a difference. We teach instructors how to project and carry their voices.

“These are just some of the techniques, but they all make a difference, and it helps a rapport develop between instructor and pupil.

Deaf people, trained properly, have just as good a chance of passing as everybody else.”

Kathy, who passed her test at her third attempt 23 years ago, added: “I have been a driving instructor for a long time but realised there were gaps in the offer available for people with hearing difficulties, so I undertook a lengthy government-approved course to I could train instructors how to teach learner drivers with deafness or hearing problems.

“It does make a difference for pupils to be taught by an instructor specially trained to meet their specific needs.”

Mike said: “Undergoing training from Kathy has made a difference in the way I approached teaching my children.

“I could have struggled through,” said Mike, “but decided on getting the extra training I needed and it has taken away all of the difficulties and challenges.

“Now I have an extra skill at my disposal as an instructor.”

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www.alltogethernow.org.uk

MOBILISE, the national disability motoring charity, has teamed up with All Together NOW! to provide readers with a tip-top motoring news and information service.

For full details of membership including members concessions contact: Mobilise Organisation, National Headquarters, Ashwellthorpe, Norwich, NR16 1EX. Tel: 01508 489449. Email: enquiries@mobilise.info www.mobilise.info

Motability blow Q

I am 69 years old and recently applied for a car under the Motability Scheme, but I was informed that as I did not receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance I was not eligible I was subsequently informed that unless you apply for DLA before your 65th birthday you could only receive Attendance Allowance, which has no mobility component.

I consider this grossly unfair.

A

We approached the Department of Works and Pensions to explain why this age bar existed and they issued us with the following statement: “It is normal for pension and benefits schemes to contain different provisions for people at different stages of their lives.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA) both provide a contribution to the extra costs of disability and can be spend according to the

All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

preferences of the disabled person.

“DLA was designed to help those people who have the considerable disadvantage of becoming severely disabled relatively early in life so have had less opportunity to earn or save. Payments reflect the level of care or mobility support someone, with severe walking difficulties, for example, might need to go about their everyday lives.

“AA is based on their need for care and the extra costs people have because of the onset of disability after they are 65. AA should be viewed in the context of the wide range of other health and support the Government provides for older people.”

We would urge anyne who feels the current situation is discriminatory to contact the MP on the subject. Remember to copy Mobilise HQ into your correspondence so that we can support you.

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TREATMENT FOR SWINE FLU A new strain of Influenza A (H1N1), also known as swine flu, was confirmed in the UK in April and has spread to more than 100 countries around the world prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global flu pandemic.

The National Pandemic Flu Service In order to deal with the increasing number of cases of swine flu in England, the NHS has launched the National Pandemic Flu Service. This is a new self-care service with online and phone access which allows you to check your symptoms and access antivirals if required, or receive advice on symptom-relief. This service is only intended for people who are ill with swine flu. It still allows you to go to your doctor if necessary.

Staying at home and accessing antivirals via the National Pandemic Flu Service will reduce pressure on your GP surgery and local NHS services and prevent you spreading the virus within your community.

How to use the National Pandemic Flu Service 1. Go online at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1 513 100.

Textphone is available on 0800 1 513 200.

2. You’ll be taken through a list of simple questions about your symptoms and medical history, and asked to confirm your date of birth, name and address including your postcode.

3. If you are confirmed as having swine flu, you may be given an authorisation number which will allow your ‘flu friend’ (a family member, friend or neighbour) to collect a course of antivirals on your behalf from a local collection point in your area. You will also be given advice on how to treat your symptoms at home.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2010

All Together NOW!

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

If you have a fever or a high temperature (over 38°C / 100.4°F) and have two of the following symptoms: unusual tiredness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath or cough, loss of appetite, aching muscles, diarrhoea or vomiting, you may have swine flu.

What are antivirals and how can they help?

Antivirals can’t cure swine flu but they can help you to recover more quickly and they can relieve some of your symptoms.

When is it better to contact your doctor?

You should contact your doctor direct rather than using the National Pandemic Flu Service if: • You have a serious underlying illness.

• You are pregnant.

• You have a sick child under one year old.

• You or your child’s condition suddenly gets much worse.

• Your condition is still getting worse after 7 days (5 days for a child).

What are flu friends and how can they help?

Flu friends are family members, friends or neighbours who can help you if you get ill. They can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on your behalf to assist with the assessment, and if required they can collect antivirals as well as help with food and over-the-counter medicines.

This will avoid you having to leave your home and prevent you spreading the virus within your community, so it’s advised that you nominate at least one friend now.

To use the National Pandemic Flu Service and to collect antivirals, your flu friend will need their own and the patient’s ID (a list of IDs will be available from the online service or the call centre).

If you have any underlying health conditions, it’s important your flu friend knows about them when using the service on your behalf.

Where can I go for more general information?

For more information on swine flu visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or call the Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.

Flu. Protect yourself and others.

Calls to these numbers are free from landlines. Calls from mobiles may vary, please check with your provider.

25

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Important information about Swine Flu vaccination The Department of Health has launched the Swine Flu Vaccination Programme The vaccine is being offered to people who are most likely to become seriously ill if they catch swine flu. These priority groups are made up of adults, and children over six months of age, who: • have a serious health condition such as chronic lung, heart, kidney, liver or neurological disease, or diabetes mellitus; • are pregnant; • have an immune system that is compromised because of a disease or treatment for a disease, or • live in the same house as someone whose immune system is compromised because of a disease or treatment for a disease.

If you are in one of these priority groups you may be invited to go to a vaccination clinic or to make an appointment at your surgery.

Not everyone in the country will get their vaccine at exactly the same time, so don’t worry if you are not contacted straightaway.

If you are not in any of the priority groups listed you may be offered the vaccine at a later stage – but for now, the priority is to vaccinate those who are most at risk.

For more information, please go to: www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu or contact the Swine Flu Information Line on: 0800 1 513 513

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2010

All Together NOW!

Lung cancer drug hopes High stroke rate in poor A NEW lung cancer drug may be tested on patients next year.

The drug wiped out half of small cell lung cancer tumours in one strain of mice.

In other animals it slowed the growth of tumours and prevented them becoming resistant to chemotherapy.

If similar results are seen in human patients, it will bring new hope to thousands of sufferers whose lives are currently threatened.

A fifth of lung cancer patients have the “small cell” version of the disease and only 3%can expect to survive five years after diagnosis.

Researchers at London’s Imperial College hope to begin clinical trials of the drug, or a similar related medicine, next year.

PEOPLE living in deprived areas are around three times more likely to die from a stroke than those in the least deprived, says a new report.

The findings released by The Stroke Association and British Heart Foundation show that death rates from stroke vary among areas of different social and economic conditions.

Joe Korner, director of communications at The Stroke Association said: “These shocking statistics show that you are about three times more likely to die of a stroke if you are poor.

“Over 40% of strokes can be prevented through the control of high blood pressure. Small lifestyle changes, such as not smoking, drinking in moderation, improving your diet and being active can help. “ n The Stroke Helpline: 0845 3033 100

by Beatrice Fraenkel chair, Mersey Care NHS

Hear, hear!

THE world’s thinnest – and most advanced cochlear implant system promises to improve the hearing of thousands of profoundly deaf people.

Professor Gerard O’Donoghue, at the University of Nottingham, said: “The launch of the Cochlear Nucleus 5 System represents a quantum leap forward in hearing implant technology.

“The new slim design makes for minimally invasive surgery techniques and reduces operating time.”

False hopes NEW research from the USA, which claims to have identified the area of the brain that is activated when a person suffers from tinnitus, may raise false hope among sufferers, say the British Tinnitus Association.

Professor Deb Hall says: “While the research potentially sheds further light on tinnitus, other published research reports rather inconsistent results.” n BTA helpline: 0800 018 0527www.tinnitus.org.uk

GPs hesitate THE lives of 100,000 Multiple Sclerosis sufferers in the UK could be greatly improved with a “cheap” drug - and save the NHS £300 million a year.

The claim comes from the LDN Research Trust, which says Low Dose Naltrexone has already helped more than 5,000 people with MS in the UK reclaim their lives.

The drug is already available on the NHS but not all GPs are prepared to prescribe it to treat MS.

Hannah’s pioneer surgery

STAFF from the Burney Breast Unit, the Lilac Centre and the new Macmillan Cancer Support Information Centre at St Helens Hospital took part in the national ‘Wear it Pink Day’ to raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign

S

URGEONS at St Helens Hospital are pioneering advanced surgical techniques to operate on patients with breast cancer.

Using a combination of two ground-breaking procedures, the Trust’s surgeons are treating early detected breast cancers more effectively.

The techniques allow surgeons at the Burney Breast Unit to accurately pinpoint small tumours so that they can be removed, along with the areas where the cancer would be likely to spread.

These new procedures not only remove the cancer with greater accuracy, but help to significantly reduce scarring following surgery, providing patients with outstanding cosmetic results, a fast recovery and a much better quality of life.

Hannah McGowan, 74, from Newton-le-Willows, said: “I was fortunate to have been selected for this new treatment. All the staff reassured me and

DELIGHTED: Hannah McGowan, centre, with Professor Riccardo Audisio and Louisa Mahon, breast care nurse specialist gave me the confidence that I could beat the cancer.

“Now I feel smashing, I’ve had no problems and all I have for a scar resembles a small pen mark.

It’s great that this new treatment is available in the local area.”

Professor Riccardo Audisio, consultant surgical oncologist who is pioneering the new procedures, said: “These new techniques allow us to treat small cancers differently and provide huge advantages for the patient both in terms of reducing scarring and in treating the breast cancer successfully.”

Team up with us to deliver your health messages

IT is a year since I took office and it has been a journey of discovery for me in so many ways.

I’ve started and continue to learn about the Trust, about our staff and how they rise to the needs faced by our wide range of mental health and learning disability service users. I am seeing how they shape the services in helping the diverse communities we serve in increasingly pressured economic environments.

I’ve met a number of the people who use our services who are on their own personal journeys too.

Some still have far to go in terms of the treatment, care and support they need, others may have come into contact with one or more of our specialist services and are well down the road to recovery.

A common theme that joins these disparate paths is the notion that ‘recovery’ is the watchword in modern-day mental health services like ours, and not ‘illness.’ This was reflected during a visit to London by prominent American psychiatrist and former service user, Daniel Fisher, who is now advising President Obama’s office on mental health issues. A recovery model is one that emphasises and supports each individual’s potential for recovery.

For us it is also about taking a person-centred focus. To achieve this we need new ways of thinking and doing, and clever use of resources.

Things like Get Into Reading, a therapeutic use of reading in groups (we now have 27 across all services); or our pilot for personal health budgets which can buy someone an item or service (such as a computer, a guitar or driving lessons) which will significantly impact on their recovery.

I have learnt a huge amount on my own personal journey in learning about the Trust, in learning about myself. Looking ahead to 2010 we have a tremendous opportunity to focus on new hope as we make a !

ME HO TAKE ME collective journey during Liverpool’s Year of Health and Wellbeing.

27

All Together NOW!

28

December/January 2010

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

. . . with JAN LOCKYER

Q

MY elderly dad lives alone and is an inspiration to the rest of our family.

Since my mum died two years ago he has done his best to get on with life and rarely complains. Now, though, he is having problems bending to put on his socks.

Surely there is something available to help him.

YOU are absolutely right!

There are lots of aids enabling people to put on socks, stockings and tights, and even compression stockings without bending down.

You can also get aids to help with taking socks off!

Arrange a visit with your dad to your local Disabled Living Centre where you can try a few out to find out which one suits you best.

A

20,000 ways to help you remain independent

DID YOU know there are over 20,000 products on the market designed to assist older and disabled people?

If you need equipment to help you stay independent how do you make the right choice?

Disabled Living Centres provide independent information and advice and the opportunity to see and try a

vast range of products with the aid of expert advisors From beds to bath aids, showers to stair lifts, local Disabled Living Centres provide equipment information helplines.

So for details about equipment and how to get it contact your local Disabled Living Centre. Many

products can be provided free on loan through local Community Equipment Services.

All Together Now! has teamed up with Liverpool Disabled Living Centre to help readers of all ages and abilities stay independent. If you have a question contact the team on 0151 296 7742. Minicom: 0151 296 7748.

The right weigh!

Q

SINCE losing her sight earlier this year my 86year-old mum has put on a lot of weight.

She does her best, but it is a problem – especially as she has a very sweet tooth and loves cakes!

Her other problem is weighing herself as she can’t see the dial on her scales.

Any suggestions?

YOU can get some batteryoperated talking bathroom scales.

These will ‘speak’ your weight out loud in stones and pounds or kilos.

Some have adjustable volume and others have memory buttons that record your weight and tell you how it has varied since you last got weighed.Sounds like the perfect Christmas stocking filler!

A

Taking control Q Lifehouse is a new approach to providing services for disabled and older people in Liverpool.

InAll the summer of 2007 the under following moved together to Lifehouse: these teams are now oneservices roof, working to provide the information and advice people need toDock. be as safe and an accessible, newly renovated building at Brunswick independent as possible .

Wheelchair Service 0151 296 7765 Fax:0151 0151296 296 7764 Wheelchair Service Tel: 7765 Assessment for and provision of wheelchairs for people who live in Liverpool.

Disabled Living Centre 0151 296 7742 Fax: 0151 296 7743 7748 Disabled Living Centre 0151 296 7742 Minicom: 0151 296 7744 Moving and Handling Team Tel: 0151 296 7750 Fax: 0151 296 7749 Independent information, assessment and advice on choosing daily living equipment and how to get it.

Communication Aids 0151 296 7408 Fax: 0151 296 7764 Moving and Handling Team Tel: 0151 296 7750 Practical advice for disabled people and their carers on moving and handling people.

Adaptations Team 0151 296 7757 Fax: 0151 296 7758 Communication Aids Falls Team

0151 296 7769

Tel: 0151 296 7408

Assessment and provision of communication aids for people who live in Liverpool.

Lifehouse is a newTeam approach to providing services for disabled Adaptations Tel: and 0151older 296 7757 Installation of adaptations to safely people in managing in their ownroof home.will improve people in Liverpool.

Having allassist these services under one accessibility.

Falls Team Tel: 0151 296 7769 A multidisciplinary team providing practical advice and assessment for people who have fallen.

Services will be able to work together to provide the independent information, advice and practical assessment people need to make the rightTel: choices 0151 about 296 7782 Telecare service 7733 Advice, assessment and installation of Telecare equipment. equipment.

The existing services will be joined by others which will greatly increase theinformation range of information and available. call thethe service youadvice require or contact main reception forDay a For further further information call service you require or visitour a Lifehouse Open list ofifehouse Lifehouse Open Days.

Lifehouse Lifehouse Lifehouse ifehouse Units 4–5 Dempster Building Units 4–5 Dempster Building Summers Road, Brunswick Business Park Summers Road, Brunswick Business Park Liverpool 4BL Liverpool L3L3 4BL Main Reception: 0151 296 7733 Main Reception: 0151 296 7733 www.liverpoollifehouse.org www.liverpoollifehouse.org

MY teenage son wants new computer games for Christmas, but he has some difficulty using the controls.

Are there any companies or organisations that might be able to make things easier for him?

THERE are several specialist suppliers of equipment to help with using computers and computer games. If you visit www.abilitynet.org.uk you will find their Games Controllers Factsheet, useful for anyone with an interest in computer gaming.

The factsheet covers adaptations designed to enable people to use games consoles. And at www.oneswitch.org.uk you will find lots of ideas on accessible gaming controls.

ITCH (Information Technology Can Help) and Abilitynet work in partnership to provide impartial advice on computer hardware and software to help disabled people to get the most out of their computers. n You can contact their helpline on 0800 269 545 or email enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk

A

Help on the line n BLACKBURN Independent Living Centre, Mill Hill St, Mill Hill, Blackburn.

Tel. 01254 269 220 n ELLESMERE PORT Pool Independent Living Centre, New Grosvenor Road.

Tel. 0151 337 6399 n HALTON Collier Street, Runcorn.

Tel. 01928 582 920 n HANDFORTH East Cheshire Independent Living Centre, Redsmere Road, Handforth Tel. 01625 374080 n HARTFORD Hartford Independent Living Centre, Hartford Business Park, Chester Road, Hartford, Nantwich Tel. 01605 881980 n LIVERPOOL Disabled Living Centre, Lifehouse, Summers Road, Brunswick Business Park, Liverpool.

Tel. 0151 296 7742 Minicom 0151 296 7748 n MANCHESTER Assist UK, 4 St Chads Street, Manchester.

Tel. 0161 834 1044 n STOCKPORT St Thomas’s Hospital, Shawheath, Stockport.

Tel. 0161 419 4476 n WARRINGTON Beaufort Street, Warrington.

Tel. 01925 240064 n WILMSLOW Redesmere Road.

Tel. 01625 374080 n WIRRAL St Catherine’s Hospital, Birkenhead.

Tel. 0151 678 7272

MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM St Marks Street, Springhill.

Tel. 0121 464 4942/9525 n DUDLEY St Giles Street, Netherley.

Tel. 01384 813 695 n SHREWSBURY The Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive.

Tel. 01743 210820 n WOLVERHAMPTON Bell Street.

Tel. 01902 553 648

Are you in need of care, live in the Liverpool area and want to remain in your own home?

Let us help you.

If your home is where you are most comfortable and where you feel safe, we believe that you should be allowed to continue to live there surrounded by your own belongings for as long as you wish.

We supply a wide range of care, according to your personal needs and wishes.

We pride ourselves on our caring, professional approach. We will ensure that you have as much continuity as possible when it comes to your carer, restricting the number of different people entering your home. We always provide you with a carer who is best suited to your individual needs. Carers are trained to the highest standard and are reliable and dependable.

To find out more please contact Sterling Care & Support. 0151 482 2011

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2010

Going round the U-bend!

United Utilities has launched a new campaign to encourage customers not to flush inappropriate items down their loo and avoid sewer blockages.

The campaign is called ‘what not to flush’ and it’s hoped that once people get an eyeful of the sewer monster – the campaign’s ‘mascot’ (see pic, top right) – it will be all the encouragement they need to keep their loos sparkling!

Flushing the wrong things down the toilet can block drains and lead to sewer flooding.

Some of these blockages occur in householders’ own drainage pipes before the rubbish even reaches the main sewer – leaving the customer with a hefty repair bill, as well as a horrible mess to clean up.

United Utilities clears almost 15,000 of the resulting blockages from its sewers each year – a process which costs around £4 million. But if people stopped using the loo as a bin, many of these blockages could be avoided.

Colin Maloney, network operations director at United Utilities, said: “It’s a really grisly topic that no-one likes to talk about, so a lot of people just flush and forget. The trouble is – the sewers are not designed to cope with rubbish. It blocks up sewers and can cause sewage to flood onto roads, gardens and at worst, into people’s homes.”

Sanitary towels, cotton buds, condoms, nappies and baby wipes clump together when flushed down into the drains. And toilets aren’t the only appliances being abused on

All Together NOW!

29

Beware the sewer monster…

Lifting the lid on United Utilities' what not to flush campaign is Jo Harrison, wastewater strategy manager, with some of the items found in the sewers.

a daily basis. Sinks are also used to throw away waste fat and grease, which congeals when it cools and adds to the sewer congestion.

Colin added: “We want to highlight the consequences of disposing of waste inappropriately. It’s a serious concern, but we can all do our bit to make a difference. It’s simple – only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet – for everything else, use a bin.”

Approximately 1,000 homes and 6,500 gardens across the North West are flooded with sewage every year, mostly due to blocked drains.

What not to flush Flushing the wrong things down the toilet (or pouring fat down the kitchen sink) can block drains and lead to sewer flooding. Apart from toilet paper, please avoid flushing any other items down your loo such as:

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

• sanitary towels • cotton buds • baby wipes • nappies • condoms • tampons • cotton wool

For further information please visit our website unitedutilities.com/whatnottoflush To find out more call 0845 746 1100 or textphone 0808 143 1195 or visit our website unitedutilities.com/extracare 11/09/SD/3910

30

All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

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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 Dis Federation Tel 01606 888400 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 Inform.

Tel 0151 260 4076. 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

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Tel 01539 726613 n HENSHAW’S

Tel 0161 872 1234 n HENSHAW’S

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Penrith.

Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness.

Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal.

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Access guide to Euro stadia

N

EW GUIDELINES on providing facilities for disabled fans at football stadia across Europe have been welcomed by the Football Foundation.

Steve Shipperley, head of technical services at the Football Foundation, said: “The initial idea for Accessible Stadia was born from a simple but recurring complaint from supporters in wheelchairs that they were never able to see key moments of action such as goals and

All Together NOW!

December/January 2010

Blues set for tasty tie EVERTON’s deaf football team await an appetising second round tie against Doncaster in the National British Deaf cup.

The tie is due to be played on or before February 21 with the winners facing Glasgow in the quarter finals.

But it was disaster for Everton’s reserve deaf team who were thrashed 13-0 by Glasgow in their second round game.

SHELLY Woods (Blackpool) finished runner-up for the third time in the New York Marathon’s wheelchair race.

A delighted Shelly vowed to keep coming back until she manages to win it! n Actor

Ralf Little is pictured, left, congratulating Sascha Kindred at the Nationwide Short Course Swimming Championships in Sheffield.

n Full report – Page 32.

penalties because as the excitement mounted, everyone in front of them stood up.

“The concept of a ‘super-riser’, or large step, in front of all wheelchair positions was seen as the solution, but the problem was how to communicate it to stadia designers, owners, managers, etc.

“I am delighted that the influence of Accessible Stadia has spread beyond our shores.”

British Standards expert Jim Froggatt said: “I believe it reflects

great credit on the UK football authorities for being the first within Europe to help achieve pan-European guidance on this issue.

“It will hopefully help disabled supporters all over Europe to enjoy a better and just experience of the game.”

The UK has been the driving force in successfully getting a European standard on provision for spectators with disabilities in football stadia adopted through organisations like the Football

Licencing Authority (FLA), the National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS), the Football Foundation and the Foundation’s sister organisation, the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF).

In May 2002 the FSIF and FLA each provided £25,000 to fund research, which led to the publication of a document called Accessible Stadia. These comprehensive disability-friendly guidelines then went on to be referred to as the appropriate standard for stadia under Part M

Great Britain Britain Wheelchair Wheelchair Basketball Basketball Association Association Great SUPER LEAGUE Dec 5: Aces v Owls, Aylesbury High School, 12.30pm Dec 6: RGK TCAT Rhinos v Outlaws, TCAT, Telford, 1.30pm Dec 12: Knights v Raiders, Antrim Forum, 2.30pm Dec 13: Owls v Steelers, West Hill Sports Centre, Stalybridge, 3pm Dec 13: Aces v RGK TCAT Rhinos, Stoke Mandeville Stadium, 2.30pm Dec 19: Eagles v Outlaws, Percy Hedley School, Killingworth, noon Dec 19: Owls v RGK TCAT Rhinos, West Hill Sports Centre, Stalybridge, 3pm Dec 20: Steelers v Aces, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, 1pm Jan 3: Raiders v RGK TCAT Rhinos, Mile End Park Leisure Centre, London, 4.30pm Jan 9: Knights v RGK TCAT Rhinos, Antrim Forum, 2.30pm Jan 9: Eagles v Owls, Percy Hedley School, Killingworth, 1pm Jan 10: Outlaws v Aces, Riverside Ice & Leisure, Chelmsford, 2.20pm Jan 10: Steelers v Raiders, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, 3pm Jan 16: Knights v Outlaws, Antrim Forum, 2.30pm Jan 17: Eagles v Aces, Percy Hedley School, Killingworth, noon Jan 17: Raiders v Owls, Mile End Park Leisure Centre, London, 2pm Jan 17: Steelers v RGK, TCAT Rhinos, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, 2pm Jan 30: Knights v Aces, Antrim Forum, 2.30pm Jan 30: Eagles v Steelers, Percy Hedley School, Killingworth, 1pm Jan 31: Outlaws v Owls, Riverside Ice & Leisure, Chelmsford, 2.20pm

31

1st DIVISION NORTH Dec 5: Jaguars v RGK TCAT Rhinos 2, Magnus Sports Centre, Newark, 2.15pm Dec 5: Greenbank v Owls 2, Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool, 11am Dec 6: Steelers 2 v Cobras, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, 1pm Dec 12: Greenbank v Jaguars, Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool, noon Dec 12: Owls 2 v Steelers 2, West Hill Sports Centre, Stalybridge, 1pm Dec 13: Lothian v Cobras, Bathgate Academy, Bathgate, noon Dec 19: Owls 2 v RGK TCAT Rhinos 2, West Hill Sports Centre, Stalybridge, 1pm Jan 9: Greenbank v Cobras, Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool, 1pm Jan 10: Lothian v Owls 2, Bathgate Academy, Bathgate, noon Jan 10: Steelers 2 v Jaguars, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, 1pm Jan 17: Steelers 2 v RGK TCAT Rhinos 2, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, 4pm Jan 30: Jaguars v Cobras, Magnus Sports Centre, Newark, 2.15pm Jan 31: Greenbank v Steelers 2, Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool, 11am Jan 31: Lothian v Steelers 2, Bathgate Academy, Bathgate, noon

2nd DIVISION NORTH Dec 6: Steelers 3 v Spitfires, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, 3pm Dec 6: Wheelblazers v Mavericks, Derby College Sports Hall, 2.30pm Dec 12: Warriors v Bolton Bulls, Darland Sports Centre, Wrexham, 2.30pm Dec 13: Spitfires v Wheelblazers, Dimensions L/C, Stoke, 2pm Dec 20: Bolton Bulls v Steelers 3, Smithills Sports Centre, Bolton, 1.30pm

of the Building Regulations.

Joyce Cook, chair of NADS and managing director of CAFE, the Centre for Access to Football in Europe, said: “This is a hugely significant document and the fact that it has been ratified by the 30 EU members of CEN is a tremendous achievement. The timing is perfect with the recent launch of the new European wide charity, the Centre for Access to Football in Europe.” www.footballfoundation.org.uk www.cafefootball.eu

www.gbwba.org.uk .. .. .. www.gbwba.org.uk

Dec 20: Spitfires v Warriors, Dimensions L/C, Stoke, 2pm Jan 9: Warriors v Steelers 3, Darland Sports Centre, Wrexham, 2.30pm Jan 9: Furness Falcons v Spitfires, Hoops Basketball Centre, Barrow, 2pm Jan 16: Warriors v Mavericks, Darland Sports Centre, Wrexham, 2.30pm Jan 17: Steelers 3 v Bolton Bulls, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, noon Jan 23: Furness Falcons v Warriors, Hoops Basketball Centre, Barrow, 2pm Jan 30: Furness Falcons v Steelers 3, Hoops Basketball Centre, Barrow, 2pm Jan 30: Mavericks v Wheelblazers, Y Club/Castlefield Hotel, Manchester, 6pm Jan 31: Bolton Bulls v Spitfires, Smithills Sports Centre, Bolton, 1.30pm

3rd DIVISION NORTH Dec 5: Jaguars 2 v Bury Blue Devils, Magnus Sports Centre, Newark, noon Dec 5: Eagles 2 v Vikings 2009, Percy Hedley School, Killingworth, 1pm Dec 6: Cardinals v Leeds Spiders, Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre, Cleckheaton, 1.30pm Dec 6: West of Scotland v Vikings 2009, Playdrome, Glasgow, 11.25am Dec 13: Eagles 2 v Cardinals, Percy Hedley School, Killingworth, 2pm Dec 13: Vikings 2009 v Steelers 4, Lansbury Bridge School, St Helens, 1.30pm Dec 13: West of Scotland v Cardinals, Playdrome, Glasgow, 1.25 Jan 10: Cardinals v Bury Blue Devils, Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre, Cleckheaton, 1.30pm Jan 10: Leeds Spiders v Vikings 2009, Crawshaw School, Leeds, 11.30am Jan 10: Steelers 4 v Jaguars 2, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, 11am Jan 16: Vikings 2009 v Bury Blue Devils,

Lansbury Bridge School, St Helens, 1pm Jan 17: Cardinals v Jaguars 2, Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre, Cleckheaton, 1.30pm Jan 17: Steelers 4 v Leeds Spiders, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, 10am Jan 30: Jaguars 2 v Vikings 2009, Magnus Sports Centre, Newark, 12.20pm Jan 30: Leeds Spiders v West of Scotland, Crawshaw School, Leeds, tbc Jan 30: Eagles 2 v Steelers 4, Percy Hedley School, Killingworth, 3pm Jan 31: Cardinals v West of Scotland, Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre, 1.30pm

3rd DIVISION CENTRAL Dec 5: Phoenix Flyers v RGK TCAT Rhinos 3, Moulton College Sports Centre, tbc Dec 6: Bury Bombers v Crusaders WBA, County Upper School, Bury St Edmunds,1.30pm Dec 13: Crusaders WBA v RGK TCAT Rhinos 3, The Woodlands School & Sports College, Coventry, 11am Dec 13: Mansfield Maulers v Sporting Club Albion, Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Mansfield, tbc Jan 9: Mansfield Maulers v Phoenix Flyers, Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Mansfield,12.30pm Jan 10: Sporting Club Albion v Crusaders WBA, WBA Community Sports Hall, Wes Bromwich, 3pm Jan 17: Cobras 2 v Sporting Club Albion, Leicester Leys Leisure Club, 1.30pm Jan 24: Cobras 2 v Bury Bombers, Leicester Leys Leisure Club, 1.30pm Jan 30: Mansfield Maulers v Crusaders WBA, Oak Tree Leisure Centre, Mansfield, 4pm Jan 31: Sporting Club Albion v RGK TCAT Rhinos 3, TAKE ME HOME! WBA Community Sports Hall, West Bromwich, 3pm

Stay ahead of the game . . . www.alltogethernow.org.uk

32

All Together NOW!

Paralympic ban lifted A BAN on athletes with learning disabilities competing in Paralympic sport has been lifted by the International Paralympic Committee.

But, while welcoming the move, learning disability charity Mencap says that unless immediate Government funding is forthcoming British athletes will be excluded from the London’s Para;ympic Games in 2012.

Mark Goldring, Mencap chief executive, said: “Everyone at Mencap is delighted that after years of campaigning, athletes with a learning disability will no longer be excluded from the Paralympic Games.

“However without immediate funding, British athletes will remain excluded from London 2012.

“This would be a national embarrassment.”

The International Paralympic Committee made the ban at the Sydney Paralympics in 2000, when members of the Spanish basketball team falsely claimed to have a learning disability.

Until then Britain’s elite athletes with a learning disability, like other elite athletes, qualified for lottery funding.

December/January 2010

Talan’s sponsor joy WINTER Paralympic hopeful Talan Skeels-Piggins has been given the perfect Christmas gift – a year’s sponsorship by Astra Tech UK. “Training and racing on the world circuit is hard enough without the stress of finding the £25k a year it costs each athlete to fund their programme,” says Talan, who has his sights firmly set on the Games, which take place in February in Vancouver.

“This support has helped to ease some of these problems.

Hopefully, I will return with a medal.”

Six years ago the former PE teacher and Royal Navy fighter controller was paralysed from the chest after being involved in a motorcycle accident.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

STROKES OF GENIUS

B

RITAIN’S top disabled swimmers showed why they are among the world’s best at the Nationwide Short Course Swimming Championships in Sheffield.

Twelve world, 22 European and numerous British records fell at the event.

Sascha Kindred (Hereford), set up three new world records - SM6 100m (1.15.39); 200m individual medley (2.41.52); and the S6 50m butterfly (31.80) – and was voted the Outstanding Male Swimmer of the championships.

City of Salford’s Heather Frederiksen smashed her own short course world record in the S8 100m backstroke.

Her new time of 1.11.39 knocked seconds off the old record (1.16.60) she set at the same event last FANTASTIC victory in the title for a second time and to regain the year.

The 23-year-old also NEC Wheelchair Tennis world number one spot makes it even broke the 100m S8 Masters in Amsterdam was more special,” said Norfolk. butterfly in fine style, enough to restore Peter Norfolk as “I missed last year’s Masters due to the world’s NUMBER ONE quad the birth of our son Joseph, whose first clocking 1.14.05 and beating the 1.22.93 record player for the fifth time in seven birthday it was on the day I flew out to set over three years ago years.

Amsterdam.”

by Bolton’s Rachael Norfolk, who went into the event The victory rounded off an excellent Latham. world-ranked number two, beat month for Norfolk. Weeks earlier he City of Sheffield star defending champion and world number triumphed in the quad singles at the James Crisp was back to one David Wagner of the United Nottingham Indoor Championships, his best, breaking a world States, 6-2, 7-5 in the final at the Frans beating Dutch world number eight record in the S9 400m Otten Stadium to win his second NEC Dorrie Timmermans van Hall 6-1, 6-0 freestyle. in just 53 minutes.

Masters title in four years.

The 27-year-old was “I am delighted to win this prestigious pleased to clock 4.18.38, taking more than two seconds off the old record.

Natalie Massey (Manchester), won the Outstanding Female Swimmer after a series of All Together NOW! is helping and top performances including NAME inspiring tens of thousands of a new world record in the people whose lives are affected S14 100m individual medley (1.11.41). She also by disability. But the charity helped the North West needs to find ways to balance ADDRESS team take the Regional the books.

Team Trophy.

You can help in a big way by Other world record becoming one of our loyal breakers included Liz subscribers. For a suggested £10 Johnson (Bath), Matt Walker (Stockport), Ben donation (or more, if you can Procter (Newquay) and afford it!) we will send you the Sam Hynd (Swansea).

Norfolk on top of the world again!

A

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TAKE ME HOME!