All Together Now Magazine - Issue 34 - December 2010 by All Together Now

BEST READ

240,000 READERS!

HEALTH PAPER! IT’S OFFICIAL:

THE NORTH WEST’S

& DISABILITY

In the the 10 10 years years we we have have been been conducting conducting In surveys nothing nothing comes comes anywhere anywhere near near to to surveys the standards standards being being set set by by this this paper. paper. The The the results are are hugely hugely impressive impressive — The Murray Consultancy results

THE PERFECT

All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

‘The paper is eagerly read by people with – and without – disabilities’ All Together NOW! is the BEST READ health and disability paper in the North West – and that’s official!

Tel 0151 230 0307

Since setting up five years ago, we have amassed 240,000 readers – and half DO NOT read any local paper, evening, morning or weekly. Only the Manchester News (356,000,Thurs-Fri editions) and Liverpool Echo (250,000) record better readership figures. David Murray, who runs the Murray Consultancy, that specialises in newspaper reader research, said: “All Together NOW! is a real gem. Unlike lots of newspapers who are losing readers hand over fist, All Together NOW! is bucking the trend – and in grand style. “In the 10 years we have been conducting surveys nothing has come anywhere near to the standards being set by this new newspaper. The results are hugely impressive by anyone’s standard. “Our data shows that All Together NOW! is being eagerly read right across the region by people with – and without – disabilities. There is something in it for everyone.” The survey shows that in the past year the paper has attracted an increased 20% readership, due to the increased availability of the publication in mainstream outlets such as garden centres, visitor attractions and hospitals. Ninety per cent of those surveyed could not fault the title, half said the paper is now firmly part of their reading habits – and more than half (54%) said they were not disabled. Informative, unique and stylish are how most readers describe the publication. All Together NOW! editor and

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240,000 110,000

STAR ATTRACTION: Filming readers at Aintree Hospitals NHS Trust

readers and growing!

DO NOT read ANY local paper

founder Tom Dowling said: “We knew we had created something very special and these results confirm that.

Advertising agencies “Every day we get calls, letters and emails from readers saying just how much they like and really value the paper. “Unlike lots of free papers that are posted into homes, our readers are going out of their way to pick up their copies. “If we can find the resources to print and circulate more papers we think All

email: info@alltogethernow.org.uk

Together NOW! could well become the best read title in the region. “We are now looking to team up with advertising agencies and media buyers to give their clients a new and innovative way to spread their messages to a new and fast growing market.” The only negative in the survey was that not enough copies are in circulation. In the North West there are 2.2m people who are affected by disability – one-third of the population. David Murray said: “All Together NOW! has significant scope to increase its circulation.”

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BEST READ HEALTH & DISABILITY PAPER IN THE NORTH WEST! MUM NATASHA BACKS BREASTFEED CAMPAIGN

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What’s inside NEWS

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HAMPER WINNERS

THE MORGAN FOUNDATION

AWARDS

MERSEYTRAVEL

GARDENING

THEATRE GUIDE

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CAREZONE

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SPORTZONE

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

Advertising/sponsorship Chris Groves , John McDonnell, Paul Henderson email: sales@alltogethernow.org.uk IT Support: Ken Almond Website: Pharos Design

NEXT EDITION: Monday 6 February 2011 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 Printed by Trinity Mirror NW2, Oldham

A very merry Christmas . . . December/January 2011

NEWS

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Sign up for a free cuppa at cafe CUSTOMERS at a Leeds cafe were rewarded with free tea and coffee – providing they ordered using British Sign Language. The novel idea came during Learn to Sign Week and saw customers at Caffe Nero in Leeds given basic BSL lessons from coHearentVision, the working name for Yorkshire’s leading charity for deaf and blind people. Jessica Hendy, one of the customers who took part, said: “I’ve always wanted to learn sign language, so the quick lessons provided by coHearentVision were a great way of getting people involved and an interesting taster of what is to be

expected on a beginners course. I would definitely like to learn more and getting my coffee for free was a great reward!” Rob Young, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We rely heavily on donations and support from both individuals and businesses, so we’re very grateful to Caffe Nero and the public’s efforts in helping us to raise awareness of Learn to Sign Week and the importance of BSL as the first language of so many people.” n coHearentVision: Tel. 0113 243 8328.

Ginola’s charity goal . . . GOOD VISION: David Ginola at the launch of the Vision Sports Legacy Fund

Soccer star hails ‘true talent’ EX-PREMIER League soccer star David Ginola has a new goal – getting more blind children into sport. David and his wife Coraline led a host of Olympic and Paralympic stars to launch the Vision Sports Legacy Fund on World Sight Day. Patron of the Fund, which enables blind and visually impaired and young adults to access sport throughout the UK, David said: “Sport is an amazing vehicle for confidence and character building in children. “In my time working with Vision

peers and excel in their chosen sport. “I’m really looking forward to helping to rear many more stars of the future,” added Ginola, who played for Newcastle, Tottenham and France. He was joined at the launch by supporters of the charity including Mike Brace CBE, who has represented Great Britain at three World Championships, six Paralympic games and two European championships; and five times Paralympic gold medal winner Noel Thatcher MBE. n www.visioncharity.co.uk

I have met some truly talented blind and partially sighted children who are shining examples of how with the right support and facilities they can integrate more fully with their

Deaf teens make TV drama YOUNG deaf teenagers – all with cochlear implants – took part in a film-making day run by Hollyoaks actor Colin Wells. Colin, whose daughter Rachael has a cochlear implant, plays Johnno Dean in the long-running TV drama, and owns Interaction Films which runs workshops for schools, colleges, universities and the community. Using state of the art equipment the teenagers spent the day

creating their own drama, which involved camera work, learning professional scripts, acting, directing and sound engineering. The Ear Foundation, which staged the event, is a national charity helping deaf people make the best use of technology. A spokesperson said: “Deaf children are not always exposed to opportunities which enable them to stretch their communication and language skills.”

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Do YOU arrange yourown care . . ?

PEOPLE who arrange their own care and feel they are being treated unfairly now have the right to complain to an independent Ombudsman. Local Government Ombudsman Tony Redmond said: “Until now, the only form of redress for people in privately funded care was through the care provider’s own complaints procedure or going to court. “Now, if service users, a member of their family or others affected by the service have suffered an injustice, we may be able to help. “In most cases we will only consider a complaint once the care provider has had a fair opportunity to put the situation right.”

Dignity The types of complaints the LGO is expecting to deal with cover a variety of services such as needs assessments, poor care quality and fees from care homes, personal care at home and supported living services. Care Services Minister, Paul Burstow, said: “Everyone should be guaranteed good quality care and dignity however their care is funded. “For the first time ever, people who fund their own social care now have access to independent consideration of their complaints just like people whose care is funded by local councils. “It will offer an independent route for those who have concerns to take action.” n For more information about the service contact the LGO Advice Team on 0300 061 0614 or visit www.lgo.org.uk/adultsocial-care

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. . . and a happy New Year to all our readers!

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Cumbria calendar girls THREE Cumbrian women who live with multiple sclerosis stripped off in some of the Lake District’s most beautiful and remote locations for a new fundraising calendar. Carrie Burbush, Catherine Howe and Jenny Calvert bared all for the camera in the mountains, lakes and forests around their Keswick homes. Award-winning photographer Steve Yates took the classy black and white images at remote locations including Honister Pass, Rannerdale Knot and Rydal Wood – as well as a group shot at Coledale Beck for the December picture of the 2011 MS Society calendar. Keswick Lions paid for the calendar to be printed. n The £10 calendars is

available online at www.everybodysmile.biz /derwentphotography/po rts/index.html and at various outlets in the Keswick area.

All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

Life’s full of ups and downs . . .

NE moment you can be ALL SMILES: on top of the world, the Tom Dowling next flat on your back. with Lucy In our last edition I was boasting Meacock of my wheelchair exploits (and (Granada TV) new-found confidence) on the and special high Alpine ridges that surround guest Denise the Matterhorn and Zermatt. Fergus at the Well, just a few weeks later I 02 awards came crashing back down to earth . . . on a main street in London. I was freewheeling along High Holborn when all of a sudden I came a cropper and ended up in a humiliating heap. I had been taking in all the colourful sights the capital had to A BIG thanks for all the fantastic messages offer - and then made a regarding my Lifetime Achievement award for disastrous error . . . by taking my journalism at this year’s O2 North West Media eyes off the pavement in front of Awards. me. Getting the award was a real honour, but it’s I just didn’t spot the grid that really all down to the people who have supported had sunk just an inch or two me over the years - and especially all of the below the level of the otherwise sponsors of All Together NOW! level paving flags. Of course, I needn’t have gone all the way to London to fall out of especially during the months ahead . . . my chair. From all of us here at All Together NOW! As we all know, we’ve got plenty of serious have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New pavement problems in towns and cities right Year! See you in February. across the North West. Tom Dowling, editor So with all the impending spending cuts let’s hope things don’t get much worse –

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YOU CAN now pick up your FREE copy of All Together NOW! at Sainsbury’s stores situated in Penwortham, Southport, Upton, Prenton and Cheshire Oaks.

Tony’s golf day raises £19,126 for Clatterbridge THE AUTUMN charity golf day, organised as a tribute to former All Together NOW! trustee Tony Owens, raised a massive £19,126 for Clatterbridge Oncology Centre. Tony’s daughter, Alex, said: “I want to thank the hundreds of people who came forward to make my Dad’s day so very special. We had approx 40 teams taking part – and we were lucky to have a hole in one on the day too!” Tony died in November 2009 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

Want to help? Together NOW! is a registered charity set up to provide a tip top news service for anyone whose life is affected by disability, longterm health condtions or age – and raises awareness about how people can overcome personal challenges. n All

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December/January 2011

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NEWS

Epilepsy storyline gets top marks for Corrie CORONATION Street’s storyline about David Platt being diagnosed with epilepsy has been welcomed by a leading charity for young people with epilepsy. David Ford, chief executive of The National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy, said: “A high profile soap storyline which helps increase awareness of epilepsy is a great step forward in boosting understanding and helping to tackle stigma. “We are pressing the Government, education authorities and local health trusts for much better support for the 60,000 under 18s with epilepsy across the UK through our Champions for Childhood Epilepsy campaign.” As well as a cutting edge epilepsy diagnostic service on its Surrey campus, the charity’s special school and further education college caters for children and young people aged five to 25 with complex epilepsy and other conditions such as autism. n The NCYPE helpline: 01342 831342 (Mon-Fri 9am-1pm).

Better than the nationals! I THINK All Together NOW! is more entertaining and enlightening than any daily publication — Raymond Davison, Magazine Lane, Wallasey

Children’s worries . . . HALF of children with diabetes need to talk to someone about the emotional impact of their condition, according to a new study. Some children are even bullied and discriminated against because of their diabetes, says national charity Diabetes UK. Comments from children who took part in the charity’s research study included: n “My friends refused to go into town with me because they were worried about me fainting. I made no fuss, but I was very upset.” (Naomi, 12) n “When I was younger it was very hard because not many children invited me to play at their houses because their parents didn’t know how to look after my diabetes.” (Jake, 10) n “When I do my injections sometimes this girl moans at me and says ‘Why do you have to do that? It’s disgusting’. But I have to do it because it’s essential” (Alice, 15) Douglas Smallwood, chief executive of Diabetes UK, says: “It is unacceptable that some children are made to feel different and isolated. There is a lot of misunderstanding and ignorance that can lead to bullying or discrimination.”

Wii games will help stroke victims

HERO’S WELCOME: Darren Heaton at the end of his 239-mile fundraising trek

‘

Tour of duty!

HEELCHAIR USER Darren Heaton has completed a 10-day scooter trek — despite a spinal injury and a heart condition. And now he is planning to travel the length of The Great Wall of China. The 42-year-old raised thousands of pounds for several charities including The Grenadier Guards Colonel’s Fund, SSAFA, St. Dunstans and The Poppy Appeal. A year’s preparation went into the 239-mile marathon from his home town of Glossop to

Great Wall of China is my next challenge

Wellington Barracks in London, where he was greeted by members of the Grenadier Guards and a military band. “The challenge was a little daunting,” said Darren, whose son is a serving Grenadier Guard. “ We are pretty shattered but the sense of achievement is fantastic. We have met so many

amazing and generous people on the way.” Darren was supported by TV presenter Penny Mallory, Sir Nigel Gifford and motorcycle stunt star Eddie Kidd and completed his epic journey along with partner Jackie and friends who walked most of the route. He added: “After a short rest, I begin plans for the Wheels on the Wall 2012 challenge in which I will attempt to travel the length of The Great Wall of China.” Darren made the trek with a Breeze 4 scooter and NuDrive system loaned by mobility scooter specialist, TGA Electric.

Guide dog boost for kids F

TEAM WORK: Lucy Williams and guide dog, Apple

OR the first time in Britain, blind children are being given the chance to be teamed up with a guide dog. A series of ‘Kids Camps’ are to take place next year to give them a taste of the kind of freedom that guide dogs can provide. The inaugural camp, held at Loughborough and organised by Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, RNIB and Action for Blind People, involved six young blind people who were shown how to groom and care for their dog – and how to navigate a route around the centre with their guide dog’s help. One of the children, 12-year-old Lucy Williams, 12, said: “Having a guide dog would mean that I’d be able to go out on my own, or with friends, and be able to go shopping and stuff. It would help me be more independent and to have more of a social life. “I normally just go with my mum because I can’t really go out on my own. If I go out on my own, which is very rarely, one of my friends guides me.” The camps’ scheme has been set up following the decision by Guide Dogs to remove its lower age limit of 16 for people who can apply for a dog. n Guide Dogs, tel 0845 3727 499. www.guidedogs.org.uk

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COMPUTER games like the Nintendo Wii Remote, could be used to help people with aphasia – a language impairment, commonly caused by a stroke, Researchers are aiming to develop an affordable, way to help people who are no longer able to talk or write, to learn how to ‘gesture’ independently at home. Gestures that can be readily interpreted by others are often encouraged in aphasia treatment, but can be difficult to learn, because people have additional stroke-related disabilities, such as one-sided paralysis. Jane Marshall, professor of aphasiology at City University London, said: “Computerbased treatments have been shown to improve verbal language skills in previous studies, but this is the first time that gestures will be addressed.

‘Exciting’ “We hope our work will help a wider range of people to regain communication skills.” Dr Sharlin Ahmed, at The Stroke Association, said: “Communication difficulties are the most frustrating disability that stroke survivors face. “This very exciting project could go a long way towards helping break down some of the barriers of communication that people with aphasia have to tackle. “150,000 people have a stroke in the UK every year and the use of new technology could help them regain their lives.” The research is being carried out by a team at City University London, in collaboration with The Stroke Association. n www.stroke.org.uk

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Our very happy hamper winners

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

HAPPY FAMILY: Amanda Knowles and her daughters. Inset: son Drew, who is coming home from Afghanistan for Christmas

EET the Knowles and is a corporal in 23 Engineer family – the winners of Regiment, 51 Para Squadron. our super Park Amanda added: “Winning this Christmas hamper magnificent hamper means that competition. I can now look forward to Mum Amanda said: “This is spending more time with him fantastic news! I’ve never won rather than going out shopping!” anything before in my life. We Amanda, who lives in Formby, are all really excited – the kids and husband, John, are avid have been through the list of readers of All Together NOW! “I love this paper. There is so items and already picked out much in it to help families who which goodies they want. “It’s going to be great to tell my are affected by disability. “My daughter Natalie, 12, has son Drew who is coming home cerebral palsy and I get loads of for Christmas from his third tour information from the paper. in Afghanistan.” PREP84C11_ATN_170x265.qxd 10/11/10 09:24 Page 1 “It’s really good to know we’re Drew, 24, joined the army at 16

Picture: KEN ALMOND not alone and that there are good people out there trying to help.” Amanda’s other daughters are Jade, 23, who is studying to be a teacher for deaf pupils; Faye, 21, studying zoology at Liverpool John Moores; and Amanda, 13, and Rachael, 11, who, along with Natalie, are all pupils at Range High School,

Formby. Park’s top of the range Empire hamper is worth £517.50 – and is brimming with top brand confectionery, desserts, soft drinks, beers, wines, spirits, pasta, soups, vegetables, freezer foods and the finest quality meat. Also included are also six crystal wine glasses!

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Charities blast Government spending cuts December/January 2011

NEWS

Pensioners facing ‘a recipe for unfairness’ BRITAIN’S biggest pensioner organisation described the Spending Review as a recipe for unfairness in retirement. Dot Gibson, general secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, said: “All the evidence shows that the richer you are, the longer you live – so making people work longer is a direct attack on the poorest in our society. “Plans to reduce the increases in the state pension by using the lower Consumer Price Index rather than the Retail Price Index will, over time, increase the number of pensioners living in poverty, whilst the money committed to care funding won’t be anywhere near enough to meet the growing demand. “The contribution older people already make to the economy every year in unpaid caring, voluntary work and child minding is well over £30bn, yet none of this is recognised. “If pensioners have to work longer they will simply be unable to help others. So much for the Big Society.” “The older generation was around at the beginning of the welfare state and they know that it is not meant for poor people; it should be for everyone to prevent them from becoming poor. “But the government is seeking to privatize responsibility and blame individuals for the structural failures of our economy. It’s time we stopped pointing the finger at the so-called undeserving poor and started taxing the undeserving rich.”

No DLA benefit u-turn THE Minister for Disabled People has ignored a call to reconsider plans to cut a mobility-based benefit from disabled people in residential care. The call, from a leading disabled activist, came after Maria Miller spoke about her government’s welfare reforms at a conference organised by disability charity Disability Alliance. Sue Bott, director of the National Centre for Independent Living, said the proposal to remove the mobility component of disabled living allowance from most disabled people in residential care was “very misinformed and penny-pinching”, and risked adding to their isolation. But Ms Miller replied: “The reason why we have put the reform in place around DLA is because we believe there is a way we can make the money work better for us there.” She said that council care packages should already include funding for disabled people’s mobility needs. “At the moment, there is a duplication of benefits.” She also said there are no plans to start means-testing DLA.

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COALITION PLANS BLASTED

‘The impact will be massive . . .’

HARITIES across the country have slammed the coalition Government’s Spending Review announcement which, they say, will have a huge effect on disabled people’s lives. Guy Parckar, acting director of policy and campaigns at the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: “Some of the spending decisions announced will have a massive impact on disabled people. “One announcement that has gone largely unnoticed is a proposal to stop people in residential care receiving the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance. “This is a fundamentally unfair change that would have a hugely detrimental impact on thousands of disabled people, leaving many effectively trapped in their homes, WARNINGS: unable to afford to go out. “Many people in residential care Tough times already have their income capped at ahead, says £20 a week once their care has been says RADAR paid for and rely on this benefit to be boss Liz Sayce more independent. This change will hit one of the most families affected by vulnerable groups in autism with the right society and we urge support at the right time. the Government to “The increase in social reconsider.” care funding is The National welcome, but it must be Autistic Society remembered that older warned of the fall out people are not the only the proposals will vulnerable group in cause for the society that need protecting.” thousands of families affected by autism who Liz Sayce, chief executive of the Royal Association already fight huge battles to get the support they so for Disability Rights, said: “Action on social care desperately need. budgets, disabled facilities grants and educational Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS, said: “The personal budgets are to be welcomed. Chancellor has set in motion a devastating chain “But we remain deeply concerned about what reaction for individuals and families affected by might emerge from the detail of both ESA autism – some of the most vulnerable in our society. (Employment and Support Allowance) changes and “Many say their lives are already ‘hanging in the estimates made about savings accrued from welfare balance’. reform. Crisis point “Disabled people must not be pushed further into “The domino effect of cuts across school transport, poverty by these proposals or be fruitlessly respite care, crucial benefits and other vital services assessed countless times, wasting tax payers could push whole families to crisis point at profound money in the process. expense to those local authorities left picking up the “As all these measures get fleshed out, we will be pieces. keeping a keen eye on the detail at both national “Now more than ever, government must and local level and we will be challenging spending acknowledge the long term cost benefits of providing reviews that we consider unfair to disabled people.”

‘

Disabled people must not be pushed further into poverty

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‘Blind job seekers deserve better’ EMILY Brothers, president of the National Federation of the Blind, challenged the Spending Review proposals, saying: “Reforms will clearly deepen inequality and simply reconstruct poverty amongst blind people. “I am appalled that the package of measures cynically attacks working age blind people wishing to find a job to do, whilst they experience a series of obstacles to progress.” “The Government likes small scale projects to showcase returns to work for blind people, but fails to make a strategic intervention to protect disabled people from public sector redundancies. “The Chancellor makes no reference to the Access to Work fund, surely requiring a boost in funds to help disabled people keep their jobs.”

Students’ fear CHANGES to Disability Living Allowance rules could force many students in residential care to give up their studies and prevent thousands more from entering education, says the National Union of Students. The mobility component of the DLA currently allows thousands of disabled people living in residential care the independence to get to places of education when distance or timetabling issues might otherwise prevent it. However, under plans in the Comprehensive Spending Review, this component will be abolished (see No benefit u-turn, this page bottom left). Rupy Kaur, NUS Disabled Students’ Officer, said: “This move will mean that thousands of people who want to improve their chances of finding meaningful work will be prevented from doing so.”

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

Smiles that say they’re simply the best!

Our other ‘winners’ THE runners-up and highly commended in each category were:

ALL SMILES: Winners and runners-up at this year’s awards

Meet our new business heroes T

HE winners and runners-up in the six categories of the 2010 Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards were presented with prizes totalling £110,000 in a glittering ceremony at Carden Park Hotel, Chester. They also received a package of professional services, including free banking advice from the main sponsor Barclays. Businessman Steve Morgan, founder of the Morgan Foundation, said: “This is the fourth year of the awards and each time they have got bigger and better; 2010 is no exception. “We had more entries than ever before and the finalists were of the highest quality. Inspirational, ambitious, passionate and sheer bloody-minded are just a few of the words the judges used to describe them. “Judging was very difficult and in many cases it was the smallest of margins separating the winners and runners-up.” John Powell, corporate director, Northern Region, Barclays Corporate, said: “Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our economy. Be they big or small, they generate new ideas, new opportunities and new employment. “These awards are unique. Not

Debbie — a fighter with real style

INSPIRATIONAL: DEBBIE STONE

The Against All Odds category was the emotional climax of the evening, with a prize of £10,000 awarded to the person or organisation that had overcome the biggest obstacles on their path to success. All the finalists were outstanding, but the judges were bowled over by the pragmatic business skills coupled with the vitality and zest for life shown by the winner, Debbie Stone, of Blow Hair and Beauty, Widnes, Cheshire. At 16, Debbie was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis and thought that she wasn’t going to make it past 20. Despite frequent stays in hospital

only are there substantial cash prizes, there are categories aimed specifically at entrepreneurial charities and organisations that make a social or economic contribution to the region; a sector generally overlooked in the recognition stakes.” The £20,000 first prize in the Best New Business category went to Leaf Tea Shop & Bar in Liverpool, owned by Natalie Haywood. Leaf aims to bring tea drinking into the 21st century. Kris McDonald, who established Keyhole Productions, Liverpool, won the title of Best Young Entrepreneur and £10,000 for his

Debbie got a degree and worked in the NHS. However, following the birth of her daughter, ill-health resulted in her losing her job. But in 2006 she opened two card and gift shops and a hair and beauty salon - and a new one has just opened for business. Frequently having to trade from a hospital bed isn’t easy but can be done, as she has shown. For Debbie, just getting to 32 is an achievement (average life expectancy is 38). But her choice was simple – give up or fight . . .

multimedia business that works with people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise first prize of £12,500 was scooped by Elixir Foundations CIC. Based in Bootle, Merseyside, the company combines social and environmental objectives to create opportunities for vulnerable adults. Winner of the Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise in Liverpool category, sponsored Liverpool Vision and with a prize of £10,000, was The Reader Organisation, a charity promoting reading to improve

www.morganfoundation.co.uk

personal mental wellbeing. Beneficiaries include people suffering deprivation, children in care, young people not in formal education, people with physical or mental health problems, and older people. Wolverhampton-based Access to Business won the top prize of £12,500 in the Best Business Providing Social and/or Economic Contribution category. The ‘not for profit’ company supports people into employment, self employment and training, with a specialism in supporting those with health problems and/or disability.

Best New Business SPD CAD Services, Liverpool (joint runner-up, £5,000) Training Strategies Ltd, Liverpool (joint runner-up, £5,000) Highly Commended: The Chocolate Cellar, Liverpool Tender Management Consultancy Ltd, Liverpool Best Young Entrepreneur James Clarke - True Reflections, Conwy (joint runner-up, £2,500) Amelia Nutting - Shuga Budz, Wolverhampton (joint runner-up, £2,500) Highly Commended: Thomas Darlow - Bright Headway, Liverpool Donna Redgrave - RMDMemory Matters, Liverpool Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise The Dee-Tex Project Saltney, Flintshire (joint runner-up, £5,000) Ykids - Claire Morgans, Bootle, Merseyside (joint runner-up, £5,000) Highly Commended: Fruit to Suit -Wallasey, Wirral Gwledd Conwy Feast Conwy Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise in Liverpool (sponsored by Liverpool Vision) Highly Commended were: Ariel Trust Chrysalis Domestic Violence Services 20 Stories High Best Business Providing a Social or Economic Contribution to the Region C & S Care Company Wolverhampton (joint runnerup, £5,000) The Contact Company Birkenhead, Wirral (joint runner-up, £5,000) Highly Commended: Expert Language Solutions, Southport, Merseyside 20 Stories High - Liverpool Against All Odds Highly Commended Ben Donnelly -Elixir Foundations, Bootle, Merseyside Brian McManus -The DeeTex Project, Saltney, Flintshire Jan Williams - Northwest Laser & Aesthetics Clinic Limited, Frodsham, Cheshire Jo Wood - Rape & Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre, Birkenhead, Wirral

Tel. 01829 782800

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December/January 2011

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Now let’s make our services even better M

ERSEYTRAVEL wants to hear your views about how they can continue to improve services for everyone. The transport authority for Merseyside is calling on interested groups and individuals to get involved now in deciding the priorities for its draft Single Equality Scheme. The Scheme sets in stone how Merseytravel promotes equality of opportunity – regardless of age, race, gender, transgender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief – in the delivery of its services, employment of staff and awarding of contracts. Neil Scales, chief executive and director general of Merseytravel, said: “We have a strong history of demonstrating equality and diversity which is reflected in our mission: To

Equality: Travel chiefs want YOUR opinions promote an integrated transport system to improve quality of life on Merseyside. “We value views on the possible priorities that we will focus on during the term of our first Single Equality Scheme. “It would be unrealistic of me to promise that we can meet everyone’s requirements, but I would ask people to take the time to let us know their thoughts.” The consultation document covers suggestions for priority areas and outcomes relating to public transport and tourist activities across the five districts of Merseyside. It will help Merseytravel to offer

products and services that are accessible to all members of the community, and cover all protected characteristics as introduced by the Equality Act 2010. The Scheme will include a detailed action plan, setting out specifically what actions will be taken to build equality and diversity into all of Merseytravel’s activities, directly influenced by the results of this engagement, so your views really do count. n For further details visit the Merseytravel website: www.merseytravel.gov.uk, click on “Publications” and then scroll down to “Merseytravel’s Single Equality Scheme”. Or contact: Paula Coppell, Merseytravel Equality and Diversity Officer, tel: 0151 330 1291.e-mail: paula.coppel@merseytravel.gov.uk

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

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

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BORDER BEAUTIES: Tulip Fly Away and Euphorbia characias

You sexy things!

HIS is a story of sun, sand and sex – plant sex, of course. It starts with my vision for a herbaceous border and finishes with a radically different display. When we moved into our ‘new’ house on the Wirral coast, we ripped out a row of scruffy Leyland cypresses, leaving an impoverished strip of sandy soil which begged to be converted into a flower border. It was overlooked from the house, faced south for the sun, and was protected by a wall – ideal, or so I thought. The idea was to enrich the soil with tons of manure and plant perennials in similar colour groups for all-year display . . . candelabra primulas, blends of delphiniums, golden achillea with heleniums, Christmas rose and many more. The backdrop to this idyll was to be a wall-trained tapestry of summer-flowering climbers, such as Clematis tangutica with its yellow bells, and the front would be edged with purple pulmonarias and catmint overhanging the path. Since then I’ve learned the art of the possible. Enriching the soil might require some hired muscle but is not complicated. Creating a border of favoured perennials demands the ability to enjoy the successes and move on from the failures. Or learn from my mistakes. Achillea and delphiniums needed richer, moister soil than any amount of manure and fertilisers could create while primulas, pulmonarias, catmint and Christmas roses refused to thrive in free-draining sand. Sex reared its head the next

summer when I accepted nature’s help in filling the gaps with promiscuously self-sown wild flowers such as foxgloves, spiky purple toadflax and feverfew daisies. However, I have managed to establish some pleasant effects for most of the year. Bergenia purpureus, also known as elephant’s ears or pigsqueak, thrives on adversity and opens pale purple flowers reliably every December. While Christmas roses failed, other hellebores, notably the Lenten rose, Helleborus orientalis, with graceful green bells combined well with Euphorbia characias.

HELPING HANDS

This greenery is relieved by groups of bulbs, first of a pale yellow daffodil called St Patrick’s Day, which occasionally lives up to its name by blooming in time for March 17, then by a glorious lilyflowered tulip, Fly Away, rich red with golden edges to the petals, from Suttons Seeds. Before the euphorbias have faded Solomon’s seal picks up the green theme with emerald-tipped white droplets suspended from arching stems. At the bone-dry border edge, I allow anything that will grow there – white London pride, blue campanulas, mauve geraniums, a superb spreading thyme, Bressingham Pink, which in fact

covers itself in purple summer flowers, and a daisy which you can be sure is very much prettier than its name, Erigeron karvinskianus. Late summer and autumn brings the hot colours of red-bronze helenium Moerheim Beauty, maroon foliage and yellow flowers of an unusual loosestrife, Lysimachia ciliata Firecracker, long-lasting crimson heads of sedum Autumn Joy, purple Michaelmas daisies, and the fiery petals of a hardy late chrysanthemum. The deep red nasturtium Empress of India is allowed to tumble through other plants and bloom when it pleases.

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Ultimate guide to the garden THE RHS Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers is a sumptuous guide to planning your dream garden which has sold nearly 3m copies worldwide since its first publication in 1987. Now the fifth edition is out – updated by the Royal Horticultural Society’s experts and redesigned for quicker reference and easier plant identification. The encyclopedia, published by Dorling Kindersley with Christopher Brickell as editor-in-chief, costs £35, but we have FIVE copies of this superb volume for All Together NOW! readers to win. Featuring over 8,000 plants and thousands of photographs, this is the ideal book for identifying and selecting plants and for planning a garden scheme. At the heart of the book is the illustrated

plant catalogue which is divided into 10 sections covering everything from trees to bedding plants, and rock plants to bulbs. Each variety is photographed and a new “how to” section tells you all you need to know on cultivation, pruning and care. The encyclopedia is available from all good bookshops and online at www.dk.com To enter our competition, answer this question: How many plants feature in the new RHS encyclopedia? Send your entry with your name and address on a postcard or sealed envelope, stating where you picked up your copy of All Together NOW! to: RHS Competition, All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive by Friday January 22, or enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk

FLOWERS: For an early bouquet of sweet peas sow some now under glass in Rootrainers or deep pots. Snip off the dead flower heads of winter pansies regularly to encourage more blooms. Pinch out the tips of long shoots on wallflower plants to help them grow bushy. SHRUBS AND TREES: In a mild spell feed trees and shrubs with several handfuls of blood, fish and bone meal scattered round the base as a slow-release source of nutrients. PATIOS: Move patio pots into the sunniest position and raise them on bricks or pot feet so they do not stand in puddles after winter rains. Keep a sheet of horticultural fleece or an old blanket nearby so it can be used to cover containers quickly if severe frost threatens. PONDS: If water is iced over, allow gases to escape by filling a saucepan with boiling water and standing it on the ice to melt a hole. Never use a hammer. VEGETABLES: Earth up leeks to encourage blanching. Support tall crops like brussels sprouts against winter gales. FRUIT: Finish planting fruit trees, bushes and canes. Before buying, check the size the variety can be expected to reach after, say, five years. If it will not fit in the space, choose something smaller. HERBS: Pot up parsley and chives, and grow them on an indoor windowsill. Also pot up roots of mint in 22cm (9in) pots and keep them under glass to provide early shoots when they will be most appreciated early next spring. HOUSEPLANTS: Keep houseplants on the dry side if they flowered earlier in the year but feed and water regularly those that are flowering or are still coming into bloom. WILDLIFE: Attract an interesting range of birds throughout winter by providing fresh water regularly and different foods such as thistle seed for finches, nuts for bluetits and coal-tits, and crumbs, apple cores and currants for robins and blackbirds.

Disabled and need advice on gardening? Contact national charity THRIVE. Tel. 0118 988 5688. www.thrive.org.uk or www.carryongardening.org.uk

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BOX OFFICE NUMBERS

The Everyman and Playhouse Theatres offer Audio Described performances Captioned performances British Sign Language interpreted performances Visit our website at www.everymanplayhouse.com for details of all our accessible performances – including our Christmas shows, email us at access@everymanplayhouse.com or call us on 0151 709 4776

BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre: 01253 290190 BOLTON Octagon: 01204 520661 LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru: 01492 872000 MOLD Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565 CREWE Lyceum: 01270 537333 STOKE Regent Theatre: 0844 871 7627 MANCHESTER Library Theatre:

The Lowry: 0843 208 6000 Opera House: 0870 401 9000 Palace Theatre: 0870 401 3000 LIVERPOOL Empire: 08444 999 999. Everyman & Playhouse: 0151 709 4776. Royal Court: 0870 787 1866 NEW BRIGHTON Floral Pavilion: 0151 666 0000 PORT SUNLIGHT Gladstone Theatre: 0151 643 8757

PRESTON Charter Theatre: 0845 344 2012 RHYL Pavilion Theatre: 01745 330 000 RUNCORN The Brindley: 0151 907 8360 SOUTHPORT Floral Hall: 0844 847 2380 ST HELENS Theatre Royal: 01744 756000. Citadel: 01744 735436 WOLVERHAMPTON Grand Theatre: 01902 429212

0151 709 4776 WWW.EVERYMAN PLAYHOUSE.COM

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Thanks . . . A BIG thanks is going out to all those who gave £50 to sponsor a seat at Port Sunlight’s Gladstone Theatre. It’s taken four years to achieve but £20,000 has been raised and all 430 seats now have a small plaque with the donor’s name. There are also plans for a permanent record of sponsors on general display in the foyer. Alan Shone, chairman of the Gladstone Theatre Trust, said: “The theatre is managed by local volunteers who are responsible for fund raising and keeping the venue open for the benefit of the community. “The money has enabled us to complete improvements for the benefit of both performers and audiences. The latest has been the laying of a new floor surface on the stage.” www.gladstonetheatre.org.uk

Oh no it isn’t Nov 26-Jan 22: Sleeping Beauty, Everyman Theatre, Liverpool. A Rock ‘N’ Roll Panto. BSL: Sat 15 Jan at 2pm, Audio Described: Wed 19 Jan at 1.30pm & 7.30pm, Captioned: Sat 22 Jan at 2pm. Nov 29-Dec 4: Lark Rise to Candleford (‘Heartwarming’ Play), Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton Nov 29-Dec18: Rawhide Comedy Club (International Stand Up), Royal Court, Liverpool. Nov 30-Dec 4: Glyndebourne Don Giovanni, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent. Black comedy opera, sung in Italian. Dec 1-Jan 15: David Copperfield, Octagon Theatre, Bolton. Dickensian adaption. Dec 1-Dec 2: Christmas Charity Concert (Male Choir), The Brindley, Runcorn. Dec 1: That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show (Christmas Musical), Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Rock ‘n’ Roll production. Dec 1: Glyndebourne – Cenerentola, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent. Italian opera based on Cinderella. Dec 2-Jan 15: No Wise Men, Everyman Theatre, Liverpool. Audio Describe & Captioning available. Dec 3-Jan 15: We Will Rock You, Palace Theatre, Manchester. Smash hit Queen musical. Dec 3-Jan 2: Aladdin, Grand TAKE ME HOME! Theatre, Blackpool. Pantomime.

Dec 3: Giselle (Ballet), The Brindley, Runcorn. Dec 3-Jan 9: Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, Theatre Royal, St Helens Dec 3-Jan 8: A Christmas Carol, The Lowry, Manchester. A festive Dickensian classic. Dec 3-Jan 2: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Opera House, Manchester. Panto starring Tina O’Brian and Andy Devine. Dec 4: Voices of the Valley Male Choir, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Male Choir. Dec 5: Victorian Values, The Lowry, Manchester. A ‘curiously sexy’ comedy. Dec 7-Jan 2: Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Charter Theatre, Preston. Dec 8-Jan 1: Peter Pan, The Lowry, Manchester. A music version of a classic story. Dec 8-Dec 18: Cinderella, St Helens Citadel. Dec 9-Jan 9: Robinson Crusoe, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent. Panto. Dec 9: Ken Dodd, Theatre Royal, St Helens. Dec 9-Jan 2: Aladdin, Southport Theatre. Panto. Dec 10-Dec 12: Cinderella, Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight. Dec 10-Jan 8: Peter Pan, Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl. Dec 11-Jan 2: Cinderella, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Dec 11-Jan 30: Aladdin, Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton. Dec 11-Jan 2: Cinderella, Venue

Cymru, Llandudno. Panto. Dec 12-Jan 9: Aladdin, The Brindley, Runcorn. Dec 12: Turn of the Century, The Lowry, Manchester. Dan Antopolski performing live comedy. Dec 12: Only Men Aloud, Palace Theatre, Manchester. Christmas themed performance. Male choir. Dec 13: The Saw Doctors, Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Live concert. Dec 17-Dec 18: Cinderella, Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight Dec 18: The Nose, Octagon Theatre, Bolton. Family comedy Dec 20: Christmas Concert with Carols, Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Dec 20: The Searchers (60s Pop Group), Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight. Dec 22: Holly at Christmas, Guild Hall, Preston. Buddy Holly tribute. Dec 27-Jan 3: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, The Lowry, Manchester. A festive musical for all the family. Dec 29: The Houghton Weavers Christmas Show, Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight. Jan 6-9: Jack and the Beanstalk, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Jan 8: The Nutcracker, Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Fantasy ballet. Jan 9: Swan Lake, Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Romantic ballet. Jan 11: Thin Lizzy, Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Classic rock. Jan 11: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Guild Hall, Preston. Jan 12-13: Annie Meets Danny “La”, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

ScreenTest

How much of the force is still with you ..? Sat 11th December to Sun 2nd January

0151 666 0000 www.f loralpavilion.com

. . .oh yes it is! Jan 12: The Johnny Cash Story, The Lowry, Manchester. Tribute show. Jan 12: Paul Carrack, The Lowry, Manchester. Live music. Jan 14-15: The Richard Thompson Band, The Lowry, Manchester. Live music Jan 15: Fireman Sam Live, Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Children’s show. Jan 16: Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, The Lowry, Manchester. Tribute band Jan 17-22: Monty Python’s Spamalot, Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Comedy musical Jan 18-Jan 22: Les Miserables School Edition , The Brindley, Runcorn Jan 19-22: Cinderella, The Lowry, Manchester. Performed by the Birmingham Royal Ballet Jan 20: Tom Wrigglesworth’s Nightmare Dreamwedding, The Lowry, Manchester. Award-winning comedy. Jan 20: Eyes Front, Octagon Theatre, Bolton. Featuring Isla St Clair Jan 20-22: Alice in Wonderland, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Jan 21-Feb 26: Calender Girls, Palace Theatre, Manchester. Comedy drama. Jan 21: Abba Magic, Octagon Theatre, Bolton. Abba tribute band. Jan 21: The One-To-One Show, The Lowry, Manchester. Starring Gyles Brandreth Jan 22: Mean Fiddler Presents... Bleakhill & Guests (Alternative Rock), St Helens Citadel. Alternative rock. Jan 24: Sally Morgan, Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton. Psychic Jan 25: European Union Chamber Orchestra, Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Classical live music.

Jan 25: Ani DiFranco, The Lowry, Manchester. Live music. Jan 26-Jan 29: April in Paris, Charter Theatre, Preston. Comedy. Jan 26: The Circus of Horrors, Venue Cymru, Llandudno. ‘Bizarre & beautiful’ circus performance . Jan 26: Brendan Cole Live & Unjudged, Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl.Dance. Jan 26: Sally Morgan, Palace Theatre, Manchester. Live psychic performance. Jan 27: Elvis Live in Concert, Palace Theatre, Manchester. Starring Lee ‘Memphis’ King. Tribute. Jan 29: Tonight’s Gonna Be A Good Night, Palace Theatre, Manchester. Dance, drama and music by youngsters from 4-20. Jan 27: Sally Morgan, Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl. Psychic. Jan 27: Brendan Cole Live and Unjudged (Dance and Entertainment), Floral Pavilion, New Brighton Jan 27: Variety Show, The Brindley, Runcorn. Claire House fundraiser. Jan 27: Beyond the Barricade, Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Songs from the west end. Jan 28: Max Boyce and special guests, Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Live music. Jan 28: Darkside, The Brindley, Runcorn. Pink Floyd Tribute. Jan 29: John Bishop: Sunshine, Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Live stand-up comedy. Jan 29: The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Jan 30: They Should Get Out More,

The Lowry, Manchester. Starring comedians Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis Jan 30: Russel Kane, The Lowry, Manchester. Live comedy Jan 31: Milton Jones: Lion Whisperer, The Lowry, Manchester. Live performance. Feb 1: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Guild Hall, Preston. Feb 1-5: Mathew Bourne’s Cinderella, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent. A 1940s version of Cinderella. Feb 2-Feb 3: The Saturdays, Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl. Pop. Feb 2: Shakespeare4Kidz A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton. Feb 3-Feb 13: The Ciggie Run, Theatre Royal, St Helens. Comedy Feb 3-Mar 5: Romeo & Juliet, Octagon Theatre, Bolton. Shakespearian love story. Feb 3: The Christians, The Lowry, Manchester. Live music Feb 4: Fairport Convention, Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Live music. Feb 5: Happy Faces, Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Family music Feb 5: Battle of the Bands, Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Live music (16 and over). Feb 5: Zoe Lyons Cloudbusting, The Brindley, Runcorn. Live stand-up comedy. Feb 5: The Magic of Motown, Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton. Feb 5: Back For Good, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Take That tribute Feb 6: Vienna Tonkunstler Orchestra, Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

by DAN SANDERS

BIG welcome to our third ScreenTEST, the column in which we take a look back at some classic pieces of cinema. This issue is concerned with the original film in George Lucas’s epic space-opera, Star Wars. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope was released in 1977, after many years of planning, changing and editing. Lucas had said he wanted to redefine the sci-fi genre, and he certainly succeeded. The compelling characters and plot made for a thoroughly enjoyable two hours. This film receives a well deserved nine out of ten. As always, here are a few questions about the film to get your memory rolling. 1) Who directed the film? 2) Who plays Luke

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Skywalker? 3) Harrison Ford played which character? 4) What are the two warring factions known as? 5) What weapon do Jedis use? 6) What is Princess Leia’s home planet called? 7) Harrison Ford’s character is a smuggler. What is his fellow smuggler’s name and species? 8) What is their ship called? 9) What is Darth Vader’s space-base known as? 10) Who wrote the music for the film? 11) What does Leia say to Luke after kissing him on the cheek just before swinging over the unextended bridge? 12) Who first said “I have a bad feeling about this”? ANSWERS on Page16

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Check out that trail online Welsh rail station worries

DaDaFest just gets better and better THIS year’s DaDaFest – the world’s largest disability and Deaf arts festival – attracted talent from across the world. Highlights of the annual festival included Beyond Sight, an exhibition of photography by visually-impaired people from India, and a performance and workshop by Krip Hop Nation, an international collective of disabled hip hop artists. This was the second time DaDaFest has had an international flavour. Ruth Gould, the festival’s creative director, said its growing success and reputation meant that other countries – such as South Africa, India and Sri Lanka – were now interested in importing the DaDaFest concept. There are plans, too, for part of the 2012 festival to take place in the two August weeks between the London Olympics and Paralympics. Discussions are also taking place over DaDaFest artists appearing in Rio around the time of the 2016 Paralympics. n Contact: DaDa, tel 0151 707 1733 www.dadafest2010.co.uk

Tuned in to helping

TWO key members of Warrington Disability Partnership were singled out by judges at the Wire FM Awards. Brun Corbishley, pictured left, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work over the past 30 years in the voluntary and community sectors, and Rachael Johnston, right, was presented with the Heart of Gold Award for her efforts in raising awareness around disability and eating disorders. Jayne Horton, WDP’s chief officer, said: “Brun and Rachael dedicate their lives to supporting disabled people, their families and carers.”

A NEW website allows lovers of the great outdoors with mobility or visual problems to decide in advance if a countryside route is suitable for them. The Fieldfare Trust’s ‘Phototrails’ site has images and path descriptions – taking in surface, width, gradients, barriers and amenities such as seats, disabled parking, and toilets. The Fieldfare Trust has included more than 60 sites across the UK – and will regularly be adding new ones. Andy Johnson, director of the Fieldfare Trust, said: “We hope Phototrails will help people of all abilities to make their own choices about where to go to explore and enjoy the countryside. Good access to the countryside needs to be matched by great information about that access!” n www.phototrails.org

ACCESS to railway stations in Wales is “unacceptable”, with more than half of the 221 stations not fully accessible, according to a new eport. The report by the Welsh assembly’s equality of opportunity committee said there were “significant shortcomings” in access, with a third of stations having no wheelchair access to platforms and 89% of stations having no wheelchair-accessible toilets. But the report fails to recommend a full upgrading of all stations, because it says the cost would be prohibitively expensive, and instead recommends a process of prioritisation. The report also warns there has been a failure by industry and government to reach a consensus on what level of accessibility to aim for.

Positively brilliant! Y

ELATION: Young artists of The Ella Performance Group with their award

2010 2010 roll roll of of honour honour .. .. .. Abigail Yates Active Community Enterprise (ACE), Prescot BETA Netc@fe, Wigan Compassion in Action, Lowton Crossroads Caring for Carers, Isle of Man Diverse Road Safety, Liverpool

DELIGHT: Dave Thompson, seated left, chair of Warrington Disability Partnership, and the team at Diverse Road Safety

Ella Performance Group, Runcorn 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Sticks and Stones Campaign M & Y Joinery Ltd, St Helens Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s

Volunteer Programme Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Start in Salford The National Trust, Alderley Edge Laser Wars UK, Penrith Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Workplace Familiarisation

OUNG artists from The Ella Performance group put on a great show at the Northwest Positive Action Awards’ presentation night – and were then called up on stage again to collect a prize! They were among 15 award winners at the star spangled event, organised by Warrington Disability Partnership, at the Stobart Stadium, Widnes. Dave Thompson, chair of WDP, said: “Thanks to the continuing support of the Northwest Development Agency we have developed an award scheme that during the past seven years has enabled us to acknowledge the work of nearly 100 businesses and individuals that are making a real difference right here in the North West. “They include 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, individuals who have dedicated their lives to enabling disabled people to become more independent, a team of volunteers that have preserved a heritage site and made it accessible for all – and local organisations that are managed by disabled people and carers promoting empowerment.” Steven Broomhead, NWDA chief executive, said: “People with a disability make a valuable economic contribution to our region and it is vital that we recognise this and create an environment that allows them to fulfil their potential. These awards are recognition of those who are making a real difference in our region.” n Nominations for the 2011 awards can be made online at: www.positiveactionawards.org.uk or via Warrington Disability Partnership: Tel 01925 240064 TAKE ME HOME!

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Travel troubles tackled The ski to success DISABLED holidaymakers are to get a better deal thanks to a new training course for people working in the travel industry. Accessible Travel Made Easy, set up by ABTA and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, provides a step-by-step online guide, covering the whole customer journey. Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive, said: “This training will really help the industry to understand a wide range of disabilities and how simple changes to behaviours and procedures can give all our customers access to a positive travelling experience.” n www.accessibletravelmadeeasy.com

MANCHESTER’S indoor snow centre, Chill Factore, won the Tourism for All prize at the Northwest Tourism Awards. Chill Factore’s chief executive, Stephen Evans said: “It is a particular honour to be recognised for the efforts our instructors go to in order to ensure those with disabilities enjoy a first-class ski experience.” The specially trained instructors provide adaptive skiing for individuals and groups of any age with any disability, including physical, sensory and learning difficulties. A full range of adaptive ski equipment is also available. n Chill Factore: Tel 0161 749 2222. www.chillfactore.com

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Can YOU help blind adventurers?

activities and themes. There’s a really good mix of breaks from opera to driving and walking in Austria to sun in Tunisia. “A Vitalise Holiday really is a holiday with a difference and we’ve received glowing reviews from visually impaired and sighted holidaymakers alike about the range of amazing destinations and activities on offer. “So if you would like to try something new, enjoy meeting people and have a sense of

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humour then we’d love to hear from you.” The charity is also offering “gentle introductions” for first-time sighted holidaymakers on special training days in London and the Lake District. Sessions cost £25 and participants receive a £25 discount voucher off their first holiday. Special activities ‘taster’ weekends in the Lake District for those who want to try their hand at walking, tandem cycling and canoeing before committing to longer holidays are also being arranged. n Readers wanting to know more can call 0845 330 0149 or email viholidays@vitalise.org.uk The Vitalise brochure can be viewed online at www.vitalise.org.uk/holidays

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‘We’ve had a huge increase in callers who tell us that they have seen our advert in All Together NOW! We are delighted with the response’

ACTION TIME: So much on offer at Vitalise

ISCOUNTED holidays are being offered to those who can accompany groups of blind people on UK and overseas’ adventures. National charity Vitalise want to hear from sighted people who can help visually impaired holidaymakers take part in all kinds of exciting activities including skiing, tandem cycling, touring car driving, bushcraft and trekking, as well as ballroom dancing, music appreciation, historic city breaks and holistic therapy. Overseas destinations include Nepal, Borneo, China and Tunisia, Iceland, Istanbul, Bulgaria, Lapland and the Baltic. Vitalise Holidays manager Clare Stephens said: “I’m really excited about our programme for spring 2011, with such a wide selection of

All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

Holiday Breaks in the Lakes near Keswick Self catering apartments for 2-6 people. Specially designed with the wheelchair in mind. No steps. Beautiful views in a superb location. Friendly owners in residence. Open all year.

For a colour brochure

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

— Mrs Joan Almond, Irton House Farm

Book now!

ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS 3GREATCHOICES!

HOTEL Blackpool

Specialist holidays for carers & service users

120, Bond Street, Blackpool, FY4 1HG

EASY ACCESS FOR WHEELCHAIRS CAR PARK EN-SUITE ROOMS ADJOINING ROOMS ELECTRIC HOISTS OVERHEAD TRACKING HOIST ELECTRIC BEDS COT SIDES COMMODES MODERN SPACIOUS BAR & RESTAURANT SPECIAL DIETS CATERED FOR HYDROTHERAPY POOL CONFERENCE FACILITIES LIVE CABARET SHOW EVERY NIGHT PICK-UP AND RETURN SERVICE

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!

HOTEL St. Annes

The Beach, 69-71 South Promenade, St Annes on Sea, FY8 1LZ

RELAX in our sophisticated new hotel in St Annes. Recently refurbished to the highest possible standard, this stylish 26-room hotel overlooks the sea, and offers a choice of luxurious wheelchair-accessible accommodation - from single rooms up to 3-room suites. The new Bond Hotel, St Annes is the ideal venue for those looking for the chance to unwind in style. 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

Marton Mere Holiday Village

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!

www.bondhotel.co.uk

sales@bondhotel.co.uk

Booking hotline 01253 341218

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December/January 2011

CONTACTS n Wrightington Mobility Centre, Hall Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9EP. Tel. 01257 256409 www.mobility-centre.org.uk 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, Tel. 0870 759 0603. www.nabd.org.uk n Disabled Motorcyclists Association, Tel. 0161 214 8314, 07947 138303. www.thedma.org.uk

;ERX XS HVMZI E FIXXIV HIEP#

7EZI YT XS

If you’re disabled driver you can drive a better deal with Fish Insurance. As the UK’s leading disability and Independent Living insurance specialist, we know a disabled driver is a safer driver. That’s why you can enjoy savings of up to 35% and take advantage of car insurance specifically designed for disabled drivers, including wheelchair accessible and specially adapted vehicles.

So if you are disabled or drive for a disabled person, whether the vehicle is modified or not you can put the brakes on costly car insurance!

FREEPHONE 0500 432141 [[[ ´WLMRWYVERGI GS YO INSURING YOUR INDEPENDENCE Monday-Friday 9.00-5.00. Terms and conditions apply. Fish Administration is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Telephone calls may be monitored or recorded for security and training purposes. Fish Insurance is a trading style of Fish Administration Ltd. Registered in England No. 4214119

3130_Motor Ad 100x135.indd 1

24/9/08 11:27:59

“Before my Motability car I was housebound, now I am able to get out wherever and whenever I want.” - Mrs Williams, Liverpool

At Lookers Vauxhall, both at Liverpool and Speke we understand the frustrations and difficulties our customers face simply through the necessity of being mobile. That’s why the motability scheme is so easy. If you receive the higher rate motability component of the Disability Living Allowance you can use all or part of it to drive away a huge selection of brand new Vauxhalls from us.

“Understanding the scheme is easy, I don’t know why we didn’t use it before.’’ - Mr Parker, Crosby

Over 95% of the 1/2 million people currently using the motability scheme would recommend it to their friends however an estimated 1.3 million people are eligible to join but have not taken advantage of doing so. Why continue to not be fully mobile? At Lookers we are so confident in our Vauxhall vehicles, we ask you to simply take a test drive and we will give you £25 worth of Marks & Spencer’s vouchers plus a motability customer you are entitled to all the benefits of the scheme including:

Nil Advance Payment on a variety of vehicles Specialist Adaptions Complimentary servicing and complimentary insurance for up to 2 drivers

Complimentary MOT (when applicable)

Complimentary RAC Cover Complimentary replacement tyres Easy, relaxed purchasing Home visits a pleasure The very latest Vauxhall model range

“The team at Lookers were so helpful – I’m thrilled with my new Corsa.’’ - Mrs Simpson, Speke

At Lookers our team of dedicated specialists have to demonstrate, advise and assist in every way possible. There are no forms, no paperwork, no medicals, no credit checks and no means testing. You don’t even have to worry about the depreciation of the car because you can drive up to 60,000 miles within 3 years and then start all over again with a brand new Vauxhall of your choice. All you have to pay is the fuel!! So why not contact us today. We are here to help and speak Vauxhall and Motability fluently!

Lookers we believe in Customers for Life. Find us at: Lookers Speke Speke Hall Road, Liverpool 0844 659 2656

Lookers Liverpool Derby Road, Liverpool 0844 6592663

www.lookers.co.uk/vauxhall

Take your s A

'EV MRWYVERGI

www.alltogetherno

LLIED Mobility’s Peugeot Horizon is now available with a choice of seating layouts, adding to the growing appeal of the UK’s most popular mobility car. Some car conversions come with no rear seating, but the record-breaking Horizon has full rear seating as standard. The new layouts feature one, two or three independent rear seats. Choose all three and you can accommodate two rear passengers either side of a wheelchair passenger. Those with particularly large wheelchairs can now opt to have one single seat in the back, so there are no

More city parking spaces GOOD NEWS is on the way for disabled motorists visiting Liverpool. Eighty-five new city centre Blue Badge parking spaces including 18 spaces in three separate bays in Bold Street - are being proposed by Liverpool Corporate Access Forum. The proposed locations, which will be in use next spring, include: Brook Street, 32; Park Lane, 8 (3 bays); Highfield Street, 2; Marybone, 6; Skelhorn Street, 2 (2 bays); Crown Street, 7 (2 bays); Prescot Street, 4; Epworth Street, 2; Vernon Street, 2; Renshaw Street, 4; Bold Street, 18 (3 bays); Newington (Renshaw Street end), 1; Newington (Bold Street end), 2; Old Haymarket, 3; Moorfields, 9 (3 bays); Brunswick Street, 1; Water Street, 12 (2 bays).

seats to fold forward. Other access features include the unique FlexiFold lightweight ramp, a lowered floor for additional headroom, and Motability accredited wheelchair restraint system. For those who need extra assistance, a remote controlled electric winch can also be added to the vehicle (free of charge to Motability Scheme customers). Standard features include power steering, reach adjustable steering wheel and CD player. n Call free on 0800 916 3018, email info@alliedmobility.com or you can visit www.alliedmobility.com

T LOWES E A DV NC WAV A N O NT PAYME ILITY A T MO B

NEW HORIZONS Horizon now has

ACCE

INCLUDES REAR SEATS AND WINCH

With Allied Mobility, having your own whee car doesn’t have to cost the earth. Added Value - No Added Cost

Unique new

» Easy-use electric winch » Full rear passenger seating as standard » Alternative seating layouts available

» Low ramp gra » Folds complet » Easy to use

ow.org.uk

I W A NT MO RE !

All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

seat!

Poles apart! Government talk doesn’t add up . . . Kaliya Franklin is a disability rights blogger and activist. Dedicated to challenging her disability while the bureaucrats challenge her

S: Allied Mobility’s The Peugeot s a choice of seating layouts

d FR

ESS FOR ALL

08 em EE h 00 ons om 91 trat e 6 ion 30 28

PEUGEOT PARTNER

HORIZON

™ CARRIES UP TO 8 PEOPLE

FROM ONLY

£395 ADVANCE PAYMENT

PEUGEOT EXPERT INDEPENDENCE™

» Carries up to 8 people

FROM ONLY

» EasyFold™ wheelchair ramp

£1,895

ADVANCE PAYMENT

» Lowering air suspension

» Choice of seating layouts

EW N

w FlexiFold™ ramp

AUTOMATIC

RENAULT KANGOO AUTOGRAPH™

» Automatic transmission

FROM ONLY

» Lightweight folding ramp

£595

0800 916 3028 www.alliedmobility.com

OR MONTHS now the news has been filled with announcements of reforms to the welfare state, focusing on one issue, making work pay. So where does this leave those of us with disabilities or caring responsibilities? For many disabled people and carers, work is simply not possible, and for many more who would like to do some work, part time, the inflexibility of the benefits system, lack of access, lack of appropriate care packages, vital equipment and the attitude of employers present seemingly insurmountable barriers. The new Universal Credit is designed to address this lack of flexibility but does not offer any solutions to the other obstacles. At a time when cuts are being applied to all areas of public spending, social care will be further rationed and expensive support packages even more of a fight to achieve. This contradiction has been highlighted by the recent case of Jane Cordell. A high flying diplomat praised for her work

championing disability rights in Poland and with an excellent work record, Ms Cordell, who is profoundly deaf, was offered the post of deputy ambassador to Kazakhstan. However the offer was then withdrawn by the Foreign Office on the grounds that the cost of the lip readers she needed was ‘simply unreasonable’. Despite concerns from the Equality and Human Rights Commission that such a ruling would make it impossible for disabled people to progress as far in their careers as those who do not need adaptations, an employment tribunal has ruled that the Foreign Office was right to withdraw Ms Cordell’s posting on the grounds of cost. To me, as a disabled person, this seems a bizarre contradiction. One part of government is vehement in its attempts to push disabled people to work, whilst another part of that same government is sending the clear message that no matter how skilled the candidate they can be refused jobs on the grounds of cost.

A special thanks to my brave rescuers

elchair accessible

adient tely flat when not in use

ADVANCE PAYMENT

» Lowered floor

» CD player & air conditioning

RECENTLY bought a second hand mobility scooter which has also proved inconsistent. It’s only reliable attribute is its ability to break down and leave me stranded, relying on the kindness of strangers. It’s lovely to know so many people will stop to help out in this day and age – a particularly kind gentleman pushed me and my scooter all the way home in the pouring rain. On another occasion I broke down, sticking out into the road, and a rather frail looking elderly lady stopped to assist me. She was fascinated by my scooter and explained she hoped to get one for herself as her mobility wasn’t so hot, either. With incredibly fortunate timing my scooter decided to start working again just as she tried to give me a push as I was having nightmares about having to phone the paramedics and explain they would need to rescue both me and my rescuer!

www.benefitscroungingscum.blogspot.com

All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

The Accumulator Quiz

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

★

12 15

★

22 25

★

28 29

★

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Perform without preparation (9) 9. Open with a key (6) 10. Arrogant person (4) 11. Musical pipe (4) 12. Ticket, label (6) 13. Venerated (7) 16. Parched (4) 17. ---- and Cromarty (4) 18. Remains of fire (3) 20. At present (3) 21. Lofty (4) 23. Machine-gun (4) 25. Stopping (7) 26. Singer (anag.) (6) 29. Skating floor (4) 30. Work hard (4) 31. Source (6) 32. Great need (9)

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 13. 14. 15. 18. 19. 22. 23. 24. 27. 28.

Method (6) Stole (6) Church caretaker (6) Prosecuted (4) Sanction (7) Cut short (4) Drawing (9) Mackintosh (9) Opinion (4) Bread paste (5) Opposed to (4) Vexation (7) Comb for flax (6) Social position (6) Join the military (6) Lower leg (4) ---- men’s morris (4)

Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120.

QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: What type of bird gathers in large flocks in inner cities and walks rather than hops?

★

A Raven B Starling C Sparrow D Seagull QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: What is the name of the strip cartoon cat whose favourite food is lasagne?

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: From which language is the word ombudsman taken? A Swedish B German C Latin D Dutch QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: In which sport might a trace and a paternoster be used? A Angling B Yachting C Archery D Hang-gliding QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: What meat is used to make the dish Wiener schnitzel? A Smoked bacon B Cured beef C Shank of lamb D Minced veal QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: Who is entitled to sign his name as Cantaur? A Speaker of the Commons B Archbishop of Canterbury C Chancellor of Cambridge D Lord Chamberlain QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: From which lighthouse did Grace Darling and her father set out to rescue the survivors of the SS Forfarshire in 1838? A Wolf Rock B Eddystone C Skerries D Longstone QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: Who founded the Society of Friends in England in the 17th century? A Elias Hicks B George Fox C William Penn D Joel Bean

A Garfield B Chester C Sylvester D Bagpuss QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: What is a cygnet? A A ring with a seal B The initials of a name C A young swan D A small cigar QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: By what name is the game of noughts and crosses known in the USA? A Checkers B Tic-tac-toe C Hash D OXO QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: Which of the following is called pennyroyal? A An 18th century window tax B A spiced boiled sweet C A type of herb D An early children’s comic QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: What is the capital city of Jamaica? A B C D

Kingston Queenstown Princeton Port Elizabeth

SUDOKU

DJ and presenter Cat Deeley. See Question 8

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: What is oakum, once used by sailors to seal joints in the decking? A Coconut fibre B Raw wool C Strips of old canvas D Tarred fibres from old ropes QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: In the UK version of which film did Cat Deeley provide the voice of Loretta Geargrinder? A Shrek 2 B Batman Begins C Spiderman 2 D Robots QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: What would be measured using a hygrometer? A Salinity of water B Alcohol content of a liquid C Steam pressure D Humidity

KAKURO

THERE is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. This is a logic puzzle, and you should not have to guess.

EASY

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

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

DIFFICULT

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

5 8

9 2 1

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

ADVERTISE HERE – 0151 230 0307

CALLING ALL CHARITIES . . .

TAKE ME HOME!

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

MEDIUM 6

6 22

37 13 4

30 6 7

3 16

34 13

ScreenTEST answers (see Page 11) 1) George Lucas. 2) Mark Hamill. 3) Han Solo. 4) Imperial Army and the Rebel Alliance. 5) Lightsabers. 6) Alderaan. 7) Chewbacca the Wookiee. 8) Millenium Falcon. 9) The Death Star. 10) John Williams. 11) “For luck”. 12) Luke Skywalker

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

16 14

26 7

21 2

10 11

11 11

21 6

24 21 18

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.

1 []’–

23 3

21 5

12 11

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?

25 10

11 5

22 19

21 22

3 8

22 5

24 11

1 23

23 19

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE 12

All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

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 type of hat.

2 ABC

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

1. Chemical elements 752 846 861 886 478 947 266 486 146 346 372 879 147 661 245 631 872 648 614 653 376 436 178 574 871 646 486 4. Ships and boats 723 353 178 326 371 763 645 142 327 325 748 372 628 127 847 463 717 868 124 727 122 774 371 228 262 137 344 483 7

771 536 253 374 631

772 124 176 331 768

493 371 315 238 726

5. Card games 446 178 669 122 627 639 627 538 178 831 371 222 227 281 762 436 461 331 337 174 453 127 422 243 125 522 514 327 87

821 765 712 662 225

6. Musicals 768 841 722 434 212 716 552 466 218 431 631 631 687 421 937 433 178 679 164 771 466 122 768 735 148 263 136 557

437 768 817 724 971

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 17 instrumentalists.

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?

A W O

A W S

E M

Y M M

S M

K M A

A H

A I

W D

A S

FIGHT

MONEY

–––––

FORM

Y W N

RUN

––––

CARD

HOME

––––

LINE

D E N K R TRANSFORMER

EARLY

–––––––

DOWN

–––––

WORD WIZARD

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

A C B

E D

PATTLE 1) A small long-

handled spade for

––––

SIDE

351 371 463 217 269

3. Chinese dishes 772 961 272 253 731 742 712 442 691 634 617 262 557 177 324 251 742 317 933 812 717 675

PATHWORDS

PIT

CLASS

361 316 674 149 258

2. Rodents 367 668 731 778 477 767 287 463 142 678 687 572 818 653 148 217 441 244 624 455 473 919 283 717 281 781 232 837

MAKE A DATE

cleaning a

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

plough; 2) A detachable

1. Einstein’s theory of relativity is confirmed after observations on an eclipse by the Royal Society of London.

shoulderplate in a suit

2. German fascists form the German Workers’ Party, later renamed as the National Socialist Party.

Add the given letter to the first word to make a new word. Clue: Relating to music by the hour.

_____ +C=C_____

of armour; 3) A thin strip of

3. Gustav Holst’s Planets Suite is performed for the first time in public.

fabric keeping

WAS IT? a) 1919; b) 1922; c) 1925; d) 1928; e) 1931.

in its place.

a belt or sash

ALL THE ANSWERS

1 9 6 3 2 7 5 4 8

SUDOKU EASY

8 5 2 9 4 6 1 7 3

4 3 7 8 5 1 6 9 2

6 1 8 7 3 9 2 5 4

3 7 5 4 1 2 8 6 9

2 4 9 5 6 8 7 3 1

1 4 9 6 3 5 7 2 8

6 8 5 2 9 7 3 4 1

3 7 2 4 8 1 9 5 6

5 2 6 1 7 4 8 9 3

W N

17 4

18 5

19 6

20 7

O R G Q U

22 9

CROSS CODE

4 9 7 8 2 3 6 1 5

8 1 3 5 6 9 2 7 4

9 5 8 7 1 6 4 3 2

2 3 1 9 4 8 5 6 7

7 6 4 3 5 2 1 8 9

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

6pm - 10pm every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday

5 8 3 2 7 4 9 1 6

0800 587 2252

7 2 1 6 9 3 4 8 5

Telephone Sightline Free on

9 6 4 1 8 5 3 2 7

13 34 7 30

3 4

6 2 9 18 13

37 6 6

1 8

7 3

5 8

13 3

6 7 9 22

KAKURO MEDIUM

2 3

1 8

8 17

Accumulator Quiz 1 – B; 2 – A; 3 – C; 4 – B; 5 – C; 6 – A; 7 – D; 8 – D; 9 – D; 10 – A; 11 – A; 12 – D; 13 – B; 14 – D; 15 – B. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Improvise; 9 Unlock; 10 Snob; 11 Reed; 12 Docket; 13 Revered; 16 Arid; 17 Ross; 18 Ash; 20 Now; 21 High; 23 Sten; 25 Halting; 26 Resign; 29 Rink; 30 Toil; 31 Origin; 32 Necessity. Down – 2 Manner; 3 Robbed; 4 Verger; 5 Sued; 6 Endorse; 7 Dock; 8 Sketching; 13 Rainproof; 14 View; 15 Dough; 18 Anti; 19 Chagrin; 22 Hackle; 23 Status; 24 Enlist; 27 Shin; 28 Nine. Star Name: ROBERT REDFORD

Word Wizard No 1 is correct. A pattle is spade. Dialling Codes 1. platinum; tungsten; zirconium; iodine; mercury; iron; chlorine; uranium; gold; hydrogen; sulphur; aluminium. 2. dormouse; squirrel; porcupine; hamster; muskrat; vole; guinea pig; chinchilla; shrew; water rat; coypu; beaver. 3. prawn crackers; spare ribs; chicken chow mein; pancake rolls; special fried rice; sweet and sour pork. 4. paddle steamer; hydrofoil; icebreaker; riverboat; cruise liner; punt; aircraft carrier; catamaran; freighter.

5. gin rummy; canasta; newmarket; stud poker; baccarat; snap; chemin de fer; pinochle; cribbage; blackjack; hearts. 6. South Pacific; Chess; Oklahoma; The Sound of Music; West Side Story; Miss Saigon; Carousel; Guys And Dolls. Spot Check A = 6; B = 2; C = 5; D = 3; E = 4; F = 1. Missing Link bull; order; wild; land; evening; river. Hat: bowler. Make a Date The year was 1919. Transformer Horal + C = Choral.

Support for you, your family and friends from those who understand

ARE YOU AFFECTED BY SIGHTLOSS?

Pathwords: Ashkenazy; Armstrong; Dankworth; Adler; Holland; Menuhin; Bream; Glennie; du Pré; Ellington; Lloyd Webber; Kennedy; Williams; Reinhardt; Galway; Mae; Chung.

SIGHTLINE VISION (NORTH WEST)

All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

Liverpool Community College

Programmes for better prospects... Will I get help finding work?

Dad’s ‘gift’ for students EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . .

‘Working with Business’

Thinking about...

Can I start right away?

Where can I go to retrain or gain skills?

PROUD DAD: Ian Leech and daughter Melissa who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma aged 20

TUDENTS forced to suspend their studies to undergo treatment for serious illnesses will now be entitled to more financial support – thanks to devoted dad Ian Leech.

Let Liverpool Community College equip you with the skills employers want If you are unemployed, recently made redundant or ready to start work we can improve your chances of success in the current job market Let us prepare you for work with relevant training and help match your skills to current vacancies in security, hospitality, business administration, care, retail, and many more. We also provide training in how to set up your own business For further information contact:

0845 013 1515 www.liv-coll.ac.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Our future.

It’s in our hands

Mr Leech fought for two and a half years for a change in the rules after his daughter Melissa was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma aged 20. Now a change in benefit law means students who suspend their course due to serious illness or disability will be eligible to claim Employment Support Allowance (ESA). Mr Leech started his campaign when he found that his daughter – forced to take time out from her studies at Aston University – was not entitled to claim income support (now ESA) because she was able to access a student loan, which was deemed income. Melissa died in 2008, but Ian continued to battle for a change to the law on behalf of other students with serious illnesses. Mr Leech says: “It was five months before Melissa finally received any sort of benefit. People told her to give up her course, or use her student loan, but why should students have to use a loan, which is meant to fund education, to support them while they recover from a lifethreatening illness? “Mel was treated in Nottingham, 35 miles from home, which meant our petrol bills soared to £100 a week. Were it not for CLIC Sargent, Macmillan and other

charities supporting us with grants to meet the extra costs, we would have been in danger of financial ruin.” Dara de Burca, Director of Services at CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading children’s cancer charity, said: “This change to benefit law will make a real difference to the lives of students with cancer and other illnesses, and Mr Leech should be really proud of what he has achieved on behalf of his daughter Mel. “Money may seem unimportant when a child is diagnosed with cancer, but the

extra costs that arise can be significant. “Our research shows that around eight out of 10 families that we support need help claiming benefits, and as many as nine out of 10 need financial help. “That’s why CLIC Sargent provides financial help, as well as emotional, practical and medical support, to help reduce the impact cancer has on the lives of children, young people and their families.” n CLIC Sargent: Tel. 020 8752 2812. www.clicsargent.org.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2011

TV cookery champ’s tasty new course

All Together NOW!

John’s kitchen coup

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

N EXCITING new course for anyone interested in developing their cooking skills to restaurant standard is about to be open at Liverpool Community College. And running it will be the Claire Lara, the college’s TV star lecturer and this year’s winner of the highly regarded BBC cookery programme, Masterchef: The Professionals. The Michelin Star trained chef will pass on skills she has learned over the years in the Leisure Cooking & Dinner Party Fine Dining course.

Claire, 30, who teaches a variety of catering courses to students at the Duke Street campus, became the competition’s first female winner. As well as teaching, Claire has many years of industry experience and has worked for some of Liverpool’s top restaurants. She also worked with judge chef, Michel Roux Jnr’s father Albert in a Michelin-starred restaurant in France. “I am proud of what I have achieved. It’s great to highlight that teachers really do have the skills,

St LOYE’S FOUNDATION

New job service opens T

HE NATIONAL employment charity St Loye’s Foundation has opened a new office in Warrington, bringing its unique services to the North West. With more than 70 years experience, St Loye’s helps people with disabilities or long term health issues find and sustain work. The new Warrington office offers a wide variety of training courses that provide the vocational skills needed to gain lasting employment. These include IT and web design, health and social care, health and safety, security and a variety of construction skills. Regional manager

TOP COOK: Learn Claire’s secrets ability and flair to educate the next generation of chefs. “I hope my success will be an inspiration to my students and give them the drive and determination to go and achieve their own success.” Claire, who is due to give birth in the next few weeks, found out she was pregnant after filming for the show ended. n Claire’s seven-week evening course costs £290. Full details from www.liv-coll.ac.uk or by calling the course information line on 0151 252 3000.

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RECOVERY MAN: Stephen Lay

Suzanne Geoghegan said: “The charity has been hugely successful in the south west of England and Wales, so now we look forward to replicating that success here in the North West. “With our wide range of courses there is something for everyone.” Head of programmes at St Loye’s, Jack Harland, said: “This is a great moment for St Loye’s as we move into a new area. “We are delighted with the variety of our training opportunities and look forward to improving the job prospects of many people in the North West.” One person whose life has

changed for the better after coming to St Loye’s is Stephen Lay. After suffering a neck injury Stephen experienced long term unemployment but after taking several driving related courses, he has now found work with a vehicle breakdown rescue service. Stephen said: “Apart from providing the necessary technical training, they also helped me to overcome the emotional and confidence barriers that so easily build up in a situation like mine. It is the best thing that has happened to me.” n Contact Suzanne Geoghegan, tel 01925 413421.

A MAN who cannot read or write is now working for a Michelin-starred chef. John Mitchell, 51, was born with learning disabilities and has had to work harder than most to achieve his dreams. His journey to independent living started when he took part in an initiative to help people with learning disabilities acquire skills needed in day-to-day life. The Move On programme was created by staff at Rowlands Lodge, a supported housing scheme in Chester for people with learning disabilities run by Muir Group Housing Association, where John was living. Now the hard work has paid off. John beat 400 candidates – including university graduates – to the job of kitchen porter at Chester’s newest hotel ABode. Landing the job could be his first step on the way to fulfilling his ambition of one day managing his own restaurant. And who better to learn the ropes from than Stuart Collins, the executive chef at ABode Chester, home to Michael Caines restaurant and being able to take

NICE WORK: John Mitchell inspiration from Michael Caines – a Michelin starred chef – who is the Food and Beverage Director at ABode hotels. “I work alongside Michael if the chef’s on holiday,” said John. “I would like to work my way up the ladder and become a chef’s assistant, and eventually I would love to have my own place with my name above the door. John, who now lives independently in a Chester flat, added: “I love my job and I have made lots of new friends.”

All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

Key in your questions! A SYSTEM to help patients understand their surgery and aftercare has won a national award. The programme was developed to help head and neck cancer patients get the most from their clinic visits. It won the ‘Best use of IT in-patient and citizen involvement in healthcare’ category for Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at the E-Health Insider awards. A touch screen tablet with questions is given to patients prior to their consultation. Volunteers help patients fill out the ‘patient concerns inventory’, getting them to think practically about the information and support they need during their consultation from the nurses, doctors and other support services. Professor Simon Rogers, a consultant surgeon at the Trust, said: “Head and neck cancer treatment is often very complex so having some thinking time and using prompts to get information helps us give a better service.” Professor Simon Rogers

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Welcome to the world, Harrison WYTHENSHAWE hospital has welcomed its 250th water baby into the world. Harrison Atherton weighed in at 9lb, and was born in one of the hospital’s new birthing pools, part of a multi-million pound refurbishment and expansion of services for women and children. The pools are large and comfortable while the rooms include ensuite facilities, a wide-screen TV, kitchenette, ambient lighting and plenty of room to walk around in. Just hours after having Harrison, Naomi was discharged and ready to go home. Suzi Brown, the midwife who cared for Naomi and helped to deliver Harrison,

said: “The pools allow women to have an intervention-free natural birth where they receive one-to-one care and can go home within hours. “Naomi did really well today and Harrison is just beautiful. I’m really glad that both of them enjoyed the experience and are doing so well.” The hospital’s women’s and maternity centre is currently undergoing a £20 million upgrade and expansion. The three-year multi-million pound scheme, which started last year, will provide a new women’s ward, a new midwife-led unit, a larger and totally refurbished neonatal unit and delivery suite, plus more birthing pools and improvements to the antenatal area.

Don’t miss E XPERTS at an acclaimed breast cancer treatment unit have warned women could be putting themselves in danger by ignoring invitations for routine screenings. A 10-minute screening is the best way of detecting cancer early so that treatment can be at its most effective yet many women fail to attend them, says consultant radiologist Dr Rani Thind of the renowned Burney Breast Unit at St Helens Hospital. Invitations are sent by local breast care services to women aged between 50 and 70, living in St Helens, Knowsley and Halton, every three years. The Burney unit detects and treats over 200 cases of breast cancer a year. Dr Thind said: “Routine breast screening really does save lives. It is highly effective in detecting a cancer early, often when it is quite small, and it can mean that treatment to remove the cancer is less severe and more successful. “The screening is done by performing a mammogram which is an x-ray of the breasts. It is a simple and quite painless process, which takes 10 minutes. These x-rays are examined by our team of experts and results sent to the patients, within just two weeks. “Women who receive an invitation to attend a routine screening should not pass up the opportunity. It could save your life.” Nearly 46,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK – equivalent to one person every 11 minutes.

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December/January 2011

All Together NOW!

Everton star turns out for Alder Hey

your screen test!

SPLASHING OUT: Everton FC hero Mikel Arteta and volunteers at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital

LEFT: Dr Rani Thind, consultant radiologist and lead for breast screening, views x-rays taken using the state-ofthe-art mammograms at the Burney Breast Unit

RIGHT: staff from the Burney Breast Unit, the Lilac Centre and the Macmillan Cancer Support Information Centre at St Helens Hospital took part in the national ‘Wear it Pink Day’ to raise money for breast cancer research

TELL US YOUR VIEWS n NHS North West is keen to

New trials could mean even better outlook RESEARCHERS are preparing to launch a £1.6m trial of new imaging technology to see if it might be better at screening breast cancer. Around 7,000 women in Manchester, Aberdeen, Glasgow, London and Guildford will be invited to take part in the three-year study which will test a technique called digital breast tomosynthesis or DBT.

REMIERSHIP footballer Mikel Arteta turned painter and decorator for the day to help a top children’s hospital. The Everton midfield star took part in a day of volunteering at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, in Liverpool. Arteta and members of staff from Alder Hey joined helpers from ACC Liverpool, home to the Echo Arena and BT Conference Centre, in painting the hospital’s Oasis restaurant a nice shade of – well, blue obviously! “There are so many volunteers down here working and they are doing a great job,” said Mikel. “I had fun. It is a great hospital.” Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief executive of Everton in the Community, the charity arm of the football club, said: “Support from businesses like ACC Liverpool is vital to our success and we were delighted to have Mikel and so many enthusiastic helping hands.” Louise Shepherd, Alder Hey chief executive, added: “It was fantastic to see so many volunteers all helping us to make our restaurant service better for our patients and families. “I would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers, along with our own staff, who have helped to create such a brilliant new area for our patients and families to enjoy. The difference they have made in such a short space of time is testament to all their efforts – and it was great to see Mikel Arteta getting stuck in too!” It wasn’t just Alder Hey that benefited from the ACC Liverpool day of volunteering. More staff were deployed to other Everton in the Community programmes, from helping at the Whitechapel Centre for homeless people through to attending the paddocks at Beechley Stables in Calderstones Park.

Currently, screening X-rays take 2D images of the breast but the new technique will allow clinicians to see a 3D image. Professor Fiona Gilbert, leading the study at the University of Aberdeen, said: “Standard mammography takes 2D images – one view from above and one from the side of the breast. But

overlapping tissue can make it difficult to see cancers or sometimes makes normal tissue appear to be abnormal. “If you can see the breast in 3D this will hopefully make cancers more visible. And if you have a better view of the breast, it might also reduce the number of women recalled for further tests due to false alarms.”

hear from readers about your experiences of NHS services. n They also want any ideas or suggestions that could improve treatment and care for others. n Please send your comments to: Communications Team, FREEPOST, NHS North West, 3 Piccadilly Place, Central Manchester, M1 3BN.

All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

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Look after yourself this winter

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PROUD MUM: Natasha and Alfie

Natasha backs breastfeeding campaign CELEBRITY mum Natasha Hamilton is urging businesses to help make breastfeeding more accessible by signing up to Liverpool’s Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme. The initiative, which has been developed by Liverpool Primary Care Trust and Liverpool City Council, asks shops, cafes and restaurants to ensure that breastfeeding is accepted in all public areas, and breastfeeding mothers are not asked to stop or leave. Businesses who sign up are given a sticker to display in their window. Mum-of-three Natasha, whose little boy Alfie was born in June, said: “As a mum who has breastfed, I know how intimidating and selfconscious it can be to breastfeed in public places, especially if you’re doing it for the first time.”

‘So many barriers’ The singer-songwriter, who will be starring in the West End production of Blood Brothers in the New Year, added: “All mums know that you cannot predict or choose when your baby will become hungry, and sometimes it’s necessary to feed your child in public. “I really welcome this scheme because there are often so many barriers to getting out of the house when you have a new baby, but this removes one of them.” The Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme is part of a wider Breast Milk, It’s Amazing campaign that is bidding to improve breastfeeding figures across Merseyside. n www.amazingbreastmilk.nhs.uk

D { y D ~ D

HEALTHY TIP: Dr Rob Barnett says people should start taking steps to treat themselves and avoid unnecessary trips to the GP

EARNING some simple ways to look after yourself at home could save you a trip to the GP – or even a stay in hospital. It’s thought that if more people took steps to treat themselves when they fell ill it would be possible to reduce GP visits by 40%, accident and emergency visits by up to 50% and potentially half the amount of time spent in hospital. With winter on our doorsteps and the growing pressure on health services, Liverpool Primary Care Trust (PCT) is encouraging people with everyday minor illnesses to treat themselves at home. Dr Rob Barnett, secretary of the Local Medical Committee said: “If you have a long-term condition, like asthma, MS or a heart condition, please check with your GP to see if you’re eligible for the seasonal flu jab, and if you are prescribed repeat medication we advise you to make sure that you’re well stocked as it can be easy to run out during the winter and Christmas period. “The majority of patients will recover from illnesses like vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy colds, coughs and other winter viruses within a week, by ensuring they get plenty of bed rest and drinking lots of fluids. Symptoms can be eased with over-the-counter medicines, under the direction of your pharmacist.

Key places to get help PHARMACIES – for advice on common winter illnesses, and the best medicines to treat them. To find your nearest pharmacy log on to www.nhs.uk or text pharmacy to 64746. NHS Direct – for absolutely any health questions, around the clock, and to find local services – 0845 46 47. NHS Choices – to check symptoms, get answers to common health questions, enquire about non-urgent health matters and find local services – www.nhs.uk “If we can encourage more people to treat themselves for common complaints, at home with the help of their pharmacist, NHS Direct and the NHS Choices website this will go some way to easing the pressures on our care services. However, if you have a longterm condition we know that common illnesses can complicate existing symptoms and it’s important to seek help from your GP if you’re concerned.” Bruce Prentice has been a

Check Check out out our our 2010 2010 programme programme of of events events .. .. ..

community pharmacist for over 25 years. He now works with the local NHS to support pharmacists and help them deliver services to Liverpool patients. “We see ourselves as part of the NHS team. Local pharmacists can do so much more these days than just give out prescriptions. We are highly-qualified, with in-depth knowledge about prescription and over-the-counter medicines. We also have the time and expertise to help

patients on a range of issues, including health checks for blood pressure and diabetes. We offer free medicine check ups and help patients stop smoking, as well as new services such as chlamydia testing and treatment.” “Most pharmacies have a confidential consulting room, which is readily available for anyone who requires more privacy or feels uncomfortable discussing their needs in front of other patients. All consultations are completely free and a pharmacist will only recommend medicines that will ease your symptoms.” “Also, patients who do not pay for their prescriptions could save themselves a trip to their GP by using the Care at the Chemist scheme. “We see a great deal of patients across Merseyside who make an appointment with their doctor when they need over the counter remedies for coughs, colds and flu – by registering for Care at the Chemist they could get these remedies direct from their local pharmacy for free. “Anyone registered with a Liverpool GP can register for the scheme – and if you are exempt from prescription charges, you may be eligible to receive an over-thecounter medicine free of charge where treatment is required. Just ask your local pharmacist.”

www.2010healthandwellbeing.org.uk www.2010healthandwellbeing.org.uk

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

Bone treatment boon

Warning: Eat greens!

NEW work by scientists is expected to lead to advances in the treatment and management of osteoporosis – or brittle bone disease. A method for identifying which bones have a high risk of fracture, and for monitoring the effectiveness of new bone-strengthening drugs and techniques, has been developed at the University of Cambridge. The method, developed by Dr Graham Treece of the Department of Engineering and Dr Ken Poole of the Department of Medicine, uses CT imaging to accurately measure the thickness of the cortical bone – the hard outer layer of compact bone which surrounds the spongy trabecular bone. The thickness of cortical bone is a key indicator of the risk of fracture.

YOUNG adults who smoke, drink and eat low levels of fruit and vegetables are at higher risk of contracting cancers of the mouth, oesophagus and larynx. Research has revealed these factors remain the major triggers of the diseases which kill over 100,000 people across Europe and 10,000 in the UK alone, each year. Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Aberdeen, Gary Macfarlane who led the study said: “Cancers of the upper aero-digestive tract are on the increase throughout the world and to date the increases have been greatest in young adults under the age of 50. “We have witnessed a doubling of oral cancer rates in 40-49 year old men in the UK over the last 20 years.”

Pancreas hope

New artificial organ could help so many with diabetes

BREAKTHROUGH: Professor Joan Taylor with her new device that could revolutionise people’s lives

N ARTIFICIAL organ, developed in the UK, could revolutionise the treatment of diabetes. Professor Joan Taylor claims her device could put an end to daily injections diabetics have to endure to regulate their glucose levels, and reduce complications like blindness and kidney failure. Glucose levels are normally controlled by the hormone insulin, released by the pancreas when required. People who have diabetes either do not produce insulin, do not produce enough insulin or the insulin they do produce does not work properly. The new artificial pancreas is made of a metal casing containing a supply of insulin kept in place by a gel barrier. When the body’s glucose levels drop, the gel barrier starts to liquefy and lets insulin out. The insulin feeds into the veins around the gut then into the vein to the liver, mimicking the normal process for a person with a healthy pancreas. As the insulin lowers the glucose level in the body, the gel reacts by hardening again and stopping the supply. This means the right amount of insulin is released automatically when the body needs it, putting an end to daily injections and guesswork often involved for diabetics when trying to control blood glucose levels, said Prof Taylor, of Leicester’s De Montfort University. The artificial pancreas, which is currently undergoing pre-clinical trials, would be implanted between the lowest rib and the hip and topped up with insulin every few weeks.

What Diabetes UK say about it VICTORIA King, head of research at leading health charity, Diabetes UK said: “Some people with diabetes already use an insulin pump, which removes the need for a daily series of injections, but they still have to test their blood glucose levels frequently

and work out the amount of insulin to take. “This new device, once developed and tested, could take things a stage further and, although clearly at an early stage, could potentially prove to be an exciting development in improving diabetes management for some

Prof Taylor said: “I realised that I could use a certain protein to make a gel that would react with glucose. “When exposed to the body fluid around the internal organs, the gel reacts according to the amount of glucose present. “High levels cause the gel to soften and release insulin into the blood stream, once the glucose levels return to normal the nature of the gel causes it to re-solidify, perfectly controlling the insulin dose. “The device will not only remove the need

people. However it will be some time before this will be available. “Effective diabetes control is crucial in preventing the life-changing complications associated with the condition such as blindness, cardiovascular disease, amputation and kidney failure.”

to to manually inject insulin, but will also ensure that perfect doses are administered each and every time. “By controlling blood glucose so effectively, we should be able to help reduce related health problems.” If successful, the device would be a simple and cheap solution to the problem facing all diabetics, she said. Clinical trials are expected to start within the next few years. If trials prove positive the device could be available in five to 10 years.

We can deliver your health messages

by Beatrice Fraenkel chair, Mersey Care NHS

S ONE year closes and another begins it’s always good to step back and reflect on what has occurred, learn from it and move forward having benefited from the experience. If one thing is certain, it is that we can’t change the past; but we can influence the future – and that’s what we are trying to do with our mental health and learning disability services. After many years of planning, with contributions from service users, carers, staff and our partners in mental health care on Merseyside, we recently received the news that approval for two of our flagship inpatient projects has been given by all three primary care trusts in Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley. One in six people currently has a mental health problem and while most are supported and live in the community, some of those in most distress need in-patient care. These new units will replace old and unfit buildings in Liverpool and Aintree. New facilities at Edge Lane and Walton are close to the communities they serve and these units will add to the vibrant development of Liverpool. Research shows emphatically that staff work far more effectively and people recover more quickly in attractive and therapeutic environments, something which our older buildings are unable to provide.

Bigger picture This will be a great start to the year. Construction gets under way in 2011 and the units due to open by 2013. While this is good news, it is just one part of a bigger picture. We have developed a five-year plan to maintain and improve mental health care services during difficult economic times ahead. Inevitably this will mean change such as moving sites and people, doing things in different ways, and changing community services too, but the focus must be always to improve the patient experience. And on that note I leave you with the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you want to see in TAKE ME HOME! the world.”

0151 230 0307

All Together NOW!

December/January 2011

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

. . . with JAN LOCKYER

20,000 ways to help you remain independent DID YOU know there are over 20,000 products on the market designed to assist disabled and older 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

Top tap tip

Gift of sound

I AM finding the taps difficult to turn. I’ll be moving house soon so I don’t want to change the taps. Any ideas?

TAP turners are plastic levers that fit over the top of your existing tap. There are models for cross and round top taps. They usually have a red and blue finish to identify hot and cold. The additional leverage they provide helps compensate for reduced strength.

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 info helplines. So for information on 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.

WIN! WIN! WIN!

OOKING for a Christmas gift for someone with hearing problems? You might find just the right thing in the new free catalogue of products from RNID, the UK charity taking action on hearing loss. Bigger and better than ever, the new ‘Solutions’ catalogue features over 300 items and 30 brand new products including the range of Sennheiser wireless listeners that help amplify the sound of TV, radio and hi-fis. There’s also a stylish new hearing protection range that offers a selection of earplugs, filters and ear defenders. n For a copy of the Solutions catalogue contact RNID Products: Tel. 01733 361199, textphone 01733 238020 or email support@rnid.org.uk You can also order online at www.rnid.org.uk/hearingsolutions

M 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 Tel: 0151 296 7742 Minicom: 0151 296 7744 Moving and Handling Team 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

AKING sure you drink enough can be a problem – especially if you are unable to use your arms and hands properly . . . and especially if you go into hospital. Dehydration can often lead to urinary tract infections and constipation. The Hydrant, invented after a stay in hospital by Mark Moran, director of Hydrant for Health Ltd, could be the answer! Simply clip it onto a bed, chair or wheelchair – and you can drink fluids through the attached tube without needing help. The Hydrant was recently awarded Silver Medal in the Nursing Times Product Awards for Dignity and Daily Living. “It’s simply brilliant and brilliantly simple,” says Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who is Patron of the company. We have FIVE Hydrants to

We’ve FIVE Hydrants to give away give away! For your chance of winning this great product just answer this question: Who invented The Hydrant system? Send your entries on the back of a postcard to: Hydrant Competition, All Together NOW! Youens Way, Liverpool L69 3EB. Please tell us where you picked up your copy of the paper – and what you think of it. You can also enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk Closing date: Friday January 22. n Hydrate for Health Ltd: Tel. 07813 013779

Stick with it . . .

I HAVE just started using a walking stick. I keep putting it down when I need both hands, for example, when paying in a shop. The trouble is I keep leaving it behind!

TRY a simple inexpensive walking stick strap. These can be used with all sticks. They have an elasticated loop that stretches over the stick and a strap that stays around your wrist.

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, Northwich 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.

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December/January 2011

All Together NOW!

Beat the bogus caller

Avoid unwanted visitors this Christmas!

• LOCK Home or away – keep all doors LOCKED • STOP Is anyone EXPECTED? Is the back door LOCKED? • CHAIN Put the CHAIN ON before opening the door • CHECK Ask for caller’s ID card Check it by PHONING 0845 746 2200 Or ask for your PASSWORD

United Utilities is calling on all customers to protect themselves from doorstep criminals this Christmas. Statistics show that around 20 bogus caller crimes are committed every day in the UK, but this might only be 10% of the total that actually take place as victims often feel too embarrassed to report it to the police. Bogus callers often claim that there is an emergency and that they need to check the water supply; they will use this as an opportunity to trick themselves into customers’ homes claiming to be from United Utilities or ‘the water board’. Once inside, they will distract the homeowner while they or an accomplice helps themselves to money and valuables. Genuine United Utilities’ employees always carry an ID card and are happy to show this to you. They will never put pressure on you to get into your home and are happy for you to phone United Utilities

to check their identity. And genuine employees won’t refer to ‘the water board’ as this hasn’t existed for more than 30 years! Bogus callers can be very persuasive, but our advice is to never feel under pressure to let someone into your home. To help you, we operate a ‘password protection’ scheme. Joining the United Utilities password scheme is easy. It takes just one call to 0845 746 1100. We simply need your details and your choice of password. Then, whenever someone claiming to be from United Utilities calls at your home, you can ask them for your password. Only a genuine visitor from United Utilities will know what it is. It’s a simple deterrent that really does work and will give you the confidence to turn people away. Most gas, electricity and telephone companies will operate a similar scheme – see a recent bill for further details and contact numbers.

Need a little ExtraCare? We offer a range of free services to help customers who: • are older • have a disability • have a serious illness • have sight, hearing or learning difficulties Our services include: • personal notification of water shut-offs • large print, Braille and talking bills We also offer a free password scheme for all our customers.

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SHOPMOBILITY n ALTRINCHAM. Tel 0161 929 1714 n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. Tel 0161 339 9500 n BARROW. Tel 01229 434039 n BIRKENHEAD. Tel 0151 647 6162 n BLACKBURN AND DARWEN. Tel 01254 690566 or 07757 502217 n BLACKPOOL. Tel 01253 349 427 n BOLTON. Tel 01204 392946 n BURY. Tel 0161 764 9966 n CARLISLE. Tel 01228 625950 n CHESTER. Tel 01244 312626 n CHORLEY. Tel 01257 260 888 n COLWYN BAY. Tel 01492 533822 n CREWE. Tel 01270 580 031 n ELLESMERE PORT. Tel 0151 355 1420 n KENDAL. Tel 01539 740 933 n LEIGH, Wigan. Tel 01942 777 985 n LIVERPOOL. Tel 0151 707 0877 n MANCHESTER Trafford Centre. Tel 0161 747 8046 n MANCHESTER Arndale Centre. Tel 0161 839 4060 n NELSON. Tel 01282 692 502 n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal Tel 01606 353525 n ORMSKIRK, West Lancashire Tel 01695 570055 n OSWESTRY. Tel 01691 656882 n PENRITH. Tel 01768 895 438 n PRESTON. Tel 01772 204 667 n RHYL. Tel 01745 350665 n ROCHDALE. Tel 01706 865 986 n RUNCORN, Halton Lea Tel 01928 717445 n SHREWSBURY. Tel 01743 236900 n SOUTHPORT. Tel 01704 546 654 n ST HELENS. Tel 01744 613 388 n STOCKPORT. Tel 0161 666 1100 n WARRINGTON. Tel 01925 231941 n WARRINGTON. Birchwood Tel 01925 822 411 n WIGAN. Tel 01942 776 070 n WINSFORD. Tel 01606 557550 n WREXHAM. Tel 01978 312390 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM. Snow Hill Railway Station. Tel 0121 236 8980. Level 2, Centre Car Park, Bullring. Tel 0121 616 2942 n STAFFORD. Tel 01785 619456 n STOKE ON TRENT. Tel 01782 233333 n SUTTON COLDFIELD. Tel 0121 355 1112 n TAMWORTH. Tel, 01827 709392 n WALSALL. Tel 01922 650781 n WEST BROMWICH: Sandwell. Tel 0121 553 1943 n WOLVERHAMPTON. Tel 01902 556021

December/January 2011

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Phone firms blasted! PHONE companies are failing to tell prospective customers about the services they provide for disabled people, according to the communications watchdog. Ofcom described the performance of the eight companies -– BT, Orange, O2, TalkTalk, T-Mobile, Virgin Media, Vodafone and 3 – as “fairly poor”, and warned that it could impose heavy fines if they fail to improve. By law, phone companies have to provide a range of services to disabled customers, such as free directory enquiries for those who cannot use a printed version, bills and contracts in accessible formats, access to a text relay service, and priority repairs for customers who depend on a landline because of a health condition or impairment. They must also take reasonable steps to ensure these services are widely publicised. Ofcom plans a further survey, and warned of possible enforcement action if companies fail to improve, which could mean a fine of up to 10 per cent of their turnover.

WINNER of our fantastic autumn gardening competition is Mrs Kapa, who lives in Caldicot Way, Poultonle-Fylde. Mrs Kapa wins a super set of tools, worth £285, from Bulldog’s Premier range. She writes: “I picked up my copy of All Together NOW! at Booths, Lytham. It’s a much needed publication for the WHOLE community.” CHESTER Adult PHAB Social Club hopes its new site, www.chester.phabclub.org, will encourage more local people to get involved in the club’s wide range of events and activities. Contact, tel 01244 678809. WIRRAL’S newly formed Epilepsy Social and Support Group meet at the Bebington Civic Centre every second Wednesday of the month (7pm - 9pm). Contact Dave, tel 07546 747256.

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

Disability Partnership. 01925 240064 n WIRRAL WIRED Tel 0151 670 1500 n WEST LANCS HELPLINE Freefone 0800 220676 n ST HELENS DASH Tel 01744 453053 n WREXHAM Tel 01978 262955 MIDLANDS BIRMINGHAM Disability Resource Centre Tel 0121 789 7365 Disabled People’s Network Solihull Tel 0121 788 1544 STOKE: Disability Solutions Tel 01782 683800 WOLVERHAMPTON Elder and Disabled Group Tel 01902 448552 ORGANISATIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 233332 n BARROW Tel 01229 820698 n BIRMINGHAM Action for Blind Tel 0121 665 4200 n BLACKBURN Tel 0125 554143 n BLACKPOOL Tel 01253 792600 n BURY Tel 0161 763 7014 n BURNLEY Tel 01282 438507 n CARLISLE: Action for Blind People Tel 01228 595121 CHESHIRE & N WALES: Vision Support. Tel 01244 381515 n CUMBRIA (West) Tel 01946 592474 n CUMBRIA (Sth Lakeland)

Tel 01539 726613 DOGS Tel 0118 983 5555 n HENSHAW’S 0161 872 1234 Tel 0151 227 1226 n LIVERPOOL: Bradbury Fields.Tel 0151 221 0888: Action for Bind Tel 0151 708 9008 n MANCHESTER: Action for Blind Tel 0161 787 9252 n PRESTON: Action for Blind People Tel 01772 320550 n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682 8019 n ROSSENDALE Tel 01706 873256 n SIGHTLINE (North West) Tel 0800 587 2252 n WIGAN Tel 01942 242891 n WIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877 ORGANISATIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF n BIRMINGHAM Institute for Deaf Tel 0121 246 6101 n CHESHIRE Deaf Society Tel 01606 47831 n CUMBRIA Deaf Society Tel 01228 606434 n LANCASHIRE (EAST) Deaf Society Tel 01282 839180 n MANCHESTER Deaf Centre Tel 0161 273 3415 n MERSEYSIDE Society for Deaf Tel 0151 228 0888 n ST HELENS: Deafness Resource Centre Tel 01744 23887 n WOLVERHAMPTON Centre for Deaf Tel 01902 420904 n N WALES Daf Association, Tel 01492 542235 n GUIDE

CARERS’ CENTRES n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 n CUMBRIA Carlisle. Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith. Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness. Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal. Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE Helpline: 0800 085 0307 n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412 n LANCASTER Tel 01524 66475 n LIVERPOOL Tel 0151 705 2307 n MANCHESTER Tel 0161 835 2995 n MORECAMBE Tel 01524 833456 n PRESTON Tel 01772 200173 n RUNCORN Tel 01928 580182 n WIDNES Tel 0151 257 7767 n SALFORD Tel 0161 833 0217 n SEFTON Tel 0151 288 6060 n ST HELENS Tel 01744 675 615 n STOCKPORT Tel 0161 456 2808 n WARRINGTON Tel 01925 644 212 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243 n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 683711 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Tel 0121 675 8000 n SOLIHULL Tel 0121 788 1143 n WALSALL Tel 01922 610 810 NORTH WALES n ANGLESEY Tel 01248 722828 n BANGOR Tel 01248 370 797 n CONWY Tel 01492 533714 n DENBIGHSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 0845 603 3187 n DOLGELLAU Tel 01341 421167 n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436 n WREXHAM: NEWCIS, Tel: 01978 310414.

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December/January 2011

New school comp

Jack Hunter-Spivey, pictured with Karen Tonge, chair of Halton Table Tennis Club

NEW school sports competition – involving disabled children – will be trialled across Greater Manchester and eight other regions across England in 2011. The “Olympic and Paralympicstyle” competition will see schools compete against each other in local leagues, with winning athletes and teams qualifying for area finals next summer. The pilots will be used to finalise plans for the first nationwide competition in 2012, which will end with national finals in London’s Olympic Park. Jeremy Hunt, secretary of state for culture, Olympics, media and sport, said the competition would spark a

revolution in school sport, and leave a lasting legacy from London 2012. The government has promised a Paralympic element at every level of the competition for young disabled people. A spokeswoman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: “We are currently in discussions with a wide range of disability partners as we develop the School Olympics and Paralympics to ensure that there is a genuine competitive pathway for young disabled people.” The other areas where the competition will take place are: the Black Country, London, Cornwall, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire and Tyne and Wear.

Seventh place for GB

Jack’s the lad for ‘Big Society’ TABLE tennis player Jack HunterSpivey has been inspiring staff and pupils at schools across Runcorn and Widnes. Now he’s been honoured at a national event to promote the role of the Prime Minister’s ‘Big Society’. Jack, 15 was presented with Young

Achievers’ Award of the Year, organised by the Royal Society of Public Health. Halton council’s executive board member for children and families, Cllr John Swain, said: “Jack shows that sport is something almost anyone can be involved in and he is an inspiration

to people of all ages.” A pupil at Sts Peter and Paul Catholic College, Widnes, Jack’s recently won the Sainsburys UK School Games Wheelchair Table Tennis event for the second year, and he is now attending elite Paralympic squad sessions.

Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association RGK Super League Dec 4: Aces v Essex Outlaws Stoke Mandeville Sports Stadium, Guttmann Road, Aylesbury Dec 4: RGK TCAT Rhinos v Sheffield Steelers - Telford College of Arts and Technology, Telford. Dec 4: Tameside Owls v Capital City RF - West Hill Sports Centre, Stalybridge, Cheshire. Dec 19: Sheffield Steelers v Aces Sports Hall, Spinal Injuries Unit Northern General Hospital, Sheffield. Jan 8: RGK TCAT Rhinos v Knights - Telford College of Arts and Technology, Telford. Jan 9: Tameside Owls v Essex Outlaws - West Hill Sports Centre, Stalybridge, Cheshire. Jan 9: Aces v Knights- Stoke Mandeville Sports Stadium, Guttmann Road, Aylesbury Jan 15: Aces v Tameside Owls Stoke Mandeville Sports Stadium, Guttmann Road, Aylesbury Jan 15: Knights v Sheffield Steelers - Antrim Leisure Centre, Antrim. Jan 15:RGK TCAT Rhinos v Capital City RF - Telford College of Arts and Technology, Telford. Jan 29: Tameside Owls v RGK TCAT Rhinos - West Hill Sports Centre, Stalybridge, Cheshire. Jan 30: Essex Outlaws v Sheffield

Steelers - Riverside Ice Leisure Centre, Victoria Road, Chelmsford. Jan 30: Capital City RF v Aces

First Division North Dec 4: RGK TCAT Rhinos 2 v Sheffield Steelers 2 - Telford College of Arts and Technology, Telford. Dec 4: RGK TCAT Rhinos 2 v Sheffield Steelers 3 - Telford College of Arts and Technology, Telford. Dec 5: Lothian Phoenix 1 v Celtic Warriors - Bathgate Academy, Edinburgh Road, Bathgate. Dec 18: Celtic Warriors v Lothian Phoenix 1 - Darland Sports Centre, Chester Road, Wrexham. Dec 19: Tameside Owls 2 v Lothian Phoenix 1 - West Hill Sports Centre, Stalybridge, Cheshire. Jan 8: Celtic Warriors v Sheffield Steelers 2 - Darland Sports Centre, Chester Road, Wrexham. Jan 8: Jaguars 1 v RGK TCAT Rhinos 2 - Magnus Sports Centre, Earp Avenue, Newark. Jan 9: Tameside Owls 2 v Sheffield Steelers 2 - West Hill Sports Centre, Stalybridge, Cheshire. Jan 15: Celtic Warriors v Tameside Owls 2- Darland Sports Centre, Chester Road, Wrexham. Jan 15: Jaguars 1 v Lothian Phoenix 1- Magnus Sports Centre, Earp Avenue, Newark.

Jan 16: RGK TCAT Rhinos 2 v Lothian Phoenix 1 - Telford College of Arts and Technology, Telford. Jan 29: Celtic Warriors v Jaguars 1Darland Sports Centre, Chester Road, Wrexham. Jan 29: Tameside Owls 2 v RGK TCAT Rhinos 2 - West Hill Sports Centre, Stalybridge, Cheshire. Jan 30: Lothian Phoenix 1 v Newcastle Eagles 1 - Bathgate Academy, Edinburgh Road, Bathgate.

Division 2 North Dec 5: Bolton Bulls v Liverpool Greenbank 1 - Smithills Sports Centre, Bolton. Dec 5: Leicester Cobras 1 v West of Scotland - Leicester Leys Leisure Centre, Beaumont Way, Leicester. Dec 5: Leeds Spiders v Manchester Mavericks 1 - Morley Leisure Centre, Queensway, Leeds. Dec 12: Derby Wheelblazers v West of Scotland Jan 8: Manchester Mavericks 1 v Furness Falcons - YMCA, Liverpool Road, Manchester. Jan 9: Bolton Bulls v Derby Wheelblazers - Smithills Sports Centre, Bolton. Jan 9: Leicester Cobras 1 v Liverpool Greenbank 1 - Leicester Leys Leisure Centre, Beaumont Way, Leicester. Jan 16: Leeds Spiders v Bolton Bulls

ON THE BALL: GB captain Dave Tweed

GREAT Britain’s amputee footballers took seventh place at the Amputee World Cup in Crespo, Argentina. The squad, which had a bad preparation for the competition, found themselves in the trickier side of the draw. Once through the group stage they faced the top three teams – Argentina, Brazil and eventual winners, Uzbekistan. But they beat the Ukraine, 2-0, in the 7th/8th play off.

www.gbwba.org.uk

- Morley Leisure Centre, Queensway, Leeds. Jan 16: West of Scotland v Furness Falcons - West Dunbartonshire Council, Play Drome, Clydebank. Jan 16: Derby Wheelblazers v Liverpool Greenbank 1- Derby College, Derby. Jan 29: Liverpool Greenbank 1 v Bolton Bulls - Greenbank Project, Greenbank Lane, Liverpool. Jan 29: Furness Falcons v Derby Wheelblazers - Hoops Basketball Centre, Barrow-in-Furness. Jan 30: West of Scotland v Manchester Mavericks 1 - West Dunbartonshire Council, Play Drome, Clydebank. Jan 30: Leicester Cobras 1 v Leeds Spiders - Leicester Leys Leisure Centre, Beaumont Way, Leicester.

Third Division North: Dec 4: Newcastle Eagles 2 v Vikings 2009 - Percy Hedley School, West Lane, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Dec 5: RGK TCAT Rhinos 3 v Sheffield Steelers 4 - Telford College of Arts and Technology, Telford. Dec 5: Lothian Phoenix 2 v Vikings 2009 - Bathgate Academy, Edinburgh Road, Bathgate. Dec 11: Vikings 2009 v Sheffield Steelers 4 - Lansbury Bridge School, St. Helens.

Dec 19: Sheffield Steelers 4 v Cardinals - Sports Hall, Spinal Injuries Unit, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield Jan 8: Jaguars 2 v RGK TCAT Rhinos 3 - Magnus Sports Centre, Earp Avenue, Newark. Jan 9: Stoke Spitfires v Newcastle Eagles 2 - Dimensions Leisure Complex, Scotia Road, Stoke-onTrent. Jan 9: Vikings 2009 v Lothian Phoenix 2 - Lansbury Bridge School, St. Helens. Jan 15: Jaguars 2 v Lothian Phoenix 2- Magnus Sports Centre, Earp Avenue, Newark Jan 16: RGK TCAT Rhinos 3 v Lothian Phoenix 2 - Telford College of Arts and Technology, Telford. Jan 16: Vikings 2009 v Stoke Spitfires - Lansbury Bridge School, St. Helens. Jan 30: Stoke Spitfires v Vikings 2009 - Dimensions Leisure Complex, Scotia Road, Stoke-on-Trent. Jan 30: Lothian Phoenix 2 v Newcastle Eagles 2 -Bathgate Academy, Edinburgh Road, Bathgate.

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Academy boccia players get NW call up CHESHIRE Academy boccia players Tracey Jones and Adam Bloor have been included in Disability Sports England North West team for the national championships in Sheffield. Both qualified following strong finishing positions at the recent regional championships at the Greenbank Academy in Liverpool. Tracey and Adam competed against 80 other players to win qualification in the Learning Disability category. Adam said: “The competition was really tough with some great players. I had to fight for every single point however the hard work and effort has paid off.” Tracey said: “I had a real battle on my hands and I was over the moon when I heard I had got through to the national finals.” Cheshire Academy, tel 01270 255355. email: cheshireacadem@aol.com

December/January 2011

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Norfolk’s Dutch win

Rugby in chairs! FLYING THE FLAG: The GB wheelchair rugby squad in Canada

REAT Britain’s wheelchair rugby team are now in sixth place in the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation World Rankings after a very encouraging performance at the World Wheelchair Rugby Championships in Vancouver, Canada. Steve Palmer, captain, said: “It would have been terrific to medal in Vancouver, but we are definitely on track for the 2012 Paralympics. “Our defeats were all by narrow margins, so we’re certainly nipping at the heels of the countries that have previously dominated the sport.” Chief executive David Pond said: “The team had some immensely difficult matches to play, but even against the world leaders, the USA,

WHEELCHAIR rugby is for male and female players who have no or very limited use in all limbs. It is played indoors on a hardwood basketball court between two teams of four players. Combining some elements of basketball, handball, and ice hockey, the sport was created in Manitoba, Canada in1977 by a group of disabled athletes. Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby is hosting a special Powerplay event at Liverpool’s Greenbank Sport Academy on Friday December 10. To find out more email: info@gbwr.org.uk www.gbwr.org.uk

they acquitted themselves well. “The championships also gave them a clear taste of what the competition will be for 2012, which remains our ultimate goal. “It is clear that coach Tom O’Connor’s strategy is starting to pay dividends.” The world championships featured teams from 12 countries - Great

Britain, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Australia, Japan, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Finland and Argentina. The GB team: Jonathan Coggan, Bulbul Hussain, Steve Palmer, Jason Roberts, Andrew Barrow, Alan Ash, Troye Collins, Justin Frishberg, Ross Morrison, Mandip Sehmi and David Anthony.

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TENNIS star Peter Norfolk won his third NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters in Amsterdam – and is set to finish 2010 as the year-end world No 1 quad singles player for the sixth time in eight seasons. Norfolk defeated American David Wagner 6-3, 7-6(4) in the final to secure his third NEC Masters crown since 2006. Tennis Foundation national programme coach Stuart Wilkinson said: “Peter battled hard after a less than ideal preparation for this event, but stayed mentally tough to remain unbeaten. It was a really great effort and much deserved.” Meanwhile, Lucy Shuker took sixth place in the women’s singles for the second time in three years. After recording a first-time victory against world No 4 Jiske Griffioen, of the Netherlands, Shuker narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals and took on Belgium’s Annick Sevenans in the fifth and six place play-off. The contest was an exact repeat of the fifth and sixth place play-off in 2008 and the result proved to be the same as Sevenans prevailed in three close sets, 7-5, 2-6, 4-6. Elsewhere, Kevin Simpson retained his men’s singles title at the Beit Halochem wheelchair tennis tournament in Israel, giving the Scot his third ITF Futures titles since September. After a first round bye, top seed Simpson won all three of his matches against Israeli opposition in straight sets, clinching the title with a narrow 7-6(3), 6-4 victory over second seed Asaaf Stokol to maintain his ranking on the fringes of the world’s top 40.

School comp A NEW school sports competition – involving disabled children – will be trialled across Greater Manchester and eight other regions across England in 2011. Full story, Page 31

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December/January 2011

Impact:

All Together NOW!’s top four attributes are its quality of information, readability, freshness and layout

The majority of readers say All Together NOW! reflects the positive things that are happening for those with support needs. Most consider the publication contains content of interest to those without a disability. The front page layout generates a call-to-action to pick up and read.

— The Murray Consultancy

Most say the paper is a champion for those with support needs. Readers feel the publication creates parity between those who have a disability and those who have not.

All Together NOW! inspires and motivates those with support needs and reduces isolation.

Comments: Seven in eight say the paper reflects the positive things that are happening for those with support

everything they need to know about disability issues.

needs. Four in every five know where they can get a copy. Almost three in every five consider advertisements in the paper are relevant to them. Seven in every eight say All Together NOW! is unique. Three in every four consider there is plenty in the publication for readers without a disability. Four in every five consider All Together NOW! tells them

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One in three readers say the paper has helped them become more active. Four in every five say All Together NOW! has helped them become more aware of the issues disabled people face and how they can be overcome. Every other reader says the paper has helped them become more involved with disabled people.

Overview: Readers scored the following statements at least 3.9 out of 5:

“All Together NOW! helps break down the barriers between nondisabled and disabled people” — 3.9. “All Together NOW! helps reduce isolation among disabled and older readers with its inspiring and motivational content” — 4.0. “All Together NOW! inspires and motivates disabled and older readers to be more active, improving their overall wellbeing” — 4.1. “All Together NOW! is packed with news, seldom seen anywhere else, that helps people who are most in need” — 4.3.

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2011