issue4 by All Together Now

THE PERFECT PICK-ME-UP FOR 200,000 READERS

YOUNG AT HEART!

Bert is ready to ‘rock’ in the New Year

College success for Jean and Meryl

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WINTER 2005/06

All Together Now! is supported by . . .

AFRICA NEXT! p9

Opening doors . . . broadening minds . . . www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together Now!

What’s inside NEWS:

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NEWS

p 2/3/4/5/6

NORTH WEST POSITIVE AWARDS:

SPOTLIGHT CHESHIRE:

LEISUREZONE:

GARDENING:

p 10

PANTO COMPETITION:

p 11

GREAT OUTDOORS:

p 12-21

SKILLZONE:

p 13-20

KIELDER CHALLENGE:

p 22

TRAVEL:

p 23

HOROSCOPES:

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HEALTHZONE:

Winter 2005/06

£2.4bn of lottery cash ‘idle’ THE DISTRIBUTORS of National Lottery income have been slated by MPs for allowing £2.4bn intended for community projects to accrue in the bank.

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HELPING HANDS:

p 28

MOTORZONE:

p 29

MERSEYTRAVEL:

p 30

HELPLINES:

p 31

SPORTSZONE

p 32

Telephone: 0151 230 0307 Fax: 0151 220 4446 Who to contact

SEEDS OF SUCCESS: The hard-working team behind the award-winning transformation

Allotment that’s got the lot! TEAMWORK. That’s the secret of success, say this group of award-winning gardeners who turned an eyesore into a thriving allotment. The site, in Prescot, Merseyside, was a hot-spot for fly-tipping and the ground was in poor condition with soil ridden with bricks and debris. Enter some keen gardeners from Knowsley Council’s vocational support service.

Result: a successful, wheelchair accessible allotment – and an accessible toilet. The Molyneux Drive Allotment Society backed the scheme with a £300 grant from the Knowsley Environmental Challenge Award which paid for a polytunnel. St Helens College tutors are helping the gardeners gain horticultural qualifications, and the national Probation Service Community Team is also involved.

All the hard work has been recognised with a special commendation in the Knowsley allotment competition. Project co-ordinator Brenda Kelly said: “The plot is going from strength to strength and everyone involved – including gardeners from other plots – is benefiting. “Teamwork, a healthy lifestyle and exercise. This is a real success story.”

Family of fund-raisers BLIND singer/songwriter Andrew Coleman and father Jim have raised thousands of pounds for charities across the region and beyond. One of their key causes is helping people in Belarus, where Jim has just handed over a new ambulance to staff at the Mir Hospital (left). “The people of Southport and Liverpool helped us to raise the £11,000 to buy the vehicle,” says Jim, from Knowsley, Merseyside.

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

Advertising/sponsorship Chris Groves email: chris.groves@alltogethernow.org.uk

Want All Together Now! on audio tape? Give us a call . . .

NEXT EDITION: Wednesday Feb 1, 2006 All Together Now! is published by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Printed by the Liverpool Daily Post & ECHO, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB Registered Charity No.1106387 Company No. 5096931

CELEBRATION TIME: Members and friends of Wirral Phab club danced the night away to DJ Joe’s ‘Sensational Sound Machine’ at

the group’s third anniversary party at the Trafalgar Club, Bromborough. n Contact Brian Gouldson, tel 07903 046384

An all-party committee of MPs said huge sums were sitting idle because distributors were overly cautious about giving funds to new projects. It urged the Government to set strict targets for reducing the balances in the National Lottery Distribution Fund. Proceeds from the sale of lottery tickets are held in the fund until required by the 15 distributors to make payments or meet their own costs.

A BIG thank you to All Together Now for your help in our first venture into the world of newspaper advertising. — Eileen Green, chairman and founder, Sightline Vision (North West)

Winning website ITV SignPost has been named best website in the 2005 International Visual Communciation Association Clarion Awards. Elliott Morley MP, Minister for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “The jury found this to be an outstanding website whose innovative signing section is extremely informative.” ITV recently launched a free interactive fingerspeller on www.signpost bsl.com to encourage people to learn the British Sign Language alphabet. The site allows visitors to study the sign language alphabet in close-up and mid-shot video clips with explanatory text.

LET US SPREAD YOUR MESSAGE

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Winter 2005/06

All Together Now!

NEWS

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our supporters WHAT a difference a year makes! We began it with very little money in the bank — just lots of hope and tremendous amounts of goodwill. But we end it having produced FOUR fantastic 32-page editions of a trailblazing magazine that’s sweeping the North West and beyond; a terrific, daily updated website that’s being logged onto across the globe — and THREE major awards thrown in for good measure! That’s not bad for starters. It really does show just what can be achieved when people pull together. In our case, hundreds of individuals, and organisations, are helping us to deliver this unique and FREE news service. And we can’t thank YOU all enough! So where do we go from here? Well, we’ve some very ambitious plans for 2006, but, being a charity and reliant on donations and advertising, we are also going to need commercial support to realise them. Our latest partners include Liverpool Community College, who, as you will see as you read this edition, are very switched on with their inclusivity policies. Hopefully, other colleges, universities and businesses, too, throughout the North West will also soon see the benefits in supporting our work. If they do then there’s no telling what may be achieved by this time next year! But that’s a long way off. In the meantime, stay as active as you can, stay warm, and stay smiling! Oh, and be sure to have a Happy Christmas. See you again in the New Year.

TOM DOWLING — editor

Holiday exhibition

Bert with great grandchildren Jack, 6, Pheobe, 4, and some of his horses. Picture: JASON ROBERTS

Keep on rocking, says Bert! HE HAS had his share of health problems during the year, but great granddad Bert “Aggie” Jones hasn’t let that stop him from getting into his workshop. Since leaving work at Shell UK, Bert has made 20 beautiful rocking horses for his family — and now there are FIVE small additions to the Jones’s stables! “My earlier horses are really heavy,” says the ex-boiler-maker. “And after a few health scares — a mini stroke, heart trouble, gall bladder op, a spot of gout, and a few other things — I

decided I’d better find something a bit lighter to make.” So after turning his hands to producing a flotilla of model ships, Bert came up with the idea of making some miniature horses. “It’s a great hobby”, says Bert, 84, whose workshop is a converted bedroom in his Great Sutton home, “and the children love them. “When I retired, woodwork was the last thing I thought I’d get into. But when my wife Mary died eleven years ago, I had a go at making a rocking horse. Since then it’s taken over all my time. I just love keeping busy.”

A NORTH WEST holiday exhibition is being arranged for the New Year. “This is a fantastic opportunity for travel companies and those who provide specialist advice for disabled and older people to spread their messages,” says Danny Start, marketing officer at Liverpool’s Glaxo Neurological Centre. The exhibition takes place on Wednesday February 8 at the Glaxo Centre, Norton Street, Liverpool. Tel: 0151 298 2999

Award for new show BBC TV’s I’m With Stupid pilot sitcom won the Best Comedy gong at the Royal Television Society’s 10th North West Awards. Produced by BBC Comedy North, I’m With Stupid is a contemporary Odd Couple style comedy which explores disability in a funny and truthful way. It stars Paul Henshall (Holby City, A Thing Called Love), Mark Benton (Early Doors, Christmas Lights) and Alan Martin, from Wirral, Merseyside. A new series is due to start filming early in the New Year.

Get ready for Magic A NEW theatre group has started rehearsal for their first production. The Magic 7 Theatre Group, based at the Lancaster Centre, Walton, Liverpool, for people of all ages with learning disabilities, is working on Lost for Words, directed by Byron Alcock of the A La Mode Theatre Company. The comedy is a based on two characters, David and Lisa, who meet on Cilla Black’s Blind Date TV show. The play will be performed on January 18 and 19 at Community Learning Centre St John Bosco School, Croxteth, Liverpool.

All Together Now!

Winter 2005/06

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NEWS

Emergency text line A NEW service has been set up on Merseyside to allow those who cannot use a voice telephone to contact the emergency services. Deaf and speech impaired residents across Merseyside can now contact the Fire, Police, Ambulance and Coastguard with details of an emergency simply by texting 61051. The number is only available in the Merseyside area and only for people who are deaf, hearing impaired or speech impaired. Anyone sending hoax texts would be prosecuted. Contact: Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, tel 0151 220 0118; Minicom 0151 220 4143; or Typetalk to Minicom 18002 0151 220 4143.

Equipment on web THREE national charities have set up a disability equipment website to help health professionals deliver a more rapid service. The Royal National Institute for the Blind, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, and the British Red Cross say the new “recycling” scheme will reduce costs, free up resources and limit waiting times for much-needed items of equipment. It is the first major initiative from the consortium which aims to develop more integrated community equipment services and improve the efficient use of public money to the benefit of disabled and older people. n www.CommunityEquipment.com

‘It makes a very real difference to the lives of users’

Bat skills to the rescue . . .

A CANE to help blind people has won a top award. The UltraCane – nicknamed the Batcane – carried off the annual Horners Award which recognises imagination and innovation. The British Plastics Federation award is the latest in a series of accolades for the ground-breaking invention that can transform the lives of the blind and partially sighted. The UltraCane emits ultrasonic waves, just like the echolocation system used by bats and dolphins. The waves bounce off objects and obstructions in the path of users and feed back through a vibrating button on the cane to indicate the proximity of objects and obstacles. CANE AND ABLE: Sound Foresight boss Jane Fowler trying out the Ultracane This provides users with much more detailed information about dangers ahead than is possible with the traditional white cane. It is particularly useful for warning of hazards at head height. Since its launch last year, it has been sold in more than 15 countries. The cane also won a number of awards while in development, including the 2002 Tomorrow’s World promoting best practice in the “The Government has now NEW package of Health Innovation recognised that millions of carers workplace and a guide by leading measures is available to Award and the 2003 community care lawyer Luke have difficulties achieving a life support councils and European Electronics Clements, entitled Carers and their outside their caring role. professionals faced with having Industry Design rights: The law relating to Carers. “As we expect the number of to implement the new Carers Application of the The Act gives local authorities a carers to rise to almost nine (Equal Opportunities) Act. Year Award. million in the next 30 years, we The law is designed to help duty to tell carers about their The accolade came ensure the UK’s six million unpaid rights, and also gives them powers need to tackle this problem now. just a week before carers have greater opportunities to bring together other agencies – “There is now a duty on health International White for work, education and life-long such as health, education, housing and social services to promote Cane Day, which was learning. and transport – to provide support. equality of opportunity for carers celebrated in the UK The Act came into effect in April Imelda Redmond, chief executive and actively safeguard their health on October 13. and places new duties on services of Carers UK, says: “Now that the and welfare.” Jane Fowler, and professionals helping unpaid Carers Act has made it through Carers save the economy an managing director of carers. Parliament, it is vital that those estimated £57 billion per year – Sound Foresight, Included in the package are given the responsibility for the equivalent of a second who designed the implementing it have the tools and national health service. training resources for supporting cane, said: “I am working carers, guides for information to help them reach n Helplines, p31 delighted with this managers, working carers and carers, and make them aware of n www.carersuk.org award from such a union representatives, a new DVD their rights and entitlements. prestigious organisation. “The UltraCane is a relatively simple idea but the technology it aviation under the Disability Discrimination Act. THE chairman of the Disability Rights embodies makes a Mr Massie said: “Discrimination in air travel is now Commission has thrown down a challenge to very real difference to widespread. Rational argument will not work with the lives of users.” budget airline company Ryanair: “If you want some airlines. Only law will produce change.” Sound Foresight a fight – you’ve got one.” Ryanair’s action also led to their disqualification at began life as a In October, Ryanair ejected a group of nine partiallythe annual Deafblind awards, in which they had been collaboration sighted passengers from one of their planes, saying shortlisted. between science they had already exceeded their safety quota of four n RYANAIR’s head of communications Peter and engineering disabled passengers on any of their flights. Sherrard said: “Ryanair does not and has never researchers at the The airline claimed their safety quota ruling had discriminated against disabled passengers. We have University of Leeds. been agreed with the Disability Rights Commission made air travel in Europe affordable, and have opened n Contact Sound who immediately denied any involvement in Ryanair’s up new travel opportunities for disabled people.” Foresight Ltd, tel policy. n Euro hopes raised on flights – Page 23 01423 320340. Now the DRC is pressing the Government to bring

New support for UK’s 6m carers

Ireland next, please DEAR Editor: A few years ago, when a student at John Moores University, Liverpool, I thought the former I can do that! magazine was excellent. Now I hear that the new All Together Now! publication(and website) is even better. Many congratulations! I just wish that we had something like your innovative news service here in Northern Ireland. People would benefit so much from it. — Catherine Russell, Fermanagh Access Group, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

Africa overland COLIN Javens, paralysed from the shoulders, has set off on a five-month drive across Africa to raise money for spinal injury charities in the UK and Africa The 25-year-old left Stoke Mandeville hospital in a specially adapted Land Rover, and is using modified camping equipment. Colin, who was born in Kenya, broke his neck, aged 20, after diving into shallow water off the Isle of Wight. n www.drivinghome.co.uk

Rocket for budget airline Ryanair

REACH 200,000 READERS: 0151 230 0307

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Winter 2005/06

All Together Now!

NEWS

Spinal patient team making great strides SPINAL cord injured people in units around the country could soon be walking – using revolutionary frames from Poland. Six people with spinal cord injuries completed a 24-hour ‘walk’ at London’s Alexandra Palace to raise funds that will enable the units to buy the Parapodium walking frames. The frame was a main attraction at the Independent Living London show and offers exciting opportunities to those who are normally confined to a wheelchair. Paul Moore, who co-ordinated the marathon and was one of the walkers, said: “All six of us covered equal lengths which was a real challenge as most had not stood in the frame for more than an hour before. “Coupled with the fact that we got very little sleep, it was a tremendous display of determination.

“We’ve spoken to hundreds of therapists and visitors during the course of the event at Independent Living London and generated lots of interest and awareness about the Parapodium. “People were keen to try out the equipment and some visitors tried the Parapodium – one of whom hadn’t walked for over 10 years. “The main object of the exercise is to promote freedom of choice. All of those with lower leg impairment should have the opportunity to stand as it allows you to live longer and more healthily. “We didn’t manage to raise quite as much money as we had planned from the marathon but hopefully it will be only a matter of time before each of the UK’s spinal injury units has a Parapodium.” n If you would like to donate to the fund, call Paul Moore on 07734 473056.

THE GLAXO NEUROLOGICAL CENTRE. Supporting people with neurological conditions and their families.

HOLIDAY & TRAVEL EXHIBITION FOR DISABLED PEOPLE February 8th 2006 Join us at an exhibition to be held at the Glaxo Centre in central Liverpool, which will provide information on holidays of all kinds, both in the UK and overseas. If you are a travel company, agent or organisation which provides accessible holiday and travel advice - this is the event for you. Exhibition places will go fast – so please contact us for full details including costs.

Admission is FREE to visitors

MENTAL CAPACITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS March 16th 2006 The Trust will present a conference for lawyers, medical practitioners, nurses, social workers and voluntary groups. Topics include: mental capacity and the law, medical overviews of mental capacity, court of protection, and workshops on money, property and family issues. For further information and a booking form, contact:

REVOLUTIONARY: The new Parapodium walking frame

Making Merseyside a destination of choice for disabled visitors

How accessible is your tourism business? Take advantage of a free advisory visit and much more.... As the Tourist Board for the Merseyside sub-region, The Merseyside Partnership is working with Merseyside Disability Federation and local authorities to improve the experience of all visitors to Merseyside.

l Free introductory advisory visit to your establishment.

l Subsidised participation in Welcome All (part of Welcome to Excellence customer service training). l Subsidised training tailored to your specific needs.

l Full Access Audit of your premises with a written report containing recommendations, with a subsidy of 75% (up to a maximum of £750 per business). l Reduced price first year membership of the National Accessible Scheme for hotels which meet this national standard.

The Mersey Neurological Trust, The Glaxo Neurological Centre, Norton Street, Liverpool L3 8LR Tel: 0151 298 2999 Fax: 0151 298 2333 email: danny@mntuk.vianw.co.uk

Need a little ExtraCare? We provide services for customers with extra needs such as: G Older customers G Customers who have

a disability G Customers who have a serious illness G Customers who have sight, hearing or learning difficulties

contact Andrew Elliot Tourism Development Assistant, The Merseyside Partnership. Tel: 0151 237 3522 Email: 08forall@merseyside.org.uk

Peter Bates Information Officer, Merseyside Disability Federation. Tel: 0151 291 9570 Email: 08forall@merseydisability.org.uk

To find out more about ExtraCare call us on 0845 746 1100 or Minicom 0808 143 1195

All Together Now!

Winter 2005/06

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

SPOTLIGHT:

Welcome for paternity leave plan World Websites providing help to thousands A WEBSITE helping parents of deaf children has been highly commended in the British Medical Association’s 2005 Patient Information Award. Launched in March 2003, the National Deaf Children’s Society’s site has an average 20,000 users per month searching over 2,000 pages of information. Sarah Johns, NDCS helpline and publications manager, said: “The website offers the latest news in childhood deafness, reaching many families with deaf children.” n NDCS Freephone Helpline: 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) n www.ndcs.org.uk Meanwhile, Epilepsy Action has relaunched its innovative website that offers help to the 450,000 people in the UK with the condition. The new site builds on the success of its predecessor, BEA-Connect. The aim is to provide a safe and secure environment for people with epilepsy to discuss their condition and how to live with it. Membership is free. n www.forum4e.com

PLANS giving new fathers the right to three months paid paternity leave were strongly welcomed by Contact a Family, the charity for parents with disabled children. The Government’s Work and Families Bill would extend paid maternity leave from six to nine months, and allow fathers to take the last three months instead of mothers.

Parents will be entitled to a state allowance of around £106 per week for the leave period. Contact a Family chief executive Francine Bates said: “These proposals are very good news for families with disabled children. “Not only will they enable parents to share the caring, but they’ll give fathers time to bond with their baby, to adjust to the diagnosis, and seek out sources of support.

“We’re delighted that the Government’s Bill includes some of the family friendly employment practices our parents so desperately need, and we look forward to it becoming law.” But the charity was concerned that fathers requesting parental leave may be unfairly treated by employers. n Helpline 0808 808 3555. n www.cafamily.org.uk

Now for real business Mersey Care NHS

MERSEYSIDE business leaders got on their bikes to raise funds for Claire House children’s hospice in the Culture Cities Triathlon. A team of 14 swapped their suits for cycle shorts and pedalled the 215 miles between Dublin and Cork in just over 24 hours.

NHS Trust

HAVE YOUR SAY!

The team has already raised £44,000 for the hospice. Pictured abov e, from left to right, boarding the Irish Sea Express at Liverpool, are: Trevor Gornall from T-Mobile, David Owen from Rensburg Investment Management, and Alan Bevan from property group City Residential.

The signs of justice

Mersey Care NHS Trust has a daring vision to improve mental health and learning disability services and needs YOUR involvement to achieve it. We believe that the people of north Merseyside deserve up-to-date, modern and therapeutic mental health care facilities, fit for the 21st century. It’s time for change. Please take the opportunity to have your say and respond to this important exercise. If you haven’t already seen the consultation document or would like further information please contact: Mental Health Consultation PALS Team, South Sefton Primary Care Trust FREEPOST LV3391 1st Floor Burlington House Crosby Road North Waterloo L22 0QB Telephone: 0151 920 5056

Mersey cares

DEAF people wanting legal help are to get sign language interpreters paid for by the Legal Services Commission. The Royal National Institute for Deaf people have welcomed the change of policy, which will help the UK’s 50,000 British Sign Language users. But concern remains over whether other forms of communication assistance such as lip speakers will also be provided free of charge to deaf and hard of hearing people. The LSC decision to provide funding for BSL interpreters – which currently costs £95 per hour – comes after intense lobbying.

Simon Robinson at RNID says: “Deaf people have found it very difficult to get legal advice to claim their rights as full citizens as many people have not been able to afford the cost of BSL interpreters. “We are now calling on the Legal Services Commission to confirm that this change will also apply to other language support professionals such as lip speakers.” Kevin Martin, Law Society President, said: “The Law Society has always maintained that all solicitors should, and do, meet obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act but that the high cost of interpreters should be met by the Commission.“

class deaf centre A MAJOR new research centre that will study deafness and communication is to be created. The Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre, based at University College London, will become a world class hub of excellence thanks to £4.5m of funding from the Economic and Social Research Council. DCAL will link a research programme ranging from neuroscience and linguistics to the deaf individual in the community. Changing the perception of deafness by the hearing community, and transferring communications techniques will be other aspects of the centre’s role. Director Professor Bencle Woll said: “We will create new tools for assessing sign language and sign language development.”

SAY YOU SAW IT IN . . .

Deafblind awards SUPERMARKET chain Tesco and the Harrogate Moat House were among the winners of the National Deafblind Friendly Corporate Awards 2005. The annual awards, run by Sense and Deafblind UK, recognise organisations and individuals who are helping to make life easier for people who are deaf and blind. n www.sense.org.uk or www.deafblind.org.uk

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Winter 2005/06

NORTH WEST POSITIVE ACTION AWARDS

All Together Now!

ROLL OF HONOUR MEDIA: All Together Now! The North West’s sparkling new disability focused magazine VISITOR ATTRACTIONS: Bond Hotel, Blackpool Calvert Trust, Kielder Norton Priory Oldham Coliseum Theatre Wildflower Centre, Knowsley SERVICE: Disabled Living, Manchester Lancashire Youth & Community Services Martin Yates Independent Living Services Tesco, Warrington

Proof positive These awards are fantastic recognition of those making a real difference — Steven Broomhead, chief executive, Northwest Regional Development Agency

WINNING WAYS: Sarah Bush (Inland Revenue); Tom Dowling (All Together Now! editor); George Ferguson and Tony McMullen (Greenbank Project)

ll Together Now! was among the prize winners at the annual North West Positive Action Awards.

Your favourite news service – for anyone whose lives are affected by disability or age – scooped its third award since setting up in April. All Together Now! was singled out in the media category. Presenting the awards at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones stadium, TV and radio presenter Eamonn O’Neal said: “The media can play a great part in changing people’s perceptions to disability. “All Together Now! is the North West’s sparkling magazine and website highlighting the ever increasing opportunities to help people with their independence. “The ethos of the charity is summarised by its core message: For ANYONE who won’t let ANYTHING get in the way.” Earlier this year All Together Now! picked up a media award in the Wirral Challenge Awards, and in the autumn the National Information Forum

presented the charity with one of its Getting the Message Across awards for the innovative magazine and its website which is funded by Merseybroadband and designed by Chris Williams, at Pharos Design. Transport authority Merseytravel were also honoured for their inclusive access policies. Mr O’Neal said: “Merseytravel has led the way in working towards access for all in transport. For over 10 years they have employed a specialist advisor (David Finnegan) to promote access and facilities to buses, taxis and trains. This work has included the infrastructure of bus stops and stations. Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the North West Regional Development Agency, who sponsor the awards, said: “Disabled people make a valuable contribution to our region and it is vital that we create an environment that allows them to fulfil their potential. “These Awards are fantastic recognition of those who are making a real difference.” n www.positiveactionawards.org.uk

WINNERS: Merseytravel’s access team – Cllr Ken McGlashan (Knowsley MPTA member); Tony Conner (Sefton Access Group); Cllr Mark Dowd (chair of Merseytravel); Cllr Tom Hargreaves (chair of TAP); Joanne Thompson (BIG group); John Rainey, seated (Knowsley council’s access officer); and David Skelton (Merseytravel’s transport access officer)

TRANSPORT: Merseytravel Shelly’s Restaurant, Warrington EMPLOYMENT: 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust Central Cheshire Primary Care Trust Greenbank Project, Liverpool INDIVIDUAL AWARDS: Sarah Bush, Liverpool: Dedication to supporting disabled staff at Inland Revenue and Customs & Excise Tom Carty, Warrington: Long-term commitment as a carer. Denise Shaw: Commitment as a carer and involvement in a local charity Gill Kenyon of the H Club: Commitment to improving services

All Together Now!

Winter 2005/06

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

. . . CHESHIRE

SPOTLIGHT:

It’s all YAP, YAP, YAP!

Charity boss warns: beware the hard-sell BEWARE this Christmas of a breed of salespeople who, while not actually operating illegally, still breaks every ethical code in the book. The warning comes from the boss of Assist UK, the newly-named charity that runs 50 Disabled Living Centres across the UK. Alan Norton, chief executive at Assist UK, said: “A lack of clear, unbiased information means too many elderly and disabled people are being pressurised by unscrupulous direct sales companies. “National press carries a lot of advertisements for dubious companies offering products like beds, stairlifts, scooters etc, and prices are rarely indicated,” he said. “It would be a good idea for publications accepting such advertisements to include a piece alongside direct selling advertisements, stating that free advice is available from the Disabled Living Centres.” n www.assist-uk.org n Helping Hands: Page 28

TV SOAP stars were out in force at Tatton Park, Cheshire, to launch a new fun website for young people with learning disabilities. Hollyoaks heart-throbs Ashley Taylor Dawson (who plays Darren Osborne) and Matt Milburn (Joe Spencer) joined Coronation Street’s David Neilson (Roy Cropper) at Mencap’s ‘Celebrate and Motivate’ event which highlighted the Year of the Volunteer. The new website — www.y-a-p.org.uk — has been designed by young volunteers with a learning disability and funded by The Vodafone UK Foundation.

PICTURED: volunteers Jamie Dancyger and Sarah Baker with Matt and Ashley. Inset: David Neilson and Rene Davies

Court victory E

Sunderland praise DEAR Editor: I AM very impressed by the quality and amount of information contained in All Together Now! We have nothing like it in the NorthEast I am more than happy to make a donation towards the cost of sending the magazine to Sunderland. It will help many people in our region. - Les Wascoe, manager of the City of Sunderland Council for the Disabled, Norfolk Street, Sunderland

Safety in the home CHESHIRE Fire Service and Vale Royal Disability Services are staging an event that will make a difference to the general safety of disabled people in the home. The conference, at the fire service headquarters in Winsford on December 9, will allow people to have their say, covering safety in its widest sense, including property design, equipment, communications, training and more. n Contact, 01606 888400

Cash for carers FUNDING is available to help carers living in Cheshire with the cost of providing breaks, activities and items to ease the stress and isolation of the caring role. Examples include pampering days, short breaks, help with gardening, driving lessons, help with decorating, social outings, and essential household items. The maximum award is £250. n Contact 0800 085 0307.

Three cheers for 10 chairs THE rotarians have come to the rescue of Warrington Disability Partnership’s wheelchair loan service. When the Rotary Club of Warrington Bridgewater heard of the group’s wheelchair shortage they quickly rallied round and donated £1,640 – enough to buy 10 new wheelchairs. John Menzies at WDP says: “We are extremely grateful for this donation. We

are always looking to replace our older wheelchairs. “Anyone who might be able to help us should please call me on 01925 638867.” Pictured are, back row: David Howe, John Williams (president) and Dave Edwards (vice president). Front row: Tommy Hammond, George Williams and Phil Edwards (WDP Trustee).

MPLOYERS have been given a stark warning about their recruitment policies following a landmark ruling in the Court of Appeal. Iain Smith, who has Lumbar Spondylosis – a form of arthritis – became the first person to win a recruitment appeal under the Disability Discrimination Act. Mr Smith, from Runcorn, Cheshire, successfully applied for a job selling radiator covers for Churchill’s Stairlifts in September 2003. But between the job offer and the start of training, the company decided that sales people would have to carry full-size models of their radiator covers and Mr Smith would be unable to do this because of his impairment. The company withdrew the job offer despite Mr Smith suggesting various alternatives including a trial period without sales aids. Bert Massie, chair of the Disability Rights Commission who supported Mr Smith, said: “Discrimination against disabled people at the recruitment stage has been very difficult to prove so I’m delighted this case has been successful.” Mr Smith said: “This was a job I was absolutely right for. But they couldn’t see past my disability. And they couldn’t understand the simple adjustments which could have been made to the job so that I could be effective.” Mr Smith took his case to an Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal. The tribunals found that the majority of people would not be able to lift the sales aids so Mr Smith was not placed at a disadvantage. But the Court of Appeal ruled that the tribunals’ approach was wrong. It clarified that Mr Smith suffered a disadvantage because he was unsuccessful in getting the job at Churchill’s and this was a direct result of his disability. It also ruled that the company should have made an adjustment to the way Mr Smith worked to overcome this disadvantage. The case will now go back to the employment tribunal to decide the level of compensation.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Winter 2005/06

All Together Now!

Your guide to the good things in life — countryside, gardening, travel, and much, much more

Cheshire plan to make the pathways easier CHESHIRE has led the way nationally in terms of countryside recreation and has a well established network of country parks and promoted trails. Now they want to do even better — and access for people with disabilities is high on the agenda. Two public meetings have already been held — and another two are planned in December and January. The new Rights of Way Improvement Plan is Cheshire’s first major initiative to see where improvements can be made. Two years ago, following widespread consultation, more than 1,000 suggestions were received, ranging from broad policy ideas to more detailed schemes: People said they wanted clear signage and way marking in large print with good tonal contrast. Other demands included an increase in the level of general access to pathays and the development of a network free of width restrictions and physical barriers such as vegetation and stiles. A few fully accessible routes should be developed and publicised widely, and residents also called for circular routes of differing distances starting from convenient locations. Want to have your say? Then get along to one of the last two public meetings — Tuesday December 6, 7pm, at County Hall, Chester, or Tuesday 17 January 2006, 2.00pm at Phoenix House in Winsford. n Contact Amy Rushton, tel 01606 541827

ON HORSEBACK, across rivers — and even wheelchairs up volcanoes . . . that was Nicaragua. Now it’s across Africa for a new team of disabled adventurers

Next stop Africa . . . PRODUCERS of BBC TV’s brilliant Beyond Boundaries series that followed 11 disabled people on an overland expedition across Nicaragua are ready for another epic journey – this time across Africa! Auditions are taking place during December and rucksacks will be

ready for the January departure. “It’s going to be trip of a lifetime,” say programme makers. Diverse Bristol TV. “Like the Beyond Boundaries’ series, this expedition will be extremely tough and will stretch people to the absolute limit.”

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Berried treasure H

OLLY, ivy and mistletoe invoke the spirit of Yuletide more than any other plants. The first two were immortalised in a Christmas carol while mistletoe ... well, everyone knows what mistletoe is for. All have traditions pre-dating the Christian era – and all can be grown in a reasonable-sized garden. Holly and ivy were once seen as fertility symbols, ivy the female element and holly the male. As for that carol, The Holly and the Ivy, it started life as an 18th century pop song. Holly has long been credited with the power to ward off evil and a belief still persists that bad luck will strike anyone taking an axe to a holly tree. Hollies grow in virtually any soil or conditions, tolerate pollution and make thick, impenetrable hedges which are excellent for topiary. Most hollies bear male and female flowers on separate plants. That means that male plants cannot produce berries – and neither can the females, unless there is a male within 30m (100ft) to ensure pollination by insects. But if there’s room for only one holly in your garden, be of good cheer, there is a hermaphrodite variety, JC van Tol, which has male and female flowers on the same tree and thus produces berries without outside help. The leaves of some hollies are so beautiful that berries hardly seem necessary. Silver King, which oddly is female, has shimmering green leaves edged with silver, and Golden Queen a male, equally oddly – has goldedged leaves.

Container-grown hollies are easy to establish when planted in holes enriched with well rotted manure or garden compost, given plenty of water at planting and watered again for a year or more when the ground is dry. Despite every precaution, newly planted hollies will sometimes shed their leaves. This is nothing more than a defence mechanism, triggered by insufficient water at the roots, especially in windy, exposed places. Ivy gave rise to another ditty, a music hall song in praise of fidelity, “Just like the ivy on the old garden wall, clinging so tightly whatever may befall...” It was a rare compliment to a plant which, until recently, was considered too dull for gardens. Ivy had a better press thousands of years ago. The Egyptians and the Romans used it for decoration and celebration. The popularity of ivy reached a peak in Victorian times when it was used in the home as well as the garden. With the introduction of so many kinds with shapely and colourful foliage, it is making a comeback. Mistletoe was never respectable in the eyes of the Church, though it had been sacred as a sex symbol to Druids and Vikings. Today people kiss under the mistletoe but they didn’t stop at that in historic times. Some people try to grow mistletoe on a garden tree – it grows naturally on apple, lime and hawthorn trees – but there’s not much point. When the sprigs are cut for selling, the seeds inside the berries are usually too immature to be viable. So the mistletoe hung in the hall is good for only one thing. Make the most of it.

CHECKLIST

HOLLY GOOD SHOW: Hermaphrodite holly like the variety JC van Tol smothers itself in berries without outside help

Win this fantastic electric propagator worth £64.99

EASY TO USE: The Parasene Botanic Electric Propagator

HERE’S a chance to grow better, earlier plants by winning your own propagator. The Botanic Electric Propagator, worth £64.99, comes from plant protection specialists Parasene. It enables anyone with basic seedsowing experience to get ahead with a wide range of flowers and vegetables for 2006, from patio plants such as petunias and busy lizzies to delicious crops like tomatoes and melons. It is suitable for use in any well-lit situation such as a greenhouse or glazed porch. The Botanic Electric combines a sturdy moulded base large enough for two seed trays, supplied with

clear plastic domes to cover them, built-in heater, power cable and plug. It has an easy-to-use control knob to set or alter the temperature, a thermostat to maintain your chosen temperature, and a light to indicate when the heat is on. To enter the competition, answer this question: How many seed trays does our propagator accommodate? Send your entry with your name and address on a postcard or sealed envelope to The Editor, All Together Now, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, by Friday, January 13.

REACH 200,000 READERS, tel 0151 230 0307

FLOWERS: Finish planting tulips and any overdue spring bedding. Snip off the dead flower heads of winter pansies regularly to encourage blooms. Pinch out the tips of long shoots on wallflower plants to help them grow bushy. SHRUBS AND TREES: Brighten up north and east-facing walls and fences by planting hardy climbers such as winter jasmine, which produces masses of yellow, starshaped flowers, and ivies,like those with gold and green leaves. 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. LAWNS: Give the lawn its final trim of the year on a mild day. Clean the mower and have it serviced if necessary. PONDS: Remove leaves from the surface. Left to sink and rot, they use oxygen, which is needed by fish and other pondlife. VEGETABLES: Sow over-wintering broad beans for an early crop. The best varieties all have the name Aquadulce in the title. Harvest any remaining carrots, turnips, swedes and long varieties of beetroot for storing in boxes of soil in a cool shed. Parsnips can stay in the ground as required until the New Year. 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 available, 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 spring shoots. GLASS: In the greenhouse or conservatory, water sparingly fuchsias and other exotics being overwintered under glass, keeping the compost just moist. Check for insect pests on the plants. HOUSEPLANTS: Make sure they have enough light, but don’t leave them on a windowsill at night after the curtains are drawn or they will suffer in the chilly gap between glass and curtain. WILDLIFE: Attract an interesting range of birds into your garden throughout winter by starting now to provide 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. Keep feeders stocked up to encourage the greatest number and variety.

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You lucky people!

WIN tickets to the panto ULIAN Clary is bringing his unique brand of comedy to panto this year. The top comic is on his way to Merseyside – starring in the Liverpool Empire pantomime Cinderella. And we have TWO fantastic family tickets to give away for the opening night of one of the best and most colourful Christmas shows in the North West. The most popular panto of them all will be turned into a dazzling production with sumptuous costumes, lavish sets, spectacular staging and a magical transformation scene as Cinderella is transported to the ball! Julian will bring his original

humour to the role of Dandini, Prince Charming’s aide de camp. “I’m really looking forward to performing in Liverpool,” Julian said. Laura Evans, from CBBC’s Basil Brush Show, plays Cinderella and there’s a full supporting cast including hilarious Ugly Sisters, loveable Buttons, a Fairy Godmother and real Shetland ponies pulling Cinderella’s coach. Bill Elms, the Empire’s head of sales and marketing, said: “We have always prided ourselves on the quality of our Christmas shows at the Empire, and after a gap of 10 years, this is a perfect opportunity to

WINNERS of our competition for tickets to the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show were: Mr M Melling, Queensway, Davyhulme, Manchester Jenny Corbett, Devon Close, Norley Hall, Pemberton, Wigan John Fawcett, Silverbirch Way, Ellesmere Port Gerard Otten, Clarendon Road, Liverpool Mr E W Evans, Firtrees Park, Ferry Lane, Higher Ferry, Chester Answer: The show was held at NEC Birmingham.

bring back our showstopping pantomimes.” To win a family ticket (two adults, two children) to Cinderella all you have to do is answer the following question: What part does Julian play in Cinderella? Send your answer – and tell us where you picked up your copy of All Together Now! – to: Panto Competition, All Together Now! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. You can also email us at: sales@alltogethernow.org.uk The closing date is Friday December 9. n Cinderella runs from December 16 to January 8. The box office is on 0870 606 3536.

Get on OUR bikes!

WINNERS of our gardening competition for £35 worth of tulips were: Mrs Gay Headley, Llwyn y Moelyn, Rectory Lane, Llanferres, Denbighshire Mrs J Matthews, Limefields, Wern, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire B.E. Llewellyn, The Parchments, Newton-le-Willows, Lancs Mr A Smith, Harris Avenue, Denton, Lancs Mrs V Fogerty, Waterhead View, Glebe Land, Aveton Gifford,

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Winter 2005/06

. . . with John Dempsey A special gardening quiz for Christmas

Winter wonders land . . . Enjoy the spectacle as exotic visitors prepare to touch down in the region HE end and the beginning – December and January are busy months for those who want to get out and about in the fresh air. Milder winters mean that it is rarely as cold as an Eskimo’s fridge in the north west anymore – but that doesn’t mean you don’t need your thermals if you venture out. Shorter days and long, long, nights prompt many to consider that there’s not much to look at. But they would be wrong. Okay, insects and blooming plants are in short supply, in fact the only butterfly you’re likely to come across is a peacock or small tortoiseshell disturbed from hibernation. I know of at least one house, in Wirral, where large numbers of small tortoiseshell used to hibernate in a warm bedroom. Why not check quieter corners of your house for these lovely dozing beasties, but be very careful not to disturb them. Other than that, the sleeping beauties tend to venture out on warm sunny days, more usually in February. Birdwise, winter influxes of wildfowl, finches, birds of prey and thrushes mean the joint is jumping, and we’re blessed with a number of sites in the north west to enjoy the spectacle. If it’s a white Christmas you’re after, you can’t really go wrong with a trip to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust site at Martin Mere near Burscough, where whooper swans will be clamouring about the main mere, showing particularly well at special feeding times. Check at the reserve for detail.

Don’t panic WILDFOWL & Wetlands Trust centres are monitoring the developments of avian flu— but it’s very much business as usual, they say. Martin Spray, chief executive, says: “The safety of our visitors and staff is paramount and we shall continue to closely monitor the situation and any new developments that may arise,” Further information about avian influenza is available on the WWT website: www.wwt.org.uk If you’re at the mere, enjoy the wintering swans from Iceland by all means, but don’t forget our other visitors. Around the edges of the water, snipe and ruff, elegant but unobtrusive waders, will feed, while in the shallows, large numbers of teal, wigeon, shoveler and pintail bustle about. Winter really is the best time to admire the plumage of our duck species at their best. Pristine after autumn moults, some species are particularly dapper – come on down the dramatic pintail and paddle-billed shoveler! Martin Mere should provide you with a good variety of grey geese too, mainly pink feet, which have travelled down from Iceland like the whooper swans, but barnacle, white front and greylags are all seen too. The only problem with geese is many are escapees from captivity – just

because something unusual is with wild birds, it doesn’t automatically mean that it too is wild. Confused? Give goose-watching a go and enjoy the puzzle. Should the set-up at Martin Mere prove too comfortable or busy for you then try the surrounding farmland for grazing flocks of geese, using your car as a hide. As long as you stay inside, the birds are generally untroubled by your presence. The fields around the reserve often host large flocks of winter thrushes, including fieldfare and redwing, both beautiful visitors from Scandanavia, which are unfairly overlooked. Just because something is common, doesn’t mean it’s not worth close inspection! The New Year is a great opportunity to start birdwatching, as many birders pursue a “year list”. This means all manner of habitats are being checked out by birders repeatedly, so lots of unexpected birds turn up – and there’s usually someone around to help you watch it. Be warned though, once you start listing it can get compulsive, and mighty expensive. The top fanatics in the UK get through tens of thousands of pounds each year in pursuit of the the biggest list seen in 12 months, fuelled by an unstoppable addiction to ticking everything off. Every journey starts with a single step, but as long as your winter trip to Martin Mere doesn’t progress to chartering planes to Fair Isle, you should be all right!

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A LITTLE FLIGHT REFRESHMENT: All manner of birdlife descends on the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust site at Martin Mere where feeding time is a frenzy of activity

Getting around MARTIN Mere has a good variety of hides with a wide range of access, from the heated and double glazed Raines Observatory, to the large Millers Bridge Hide, which commands imrpessive views over the marshland area of this fascinating site. Here birds of prey, including peregrine, merlin, buzzard and hen harrier hunt, just as they do on the Dee and Ribble estuaries. If it does get too cold for you, don’t worry, the centre also boasts the Pink Foot Pantry, where you can rest and stock up on grub, much like the wildbirds visiting the site! The mere is open daily 9.30am-5.30pm (5pm November - February). Closed Christmas Day. Facilities include the licensed cafeteria, children's play area, art/craft gallery, optical shop, picnic tables, gift and book shop, hides, easy paths for pushchairs, baby changing unit and children's activities. For visitors with disabilities

VISITING TIME: A female hen harrier, just one of the spectacular birds of prey that can be seen at Martin Mere

AS the evenings draw in and gardening tasks are fewer, put your feet up and test your horticultural knowledge with this quiz. You could even save it until the Christmas festivities and get family and friends to join in. The answers are below. 1. Choose the correct botanical names of these? n Amaryllis – a wonderful winterflowering gift as a bulb or a flower: (a) Hippophae, (b) Hippocrepis, (c) Hippeastrum. n Geraniums – colour all summer in pots and beds: (a) Pelargonium (b) Peltandra (c) Peltophorum. n Lily-of-the-valley – scented white bell-flowers: (a) Convolvulus (b) Convallaria (c) Consolida. 2. Which is the odd one out in each case? (a) Damask rose (b) Rugosa rose (c) Christmas rose. (a) Turnip (b) Parsnip (c) Swede. (a) Leek (b) Thistle (c) Daffodil. 3. Find the linking word (the first is ROSE to make PRIMROSE/ROSEBUD): (a) PRIM .......... BUD. (b) WHEEL .......... LOAD. (c) TAP .......... BALL. (d) SWEET ........... FLOWER. (e) GREEN ........... PLANT. 4. Which plants were named after these people? Begon, Fuchs, Dahl, Clark, Tradescant. 5. What garden produce are these varieties of? Webb’s Wonderful; Musselburgh; King Edward; Autumn Bliss; Amsterdam Forcing; Worcester Pearmain. 6. True or false? (a) A glut of holly berries foreshadows a hard winter. (b) Poinsettias are members of the euphorbia family. (c) Mistletoe will grow only on apple trees. (d) Dates are the fruit of a liquorice palm. (e) ‘Nuts in May’ from the nursery rhyme referred to ‘knots’ (posies) of hawthorn flowers used for May Queen celebrations.

Answers there is excellent access throughout the centre, including the hides and toilet facilities. Plus free wheelchair loan, special parking area, braille trail and loan of audio cassettes and players. Talks and tactile exhibits are available by prior arrangement and there are reduced rates for helpers. n WWT Martin Mere, The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Burscough, Lancashire, L40 0TA. Tel 01704 895181, email info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk,

ANSWERS: 1 (c), (a), (b). 2 (c) Christmas rose is a hellebore; (b) The others are members of the cabbage family; (b) Thistle is not connected with Wales. 3. (a) Rose, (b) Barrow, (c) Root, (d) Corn, (e) House. 4. Begonia, Fuchsia, Dahlia, Clarkia, Tradescantia. 5. Lettuce, Leek, Potato, Raspberry, Carrot, Apple. 6. (a) False – prolific berries result from good conditions the previous spring when insects were pollinating the flowers, (b) True, (c) False, (d) False, (e) True.

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EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . . BUSINESS . . . RIGHTS HONOURED: Top TV impressionist Rory Bremner and Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt with Ruth Iveson, Mersey Care Trust’s human resources manager (second left) and Alan Yates, the Trust’s chief executive

Top award is just the job for Trust M

ERSEY Care NHS Trust has scooped a top national award for its outstanding employment policies. The Trust won the ‘Recruitment and Retention’ category of the Health Service Journal awards. When the Trust was established in 2001 stakeholders called for

changes to staff attitudes through the development of a workforce that was not only technically competent, but displayed real empathy with the people the Trust serves. Mersey Care responded by training more than 80 service users or carers in the recruitment process, from checking application criteria to interviewing skills.

Now, more than 1,000 people have been appointed to positions within the Trust. Secretary of State Patricia Hewitt said: “Mersey Care NHS Trust has proved itself to be right at the forefront of the transformation taking place in the health service and they fully deserve this award.” The Trust was also highly

commended in both the Patient Centred Care category for its work on Advanced Statements, and in the Secretary of State’s Award. Mersey Care is one of only three trusts nationally providing the entire range of specialist mental health services, from community care through to the most specialist high secure forensic services.

The Trust treat around 10,000 patients at any one time, serving adults and older people with mental health problems, people with drug and alcohol abuse problems, and people with learning disabilities. It employs 4,700 staff at more than 35 locations, providing local services for the people of Liverpool, Sefton and Kirkby.

CALLING HR MANAGERS . . . RECRUITMENT AGENCIES . . . WIDER PARTICIPATION/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT OFFICERS . . .

DIVERSITY

high on your agenda?

Let our charity deliver your message to TENS of THOUSANDS of disabled and older people who are eagerly awaiting your announcements To advertise in these pages — AND on our sensational website —call Chris Groves

0151 230 0307 sales@alltogethernow.org.uk

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EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . . BUSINESS . . . RIGHTS

Football fans in training MANCHESTER United Football Club and Manchester Metropolitan University Business School (MMUBS) are working together to provide training for people with disabilities. Courses in computer literacy and business, designed by experts at the University’s department of business information technology, are being offered at the new disability suite at Old Trafford, together with wellknown industry courses like the European Computer Driving Licence. MMUBS Senior Lecturer Dr Lewis Endlar said: “The partnership started when I presented a talk to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Club looking at future technologies in business and illustrating ways in which people could find out about courses.”

Help that turned my life around M

UM Christine Ashcroft is the 100th local person to be helped into work by national employment charity Shaw Trust and has a job which has turned her life around. Eighteen months ago, Christine was recovering from a severe depression brought on by the agonising arthritis she has endured for the past 16 years and felt her life was all but over. “I was at a very low ebb when my day care centre first made contact with Shaw Trust and they offered to help,” said the mother of three, 42, from St Helens, Merseyside.

The charity’s training and placement officer Ann-Marie Leather set to work to help Christine, enrolling her on special courses to learn new skills in a range of subjects and help her build up the confidence she lacked. In January, as she began to feel stronger she became a volunteer in the kitchens at Reeve Court retirement village. By July she felt well enough to take on a permanent job. “This work has given me a new lease of life,” says Christine. “I have to be careful not to overdo it because the arthritis is still there every day. But

After all these years I finally feel like a normal human being again

after all these years I feel like a normal human being again. “I had been in a vicious cycle of pain and depression. Now I have something to focus on instead of the pain and it’s changed me. “My family are really pleased for me I am a much better person because before I was like a Jekyll and Hyde personality and I felt a failure.” Shaw Trust’s St Helens’ team leader Maria Rankin said: “Christine has really turned her life around when she thought there was no hope for her.”

Change your life... by making a FRESH

START

START NOW for new skills and employment What is FRESH START?

• Fresh Start is a programme of courses designed for people who want to make that first step back into education. JUST THE JOB: Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Chris Meaden at the launch

• Many students begin with basic English, maths, IT and developing study skills. • We have 20 neighbourhood centres all around the city as well as six main centres. Course enquiries:

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252 3000 www.liv-coll.ac.uk

New job help for Wirral ethnic minorities A NEW service has been set up to help Wirral’s growing ethnic minorities find work. Lord Chan of Oxton joined Wirral’s mayor to launch the job seeking service that will operate from the Multicultural Centre in Conway Street, Birkenhead. The scheme is building on a similar programme, run by Liverpool Network for Change, that is now in

its third year. Organiser Edward Murphy said although there is no mass unemployment in the Wirral area, there is “niche unemployment”. He said with increasing property prices in Liverpool, more people from ethnic minorities were moving to Wirral. They will be helped to find work by Wirral Change, a part of the

charity Liverpool Network for Change. Mr Murphy said: “There are about 7,000 people from ethnic minorities in Wirral, and research shows two groups, muslim women and black young men, have problems with unemployment. “There are far more of them out of work than the average.” Tel: 0151 650 2359

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All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Telephone: 0151 230 0307 Fax: 0151 220 4446 email: sales@alltogethernow.org.uk

Liverpool City Council:

advertising feature

Excellence through equality

ACCESS FOR ALL: Andrew Nembhard, Gwen Forkin and Carie Lee, part of Liverpool City Counci’s Equal Opportunities team

IVERPOOL City Council continues to be one of the top performing local authorities in terms of equality — and already has come some way in addressing its moral and legal obligations in relation to disability equality. In June, the council launched its first ever Disability Equality Action Plan which, developed over a twoyear period following consultation and feedback from disabled people and key community organisations, set out achievable targets against key objectives.

Disability actions are now mainstreamed and progress is measured via the council’s performance management framework. The council is now working towards meeting the new disability equality duty introduced by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, and is currently developing a Disability Equality Scheme. As further commitment to the disability equality agenda, the council has embarked upon other initiatives including: * Establishing a Corporate

Access Group made up of council officers and key community organisations, with an overarching aim to actively promote the adoption of inclusive design and management to create environments which are accessible and usable by everyone. * Appointment of an interim Technical Access Officer to advise and support technical staff on the design, planning and development of projects, and particularly with planning applications and access statements. A key element of the

role is to raise levels of disability awareness amongst technical and support staff. * Expansion of corporate diversity and social inclusion training into employment programmes, specifically targeted at young disabled people. * Launch of Staff Diversity Forum which includes disabled employees, and facilitates a twoway communication channel between staff and management. * The Council has also signed up to the DisabledGo access website and researchers will be out and

about assessing over 1,000 buildings, facilities and services in the city. The results from the research will be available on the DisabledGo site in January 2006. * Launch of the Liverpool Parks and Lakes Strategies which included a review of access. For more information about Liverpool City Council and its work on equality, contact the team on: Tel: 0151 233 5397 Text phone: 0151 233 5392 Email: equalopportunitiesservice @liverpool.gov.uk

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EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . . BUSINESS . . . RIGHTS . . . EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . . BUSINESS . . . RIGHTS

2006 Our New Year dates for YOUR diary

Whether you’re caring for or supporting others, a service user or simply interested in health and social care issues, The Open University course Understanding Health & Social Care is a fascinating introduction to care work of all kinds.

• No previous qualifications are necessary • We give you all the support you need – if your study skills are a bit rusty, we’ll be there to help you

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Reward for 20 years of success transforming the fortunes of blind students

All Together Now! will publish SIX editions during 2006: FEBRUARY/MARCH week commencing Monday January 30

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER week commencing Monday July 3

APRIL/MAY week commencing Monday April 3

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER week commencing Monday September 25

JUNE/JULY week commencing Monday May 29

DECEMBER/JANUARY week commencing Monday November 27

Call Chris Groves: 0151 230 0307 sales@alltogethernow.org.uk

HAD always had poor vision but followed mainstream education in Jersey up to the age of 10, before moving to a specialist school in Liverpool, until I was 16. I’d had a successful career in retail management but had to revaluate my future when a dramatic deterioration in my vision resulted in problems

recognises outstanding individuals working in post-16 education who go over and above the call of duty and who show real STAR quality. Although Mike is visually impaired, he has never let the more challenging aspects of his job affect his performance. All Together Now! caught up with him in between lectures. Here’s what he had to say . . .

seeing small print and colours. During rehabilitation, it was suggested I work with people with visual impairment. So, in 1987, with my focus set on voluntary and social services sectors, I was approached by the college to work part-time teaching braille and touch typing. My main focus then was adapting course literature and

Understanding Health and Social Care stands by itself as a one-off course for which you can gain

Why Mike is a real STAR MIKE SCANLON has dedicated almost 20 years of his life to helping blind students excel in subjects previously thought to be out of their reach – and often turning their lives around. Mike, team leader of the support service for students with impaired vision at Liverpool Community College, has just been rewarded with a STAR award – a Government-backed scheme that

to fit in with work, caring or family commitments

the Certificate in Health & Social Care. It’s also a springboard to a diploma or degree, S/NVQs, Social Work, Nursing or a Foundation degree. Make your first move today towards an inspiring and enjoyable learning experience. Connect to the power of learning with The Open University.

0870 900 0310 www.openuniversity.co.uk/hsc Quote ref JHFABB INSPIRATION: Mike Scanlon with his award

providing students with the skills needed to follow mainstream courses. I teach students braille and ICT and manage a team of dedicated staff who ensure students get the highest level of support. The college can be proud of its achievements in this area and I am grateful for the commitment shown by management to make this a truly inclusive college.

To: The Open University, PO Box 625, Milton Keynes MK7 6YG

In 2003, the college formed a partnership with Royal National Institute of the Blind, confirming our strong commitment to visually impaired students. We were joined in 2005 by St Helens, Wirral Met, Southport and Hugh Baird colleges. I am fortunate to have been given a second chance and I enjoy what I do. Almost 75% of working age people with a visual

impairment are unemployed. My wish for the future would be to improve things nationally and get the highest standards of support in place at colleges everywhere, to help students with a visual impairment achieve their full potential and make their learning experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Please send me the following prospectus Health and Social Care (SHW06) Complete in BLOCK CAPITALS Title

Initials

Surname

Address

Postcode

Date of birth

Tel (Day/Evening) Email

CODE JHFABB

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EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . . BUSINESS . . . RIGHTS

The high school! I WANTED to attend an adult education evening course at a sixth form college. The class is on an upper level and there is no easy access to this floor. The course organisers say it is the college’s responsibility. What can I do? THERE are two points to make here. If a private or independent company runs the course then they would have duties under Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). This means checking the suitability of a venue and then anticipating the requirements of class members. For instance, holding the classes in a ground floor room would be considered a reasonable adjustment. The duty to make physical adjustments would be with the educational institution. The sixth-form college would be considered a Post-16 institution. As such, colleges and universities have (since October 1, 2005) to make physical adjustments so it is doubly important that privately-run courses are held in accessible locations.

College playgroup course was just real fun!

RETURNING to education can be a daunting prospect, but playgroup workers Jean Creighton and Meryl Jones took it all in their stride. For 20 years they have helped run the All Saints playgroup in Childwall, Liverpool, but changes in regulations meant they had to update their qualifications, so they joined the NVQ 2 in Early Years Care and Education course at Liverpool Community College — and passed with flying colours. Jean, 65, said: “I was nervous not knowing what was expected of me but everyone was really friendly and I soon got the hang of it.” Meryl, 71, added: “I don’t know what I would do without the play group but it was hard juggling homework with every day duties. We’re proof that age is just a number. I’m proud of our achievements and have enjoyed every hectic minute of it!”

Q A

IS THE responsible body at a college/university liable for its employees? UNDER the DDA, a responsible body is legally responsible for the actions of its employees in the course of their employment. An employee who discriminates against a disabled person or student will usually be seen as acting in the course of their employment, even if the responsible body has advised them not to discriminate. However, in a legal case based on the actions of an employee, a responsible body can make the defence that it took such steps as were reasonable to prevent such actions. Training for staff on how to work with disabled people is likely to be central to such a defence. It is not a defence for the responsible body to just show that the action took place without them knowing.

I HAVE been invited to attend an interview for the role of a secretary at my local council. Candidates have to complete a literacy test as part of their interview. I have dyslexia and so I am worried that I will not pass this test. Should I tell the employer about my disability? YOU do not have to tell the council about your disability, but if you do not, they will not be aware of your disability and that the test may place you at a substantial disadvantage. If they are aware of your disability then they are under a duty to consider making reasonable adjustments to the test, eg giving you extra time to complete it. Whether this is reasonable will depend on how closely the test is related to the job and what adjustments the employer might have to make if you were given the job.

University guide for deaf students Everything you D need to know TOP STUDENTS: Jean Creighton, left, and Meryl Jones

EAF and hard of hearing people often abandon academic ambition believing it too difficult to get the support they need.

Research shows that nearly one half (47%) of deaf people say they have been prevented from entering student life due to their deafness. Barclays and the Royal National Institute for Deaf people have produced an excellent FREE guide, Is University for You? that’s available on VHS, CD-Rom and DVD. Interviews with deaf students, an employer and a university provides insight into essential topics such as support services available, applying for Disabled Students Allowance, student loans, special exam arrangements and student accommodation. Irini Korompilia at RNID says: “Such a small percentage of this country’s student

— on VHS CD-Rom and DVD population is deaf. “While this has increased from 559 back in 1999 to 700 today, RNID would like more deaf and hard of hearing people to feel confident they have vital support and information in making the life-changing decision in pursuing the course of their choice. “This will also help combat the unemployment rate of deaf being four times that of the national average.” Is University for You? is a product from

PROMOTE YOUR COLLEGE, tel 0151 230 0307

the Headstart initiative planned and developed by RNID and supported by Barclays. The partnership has consulted education specialists to encourage deaf and hard of hearing students to go to university and to support universities to become more accessible to them. Deaf student Sharon Hirshman says: “Nothing like this guide was available when I chose to study and it will help hundreds of people make an informed decision. This is a very straight-forward guide of everything a deaf student needs to know, where to get help and all the steps they need to take. “The material is in English and mostly with British Sign Language as well as subtitles so it is easy for anyone with any degree of hearing loss to understand.” n Contact the RNID information line: 0808 808 0123, Textphone: 0808 808 9000, Fax: 020 7296 8199.

Email: sales@alltogethernow.org.uk

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Winter 2005/06

All Together Now!

All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Telephone: 0151 230 0307 Fax: 0151 220 4446 email: sales@alltogethernow.org.uk

BRIGHT FUTURE: Rita Johnson hard at work in her office at Chapel Court,Ormskirk. She has since been made vice chair of Riverside’s Action for the Disabled

I’ve got my life back S

HE checks her emails, updates files and reads the incoming post. Soon it will be time to make the rounds to check on her residents, but just a little more paperwork first . . . Eighteen months ago, Rita Johnson didn’t know if she would be able to read again. Most of us take our sight for granted. As did Rita until a fall in which she fractured her ankle and leg, and banged her head on concrete. Rita had no idea what implications the accident would have on her vision in the future. She said: “After four months in a wheelchair my leg got better and I was able to go back to work and, for more than three years, things were fine. “Then, one day, I put a letter up on the notice board for tenants and popped back two weeks later to see who’d signed it – but I couldn’t read it. “I noticed that other things close up started to look distorted. It was like looking through broken glass. I felt frightened that it might be something very serious.” Rita thought that she could be seriously ill, and could lose her job and, as scheme manager for the Riverside Housing Trust, her home too. Supported by friends and family, Rita decided to go to hospital. There she was diagnosed with cracked retinas as a direct result of the fall. Doctors explained her sight could stay the same – or could deteriorate over time, but so far the news is good. They also told Rita not to worry about losing her job, but to get in touch with Access to Work, a Government scheme which helps people with disabilities overcome practical problems at work. Shocked but relieved it was not more serious, Rita plucked up the courage to confide in her manager, Teresa Wilson. “It was difficult to admit at first that I had a problem,” Rita said, “but I was tired of living in fear of losing my job.

“Teresa was fantastic and encouraged me to have a needs assessment. She then went all out to help me get the equipment that I needed to do my job.” Rita’s assessment by the Royal National Institute for the Blind showed she could comfortably read large print, and could more easily read white text on a black background. Similarly, a large print keyboard with yellow letters made typing much easier, and special office lighting also helped. Last year – on Christmas Eve – the first of Rita’s equipment arrived: a desktop electronic magnifier.

This meant Rita could now read anything with ease. Next came her special keyboard and a software package for her PC, called Supernova, which magnifies everything on screen, from desktop icons to text. By New Year, Rita’s office was fully equipped. She had also received a portable electronic magnifier which she uses in meetings to read minutes or handouts. Rita added: “It has just been fantastic – the way my manager, colleagues and Riverside have supported me every step of the way. She added: “My friends and family have

SIGHTLINE

always been there for me, but getting my independence back has been absolutely marvellous!” Now, after eight happy years at Chapel Court, Ormskirk, Rita is looking forward to another seven before she retires. “I enjoy every day now – at work, at home and with my family. “My advice to anyone who’s afraid to admit they have a disability that could prevent them from doing their job is to come forward. “Talk to someone and you could be helped, just like me.”

Sightline Vision (north West) Ltd.

Listening, Supporting & Understanding.

0800 587 2252 Worried about losing your sight?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE Pick up the phone and call our freephone number Line open: Friday, *Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 6pm to 10pm *From October 1st

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EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . . BUSINESS . . . RIGHTS

NEWS ON THE WEB

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Is your school up for this?

CHOOLS across the country are being invited to enter the UK’s top outdoor competition for pupils with and without disabilities. “We have had many exciting and memorable events but we want to make the 2006 Kielder Challenge the best yet,” says Rod Holmes, co-founder of the Fieldfare Trust, the countryside

access charity who have been staging the event since 1984. “Everyone gets so much out of the Challenge - it’s a fantastic team building experience, a chance to have plenty of fun, and a chance to appreciate that all of us can contribute in some way.” More than 200 schools competed in the 2005 event, with 12 teams winning

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RANGE High team included: Sophia Erskine, Alison Page, Jennie Patterson, Vicky Craven, Katie Prescott, Jonathan Daley, Matthew Spoffort, Chris Readitt.

their way to the two-day final, held in the spectacular setting of Kielder Forest, Northumberland. Range High, Formby, were the North West’s representatives, and did themselves proud by finishing in fourth place - only a few points behind eventual winners, Victoria and Purbeck schools in Poole, Dorset. Range High were also in last year’s final. Range pupil Jennie Patterson was delighted with her team’s performance. “They say experiences like this come once in a lifetime but for me it’s been twice. I thought the first time I was in the final was good but this year has been superb.” Each team - of eight 13 to 16 year olds - completed a series of team building and problem solving games WHEEL CHALLENGE: The Range team in action designed to encourage integration between those with and without disabilities. Activities included SCHOOLS can link up to enter a team for the 2006 completing a SuDoku Kielder Chalenge. puzzle using ropes and “We want as many schools as possible to get pulleys - using preinvolved,” says Rod Holmes at the Fieldfare Trust. arranged non-verbal signals Contact: The Kielder Challenge, 88-90 North Sherwood - and transporting a water Street, Nottingham, NG1 4EE, tel: 0115 9486926 or board full of liquid along a 0115 9508415 www.fieldfare.org.uk trail, using ropes attached to all eight team members.

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Get together and join us!

Finalists included: Chadsgrove School, Bromsgrove; Nortonhill School, Bath; Notre Dame High School, Sheffield; Range High School, Formby; Victoria and Purbeck Schools, Poole; Willenhall School Sports College, Willenhall; Bishop of Hereford; Bluecoat School, Hereford; Coundon Court School, Coventry; Angmering School, Angmering; Ullswater Community College, Penrith; Waseley Hills High School, Birmingham.

FOREST TRAIL: Maps out and time for action

TO ADVERTISE CALL US

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Bid for rights on all flights

EW LAWS protecting disabled air passengers from discrimination could be in force in two years following a European Parliament vote. There was overwhelming support for a move by London Labour MEP Robert Evans which would stop airlines blocking boarding to a passenger on grounds of their disability. The breakthrough follows clashes between airlines and disabled because of confusion over who takes responsibility for any extra needs – and who pays. Mr Evans said: “In this day and age where air travel is as common as car travel, it is archaic that disabled and elderly people are being turned away as they set off on their holiday just because the airline isn’t bound to meet their requirements. “Airlines have made improvements since 2002 for passengers with reduced mobility under a voluntary agreement but I believe that equal rights should be enshrined in the law.” He added: “I never want to hear another case of one of my constituents being treated like a third-rate passenger just because they are blind.” New rules, if approved by EU ministers, would give the elderly similar protection. An estimated 1% of passengers on scheduled flights and 1.6% of passengers on charter flights need help at European airports because of their disabilities or because of old age – around seven million passengers per year. This week the European Disability Forum welcomed the 32-3 vote of the European Parliament’s

Transport Committee. EDF head Yannis Vardakastanis said: “This is a clear recognition that disabled people have equal rights to free movement, freedom of choice and non-discrimination.” A full European Parliament meeting in Strasbourg next month is almost certain to back the move.

Winter 2005/06

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ON THE MOVE: Edward Trevor, Shopmobility St Helier chairman; first customer Kate Sallis from the MS Society; David Eccles and Jill Delamere of Technicare Jersey who supplied the equipment

Now you can let the terrain take the strain! SHOPMOBILITY, the charity that provides powered mobility scooters, wheelchairs and quad-walkers for use by shoppers, has opened new premises at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey. Four powered scooters, four selfpropelled wheelchairs and two quad

Sailing by the stars A CHANCE for disabled people to navigate a tall ship by using the stars is being offered by the Jubilee Sailing Trust. The 16-day voyage will also lead to a Royal Yachting Association certificate. The Jubilee Sailing Trust is a unique charity that promotes the integration of people of all physical abilities through the challenge and adventure of tall ship sailing. “Trainees” will be taught the workings of celestial navigation. The voyage departs from Gran Canaria on March 11, 2006. Cost £899. n Tel: 0870 443 5783 www.jst.org.uk

Fire alarm alerts deaf BELFAST City Airport has installed a new radiobased fire alarm warning and messaging system for deaf and hard of hearing passengers and staff. The hand-held Deaf Alerter system comprises a VHF radio transmitter and aerial which is permanently connected to the airport’s existing fire alarm system. This responds instantly to an alarm and each Alerter in use receives a simultaneous signal, vibrating and flashing to attract the person’s attention.

NOW ON: 0151 230 0307

walkers (wheeled walking frames) are available for visitors with limited mobility. Lucy Sinclair, manager of the Trust’s visitor centre, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the new chairs, scooters and frames. We know that some of our elderly and

less mobile visitors have problems with the terrain here at the Trust.” “Pushing a manual chair around all day can be exhausting and can lessen the enjoyment of their visit. “By joining with Shopmobility we have the perfect solution.” n www.durrellwildlife.org

Remember... check your visitor’s ID A genuine visitor won’t mind you asking • • • •

Don’t open the door unless you’re sure Keep the chain on when you open the door Always ask for an identification card If in doubt – Keep them out!

Check who they are before they set foot in your home! You can check if a caller from United Utilities is genuine by ringing our head office on 0845 746 2200 We have a password scheme or extra peace of mind call 0845 746 1100 or textphone 0808 143 1195 to register

If in doubt, keep them out!

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Winter 2005/06

ARIES

planetary jackpot in 2006 and are due to attract people and opportunities that make a positive difference to your life style and sense of satisfaction. The wheel of fortune is turning more quickly already and Jupiter, associated with generosity and expansion, is opening doors for you, promising you a stronger sense of purpose and direction. Soon after December 10th, you’ll understand why a situation you nursed along failed to work out as hoped. Then things really will start to look up!

(March 20 - April 19) No matter where your hopes and dreams lie, a compromise of some kind seems inevitable to benefit fully from what is possible at Christmas. The main thing is not to linger in the past because, in this time of transition, you are being prepared for an important change of pace or new arrangement in your personal life. Once Mars, your passionate ruler, turns forward in the zodiac on December 10th. you will lose any doubt as to where your strengths lie in the art of relating. By New Year’s Eve the spotlight switches to your status, aims and ambitions in the material world urging you to think big, aim high and sing your own praises.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) The biggest mistake you could make at present is to assume that events are controlling you, rather than the other way around because the recent entry of benevolent Jupiter into your house of partnerships and opposite numbers signifies that you re well placed to win hearts, charm others or, if necessary, calm down troubled waters of the emotional kind. If a relationship is destined to fall apart, it will be that much easier to sever the ties amicably. You’re also well placed to name your own terms in any new arrangement. As you face the New Year be cheered by the thought that a number of good people are waiting to make your acquaintance.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) The Sun’s entry into Capricorn on December 21st brings you to the halfway point of your personal annual cycle of experience so the time has come to review your progress and adjust your course as appropriate. Thankfully, something in your life will come to fruition by the year-end enabling you to move onto greater things. Love, laughter and changes for the better are indicated in your chart for 2006. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others and accept the goodwill and help on offer. The main thing to appreciate is that life will become less frantic and the chances of engaging in activities and interests that give pleasure will increase considerably.

LEO (July 23 - August 22) The presence of the formidable planet Saturn in your birth sign denotes that, in this important phase of experience, nothing will happen in a hurry or by chance alone. Therefore, a so called ‘coincidence’ or unexpected encounter is liable to be the start of a significant run of events. For the main part of December you benefit from the support of the Sun in your house of romance and good fortune, helping you bring out the very best in others. You should certainly give due consideration to all

BOOKS

SAGITTARIUS

June Baker-Howard

What do the stars have in store for you?

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) December is one of the most likely months of the year for you to find a soul mate or special friend, or, if you are in a relationship, to come to a deeper level of understanding. On the work-front it can do no harm but possibly a great deal of good to catch up on past colleagues and associates because seeds that might have once fallen on barren ground are now ready to take root. You should certainly look to the New Year with optimism because the good fortune due in the second part of 2006 will more than compensate for any current loss of sleep or sense of frustration.

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invitations, offers and ideas, even those that can’t be processed at the moment because fate is taking an interest in your affairs.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22) There are two main themes in your chart. One relates to closing doors and tying up loose ends so that you’re not held back in January when the chance arrives to concentrate on a new and interesting involvement. The second is to do with soul searching and looking within in order to be absolutely sure of what needed for you to become fulfilled. A lucky New Moon on December 31st should bring good news in the days around it, as well as the gradual awareness that you are being viewed in an especially favourable light, by an individual who has the ability to help you ring the right sort of changes.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) The pace is due to speed up as the year-end approaches and a Full Moon plus the arrival of friendly Venus in your house of love and children on December 15th denote that a personal or romantic wish has every chance of coming true. Meanwhile, the expansive planet Jupiter highlights financial affairs, especially personal income and assets so no matter what is on the agenda, money will be part of the equation. This could prove to be a two edged sword because on one hand you are likely to attract extra cash but, on the other, you will be tempted to spend more money than usual. Nevertheless, expect there to be more gain than pain!

SCORPIO (October 23rd - November 21st) Even if a set of circumstances has limited your options or held you back, have faith that your lot in life will improve with the New Year because you scoop the

(November 22nd - December 21st) By tradition, you come into your own in the month of December and whether its love, riches or fame you seek it will not take you long to realise that pleasing progress is being made. Jupiter, your ruler, indicates that your intuition is working well. Trust it and you will make the right choices and decisions, and you will also find yourself in the right place at the right time for the conversation, invitation or meeting that matters. The planetary picture for 2006 shows that the year will get better for you as it goes along with wider horizons, or even a new home or job to excite you.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd - January 19th) An auspicious New Moon in your birth sign on the last day of the year brings you to some kind of important starting point or crossroads of a personal or professional nature. Whatever is agreed or set into motion will set the pattern for 2006, which will be a socially orientated year. One development, in particular, will serve to compensate for some of the doubt and uncertainty that has been par for the course in November. It will be up to you to set the mood over Christmas. In January, friendly Venus smiles on you and heightens your powers of attraction, which bodes well for matters of the heart, friendships and financial affairs.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18) A fantastic line up of Jupiter and Uranus, one of your planetary rulers, heralds more than one special invitation, offer or development. Meanwhile, with a little effort on your part, a certain relationship or friendship should blossom out and provide reason to feel more cheerful generally. Even so, planets at the main angles of your chart indicate that you will be under some kind of pressure during this period, and your responsibilities and dilemmas are likely to increase rather than diminish. However, come the end of January you will be able to wave goodbye to many of the trials and tribulations that have followed you since the end of last summer.

PISCES (February 19 - March 19) The key word for 2006 is ‘expansion’ with new adventures, new associations and new pastures to boost your morale. Therefore, if you feel confused or despondent as you consider your future, take heart because the winds of change will tend to be of the favourable variety more often than not in the months immediately ahead. Pay heed to what social contacts have to say in January when you are likely to benefit as much from who you know as what you know. One invitation is bound to lead to another and you are also likely to be given an opportunity from a direction you haven’t yet considered or taken too seriously.

John’s back — and he’s right on cue SNOOKER legend John Spencer was back where he once belonged — at the Crucible to launch his autobiography, Out Of the Blue into the Black. John, three times world champion, was forced to retire prematurely after being diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis — a rare, muscle weakness disease — that has no known cure and can prove fatal. The book tells of John’s struggle with the disease, his early life in wartime Manchester, his magnificent snooker career and his memories of the men he played alongside. John, who was also diagnosed last year with terminal cancer, recently completed a parachute jump with the Red Devils display team raising awareness and funds of £25,000 for the Myasthenia Gravis Association — the charity that supports people with the disease through its 57 support groups throughout the UK. Some of the proceeds of the book sales will also go to the charity. n Copies of the book, £17.99 including postage, are available from the Myasthenia Gravis Association, tel 01332 290219

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£5,000 grants

Just the

TONIC — for EVERYONE G

OING for an eye test or a dental check-up can be stressful. Imagine how difficult it can be if you are deaf or blind, or can’t understand English. Now a new initiative aims to help those with a visual impairment or who are hard of hearing. It will also help people who do not have English as their first language. The Access Through Communication Initiative was set up by Central Liverpool Primary Care Trust to improve access to pharmacists, opticians and dentists across the city. The following range of new services are permanent and free. Costs are paid by the PCT but most of the services must be arranged by the health professional before the visit: British Sign Language Interpretation is provided by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf and will allow the health professional to communicate with deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users. Lip speakers are also available. The Liverpool Voluntary Society for the Blind provides a Braille Transcription Service, offering professionals the ability to transcribe any information into Braille for blind Braille users and vice versa. The Liverpool Voluntary

Society for the Blind also provides an Audio Transcription Service, transcribing any information onto cassette or CD. Typetalk is a service run by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf in conjunction with British Telecom. This allows you, through a relay, to use an ordinary telephone to call or receive calls from a deaf person. The deaf person uses a text phone. This service is not paid for by the PCT, but only costs the same as a normal telephone call. The Access Through Communication Initiative also offers two services for those who do not understand English. Telephone Interpreting enables the professional and patient to communicate in 150 languages. Face-to-face interpretation provides inperson interpretation in over 60 languages. “We consulted service users and professional bodies both nationally and locally before we launched the initiative,” said Frank Davidson from Central Liverpool PCTs Social Inclusion Team. “We hope this range of free services will help health professionals communicate better with their patients and customers.”

n For further information contact: Frank Davidson, Central Liverpool Primary Care Trust Social Inclusion Team n Tel: 0151 285 6375. frank.davidson@centralliverpoolpct.nhs.uk

GRANTS of up to £5,000 are available to community groups wanting to set up new health projects in Liverpool. Organisations and schools are being invited apply for grants from Central Liverpool Primary Care Trust. Criteria for the scheme include: n Ideas for projects have to be generated by the community. n Projects need to be new and healthfocused. n Core running costs can’t be funded. n Organisations applying for over £2,000 are expected to fund 50% of their project. They also need to indicate how their project contributes to the PCT’s work. The grants scheme is open to community groups, not for profit organisations and schools in the 18 wards covered by Central Liverpool PCT). n Full details are available from Caroline Jenkins on 0151 288 5057, or textphone 0151 298 2516. Information can be made available in different languages, in large print or on tape.

Diabetes THE number of people diagnosed with diabetes has broken two million in the UK. As part of its Action Today, Health Tomorrow campaign, Diabetes UK is demanding that the NHS ensure that all people with diabetes - including children - have access to greater structured education to enable them to manage their condition.

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Winter 2005/06

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Go online — a key way for information

Inquiry seeking to solve health crisis AN INDEPENDENT inquiry is under way to find out how GPs and other primary care services are tackling the health crisis facing people with learning disabilities and mental health problems. So far, findings by the Disability Rights Commission show that people with mental health problems or learning disabilities are much more likely to have some serious physical illnesses, such as diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease. But the research finds worrying inequalities for these groups in the services they receive. The inquiry panel – chaired by David Wolfe, a leading barrister specialising in disability and health law – will hear evidence from the medical and nursing professions, the Department of Health, and the Welsh Assembly. Data collected from over 1.7 million GP records of patients shows that people with schizophrenia or bi-polar disorder are more than twice as likely to have diabetes or epilepsy and more likely to have a stroke, hypertension and heart disease. Data on people with learning disabilities in Wales found that 40% of women and 35% of men were obese. Over 50% said they experienced difficulties with their GP.

MORE than 600 people are taking advantage of a new online version of the Expert Patient Programme self management course for people living with long term-health conditions. Like the community-based version of the Programme, EPP Online provides a six-week course for people with conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. It provides opportunities for people to develop new skills to manage their condition better on a day-to-day basis. The course is supported by trained staff and volunteers.

For three years Jean Smith worked as a volunteer tutor delivering the community-based programme. Now based at Ellesmere Port, she is one of the new online tutors. She said: “We are interested to see how an online version of EPP will work, particularly in terms of building up friendships and support networks as well as providing the self-management side of the programme. “For those people who are unable or unwilling to participate in the groupbased community programme, the online version is a welcome alternative.

Be your own H

Parkinson bone link PARKINSON’S disease in older men is associated with osteoporosis, researchers have found. In a group of nearly 6,000 men, aged 65 and older, those with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) were found to have significantly lower bone density at the spine and hip. The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, also found that PD was associated with a nearly three times greater risk of future falls. With lower bone density and the increased risk of falls, older men with PD are more likely to have less dense or “thin” bones that are more easily fractured or broken. The researchers suggest that older men with Parkinson’s disease should ask their physicians about having their bone density measured. Patients should also inquire about ways to boost bone density with safe exercises and appropriate doses of bone-building nutrients such as calcium and vitamins D and K. Parkinson’s disease is a treatable, but not curable, nerve disorder that affects about six in every 1,000 adults aged 65 to 69, and 30 in every 1,000 adults older than 80.

“One key plus point is the 24/7 access. Any time you need support or encouragement – day or night – you can send a message and be sure to receive helpful replies from other participants and tutors surprisingly quickly.” For people with long term conditions living in rural or isolated areas, the EPP Online course offers obvious advantages. Evaluation of the pilot will be carried out by the University of Manchester and California-based Stanford University which holds the license for all EPP programmes.

ONLINE: Jean Smith — “People can contact us anytime”

Want to get involved? DO YOU want to get involved in the Expert Patient Programme? If so, contact: Lyn Wilson, Expert Patient Programme, The Gateway Conference Centre, 71 London Road, Liverpool L3 8HY Tel: 0151 298 3277 Email: Lyn.wilson@epp.org Or: Pat.holmes@epp.org www.expertpatients.nhs.uk

ELPING people to help themselves. That’s the aim of the Expert Patient Programme, an NHS initiative that is revolutionising people’s lives. Doctors recognise that people living with long term conditions are often in the best position to know what they need to manage their own condition. And that’s what the programme is all about – giving people with long term health conditions the right support to help them manage their own conditions - such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, asthma, and renal disease. The plan complements existing healthcare programmes, helping people maintain their health and improve their quality of life through the development of self-management skills away from a hospital environment. People on the programme set their own practical and achievable goals which can be monitored on a regular basis. They are also helped by volunteer tutors, who are themselves living with a long term condition. In a series of six, two-hour sessions, the tutors show how people can discover a range of ways which help them cope with their condition and improve their day to day quality of life. People are shown how to cope with pain, manage medication, tackle depression and anxiety, improve communications skills, selfconfidence, diet and exercise, and relaxation techniques. “The Expert Patient Programme gives control to people with long-term conditions,” says a spokesperson for Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority, “placing them at the heart of their own healthcare management. This empowerment has been shown to reap significant health rewards. “Patients on the EPP are significantly more likely to take medication as prescribed, with visits to pharmacists up and those trips to GPs, outpatients and A&E down. “They are less depressed and more energetic, experience less pain and breathlessness and report significant increases in levels of confidence.”

HELP KEEP OUR CHARITY HEALTHY

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All Together Now!

Asperger film ‘stars’ tell it like it is A UNIQUE documentary film that gives an insight into Asperger’s Syndrome has been well received by eperts and families living with someone with the condition. The film, made by the Liverpool Asperger Team, tells the real-life stories of 10 people with Asperger’s – in their own words. Plans are now in the pipeline to use the DVD at regional and national conferences. Team manager Chris Austin said: “What we wanted from this project was not just a conventional training film about the

Asperger team, but about Asperger’s itself and the effect it has on real people’s lives. “Everyone who took part in the film welcomed the opportunity of having their say.” Asperger’s Syndrome is a variant of autism. Symptoms are characterised by social isolation, eccentric behaviour and speech difficulties. People with the condition find it difficult to read the everyday signals which others take for granted such as facial expressions or the tone of someone’s voice.

The Liverpool Asperger Team, based at Olive Mount, Wavertree, was set two years ago by Mersey Care NHS Trust to support adults in the city with the condition. AS, together with autism, affects around 535,000 people in the UK. It is named after Hans Asperger, an Austrian phycisist who first described the syndrome in 1944, yet diagnosis of the condition is still difficult and the condition is widely misunderstood n Liverpool Asperger Team, tel 0151

737 4805.

health expert M

ICHAEL Barker, 47, has lived with diabetes since he was seven. But despite coping with the disease for four decades, he was amazed to discover just how much he had to learn about monitoring and self-managing his condition. After attending a six-week Expert Patient Programme organised by his local NHS Primary Care Trust, he has seen a dramatic improvement in his general health and well-being. He said: “The EPP completely turns your life around. You’re with people in the same position as you so it’s a great chance to make friends and discuss your condition with people who understand exactly what you’re going through. It’s a really supportive environment.” For Michael it has meant learning to relax and deal more effectively with stress. “I accept that life is changing so I now set myself more realistic goals so I can actually achieve my targets and not feel like I’m failing.” Michael has been so impressed with the positive effects of the programme that he has trained to become a volunteer tutor – a specially trained team of people who are themselves living with a long-term condition. The volunteer tutors help other find a range of ways which help them cope with their condition and improve their day-today quality of life. Michael, who lives in Southport, said: “You have no idea of the sense of pride and achievement in seeing another group of people completing the programme and dramatically improving their lives.”

DIGGING DEEP: Michael Barker — one of the team of volunteer experts

— PLACE AN ADVERT. Tel 0151 230 0307

by Stephen Hawkins chair, Mersey Care NHS Trust CARER breakdown is something that is increasingly in the news often when it has come to light following a serious incident. The intense stress faced by so many carers is something that many people struggle to understand. Earlier this year a judge spared a carer a prison sentence after she killed her son. She had struggled to care for him for 36 years of living with a severe learning disability. Whilst carers experience joyful moments it must take an unfathomable build-up of stress to lead to such a tragic outcome. When in the depths of despair a carer confides and seeks help, they do so at a cost. Surely it is one’s duty to care – a kind of rite of passage. Dare the carer demonstrate in any way a betrayal of this duty? It is a dilemma that can lead to internalising issues with sometimes tragic consequences. Society needs to encourage openness and debate around the variable experience of carers. National Carers Rights day on December 2 focuses on older carers. For those of us harbouring happy thoughts of a contented and fulfilled retirement, spare a thought for the 1.5 million older carers in the UK. Research shows many of them are caring

Transformation virtually full-time for dependents. It is a privilege to write this column and right that I declare an interest. Mersey Care is working with the Primary Care Trusts in north Merseyside to modernise buildings and clinical networks in mental health and learning disability. The Government has approved, in principle, £171m. Your support is crucial if we are to optimise this chance of transformation. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Mersey Care preferred option will see the building of five new mental health service buildings in local communities. A stronger concentration of clinical networks, including social care teams, will provide more effective care. There is no dispute about the need to better fund and provide services. The consultation closes on December 19. If you are unable to attend any of the public meetings, you can influence the content of the modernisation plans by contacting the PALS Team at South Sefton PCT, Freepost LV3391. Telephone, 0151 920 5056. Ask for the details and support the Mersey Care option.

All Together Now!

Winter 2005/06

HELPING HANDS Here and ready to help CREWE Leighton Hospital, Middlewich Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 4QJ Tel 01270 612 343 HALTON Collier Street, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1HB Tel 01928 582 920 LIVERPOOL Disabled Living Centre 101 Kempston Street, Liverpool, L3 8HE Tel 0151 298 2055 MACCLESFIELD Macclesfield General Hospital, Victoria Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 3BL Tel 01625 661 740 MANCHESTER: Assist UK Redbank House, 4 St Chads Street, Manchester, M8 8QA Tel 0161 834 1044 NORTHWICH Victoria Infirmary, Winnington Hill, Northwich, CW8 1AW Tel 01606 79260 STOCKPORT St Thomas’s Hospital, Shawheath, Stockport, Cheshire, SK3 8BL Tel 0161 419 4476 WARRINGTON Beaufort Street, Warrington, WA5 1BA Tel 01925 638867 WIRRAL St Catherine’s Hospital, Birkenhead Tel 0151 678 7272

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

. . . with Jan Lockyer

DO YOU have a problem with everyday activities such as bending, reaching, dressing, getting in and out of your favourite chair, using the bath or toilet? If the answer is yes, your local Disabled Living Centre may have the answer for you. Assist UK, formerly the Disabled Living Centres Council, is the national voice for more than 40 DLCs around the UK.

Assist UKl has teamed up with All Together Now! to help readers of all ages and abilities to stay independent. The DLCs provide independent advice and the opportunity to see and try equipment and they are there to help you make the right choice. Remember some equipment can be provided free on loan from the NHS or

social services departments and if you are buying equipment there may be grants available to help you. Be a wiser buyer — it always pays to get impartial advice and there is the opportunity to test the item before you buy. There is also every chance your DLC will have the products you are interested in on display.

BEDDEDBLISS I AM having difficulty sitting up in bed. I’ve seen electrically operated beds but I’d like to stay in my own king sized bed with my husband. Any ideas?

While there are double electrically operated beds that allow each partner to change position independent of one another, there are also mattress variators. These are devices that fit under the mattress of your own bed. They fit single, double or king size beds. But if you are both in the bed it means that you will both sit up together! Some mattress variators have a “knee break” – a piece that lifts the knees slightly to prevent the user sliding down the bed. A new model has recently come on

the market that can be supplied and fitted with grab rails at the side to help with getting in and out and turning. Mattress variators are compatible with most but not all beds and mattresses. This type of equipment is often available free on loan from your local Community Equipment Services. Contact your local council for information. There is a huge range of products to help with sitting, lying down and turning in bed and with getting in and out of bed. n For the free fact sheet entitled “Choosing a Bed and Bed Accessories” call Liverpool DLC on 0151 298 2055 or visit ww.dlf.org.uk

Liverpool Disabled Living Centre Enabling people to choose the right equipment Over 2,000 products on display: G Bathroom and toilet aids G Chairs G Shower equipment G Kitchen and feeding aids G Stair lifts G Beds and bed accessories G Walking aids G Telephone equipment G Personal care products G Hoists G Equipment to help with dressing G Gardening aids G Moving and handling equipment G Ramps G Reading and writing aids and more...

Contact the centre for impartial advice and information on products to assist with independence and safety in daily living. Visits are by appointment except on open days. The centre does not buy or sell equipment. G Telephone: 0151 298 2055 G Email: disabled.living.centre@liverpool.gov.uk G Fax: 0151 298 2952 G Website: liverpooldisabledlivingcentre.com G Liverpool Disabled Living Centre 101 Kempston Street, Liverpool, L3 8HE Liverpool Disabled Living Centre is part of Liverpool Community Equipment Service, a partnership between the NHS and Liverpool City Council.

Help on hand . . I AM beginning to experience great difficulty moving my arms. Is there anything available that can help me in the bathroom?

Yes, there are several new and innovative appliances that have recently come on to the market. You will be able to see and try a range of devices at your local Disabled Living Centre. Apart from simple appliances to help you with your independence there are a range of bidet toilets. Don’t be embarrassed about contacting the centres – the staff deal with this kind of enquiry every day.

WE’RE HERE TO ASSIST: Alan Norton, director, and Anne Lumsden, chairman, with Danny Alexander MP, right, at the launch of Assist UK — the new name for the Disabled Living Centres Council

Give it some stick I USE a walking stick but find it hard to grip during a long walk. Do you have any suggestions that may be of help to me?

Q A

HAVE a look at a walking stick with an ergonomically shaped handle. This may be more comfortable for you as it allows the pressure to be spread more evenly over your palm. Shock absorbing sticks are also available. You can see and try walking aids and discuss your needs with a physiotherapist from Liverpool Community Physiotherapy Service at the Open Days at Liverpool Disabled Living Centre. A free fact sheet “Choosing Walking Equipment” is available from the centre – call 0151 298 2055. It is also on www.dlf.org.uk

I SPEND a lot of time writing at desks and tables – and my posture is suffering! Any ideas?

Q A

Sloping writing boards can be adjusted to an angle that suits you – and can be folded flat. The paper is held in place by a strong magnet. Accessories include book and keyboard holders. Contact your local DLC for information on these and other equipment that may improve your posture.

I WEAR dressings on my leg so it’s difficult to take a bath without getting them wet. What can I do?

Q A

There are re-usable waterproof protectors designed for the arm or the leg. These can be used over dressings or plaster casts to keep the limb dry when taking a shower or bath. The main part of the protector is made from waterproof material.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Winter 2005/06

All Together Now!

VROOM . . . . . . . FOR A SPONSOR FOR THIS SECTION. CALL 0151 230 0307 FOR DETAILS

Good car guide A

NEW free guide for disabled motorists has been published by a leading disability charity. ‘Get Motoring: Finding and Financing Your Car’ helps motorists through the bewildering range of options available for obtaining a car, whether new or used. Kate Nash, chief executive of the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation, said: “This practical publication will help people decide the best way to get motoring, and covers everything from learning to drive to buying a car. “Disabled people value an independent lifestyle. The ability to get behind the driving seat makes a real differences. “The tax arrangements and options to make use of mobility allowances mean the choices for disabled motorists in obtaining a car are different from other motorists. This new guide will therefore be of real value.” The guide covers all stages of

TEN TIPS to help you through the winter . . .

motoring, from learning to financing the purchase of a new or secondhand car. Pros and cons of hire purchase, contract hire, personal contract purchase, loans and outright purchase of a vehicle are all addressed with impartial explanations of the long-term cost considerations.

• Wide range of vehicles • New and used available to buy • Hire from just £60 a day • No obligation home demonstrations • Fully accessible disabled facilities • Finance / Hire purchase arranged • Motability accredited dealer

n ‘Get Motoring’ is free (£1 A4 SAE) from RADAR,12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London EC1V 8AF. Tel 020 7250 3222 (minicom 020 7250 4119). A downloadable PDF is also available at: www.radar.org.uk

FUEL, oil, water, antifreeze: Stay topped up - you may get caught in a detour. BATTERY: Connections should be tight and free from corrosion. Smear terminals with petroleum jelly. TYRES: Check and don’t forget the spare. HEADLIGHTS and indicators: Keep clean. WINDSCREEN: Get chips or cracks repaired. Use screen wash - not washing up liquid. WIPER BLADES: Check for wear or splitting. KEYS: Worn keys may cause locks to jam. Replace the battery in your fob. CLOTHING: Make sure to keep something warm inside the car. MOBILE phone: Keep it topped up. BREAKDOWN cover: Don’t get caught out — get covered!

CONTACTS Clatterbridge Assessment Centre, Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral, L63 4JY Tel 0151 334 4000 ext 4782 Donald Todd Rehab Centre, Fazakerley Hospital, Lower Lane, Liverpool, L9 7AL Tel 0151 529 3039 Wrightington Mobility Centre, Hall Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan WN6 9EP Tel 01257 256409 The North Wales Driving Assessment Centre, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Tel 01745 584858 Motability, Goodman House, Station Approach, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2ET Tel 0845 456 4566 Disabled Motorists Federation. Tel 0191 416 3172. Disabled Drivers Motor Club, Cottingham Way, Thrapston, Northants,NN14 4PL Tel 01832 734724 Disabled Drivers Association, Ashwellthorpe, Norwich, Norfolk NR16 1EX Tel 01508 489449 Disabled Motorcyclists Association, Clyde Business Centre, Clyde House, Clyde Street. Ashton under Lyne, Tameside, OL7 0NQ Tel 0161 214 8314 National Association of Bikers with a Disability Unit 20, The Bridgewater Centre, Robson Avenue, Urmston, Manchester M41 7TE Tel: 0870 759 0603

Wigan Road, Leyland, Lancs., PR25 5SB Tel: 01772 622688 www.thorntreesgarage.co.uk

MAVIS (Mobility Advice and Vehicle Information Service Tel 01344 661000

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All Together Now!

Winter 2005/06

PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

World class!

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MERSEYTRAVEL

‘New bus interchange ‘a huge step forward for public transport’

ACCESSIBLE TO ALL: Cllr Mark Dowd and Rod Holmes, Grosvenor Project Director HE newly-opened Paradise Street Interchange conforms with Merseytravel’s policy of an integrated public transport system accessible to all. Features of the multi-million pound Interchange include easy access doors, colour contrast throughout to assist people with low vision, accessible toilets, high visibility signage to assist people with learning difficulties and others, induction loops systems for people with impaired hearing and a highly visible staff presence.

Councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel, said: “Paradise Street Interchange will be the key gateway for accessing the Paradise Project by public transport. It is a huge step forward for public transport in Liverpool. “This state-of-the-art Interchange is bright, spacious and has been designed to ensure it is fit for purpose now and in the future. It uses modern, innovative design to ensure it is fully accessible to everyone. “We wanted to create a

welcoming place where everyone feels safe and free to enjoy their visit to Liverpool.” The Interchange, set to become a key gateway to the £920million Paradise Project, is the first phase of the Grosvenor regeneration project to open. It replaces the former Paradise Street bus station which is being demolished to make way for new development. The Interchange will give up to 10 million people a year direct access to work and leisure and shopping facilities in and around

the giant development due to open during Liverpool Capital of Culture Year, 2008. The Interchange is set apart by two ‘waves’ of stainless steel. Each of 10 bus stops can take up to 20 departures an hour. To ensure all-round visibility and protect passengers from the elements, the stands are weather protected by glazed “pods”, protective screens and shelters. The Interchange will be fully staffed during the day, with extra security overnight and CCTV. Specially designed doors will

open automatically when buses arrive at the bays to allow passengers to board and alight safely. Seating and waiting areas include printed information, plus TV screens giving details of arrivals and departures, audio announcements and help points. The Interchange will be served by all the bus services using the old Paradise Street station, including those to Garston, Speke, Halewood, Netherley, Runcorn, Bootle, Walton, Fazakerley and Sheil Road.

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Winter 2005/06

HELPLINES: DISABILITY INFORMATION CENTRES: n CHESHIRE Disabilities Federation: Tel 01606 888400 n CHESTER Dial House: Tel 01244 345655 n ELLESMERE PORT DICE: Tel 0151 355 1420 n HALTON Disability Service: Tel 01928 717222 n KNOWSLEY Disability Concern:Tel 0151 480 4090 n LIVERPOOL Association of Disabled People Tel 0151 263 8366/Text: 260 3187 n Disablement Resource Unit, Local Solutions Tel 0151 709 0990 n Glaxo Neurological Centre: Tel 0151 298 2999 n Merseyside Society for Deaf People: Tel 0151 228 0888 n GREATER MANCHESTER

Coalition of Disabled People: Tel: 0161-273 5154 / 5155 / 8141. n WARRINGTON Disability Partnership: Tel 01925 240064 n WIRRAL WIRED: Tel 0151 647 6162 n SKELMERSDALE West Lancs Disability Helpline: Tel Freefone 0800 220676 n ST HELENS DASH: Tel 01744 453053

NORTH WALES: n ANGLESEY CIL: Tel 01248 750249 n MOLD Flintshire Disability Forum: Tel 01352 755546 n RHYL: Tel 01745 350665

CARERS’ CENTRES: n CHESHIRE Unit 8, Albion Walk, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5XU Tel 01606 330 853

n ST HELENS Millennium House, Bickerstaffe Street, St Helens, WA10 1DH Tel 01744 675 615

n MANCHESTER Beswick House Beswick Row Manchester M4 4PR Tel 0161 835 2995

n WEST LANCS 49 Westgate, Sandy Lane Centre, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 8LP Tel 01695 733737

n KNOWSLEY 149 Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby, L32 8SE Tel 0151 549 1412

n SALFORD 1 St Philip’s Place Salford M3 6FA Tel 0161 833 0217

n SEFTON Third Sector Technology Centre, 16 Crosby Road North, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 0NY Tel 0151 285 4000

n WARRINGTON The Bungalow, Garven Place, Warrington, WA1 1GP Tel 01925 644 212

LL77 7TS Tel 01248 370797 n BANGOR Carers Outreach 60 Fford Deiniol, Bangor, LL57 1AA Tel 01248 370 797 n CONWY 74 Conwy Road, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7LD Tel 01492 533714

n WIGAN & LEIGH 27 Charles Street Leigh WN7 1DB Tel 01942 683711

n DOLGELLAU Swddfa Ganol, Plas y Dre, Dolgellau, LL40 1AD Tel 01341 421167

n NORTH WALES: n ANGLESEY Units 1 & 2, Mill House, Llawr y Dref, Llangefni, Anglesey,

n PORTHMADOG St David’s Building, Lombard Street, Porthmadog, LL49 9AP Tel 01766 513 975

SHOPMOBILITY CENTRES: n ALTRINCHAM: 0161 929 1714 n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE: 0161 339 9500 n BARROW: 01229 434039 n BIRKENHEAD: 0151 647 6162 n BLACKPOOl: 01253 349 427 n BOLTON: 01204 392946 n BURY: 0161 764 9966 n CARLISLE: 01228 625950 n CHORLEY: 01257 260 888 n CREWE: 01270 580 031 n KENDAL: 01539 740 933 n LEIGH, Wigan: 01942 777 985. Minicom: 01942 777 986 n LIVERPOOL: 0151 707 0877 n MANCHESTER Trafford Centre: 0161 747 8046 n MANCHESTER Arndale Centre: 0161 839 4060

n NELSON: 01282 692 502 n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal: 01606 46874 n ORMSKIRK, West Lancashire: 01695 570055 n PENRITH: 01768 895 438 n PRESTON: 01772 204 667 n RHYL: 01745 350665 n ROCHDALE: 01706 865 986 n RUNCORN, Halton Lea: 01928 717445 Minicom: 01928 717999 n SOUTHPORT: 01704 546 654 n ST HELENS: 01744 613 388 n STOCKPORT: 0161 666 1100 n WARRINGTON: 01925 231941 n WARRINGTON, Birchwood: 01925 822 411 n WIGAN: 01942 776 070

All Together Now!

Winter 2005/06

Carl’s all set to be the new smash hit

ARL HIRD, the North West’s rising wheelchair tennis star, just missed out on his first big title at the 11th Nottingham Indoor Wheelchair Tennis Tournament. Hird and David Phillipson (Nottinghamshire) went down 6-1, 6-2 in the men’s second draw doubles final. After defeating top seeds David Plews (Middlesbrough, Cleveland) and John Robertson (Sunderland) in the

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Everton — ‘best in the country’ EVERTON FC lead the country with its football in the community scheme, says sports minister Richard Caborn.

LEADING LIGHTS: Everton’s injured midfielder Lee Carsley and sports minister Richard Caborn (sixth and seventh from left) join in the training session

quarter-final, and coming from behind to beat Scottish pairing Ryan MacDonald in three sets in the semifinal, Hird and Phillipson found Bob Dockerill (London) and David Jenkins (High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire) too strong for them in the final. Meanwhile, top seed Peter Norfolk (Fleet, Hampshire) ended his season unbeaten after recovering from a setback early in the first set to beat unseeded Israeli Shraga Weinberg in the quad main draw singles final.

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More success followed for Norfolk when he teamed up with Monique de Beer, of the Netherlands, to dominate the quad doubles final. The men’s main draw doubles final went to defending champions and top seeds British No 1 Jayant Mistry (Loughborough, Leicestershire) and Michael Jeremiasz (France), who beat Swedish second seeds Stefan Olsson and Peter Wikstrom in two close sets. And Nottinghamshire’s 16-year-old David Phillipson gained the biggest

success of his career, winning the men’s second draw singles title. World No 1 and 2005 ITF World Champion elect Michael Jeremiasz completed a hat-trick of back-to-back titles with an imperious display in the men’s main draw singles final against second seed Wikstrom of Sweden. Meanwhile, Jiske Griffioen proved too experienced for the unseeded Lucy Shuker (Taunton, Somerset) in the women’s main draw singles final.

MARSHALL THOMAS

Left to right: Warren Burton (Sunrise Medical), Peter Alliss, Brian Hardy (Sheringham Golf Club) and Peter Walker (Macclesfield Golf Club)

Golfers get the Alliss call up to help children GOLFERS are being urged to raise funds to buy wheelchairs for children. And those agreeing to help will get the chance to compete in the Peter Alliss Masters Golf tournament, being held next October in Elie, Fife. Peter Alliss said: “The event gets better and better. We have new clubs joining us every year and look forward to even more in 2006.” Every £2,500 raised will buy a new powered wheelchair for a child in the club’s local area and gives an entry place into the tournament. The more money raised, the more entry places

“Everton have developed a model that can be used throughout the game,” he said. “I have been very impressed with what I have seen. “In fact, I didn’t realise the extent or the depth of facilities here for people with disabilities. “The programme has more than 100 young people with varying disabilities being coached with eight teams representing the club. “But the project is also reaching out to more than 10,000 people in the community and that is fabulous. “People always see the bad news on the sports pages but stories like this should be focused on more often. Everton have eight squads ranging from amputee and deaf teams to pandisability sides. They also run the North West league for disabled teams — the first of its kind in the country.

Brum champs allocated to each club. Since the tournament began 18 years ago, £5m worth of wheelchairs have been given to children from all over the United Kingdom. The starter will be Ivor Robson. The competition, sponsored by Sunrise Medical, is 18-holes stapleford with a 7/8th handicap allowance. Wheelchairs will be presented to children living in the North West at the 2006 Open at Hoylake. n Contact: Hamish MacLeod, tel 01683 220314 or Kay Thomas, tel 07970 514879.

BIRMINGHAM will host the 2010 World Wheelchair Basketball Championships after beating off rival bids from Paris and Vancouver. The decision by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation is being seen as just reward for the city’s successful hosting of the World Junior Wheelchair Basketball Championships in August.

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