Issue1

WELCOME TO A BRIGHT NEW ERA . . .

in association with . . .

Pam speaks up for carers: p5

SPRING/SUMMER 2005

WIN!

Family tickets for Air Tattoo — page 21

WIN!

ON YOUR BIKES! Bloom time special — page 13

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

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What’s inside

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

NEWS

News: 2/3/4/5/6/7

A novel approach to reading

Cheshire News: page 8

A NEW device that uses cutting edge technology to help people with complex special needs to read independently is among the items on display at Naidex, the national healthcare and disability exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham on May 24-26.

The Readable Page Turner can be operated with a remote control or external special input switch.

The Japanese-manufactured product can hold books from pocket-size to A4, and adjusts to the depth and type of paper - as well as turning pages to the right and left.

Gosport-based company QED who are

Education: page 10 Warrington DAD: page 12 Gardening page 13 Outdoors page 14/19 Letters: page 15-18 Holidays: page 20 Competition: page 21 Employment: page 22-23 Mind, Body & Soul: pages 24-25 Helping Hands page 26

marketing the device, are also featuring the DEFSTUT, a Delayed Audio Feedback Device for people who stammer.

The product has an earphone, mircrophone and a mobile phone size unit that returns the sound of the voice to the ear after a small delay. Running alongside Naidex will be KideQuip, the exhibition for children with special needs.

Other new features include a moving & handling zone, a pressure care & management zone, and kitchen and bathroom room sets.

To pre-register for Naidex 2005, call 0870 429 4428 or visit www.naidex.co.uk

Carers: page 27

Better deal on the high street?

Your Rights: page 28 Motoring: page 29 Public transport: page 30 Horoscopes: page 31 Sport : page 32

NEW guidelines to manufacturers and service providers should give people with wide-ranging disabilities a better deal, say the British Standards Institution.

Telephone: 0151 230 0307 Fax: 0151 220 4446

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

Avertising/sponsorship Lynn-Marie Clarkson email: sales@alltogethernow.org.uk Chris Groves email: chris.groves@alltogethernow. org.uk Want All Together Now! on audio tape? Give us a call . . .

NEXT EDITION: Tuesday July 5 2005 All Together Now! is published by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Registered Charity No.1106387 Company No. 5096931

Making the going that bit easier T

HOUSANDS of people with limited mobility - and those with hearing difficulties - are benefiting from a £4.5m improvement package to Llandudno’s Great Orme Tramway service.

Access to the 100-year-old tramway had previously been limited to a single platform and was described by a spokesperson for Conwy Council as ‘a bit of a squeeze’.

Now people can use both tramway platforms, although to board the historic trams wheelchairusers must be able to get stand and walk a few paces.

A hearing loop system is also being installed in the ticket office.

Mark Webster, of Conwy and Denbighshire Access Groups welcomed the new access arrangements. He said: “The improvements are first class and will open up opportunities to

future generations. The new access is well received.”

VIPs including the town’s mayor, Janet FinchSaunders, marked the end of the four year refit and reopening of the service with a return trip from Victoria station to the summit. The route now has a new “Half Way” station and an upgraded track.

Mrs Finch-Saunders said: “The new tram station is clean, tidy, bright and airy, we’re all set for a record-breaking year.”

Unveiling a plaque, Conwy council chairman Linda Groom said she was delighted with the work: “The tramway is an important part of our transport strategy and is very popular with visitors. This is the start of another 100 years of operation.”

Funding came from European Objective One, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Conwy Council.

The BSI want to ensure that disabled people’s needs are considered throughout the development stages for a new product or service.

The Royal National Institute for Deaf people has been involved in developing the standards. Neil Thomas at the charity says: development, says: “Every member of society should have equal access to purchase products and services, choose where they shop, and decide which product designs and service offerings they prefer.

“Solutions that make products and services accessible to as many people as possible normally benefit all users, meaning that businesses broaden their customer base while developing a reputation for being user-friendly.”

Antony Rabin, who is deaf, says: “When I am using the trains and a platform change is announced, I do not know about it — nor do those who are listening to their personal stereo.

“If announcements were also visually displayed, all commuters, not just the deaf ones, would be well informed.

“I hope that businesses take up these guidelines.”

BSI Customer Services: Telephone 020 8996 9001.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD . . .

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NEWS

We’re back in action — and it’s all down to YOU!

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HUGE thanks to everyone who is helping to make the new All Together Now! project an instant success.

We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support we’ve had from right across the region — from hundreds of individuals and groups representing disabled and older people; and from the public and commercial sectors.

Funding from Merseybroadband, Merseyside Community Foundation, and Awards for All enabled us to launch our innovative online magazine — complete with a signed welcome video message from students at Ellesmere Port’s Whitby HIgh school.

Other financial help has come from the European Social Risk Capital Fund; the Ford of Britain Trust; John Moores Foundation; Lloyds TSB Foundation; and the Liverpool Daily Post & ECHO and Trinity Weeklies’ branch of the National Union of Journalists.

Coming up with a magazine to match the former I can do that! publication is going to be a very hard act to follow.

But we’ve some plenty of ambitious plans.

With YOUR help, we’ll achieve them!

BORN AGAIN: Liverpool band The Farm are among our many supporters. They are pictured here with editor Tom Dowling (centre) and the All Together Now! team at the ATN offices at Liverpool Voluntary Society for the Blind. Left to right: Carl Hunter, Chris Groves, Chris Williams, LynnMarie Clarkson, Keith Mullin, Steve Grimes, Roy Boulter and Peter Hooton.

Pictures: COLIN LANE (Liverpoolo Daily Post & ECHO)

WELCOMEA TO VERY warm welcome to the FIRST edition of All Together Now! — published by the new All Together Now registered charity.

Our aim is simple: To fill the gap left by the closure of the I can do that! magazine and highlighting the ever-increasing opportunities to help people with their independence.

With that in mind, you will see as you thumb through these pages that we have produced an action-packed magazine that’s bursting with news and information to help readers with all sorts of problems.

We’ve got pages on Holidays, Health, Helping Hands, Your Rights, Motoring, Sport — and much, much more.

Award-winning journalist Peter Surridge has produced a tip-top gardening page complete with competitions, and John Dempsey has put together a fantastic "Great Outdoors" spread, highlighting what's going on in the countryside and offering some great tips on where best to go — and what to see.

There's also a double page feature on the cycling opportunities available for people of all abilities — plus a fantastic chance to win tickets

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE:

for this year's RAF International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

SIXTY THOUSAND copies of All Together Now! — generously printed at cost by the Liverpool Daily Post & ECHO — are being distributed right across Merseyside, West Lancs, Cheshire and North Wales.

Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton, Knowsley, Wirral, Cheshire and Anglesey councils are helping to distribute the publication to libraries, leisure centres, schools and social service venues.

Everton and Liverpool football clubs are also stocking copies at Goodison and Anfield; the region's Age Concern groups are circulating the publication; and hospitals and health centres are also coming on board.

All Together Now! is all about getting people together — to share experiences and to share solutions!

We hope you like what we are doing — we would be delighted to hear your views.

In the meantime, enjoy the publication (and the website!) and please continue to help us spread the word . . .

We’ll be back in circulation on July 5.

Thanks —

Tom Dowling, editor

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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NEWS

Public sector must act, too

Claim those council tax discounts FAMILIES with disabled children are being encouraged to apply for council tax discounts.

Contact a Family’s chief executive Francis Bates says: “When you consider that 55% of families with disabled children live in, or are at the margins of poverty, any increase in household bills could mean financial hardship for some people.”

The charity says that many families are unaware that they could reduce their council tax bills by one band, regardless of income or savings, simply by applying for a disability reduction.

To qualify households must include a child or an adult who is substantially and permanently disabled.

The disabled person must also either use a wheelchair indoors, or need a second bathroom, toilet or kitchen — or be the main user of one room.

The disability reduction can be backdated indefinitely if applicants can prove they met the criteria in the past.

Telephone Contact a Family’s freephone helpline on 0808 808 3555 to check whether you are eligible for a reduction and for other benefits advice or visit the website: n www.cafamily.org.uk.

FROM December 2006 all public bodies - from local councils to government departments, from universities to hospitals - will have to promote equality for disabled people.

Disability Rights Chairman Bert Massie said: “It is hard to overstate just how big a deal the new duty will be for disabled people.

“The DRC’s Code of Practice (currently being formulated) will help people understand major changes to duties on the public sector, so it is important that public sector chiefs help us get the Code right”.

Copies of the consultation are available from the DRC’s website or from the DRC Helpline on 08457 622 633. www.drc-gb.org ALL SMILES: Bert Massie, chairman of the Disability Rights Commission and Disability Minister Maria Eagle whose Bill to give disabled people greater rights is now law

Major boost for everyone T

HE new Disability Discrimination Act, which has just received Royal Assent, is “a major piece of civil rights legislation” say the Disability Rights Commission.

The legislation includes new rights for disabled people using transport and better protection for mental health service users, people with HIV, Multiple Sclerosis and cancer.

It also contains new rights for disabled people wanting to adapt rented property.

DRC chairman Bert Massie said: “The Act is a major advance in civil rights for Britain’s 10 million disabled people and those with long term health conditions and a substantial step forward in ending the discrimination disabled people experience.

“It will ease the difficulties disabled people face finding suitable housing.

“At present, thousands of disabled people living in unsuitable accommodation have been refused permission to make essential adaptations to their homes.”

The DRC estimates that 18,000 disabled people are living in unsuitable accommodation because of landlords’ refusal to agree to vital adaptations that would ensure people can live independent lives.

New rights for UK’s 10 million disabled people Mr Massie continued: “The transport provisions are great news for disabled people and will close a major loophole in the law.

“The Government has been committed to introducing basic civil rights for disabled people using public transport since the 1997 manifesto. It’s been a long journey that’s now coming to an end.”

The Act amends the definition of disability in the DDA to clearly include more mental health service users and more people with HIV, cancer and multiple sclerosis.

The changes were also welcomed by the DRC and other disability organisations.

Mr Massie said: “The Act will mean that people with HIV, MS and cancer will now be protected from the point of diagnosis. These conditions attract a great deal of stigma, and it is right that the DDA should apply from this point.”

All aboard trains — in 2020!

WHEELCHAIR users will finally be able to get onto all trains by the year 2020.

Leonard Cheshire’s campaign for the government to set a definite end date by which all trains must comply with accessibility regulations reached a successful conclusion with the passing of the new Disability

Discrimination Act. The charity also successfully campaigned for two new safeguards to be introduced: an Annual Report listing all trains that have exemptions from accessibility regulations and a tougher parliamentary procedure for getting exemptions.

Both clauses will make it

more difficult for rail companies to shirk accessibility issues.

John Knight, head of policy at the charity, said: “At long last disabled people will have proper access to rail transport, something the general population has taken for granted for nearly two centuries.”

SUPPORT OUR CHARITY . . .

Spring / Summer 2005

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NEWS

Positive signs Fire service link up with deaf groups

A NEW online information service to help people with autism has been set up by the National Autistic Society.

PARIS — the Public Autism Resource and Information Service — has a database of thousands of autism services across the UK. Project manager Phil Dimmocks says: “We want PARIS to be a vehicle for pushing forward the agenda when lobbying for more local services and discussing the needs of people with autism across the UK.” www.info.autism.org.uk

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EAF people are to get a better service from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, thanks to a new advocacy service.

The scheme — the first in the country — promotes fire safety messages to particularly vulnerable groups.

Helen Gillespie, whose preferred language is British Sign Language, and Claire Sunter, who can communicate proficiently both verbally and in sign, have joined the MF&RS’s advocacy team, based at Liverpool’s Old Swan station.

Advocacy service manager Warren Morris says: “The advocates are already getting known within the deaf community and are a really useful addition to the community fire safety team.

“When the Home Fire Safety Checks are carried out by operational staff, it is difficult for them to overcome the language barrier with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Now we are now able to fill that important gap.”

PARIS — the new link for autism

Diabetes awards

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mike Hagen, Helen Fitzgerald (St Helens Deafness Resource Centre), Berni Lightfoot (St Helens Council), Bryn Williams, and Warren Morris

DIABETES UK wants to hear about people who are making an outstanding contribution to improving the lives of people with diabetes.

Their HG Wells award winner — who must be a member of Diabetes UK — will receive a small gift and be invited to recommend a suitable diabetes project to receive up to £10,000.

Novelist HG Wells, who had diabetes, set up Diabetes UK’s forerunner, the Diabetic Association in 1934 to ensure that everyone in the UK could gain access to insulin, whatever their financial situation.

Closing date: Monday May 23.

Pam speaks for carers

Mersey Fire and Rescue Service have also teamed up with St Helens Deafness Resource Centre and the town’s council to extend their free smoke detector service for deaf residents.

The detectors alert people with hearing difficulties to a fire and have a strobe light effect as well as a vibrating pad that can be kept under a pillow.

Helen Fitzgerald, chief officer at the St Helens Deafness Resource Centre, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the fire service and the council to improve services.

“This initiative contributes to our overall aim of removing the barriers that prevent deaf and disabled people from fully participating in society.”

The deaf advocates are part of a 15-strong team that specialise in a variety of areas, including providing an older people’s service and bilingual speakers for the Chinese, Arabic and Somalispeaking communities.

There are also plans to set up a new disability advocates team, a carers training advocate, and an Asian-speaking member of staff to strengthen connections with Bangladeshi speaking residents.

Remember... check your visitor’s ID A genuine visitor won’t mind you asking • • • • ACTRESS Pam Ferris and Hywel Francis MP are helping to raise the profile of Britain’s six million carers in National Carers Week from June 13-19.

About six million people look after sick, elderly or disabled loved ones at home, often alone and without help.

Pam cared for her mother towards the end of her life. “Caring can be a very isolating experience,” she said.

“You feel desperate because you’re worried for the person you love.

“You need somewhere

to go where people understand that, and where they are able to help and steer you in the right direction.”

Hywel Francis successfully steered the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act through Parliament last year. It has been dubbed “Sam’s Act” in memory of his disabled son, whom he and his wife Mair cared for until he died at the age of 16. He said: “Carers deserve respect and support for the work they do.” n Helping Hands: Pages 26-27

. . . PLACE AN ADVERTISEMENT

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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NEWS

Step to it and let’s all live that bit longer . . .

Charity teaches Beeb a lesson COMPUTING charity AbilityNet is working with the BBC to improve its website.

About 300 members of the BBC web production team have attended the AbilityNet course, including coders, designers and editorial staff, and further training is planned for later in the year.

Jonathan Hassell at the BBC said: “AbilityNet has helped us to appreciate first hand the difficulties encountered by those who use specialist technology to access the web — knowledge which will help us bear the needs of disabled people in mind both now and into the future.

“This has already helped us make our home page easier to navigate and more intuitive for users whatever their access route.”

AbilityNet’s web consultancy manager Robin Christopherson, himself blind and a user of screen reading technology, said: “It’s vital for web content to be accessible and usable by people with a range of impairments. ”

GPs access award A LIVERPOOL GP practice has won The Royal College of General Practitioners’ Disability Care Award.

The Margaret Thompson Medical Centre based at Speke picked up a £5,000 prize from national charity Leonard Cheshire.

The centre has a ramped entrance, an internal lift, two accessible toilets and a lowered section of the reception desk.

Dr Joseph O’Neill, the practice’s lead GP, said: “Our patients really led the award application process. We formed a coalition of enthusiastic disability workers from a wide range of backgrounds.”

Dr Roger Neighbour, RCGP president, said: “This practice is outstanding in its care of disabled people. The quality of all the other entries showed how much excellent work is being done all over the country to improve surgery facilities for people with disabilities.”

The prize money will be to buy visual aids for the practice.

Freemason help THE Freemasons Grand Charity has given £50,000 to the Royal National Institute for Deaf people’s community information and support programme.

RNID plans to develop a volunteering programme in which older deaf and hard of hearing people ‘buddy’ those newly diagnosed with a hearing loss, providing advice and support on issues ranging from adjusting to hearing aids to fitting flashing doorbells.

The RAF Benevolent Fund have also handed over £65,000 to help develop RNID’s tinnitus outreach scheme.

ALMOST 1,000 schoolchildren danced their way into the record books - and helped launch a five-year drive to improve fitness in Liverpool.

The children were taking part in the largest ever dance session — performing the slide cha-cha at Everton Park sports centre.

Liverpool has some of the highest rates of heart disease, obesity and cancer in the country - and 80% of residents do not do enough exercise.

One in four boys and a third of girls aged 11 are overweight.

It is estimated that by 2020, nearly onethird of adults will be seriously overweight and have twice the risk of dying early.

‘Liverpool - Active City’ is a partnership between the city council, the NHS and other local agencies which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of every resident over the next five years.

Council leader Mike Storey said: “Obesity is a ticking time bomb which has to be tackled if we are going to ensure that people lead long and healthy lives.

“Ill health costs business in lost working

days and the NHS in treatment. By encouraging people to change their lifestyle, we can prevent the onset of many of the health problems caused by lack of exercise.

“But being active doesn’t have to mean going to the gym every day or taking up a sport. Going for a walk, a cycle ride, walking to the shops or even taking part in dancing classes all helps.”

Liverpool aims to get 124,000 adults exercising for 30 minutes five times a week by 2010, and 30,000 children have at least two hours of physical activity every week.

SADDLE UP Are you fit enough for the annual challenge?

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LL ACROSS the North West and North Wales bicycle tyres are being inflated, wheel bearings and drive chains lubricated, in readiness for the 12th LiverpoolChester Bike Ride.

This year’s ride — on Sunday July 2 — will raise funds for the Barnardo’s charity which provides services to more than 21,000 children, young people and their families in the region.

More than 2,200 cyclists will pedal from William Brown Street, Liverpool, through the Queensway tunnel - closed for normal traffic — and then across the Wirral peninsula to the Countess of Chester Health Park.

There it’s tea and biscuits — and the chance for those feeling especially fit and healthy to get back onto the saddle and peddle back to Liverpool!

In all it’s a trip of 57 miles, so make sure you do some training before the big day.

Organised by Healthstart on behalf of Liverpool’s three primary care trusts and transport authority Merseytravel, this year’s event is open to children as young as 10, but all IF YOU can’t sign up for the Liverpool-Chester under-17s must be accompanied. event, don’t worry — there are plenty of other One thing to remember is you must be quick enough to get to the cycling opportunities right here on the doorstep.

Kingsway (Wallasey) tunnel by Take a look at what’s on offer — and make 3pm. sure you get on your bike!

Those who prefer a lift back to Liverpool can take advantage of a WIRRAL Bikeathon takes place at Arrowe special regular bus service — £3 Country Park on Sunday June 10. All proceeds pre-booked, £5 on the day. go towards leukaemia research.

Closing date for entries is June Tel: 0151 632 0548 24 or when the 2,200 limit on the number of riders is reached. Entry MORE than 400 cyclists are expected to line up fees: £11 for individuals, £40 for a at the starting line of the 6th Sefton Cycle Tour team of four. on Sunday June 19, in aid of the British Heart Healthstart, Century Building, 8 Foundation, the leading national charity fighting Tower Street, Brunswick Business heart disease, the UK’s biggest killer.

Park, Liverpool L3 4BJ. Tel: 0151 The 28-mile ride through the Sefton countryside 707 2566. is often used as a warm-up for the more arduous Or go to website Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool ride a few weeks www.healthstart.co.uk

On your bike, there are plenty of later.

The Sefton event is part of the second Sefton Summer Fest and is supported by both Southport and Formby and South Sefton primary care trusts and is open to all cyclists, aged 10 years and over.

However, as with the Liverpool-Chester ride, under 17s must be accompanied by an adult.

The circular ride starts and finishes at Maghull Town Hall and includes a refreshment stop at the Eco Centre, Southport.

The entry fee is £8 individual and £28 per team of four.

HANDCYCLISTS get their own event in Southport’s Victoria Gardens.

The town’s Paraplegic Sports and Social Club’s cycle ride takes in a minimum of 25 laps around the gardens, starting at 11am and finishing at 2pm on Sunday July 3.

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NEWS

Roll up, roll up and handcycle your way to fitness WHEELS for All is a registered charity that encourages disabled people to take up cycling. They operate centres throughout the country with hand cycles for hire.

Check these centres out — and let us know what you think! Letters please to: All Together Now! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. Email: news@alltogethernow.org.uk n Blackpool: Stanley Sports Centre in Stanley Park. Tel: 01253 478038

n Burnley: Barden Athletics Track Tel: 01282 477 303 n Cowm Reservoir: Rossendale, nr Rochdale, Lancs. Tel: 01706 852534 n Cumbria: Kepplewray Centre, Broughton in Furness. Tel: 01229 716936 n Derwent Reservoir. Tel: 01433 651261 n Kielder, Northumberland.

Tel: 01434 250232 n Parsley Hay, Nr Buxton. Tel: 01298 84493 n Preston Sports Arena. Tel: 01772 761000 n Salford: Cleavley Athletics Track, Winton in Eccles. Tel: 0161 745 9944

n Shipley Country Park.

Tel: 00177 3719961 n Southport Promenade. Tel: 01704 537160 n Wirral Way, Willaston. Tel: 0151 327 5145 n Wyreside Ecology Centre, Stanah Country Park, near Thornton, Lancs.

Tel: 01253 857890 Wheels for All, 1 Enterprise Park, Shearer Way, Agevroft Road, Pendlebury, Manchester M27 8WA Tel: 0161 745 9099/9088.

Email: cp@cycling.org.uk

TIME

Reeve charity help for tall ships TALL SHIP adventure holiday sailing charity The Jubilee Sailing Trust has picked up a £2,800 Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation.

It is the first British charity to benefit from the Foundation, set up by the Hollywood actor who died last year.

The Southampton-based charity operates Lord Nelson and Tenacious, the only vessels in the world purposely designed and built to enable a crew of mixed physical abilities to sail side by side on equal terms.

JST’s chief executive Amanda Butcher says: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this award. It comes following our first, very successful visit to the United States, where Tenacious joined the American Sail Training Association’s Tall Ships’ Race.”

Jubilee Sailing Trust, 0870 443 5781. www.jst.org.uk www.ChristopherReeve.org

Guiding lights GIRL GUIDES across the country are gaining an understanding of the barriers that disabled people face.

More than 35,000 youngsters have taken part in the new You and Me Together course.

Girlguiding UK development manager Ann Matthews said: “The Disability Discrimination Act means that it is more important than ever to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken for the inclusion of disabled girls, young women and adults into guiding.”

There are about 13,500 girl guides with disabilities.”

Tel: 0207 592 1801

trails — and right on your doorstep A 176 mile journey through some of England’s finest scenery — that’s what Cheshire County Council have created with a fantastic series of routes.

They have also produced a first class guide that’s packed with info to help you plan your adventures.

The Cycling Explorer pack is available from: Cheshire County Council, Tourism Unit, County Hall, Chester CH1 1SF. Tel: 01244 603107 or order online at: www.visit-cheshire.com Further details from club secretary Steve Latham, tel: 0151 924 6887 THE Trans-Pennine Trail has been developed from Southport to Hornsea, Hull, with 26 local authorities supporting the project. The western section can be accessed from Sefton, West Lancashire, Liverpool,

Knowsley, Halton and Warrington areas with cyclists able to enjoy peace and tranquillity away from urban areas.

Further details, 01226 772574 WIRRAL Country Park, which follows the former Hooton to West Kirby branch railway line, provides an excellent 12-mile route. It’s all off-road and on a good surface. Tel: 0151 327 5145. Wirral Borough Council, tel: 0151 643 7194 WREXHAM Tourist Information centre (Tel: 01978 292015) can also advise on routes of between eight and 12 miles in length lasting up to two hours.

FLINTSHIRE County Council has details of routes and fun and family events (Tel: 01352 704633) or try their website www.flintshire.gov.uk, while Denbighshire County Council’s cycling officer, Ian Bradfield, tel: 01824 706960, can provide details on an abundance of routes. www.denbighshire.gov.uk

. . . www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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SPOTLIGHT

. . . on Cheshire

All aboard for the new 4mph club TWO wheelchair-users at Crewe are setting up a new group to encourage people using powered chairs to get out and about.

Mel Innes and Stuart Cope describe the “4MPH” club as a meeting point for people with walking problems or those who need to use a wheelchair or battery powered scooter.

“Mel and I recently had a great day out in Liverpool — with the help of Virgin rail staff at Crewe. It shows what is possible. We can all learn from each and gain in confidence.”

Those interested in getting involved can contact Mel Innes, tel: 01270 581949 or Stuart Cope, tel: 01270 569 944 or email stuart@stuartcope.wanadoo.co.uk

Guidhall for all CHESTER’s Guildhall is back open for business — for everyone.

The city council and the Freemen and Guilds of the City of Chester spent two years developing the plans which give independent wheelchair access to the front entrance of the historic Watergate Street building.

The Guildhall is a Grade 2 listed building completed in 1869. Since the late 1960s it has been used for public and community activities including antique fairs, wedding receptions, parties and meetings of local organisations.

Councillor Mia Jones, portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: “This shows how historical and architecturally important buildings can be upgraded to meet the access needs of disabled people.”

Councillor John Price, chairman of the Chester Access Group, added: “It’s another example of Chester’s commitment to improve the quality of life and independence for disabled people.”

‘

Christine Pickthall receiving a Leonard Cheshire award for her work with Cheshire Disabilities Federation

My learning curve A

S a 20-year-old student PE teacher Christine Pickthall was at the threshold of an exciting new era.

But then an accident during a gymnastics training session put an end to all that. “God simply decided something different for me and here we are.”

“Here” is the Cheshire Disabilities Federation, a business centre now a company limited by guarantee and set up by Christine 13 years ago, after years of campaigning for a society that provides a better deal for people with disabilities.

It’s 30 years since the accident, a learning curve spanning three decades and the lessons are not yet over.

“There’s still plenty of scope for improvement in the fields of leisure and pleasure, employment, transport — sex, drugs, rock ‘n roll, we want everything that everyone else has,” she says cheerfully.

In the aftermath of her accident in the gym that left her paralysed from the neck down, she recalls: “Yes I’ve been in that day centre, I’ve been stuck in any one of those situations. And I’ve heard those words: Be

UK’s top five. It has grown from an annual turnover of £6,000 in the mid-1990s to today’s £500,000; from a staff of one, to today’s team of 15, underpinned by a group of dedicated volunteers.

Issues addressed are diverse: CDF is currently working with Cheshire Constabulary to tackle a series of ‘hate related’ crimes aimed at families with disabled members, and strategic care professionals to persuade them they don’t glad you’re alive — and oh, by the way, always know best when dealing with here’s your disability book.” disability issues and should listen closely to She says philosophically: “Oh sure, I went those personally affected. on to complete my teacher training, I did my Christine also edits the CDF’s monthly degree but then in search of employment we newsletter, Disability News, and was former simply ran out of excuses.” editor of Chariot magazine, a publication The young Christine decided there was that gave disabled people across the North more to life and she set about arguing for a West lots of vital information back in the better deal for people with disabilities 90s. whether physical or mental.

“With hindsight I should have been a She argued for many years the need for journalist,” she says. “I love the contact with advocacy on behalf of disabled people and people through the magazine, I suppose at the upshot was the CDF, a network of heart I’m nosey.” disabilities providers.

Last year was a landmark one for CDF. Today the Federation is ranked among the The organisation gained the Investors in People Award and the Legal Services Quality Mark bringing CDF a series of new benefits, its ‘proof’ of professionalism opening VOLUNTEERS are doors to extra forms of funding. n SWIMMING: Disabled children are learning to wanted to help a It was also an important year swim all around Cheshire. Every Sunday Cheshire riding school personally for Christine, too — (4-5m), families with disabled children have to set up a wideshe was awarded an MBE in the can swim at Moss Farm Pool, Northwich. ranging programme for Queen’s Birthday Honours for her Contact Terry Dickman, tel: 01606 871812 disabled riders. services to people with Weaverham’s Sandy n THE Aquarius Swimming Club meets every disabilities.

Lane Equestrian Centre Monday (7-8pm) at Sandbach Boys school, So how was disabled access at has received Crewe Road. Call Brian Main (01270 763409) Palace?

Buckingham accreditation from the n CHESHIRE Penguins meet twice a week: from the shale on the “Oh, apart Riding for the Disabled Thursday evenings and on Sunday at Sir John quadrangle it was good overall,” Association enabling it to Dean’s School, Northwich. Call Anne Calvert offer tutoring to disabled she says with a smile. “Mind you, (01606 42453) youngsters and adults there were attendants waiting for from around Mid my arrival. After all, Her Majesty is Owner Carl Tommons provided but volunteers Cheshire. a busy lady and they’ve got to said: “To make it need to be available for The school hope to midweek daytime affordable we need the process 600 people through the provide courses for up to help of dozens of sessions. ceremony in two hours.”

We just want everything that everyone else has . . .

Riding centre needs help

150 disabled people each week.

volunteers.”

Training will be

Want to help? Then call 01606 854244.

DAVID HOPE

SUPPORT OUR CHARITY . . .

Spring / Summer 2005

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9

FEATURE

Why the North West is leading the way for treatments THE NORTH West is setting the pace in bringing support to present and future generations affected by dyslexia.

And way ahead of the field is Liverpool city council’s education service who became the first authority in the UK to achieve “dyslexia friendly” status.

The service has been awarded the first ever British Dyslexia Association Quality Mark for its commitment to developing excellent practice in schools to support hundreds of pupils with dyslexia.

The quality mark enables the education service to award Full Dyslexia Friendly School Status to schools meeting strict criteria.

Twenty-four Liverpool schools have so far picked up the award - with Rice Lane infants school being the first.

The Liverpool Dyslexia Friendly Scheme was launched in June 2002, with the education service offering training to all schools in the city.

DYSLEXIA is a difficulty in processing

‘

information which may be linked to deficiencies in short-term memory and visual coordination.

The range and severity varies widely.

Main areas of difficulty are reading, writing, spelling, numeracy, personal organisation and time-keeping.

Symptoms include: n Struggling to read a book; n Missing off the ending of words; n Poor presentation of written work, poor spelling and punctuation; n Reluctance to write things down;

How I faced up to dyslexia M

n CHESHIRE Tel: 01244 374906 Mon 2-4pm, Fri 10-noon n GWYNEDD Tel: 01286 673122 n LANCASHIRE: Ribble Valley Tel: 01254 230756 Tuesdays 10am-2pm. n PRESTON Tel: 01772 863 580. www.discoverdyslexia.com n LANCASTER Tel: 01524 400395 E-mail: martingreen8@aol.com n LIVERPOOL Tel: 08702 252829 Mon-Fri 6.30pm-7.30pm n SEFTON Tel: 01704 541511 n ST HELENS Tel: 0870 9907336 E-mail: shadda@box42.com n WIGAN Tel: 01942 202255 (Mon-Thurs)

It was a relief to know the truth

by DAVID HOPE stupidity inherited from my father. When I read dyslexia was inherited, I thought ‘that could be me’.

“I went straight to my GP and he put me in touch with Dyslexia Initiative in the north east of England where I was working. I was more scared of the test than anything else, it was a relief to know the truth of the problem, now I could confront it.

Still in the leisure industry Stephen decided on a career change, enrolling with Liverpool John Moores University and doing a four-year degree course in Business Information Management where he was told he was the first dyslexic student.

Business support work followed with BT, Business Link, and then seven years ago, with Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Industry where today he is Director of Operations, a post that roughly translates

Modern technology can help with spell-checkers and grammar checkers, electronic dictionaries, dictating machines and tape recorders, calculators, memory telephones, electronic schedulers, voice activated computers and simple tinted spectacles.

CONTACTS

STEPHEN CONNOLLY: Director of Operations at Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Industry

ARCHED out in front of the junior school class and caned for being ‘a reading dunce’, nine-year-old Stephen Connolly vowed never to be caught again.

In the years that followed Stephen hid his inability: he sat next to a schoolboy stutterer, since the teacher would never embarrass him; and he sat in the back corner of the class, knowing the reading hour would expire before his turn arrived.

And when that ruse failed he worked out pupil-by-pupil when his turn would come, counted off the relative number of paragraphs, and then learned it parrot fashion to impress teacher.

Leaving St Kevin’s Secondary School, Kirkby, aged 16, Stephen Connolly turned his back on any attempt at academia — and as a sports lover found manual work in the leisure industry and fitness centres.

But as a young man with ability he was soon promoted to management, with postings all around the UK. A word processor, taking work home with him, and sympathetic and supportive secretaries, concealed his managerial reading and writing shortcomings.

“The defining moment didn’t come until I was 25. The irony is I was reading a press article about dyslexia. I had my suspicions but I’d convinced myself it was my own

n Confusing telephone messages; n Difficulty in following what others are saying; n Reversing figures or letters or leaving words out.

as deputy chief executive.

From his position of influence, Stephen is an advocate for a change in employer attitude.

“For me it’s been nothing but a positive experience. The Chamber has been very supportive, word processors have been a great asset, but since Spellcheck is not infallible a rota of volunteers to proof read my work is invaluable,” he said.

“Employers need to be sympathetic.

Don’t give us a 30-page report to read, give us one page — with 30 bullet points. And the sooner we do away with the reception desk Visitors Book the better!

Stephen tells the story of a 50-something colleague who has spent his entire working life behind a reception desk but it was a job he was comfortable with.

“I diagnosed him as having dyslexia, he got help, said ‘I’m not stupid I have

dyslexia’, changed his job and became a top class cabinet-maker!

“You’re never free of the problem. You design your own defence mechanism. For instance, I recently went to Manchester with a colleague. I drove because that meant I didn’t have to navigate and read a map.

“When we got to the car park I let my colleague lead the way following the directions, and when we got to the venue I politely held the door open for him, that ensured he was up to the reception desk first and signed us both in! See what I mean?

“Society needs to understand dyslexia and how prevalent it is. The aids are so simple to implement and are not so costly. For instance the answer may be a word processor, a fraction of the cost of an accessibility ramp for other forms of disability.

“I’m not embarrassed about my dyslexia.

Look at the list of actors, artists, sportsmen, inventors, scientists, writers, and politicians who have lived with it, in such company I wear it like a Badge of Honour. I like to think I live in the real world rather than an academic one, people with dyslexia so often are both creative and logical, I’d far rather be someone who can think outside the tick box.

“The world has got to change . . .”

. . . BY PLACING A REGULAR ADVERTISEMENT . . .

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Spring / Summer 2005

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

EDUCATION Expert help on teaching A GUIDE to help teacher training organisations admit more disabled applicants has been published by the Teacher Training Agency.

Able to Teach is compiled by experts in disability and occupational health, and highlights good practice under the Disability Discrimination Act. For a copy call 0845 6060 323.

Andrew on his travels UNIVERSITY lecturer Andrew Reeve has won a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling Fellowship Award to research techniques of training disabled people to develop management potential.

Andrew, from Nottingham Trent University, will research work-based learning in Washington, New York, and San Diego.

Go and see just what courses you CAN do!

THERE’s a great chance to find out about the wide-ranging courses available to people with disabilities at a free event taking place in Liverpool in May. The city’s Greenbank College, in partnership with the Adult Learners’ Forum, are hosting an ‘Access to Learning’ event — a fun day specifically for people who want to find out more about taking part in learning.

The event, on Wednesday May 18,

Guide for schools

TOP PRIORITY: Universities and colleges are much more accessible runs from 10am to 4pm, has attracted about 20 organisations including the University of Liverpool, Liverpool libraries, Liverpool city council’s lifelong learning service, Connexions, Action for Blind People and Merseyside Society for Deaf People.

Courses available include drama, transfer printing, computers, sewing, sport, sign language and welfare advice.

And ‘taster’ activities are also available including ICT, Spanish for

DIARY: THROUGHOUT the North West education centres are supporting Adult Learners’ Week: May 20: Cheshire Academy, Macon Way, Crewe (01270 255355).

May 21: Ellesmere Port’s Sutton Way Campus. Performing Arts (01244 670600).

Hair, beauty and holistic therapy taster sessions (01244 670600) Cultural Diversity Day, William Brown Street museum (0151 252 3870) May 23-26: Bitesize courses at South Cheshire College, Dane Bank Avenue, Crewe (01270 654625) May 24: Chester’s Learning and Enterprise Centre is staging a ‘painfree’ introductory course to ICT at the Blue Coat School, Canal Street (01244 220404) West Cheshire College’s Handbridge Centre, Eaton Road, Handbridge, Chester is staging Healthy Living sessions.

(01244 670600. Also First Aid course.

May 25: Denbighshire Heritage Service leading a Community Quilting experience at the Museum and Gallery, Plas Newydd, Hill Street, Llangollen (01824 708223)

Beginners, drama, cake decorating, hair braiding, Indian head massage, hand massage.

Meanwhile, for sports enthusiasts there is the chance to take a look at some of the judo, table tennis and other demonstrations taking place Greenbank’s adjacent sports academy.

The premises are fully accessible and a sign language interpreter will also be on hand.

Contact: tel: 0151 733 7255.

CHILDREN with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions can be fully included in mainstream schools if given the appropriate support and understanding, the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign says.

Their new guidelines outline steps schools should take to ensure an inclusive ethos, including environment, equipment, healthcare and the child’s changing needs.

The report, Inclusive Education for Children with Muscular Dystrophy and Other Neuromuscular Conditions, Guidance for Primary and Secondary Schools, is available from MDC, tel: 020 7720 8055. l A guide to

university life for deaf and hard of hearing people is available from the RNID. Call the RNID information line on 0808 808 0123.

Laptops at the ready DISABLED students at Bath University will get free use of laptops that cater specifically for their learning needs.

The Assistive Technologies Initiative – costing £228,000 over four years – lets students borrow from a pool of 64 laptops containing software that can do everything from translating speech into written text, to helping people ‘map’ their thoughts and ideas.

The university currently has 376 students who are registered as having a disability or learning difficulty — 224 with dyslexia — all of whom will be eligible for ATI support.

Project manager Claire Goodfellow said: “The IT support will go far beyond the basic minimum standards required through legislation.”

Spring / Summer 2005

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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Spring / Summer 2005

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DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY

Give them the old, old story OLDER people in Warrington are being urged to come forward and have their say about what it's like living in the town in 2005 – the good and the not so good.

Made up of representatives from Warrington Borough Council, local health care organisations and other key partners, the group is keen to involve older people in shaping how services are planned and delivered and in developing an action plan.

The group is keen to hear the opinions of as many people aged 50+ as possible.

Helen Sumner, Warrington’s Strategic Director of Community Services, said: "Older people with housing, health, care and social needs have high expectations of what services they want and how they want them delivered, to remain in control of their lives".

Contact: Tel: 01925 444096.

NWDAF is a Disability & Deaf Arts Development Service supporting access to all aspects of the arts in training, arts projects, young people’s arts work, learning programmes, business skills and the internationally renowned DaDaFest — a disability and Deaf arts festival that takes places every year from 24th November to 3rd December.

Contact us on: 0151 707 1733. Fax: 0151 708 9355 Minicom: 0151 706 0365 e-mail:information@nwdaf.co.uk www.nwdaf.co.uk

SHOWTIME! T

HE COUNTDOWN has started for one of the North West’s biggest outdoor festivals.

Now in its 14th year, Warrington’s Disability Awareness Day expects to attract 20,000 visitors for what is the climax of almost a week of activity at the borough’s Walton Hall Gardens.

DAD co-ordinator Dave Thompson said: “We’re confident the day will be bigger and better then ever. It provides fun for all of the family and with 280 stands, it will be a major reference source for those dealing with disability issues.”

A week of supporting events includes an arts showcase, a schools’ day focused on positive action awareness, advice on the employment of disabled people, tea in a tent, party in the park, the Festival of Life, a day of wheelchair sport – all this before DAD itself.

On the day there will be everything from falconry displays to pistol shooting, radio personalities, sporting events and a sponsored walk or wheelchair push.

Dave and colleagues set up DAD in 1992. Frustrated by the professionally focused disability exhibitions and the “exclusive atmosphere” that surrounded disability sports festivals, they wanted an event that had

VOLUNTEERS helping Warrington Disability Partnership deliver top class services for disabled people received the first Mark Rushton Volunteer Recognition awards from mayor and mayoress Ted and Pat Lafferty.

The awards are in memory of Mark’s sterling work for the WDP. information as its main focus, promoting what was available to enable disabled people to live more independently.

Success was immediate. From a small office in the town’s social services-run Dallam Day Centre, the team put together the foundations of what has become Europe’s largest voluntary-led disability event. Similar festivals are now held in Cornwall and even in Gibraltar.

As a by-product of DAD, over £250,000 has been raised to support the work of local and regional organisations.

What’s on at DAD 2005

l Entertainment includes Latchford Silver Band, The Falconry Centre, The Samande Jugglers, Warrington Samba Band, clowns, and WIRE FM’s Pete Pinnington. l Information with over 280 stands staffed by organisations from the voluntary, statutory and business sectors all working to DAD’s key theme “Information the key to Independence”. l Sports and have-a-go events including archery, pistol shooting, paintless paintball, New Age Kurling and pistol shooting for people who are visually impaired. l Activate arts. An arts marquee will host four days of festivities from Tuesday to Friday involving almost 2,000 people. l The Pulse sponsored walk or push.

Helpers on hand Ready to discover new opportunities?

Call 0800 731 2286

Do you have a mobility restriction?

Do you have difficulties in accessing amenities in the City Centre of Liverpool?

Then why not contact Liverpool Shopmobility which loans electric scooters and electric or manual wheelchairs to people who find it difficult to get out and about due to a disability.

Shopmobility provides service users with the opportunity to access the amenities in Liverpool City Centre, including favourite shops, art galleries, and museums.

If you do not have the confidence to travel alone, Shopmobility can provide a trained volunteer to accompany you on your journey. Volunteers are always welcome to join the project.

Phone 0151 707 0877 or call into their office in St John’s Shopping Centre for more details

THE main car park will be reserved for up to 300 badge holders.

A further 700 cars can park on a grass field from where park and ride operates.

Forty wheelchairs are available on free loan with trained enablers, DAD stewards, St John Ambulance and qualified BSL Interpreters.

There are six unisex wheelchair accessible toilets, one with hoist and changing plinth.

Tel: 01925 240852.

A week of activities Saturday July 2: 1-5pm, Golden Square: Arts Showcase (open invitation) 7-9pm, Golden Square: Arts Showcase (invitation only) Monday July 4: 7-9pm.Walton Hall. Carers Centre AGM Tuesday July 5: 9-11.30am. Hall downstairs.

Employment – Employing Disabled People Noon-4pm. Hall, upstairs. Positive Action Awareness Event – Schools Event.

7-9pm. Hall. An Evening of Laughter with Warrington PCT Mental Health Team.

Wednesday July 6: 1.30-4pm. Marquee 4.

Carers Centre – Tea in a Tent.

5-8pm. Marquee 3. Party in the Park.

Thursday July 7: 9am-5pm. Marquees 3&4.

Positive Mental Health - Warrington PCT Mental Health Team.

6-10pm. Marquee 3&4. Festival of Life.

Friday July 8: 6-12pm. Arts Marquee. Mega Quiz Night – BBQ in the Park and Disco Saturday July 9: 10am-5pm. Golden Square Wheelchair Sport.

Sunday July 10: Disability Awareness Day.

SAY YOU SAW IT IN

Spring / Summer 2005

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

. . . with Peter Surridge

GARDENING

It’s never too late to get yourself growing H

AVE you sown any seeds this spring? If not, there’s still time – and, if you have, there’s time to sow more.

Space can be found for colourful flowers, crunchy salads and tasty vegetables not only in every garden, but also on balconies and backyards because many plants will thrive in pots or growing bags.

Don’t take my word for it. Look at all the seedlings that sprout from any patch of bare soil. Not only wild flowers and weeds — but also self-sown garden flowers.

The reason is that seeds are miraculous.

They can fly on the breeze for miles, like dandelions, or be propelled several yards as their pod splits with a sudden twist, as wild tares do. Centuries of darkness don’t discourage them – I’ve seen nettles and docks spring up where a medieval building was demolished.

Some seeds, such as begonias, are so small that thousands weigh only an ounce, while others are huge like the coconut.

Each is a power pack which requires particular conditions to germinate.

Some need a specific temperature, others a period of frost, and really difficult ones demand contact with the fluids in the gut of a bird to neutralise the natural growth inhibitor that coats them.

Luckily, plenty of flowers and veg are much easier to grow. Try these flowers, called annuals because they bloom in the same year they are sown: n Nigella, nicknamed Love-in-a-Mist. The original type is blue but there are also pink and white types.

Marbles misery CLUSTERS of tiny white ‘marbles’ in the soil, like pale frogspawn, are actually slug and snail eggs.

The common grey field slug, which damages so many garden plants, can lay up to 500. So destroy any you find.

CHECKLIST FLOWERS: Plant up hanging baskets. Plant summer bedding as long as there’s no hint of unseasonable frost.

Spray the leaves of daffodils, tulips and other spring bulbs, or water round their roots, with a liquid feed once a fortnight until the leaves start to die down. Fill gaps in borders by sowing annual flowers like those recommended on this page.

SHRUBS AND TREES: Prune shrubs that have finished flowering – for instance, forsythia, mahonia and viburnum. Cut out dead wood, weak growth and crossing branches, then trim to keep the shape balanced. Do not prune shrubs and trees which have still to flower this year.

SEEDS TO GROW: English marigolds n Nemesia. The warm-coloured flowers – yellow, orange, bronze and mauve – last well into autumn. n Godetia. Fluted, bell-shaped flowers in pink, red and white. n Limnanthes, the poached egg plant. Profuse yellow and white flowers last for months and are attractive to bees and hoverflies. n Gypsophila. Easily recognised by its numerous little white flowers that are popular for bridal bouquets. n Night-scented stocks. This is better than a light-meter for announcing twilight, when the small, lilac flowers open and release a spicysweet aroma. n Sweet alyssum. The low-growing plant has foamy white or lilac flowers with a light fragrance lasting as late as October. n English marigolds. One of the oldest garden annuals and easy to grow, with blooms in

SEEDS TO AVOID: Coconut seeds are huge shades of orange and yellow.

And try these reliable varieties of vegetable in pots or the ground: n Lettuce – Little Gem. A compact cos type for sowing fortnightly to late June. n Radish – Cherry Belle or French Breakfast.

Sow every three weeks until early July. n Salad onion - White Lisbon. Sow in a seed tray if you have run out of space. n Carrot – Favor or any of the Nantes types.

Sow now and again in a month’s time. n Beetroot - Boltardy or Pablo. Sow immediately for a summer harvest. n Runner bean – Red Rum or Scarlet Emperor. Sow late May – in a deep pot if not in the ground — and train up canes or fence. n Mixed salad leaves. Save a fortune by growing one of these cut-and-come-again collections in a wide pot.

Ten great prizes to be won WIN easy-to-grow seeds in this £150-plus competition and you can follow Peter Surridge’s sowing advice absolutely free.

We are offering TEN prize packages, each worth £15.70.

Every package contains ten packets of Unwins seeds — five colourful flowers and five delicious vegetables.

The flowers, for sowing direct into pots or the ground for longlasting colour, are: Night-scented stock Starlight Scentsation.

Love-in-a-Mist Allsorts, blue, pink and white flowers.

13

English marigold (calendula) Needles and Pins, bright orange double flowers.

Limnanthes Scrambled Eggs, mostly yellow and white but some pure yellow blooms.

Nemesia Blaze of Glory, a blend of hot summer colours.

The quick-growing vegetables, which can also be cultivated in pots if soil space is at a premium, are: radish French Breakfast, lettuce Little Gem, carrot Early Nantes 2, salad onion White Lisbon and mixed lettuce salad leaves.

To enter, unscramble these

CLUTEET; SHIMENNLAT; GODARMIL

QUICK-GROWING: Radishes

Win the great gardener’s bible THE House Plant Expert has been the indoor gardening bible for almost 45 years.

There have been lots of updated versions. And now comes The House Plant Expert: Book Two with problems answered and sections on bonsai, orchids, herbs and more.

PONDS: Divide the roots of water lilies and other pond plants, to make new plants, once they are growing actively. They need feeding just like any other plant: use special pond fertilisers or slow-release pellets pushed down into the roots.

FRUIT: Watch for aphid attack on gooseberries and currants, usually starting in the tips of shoots, and squash them or spray with a contact insecticide. Keep the soil round fruit plants free from grass and weeds.

VEGETABLES: In May, sow the easy veg listed on this page and, if you are more ambitious, cabbages, cauliflowers, sprouting broccoli, leeks, parsnips, peas, spinach, swedes and turnips. Sow French beans and outdoor tomatoes under cloches.

names of flowers and vegetables:

Send your entry – closing date May 16 – on a postcard or sealed envelope to The Editor, All Together Now, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. Allow 28 days for delivery of prizes.

For a free copy of Unwins 2005 seed catalogue ring 01945588522 or visit www.unwinsdirect.co.uk

LAWNS: Apply a spring lawn feed, mosskiller or selective lawn weedkiller if necessary. Combined formulations are available. For maximum effect, let the grass grow for a week before applying.

When moss turns black, rake it out of the lawn.

We have TEN copies to give away. Just tell us what is the natural habitat of the Christmas Cactus?

The desert or the forest?

Answers to All Together Now by June 10.

The House Plant Expert: Book Two by Dr D G Hessayon is published by Transworld, price £6.99

n IF your lilac flowers are mostly on top of the bush where you can’t appreciate them, prune as soon as the blooms have faded. n Cut back one third of the old, thick stems right to the ground — then prune the others to 1.5 metres (5ft). n Finally, trim off branches that spoil the shape.

Flowering will be reduced next year but you’ll have a better bush in the long term.

HERBS: Sow Florence fennel and chives outdoors. Sow seeds or buy plants of other herbs such as dill and coriander. If you find parsley difficult to grow, sow it now. Make seed-drills just a quarter of an inch deep and water them with boiling water, then sow the seeds thinly.

GREENHOUSE: Plant tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, peppers and aubergines in unheated greenhouses. Remove cucumber tendrils as they appear, to encourage crop production.

HOUSEPLANTS: Water more freely, feed regularly and do not leave them in full sun all day except for types really suited to those conditions.

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Spring / Summer 2005

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Spring / Summer 2005

MAY: 6-7: Mobility South, Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire (10am-5pm).

Mobility exhibition. Tel: 0845 608 8070.

19-20: Cheshire Classic Car and Motorcycle Show, Capesthorne Hall, Siddington, Macclesfield. Five hundred pre-1990 classic cars in a beautiful park setting. Tel: 01484 452002.

24-26: Naidex, NEC Birmingham (See Page 2)

JUNE: 4: Lord Mayor’s Parade, Liverpool, a stunning spectacle of colour, excitement and entertainment.

10: Wirral Bikeathon, Wirral Country Park. Tel: 0151 632 0548 10-13: Mersey River Festival, the UK’s biggest free maritime event, tall ships, narrowboats, street theatre, music and crafts. Tel: 0151 233 2008 11-12: Kites Over the Mersey giant show kites and workshops at The Dips, New Brighton. Tel: 0151 647 6780 12-18: Diabetes Week 2005. Tel: 01925 653281 13-17: National Carers Week (See Page 27) 14: Carers Event, St George’s Hall, Liverpool (See Page 27) 18: Todmorton Agricultural Show, Centre Vale Park, Burnley Road, Todmorden, Lancashire.

Tel: 01706 815648.

18: Music Over the Dee, an outdoor classical concert at Caldy Club in aid of St John’s Hospice to celebrate Sea Liverpool with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

21-22: Cheshire County Show, The Showground, Tabley, Knutsford.

Largest two-day county show in the NW, food hall, live demos, crafts, country pursuits. Tel: 01829 760020 25-26: The Arley Garden Festival, Arley Hall and Gardens, Arley, Northwich. Tel: 01565 777284

JULY: 2: Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool cycle ride in aid of Barnardo’s (See Pages 6-7) 8: Lyver Trophy Yacht Race, from Liverpool to Dublin, a qualifier for the Fastnet Race. Tel: 0151 428 7000 7-10: Mobility Roadshow, Castle Donington, Derbyshire (See Page 29) 10: Disability Awareness Day, Walton Hall Gardens, Warrington (See Page 12) 10: Celebration of the Sea Service, the 30th anniversary of Sea Sunday at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.

Service starts 3pm.

16-17: Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire.

(Win 15 pairs of tickets. See Page 21) 29-31: Summer Classics - Music in the Park. Victoria Park, Southport.

Tel: 01704 395511

Assault the senses T

HERE’S no two ways about it – there’s just too much to see in May, so forget about trimming the lawn, put the spring cleaning on hold, ignore the decorating and get into the great outdoors.

From the RSPB reserve at Leighton Moss in Silverdale in the north, round to South Stack on Anglesey in the west, we’re blessed with some superb habitat to play with for those with an interest in flora and fauna, and most of it is at its best this month.

For my money the best place to hear the dawn chorus in the whole of the north west is Leighton Moss, near Carnforth.

Make sure you get to the reserve BEFORE sun up (no one said nature relinquishes its prizes without a price) and head for the area of woodland and scrub north of the public causeway.

Here, a deafening symphony of warblers plays out to a backdrop of booming bitterns, and red deer graze the scrub and surrounding fields.

Willow warbler, chiffchaff, garden warbler, blackcap, grasshopper warbler, sedge and reed warbler, whitethroat and lesser whitethroat all compete in song, and marsh harriers quarter the nearby reedbeds.

A magical place – how many different

19

. . . with John Dempsey

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Diary

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Ten teasers 1. WHICH film starring Dustin Hoffman and Susan George, once controversial for its violence, was based on the novel The Siege Of Trenchers’ Farm?

2. WHICH writer, once famous for going on television to pour scorn on television, called his memoirs Chronicles Of Wasted Time?

3. WHICH simple musical instrument’s name means literally “wooden sound”?

4. HAWAII is on one end of a very long chain of volcanic islands – what famous US base is at the other end?

5. IN which great empire were the Quechua the dominant tribe?

6. WHAT vegetable is known to Americans as eggplant?

7. WHAT chemical element makes up more than a fifth of both the earth’s crust and its atmosphere?

8. ACCORDING to Greek myth, which youthful hero slept with each of King Thespius’s 50 daughters on consecutive nights, conceiving a child each time?

9. THE novel and film This Sporting Life are set around which sport?

10. WHAT sport is said to have got its modern name because the stick used to resemble a bishop’s staff?

Answers at foot of column

NATURE’S WONDERS: Marsh orchids bloom (Picture: RON KING); Leighton Moss, below, (Picture: ANDY HAY & RSPB) and an Avocet breakfasts

Getting around At Leighton Moss, the visitor centre’s front entrance is accessed through double doors to a reception desk.

There is one adapted, unisex toilet.

For details of access to eight kilometres of trails and hides ring 01524 701601.

At South Stack, a 400m track leads from the car park to the visitor centre, Ellin's Tower, which is only accessed by two flights of stairs. The

track is firm but rough.

One adapted, unisex toilet in a nearby council car park is open in summer.

Cliff top trails are variably steep and rocky making access difficult for anyone with impaired mobility.

The track to Ellin's Tower, through heathland, is level, though rough, and is more than 2m wide over most of its length.

There are good views

species can you identify by song alone?

For the romantic at heart, a visit to Leighton can be combined with a visit to nearby Carnforth and the steam railway, where you can see the platform cafe where “Brief Encounter” was filmed – if that doesn’t get you Brownie points after neglecting

across the Irish Sea. For more information call 01407 764973.

At Marshside, there are two hides, both wheelchair accessible, and two viewing points.

Pushchair and buggy access is also available.

For more information call 01704 536378 (9am-5pm).

For news of rare and unusual birds on a day to day basis in the North West call 09068 700 249. www.rspb.org.uk

household chores, I don’t know what will!

Water levels and temperatures can play a part in what you can see this month – while the northward migration of thousands of birds continues, many early arrivals have already settled down to nest.

Marshside on the Marine Drive, north of

Southport, holds one of the highest densities of breeding lapwings in the UK, and now avocets have joined their wading relatives at the site.

But if we get a long hot spell, this site can dry up fast; bad news for the avocets, good news for the lapwings.

For my money, avocet is the most successful coloniser in our region since the collared dove. It is only four or five years since the first pairs bred and now their loud yelping calls echo around numerous coastal sites.

Still on Merseyside, check out Crosby Marine Park for lingering little gulls, or down the East Lancs Road, try Pennington Flash for black terns or scarcer visitors like black necked grebes.

A search of the south west Lancs mosslands behind Southport could reveal dotterel, that most enigmatic of migrants – but we don’t get them every year. Plex Moss is the best place to look.

More reliable towards the end of the month and into June, are the superb dragonflies and damselflies that hawk around lagoons and ponds.

You need a warm sunny day to have the best results when searching for dragons and damsels.

A bit of homework on the commoner species before heading out can prove a valuable investment when looking for these marvellous insects at Carr Moss Dam, St Helens; Mere Sands Wood near Rufford; Ainsdale National Nature Reserve between Formby and Southport, and Whixall Moss on the edge of Staffordshire (you’ll need a permit for the latter site).

If you get the right conditions, watching these insects can be an incredible experience, but you need patience – and a keen eye.

Avoid letting your shadow fall on a resting dragonfly – unless you want your only view to be of the rear end of the insect disappearing into the distance!

The Lake District holds dragonfly gold too, but next month may be more reliable up there.

For the botanist, now is the time to gen up on orchids and helleborines, which start to bloom in the next few weeks — marsh, common spotted and even bee orchid can be found fairly easily in suitable habitat from May onwards.

The lady’s slipper orchid may have been stolen from Silverdale last year, but there are plenty of other plants deserving of our attention along the coast.

Bee orchids can be found within a mile of the Pier Head in Liverpool each summer.

1. TV sitcom Friends was originally going to be called Insomnia Cafe.

2. MOST birds eat at least half their own weight in food each day.

3. THERE are more telephones than people in Washington DC. 4. A BEE has five eyes.

5. THE thumbnail grows the slowest and the middle nail grows the fastest.

Fabulous food PORK FILLET WITH RED PEPPER

Try a day out with a difference . . .

BRACING: An aerial view of Hilbre Island and the cliffs at South Stack, home to chough and peregrines, sea pinks and auks

A DAY out with a difference can be enjoyed on lovely Hilbre Island in the Dee. Just remember . . . you need to be reasonably mobile and always check the tides before you set off across the sands from West Kirby, and bring plenty of food and warm clothing with you.

Bird migration can always produce a few surprises, but Hilbre’s

isolation at high tide is often the best reward — that and watching those ever inquisitive grey seals that congregate around the northern tip of the island.

For those who want to travel further afield, Anglesey will always provide a memorable day.

South Stack, with its chough and peregrines, sea pinks and auks, is likely to be on top form during May.

Five facts

More than 4,000 seabirds breed on the cliffs each year.

The drive along the Welsh coast is never complete without a stroll up the valley at Aber.

There redstart, wood warbler and pied flycatcher flit through the thickening canopy of decidous trees in leaf that cling to the hillside, and dipper hurtles along the bubbling stream.

Ingredients: 5 pork fillets, 2 red peppers, 4 cloves of garlic, 2-3 tbsp of olive oil, dry Oloroso sherry Method: Singe and peel peppers, cut into thin strips, slice garlic, fry in the olive oil until soft.

Remove peppers and garlic from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Slice the pork fillets into finger thick steaks and then flatten them with the palm of your hand, fry on both sides until cooked, Iberian pork is eaten pink but white pork would need to be cooked through. Put them on a warm dish and keep hot until all the slices have been cooked.

Return peppers to the pan with any meat juices that may have collected beneath the cooked pork fillets.

Add a quarter of a cup of sherry and heat through, pour the pepper sauce over the fillets and serve.

Wise words Old age is like everything else.

To make a success of it you’ve got to start young – Fred Astaire

QUIZ ANSWERS: 1: Straw Dogs. 2: Malcolm Muggeridge.

3: Xylophone. 4: Midway. 5: The Inca. 6: Aubergine. 7: Oxygen. 8: Hercules. 9: Rugby League. 10: Lacrosse

BORN AGAIN Spring / Summer 2005

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HEN your much-loved and multi-award winning I can do that! magazine closed last year, editorTOM DOWLING was inundated with letters from right across the North West — and beyond — pleading for a way to be found to resurrect the publication.

Transforming lives

WHAT a shock! Here’s hoping something can be done to keep I can do that! circulating.

It has helped to transform and revitalise the lives of so many people through its cheerful, attention-grabbing pages which show huge challenges being met. It never ceased to inspire the general reader such as myself.

It was a unique publication, not least in the way it pointed to a wide range of services for disabled people, services which need all the publicity they can get.

Every good wish to you in your efforts to stay afloat.

Madeleine Were, Canal Cottages, Ring O Bells Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk

Here are a selection of the many letters that flooded in ...

Keep it going THIS great work should continue.

I can do that! magazine was pivotal in keeping disabled people, the elderly and their carers up to date on matters which directly affected them.

I am happy to support any venture that would continue this great work and wish the team team luck in relaunching the magazine. (ex)Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Ron Gould

Resurrect the mag!

SO SORRY to hear about the closure of the mag which was so unique to this area.

I do hope that something can be done to resurrect it.

Judith Roberts, Campbell Sampson Ltd, Victoria Street, Liverpool 1

Exciting project RE the possible relaunch of your magazine for disabled people, the elderly and carers.

This is an exciting project. It puts the limelight on local people who have tremendous personal qualities and achievements. I wish it well.

Louise Ellman MP (Liverpool Riverside)

Southport support I AM very sorry to hear about the closure of the I can do that! magazine.

It was a very positive publication which I am sure has done a lot to support disabled people and their carers, and which I believe opened up new possibilities to them.

It thoroughly deserved being voted UK Supplement of the Year at the Regional Press Awards.

I very much support your efforts to relaunch the magazine by setting up a charity and I wish you every success.

Dr John Pugh MP (Southport)

Here’s hoping I ENJOYED the magazine for many years.

We gave many away from our reception to eager listeners/readers.

I really hope the magazine can be saved.

Mick Ord, managing editor, BBC Radio Merseyside

Hopsital tonic HERE at Aintree Hospital we have 77 disabled volunteers among our total number of 590.

The disabled volunteers not only gained

What an inspiration enormous pleasure and knowledge from reading the magazine themselves, they also distributed it across the entire hospital site serving 1,200 patients, 3,600 staff and a huge number of outpatients and visitors.

The magazine showed a huge understanding of the role of disabled people and how important their involvement is in mainstream society.

It was professional, carefully edited, a joy to read and will be much missed.

If you are looking for peer involvement to create a pressure group which might save the closure all of us here would be extremely happy to support you. Terry Owen (Volunteer Placement Manager), and Norma Barrowcliff (Disability Coordinator), Aintree Hospitals NHS Trust

Make us happy I PLEAD with you that the magazine is returned to the press as soon as possible.

I am visually impaired, and found the information very beneficial.

I beg you to bring back the magazine and make us all happy again.

Miss Amanda Biggs, Fairfield

JUST like to say how much I enjoyed the magazine and what an inspiration it has been.

It has supplied so much information and provided so much help to disabled people and their carers. Thanks for a very interesting seven years.

John Harrison, Rye Fields Village

Carry on the fight I HOPE that you find a way to continue with this great publication.

Meeting unmet needs can take a long time and be costly, initially, as I have found out working in the biotechnology industry.

However, the rewards are always fantastic.

Good luck with finding a new way to carry on with the visionary work.

Mel James, Director, Safety, Health and Environment, Genzyme Limited

Great value HOPING you can find some way to publish the magazine again.

I’m sure many people find it of value.

Mrs Rosemary Bolton, aged 82, Meadowcroft Road, Meols, Wirral

As a sometime resident of Liverpool I took a keen interest in the magazine.

I can do that! was an indispensable read. In its seven year history it succeeded in covering a wide-range of key issues affecting disabled people.

It excelled in demonstrating what national changes mean for people at local level.

It will be sorely missed.

Bert Massie, chairman, Disability Rights Commission, Fox Court, Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8HN

Great need I WOULD like to add my expression of sadness at the closure of I can do that!

At a time when organisations are being instructed by government to make the issue of disability a number one priority, there is an even greater need for the magazine.

I am happy to give my support to efforts to set up a charity that may take over publication. Sounds like an excellent idea.

Hope it all goes well.

Peter Kilfoyle MP (Liverpool Walton)

Please find a way I REALLY hope that you can find some way to reinstate the magazine.

It provides relevant information, recognises people’s achievements and gives the disabled community ambitions and hopes knowing that there are other people in their situation, but who are “not letting disability get in their way.”

Hayley Parsonage, Little Sutton.

HELP US TO SPREAD THE WORD . . .

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YOUR LETTERS

YOUR LETTERS Continued from page 15e 15

WE ARE sorry to hear about the end of the newspaper.

It has been read both by health centre staff and users, along with the day centre staff and users next door to our building.

All have benefited from the information and are sorry to see it end.

Helen Mannering, Administrator, Livingston Drive Family Health Centre, Liverpool 7

IT WAS with total dismay that I learned of the untimely demise of the I can do that! magazine.

I sincerely hope that some way will be found to overcome the difficulties which have caused the magazine’s closure, and that my family and thousands of others on Merseyside and beyond can continue to rely on this unique, award winning publication.

Keith Charlton, Highfield Road, Widnes, Cheshire

I WAS so very sorry to learn that I can do that! magazine is to be withdrawn.

I am disabled with spina bifida and married with two children.

I have read the magazine for years and we have had lots of great holidays (totally accessible) because of adverts in the publication.

The mag was packed with information on adaptations, benefits etc and very importantly organisations for all disabilities.

As my disability has got worse I needed a carer. Your paper pointed me in the right direction.

I fervently hope you manage to get funding to start up again. It is needed in the disabled community and very much looked forward to.

Mrs Margaret Quinn, 38 Scarisbrick Road, Liverpool 11

I can do that! has always been an informative and high quality publication.

Diabetes UK relies on publications such as yours to inform people with diabetes about issues and news which may affect them.

We hope you are successful in your bid to resurrect the magazine and hope to see it back as soon as possible.

Naomi Goldberg, Press Officer, Diabetes UK SO DISAPPOINTED to hear that the much loved magazine has closed.

I was really impressed with the look and the content. As the disability act comes nearer I would have thought this magazine would have been a vital communication at the present time.

Christine Martindale, Barclays

I AM housebound and will miss the magazine so much.

I will never forget the London weekend your paper organised. I looked forward to the magazine in the hope that one day there might be more outings. Apart from that, it was so informative. I do hope it can be saved.

E Barwood, 43 Curcular Drive, Greasby, Wirral

THE magazine delivered a wealth of news on a wide variety of topics in an informative and upbeat way. It will be a loss to the community as a whole.

Joan Dowling, Deputy Manager, Royal National Institute for Blind People Transcription Centre Northwest, High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire (by email) NOT only myself but everyone at Halton Disability Services was very upset at the news.

On occasions when the magazine has been late the reaction of people would lead you to believe it was the end of the world.

This is how much it has meant to the isolated members of our community.

If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Your magazine will be sadly missed.

Dave Oxton, (ex)Halton Disability Services WE WERE extremely upset to hear that our favourite magazine is no longer going to be available.

We found the information contained regarding disability advice, help, contact addresses, details of aids and forthcoming events very helpful.

We do not know of anywhere we are likely to be able to seek this information if the I can do that! mag is laid to rest.

Joan Robinson, secretary, SMILE (Self Motivation in Lasting Endorphins)

I can do that! was held in high regard as a really good read by our many customers.

There is a real need for this type of newspaper and it would be a great pity if I can do that! was to disappear altogether. Every effort should be made to save it.

Roy Worthington, Business Manager, Chevron Wheelchairs, 18 Summers Road, Brunswick Buisness Park, Liverpool 3

60,000 FREE copies HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU! from West Lancs to Crewe to Anglesey . . .

— and that’s just for starters!

I AM devastated. I have always enjoyed the magazine and received so much information from it — carers information, holiday info, motoring issues etc.

Also, to see what some people can do despite their disabilities was so inspirational. I also like to know of events that are happening. I don’t want it to close.

Sheila Braid, 25 Catford Green, Speke, Liverpool 24 I AM very sorry to hear that the I can do that! magazine has folded.

We often have to publicise initiatives involving or designed to benefit disabled people.

Unfortunately, there is only a limited outlet for these stories in the mainstream media and I can do that! was a great opportunity to let people know about some of the projects and achievements coming out of Knowsley.

I hope you are successful in getting support to publish the magazine again.

Pam Holstein, ex-Communications Officer, KMBC (by email) WHAT A great disappointment to hear of the magazine’s closure.

It was more than a newspaper to me: not only was it a jolly good read, but it kept me in touch with events taking place in the outside world. It is also a valuable source of information re equipment, wheelchairs, holidays etc.

As a 78-year-old, paraplegic widow, living outside the Liverpool area, I cannot attend meetings, but loved to read about all the activities taking place and the adventures of others with disabilities is of great encouragement to all of us.

It really was a “Get up and Go” tonic and we must all do our bit towards retaining it.

Hilda Maddock

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Thanks for all your magnficent letters of support . . .

‘This needs to be part of our lives’ I AM dreadfully sorry to hear that I can do that! will no longer be published.

This was a “must” for all disabled people and will be sadly missed.

Let’s hope someone somewhere will come up with the cash and let us have our paper again.

Miss Flo Sherratt, Greenholme Close, Liverpool 11 (aged 89) AS a welfare rights manager, I always found the magazine both interesting and extremely informative.

I can do that! has assisted many people over the years in helping them and keeping advisors, such as myself, up to date with all relevant changes.

I consider the view and rights of disabled people can only be truly represented by the continuing publication of your magazine.

John Grady, Welfare Benefits Manager, Gregory Abrams Davidson, Solicitors, 20/24 Mathew Street, Liverpool 2 I AM sorry that I can do that! magazine has closed.

Your magazine was very popular with our customers over the years.

Indeed, people called in regularly just to pick up the latest copy.

We have also referred to it frequently over the years as it was an invaluable reference guide Kay Jones, Welfare Rights Advisor, Liverpool Association of Disabled People, Upper Baker Street, Liverpool 6 WE ARE sorry to hear that the magazine is closing.

We are sure that there is still a

need for your publication and we would like to express our sincere best wishes with your bid to relaunch the magazine as a charity.

H.E. Rigby, manager, Knowsley Carers Centre, JUST a short note of thanks for all the hard work and to state the value of I can do that!

Having been involved in disability for over 25 years I can only speak highly of your publication.It was always left in our patient waiting areas. Good luck in hopefully relaunching the paper.

Paul Marl, Clinical Rehabilitation Engineer, Bryn y Neuadd Hospital, Llanfaifechan, Conwy I AM so shocked and saddened at the closure of the magazine. I was a subscriber to ensure I wouldn’t miss an edition.

Your magazine was to me and my family a great support — providing information that we would never have known about.

In addition, I am sure that I can do that! gave inspiration to disabled people wherever it was distributed.

For all these reasons, this magazine should continue to be part of our lives, conveying the much needed information and inspiration.

I wish you every success and I will be waiting to see the magazine back where it belongs.

Jan Guest, Merseyside.

I CHERISHED I can do that! — even though I am a Londoner.

I always look forward to receiving the magazine.

You can read the entire letters’ collection on our new website: www.alltogethernow.org.uk It was a gem in the disability world and really led the way in showing how so many disabled people can manage their lives and have fun at the same time.

It must have been an inspiration to so many disabled people in the area and beyond who will have become inspired to undertake activities they may have thought impossible. Whether with regard to daily living, employment, leisure, sports, travel, many disabled people will have been encouraged to say “I can do that!”

In many areas around the country there are disabled people who feel they are alone, but your magazine brought so many people together and presented countless opportunities.

The National Information Forum was proud to present a Getting the Message Across award to the magazine for being such a splendid example of providing disabled people with information on an amazingly broad range of activities, and ways to take part in the general life of their community.

In this information age we are

still shocked to find so many people who miss out on services and help they need simply for lack of information. In our view I can do that! led the way by example.

Ann Darnbrough, OBE, Director, National Information Forum, Bell Street, London I AM so sorry to hear your wonderful I can do that! magazine has been closed — in the year of disabled people.

Christopher Grange Centre and its blind students have used the magazine on a number of occasions to promote what useful and independent lives disabled people can have and do have if they are given the chance.

On behalf of all us here we hope you can resurrect it.

Cynthia Richards, Christopher Grange Centre for the Adult Blind, Youens Way, East Prescot Road, Liverpool I FULLY support you in your efforts to set up a charity to relaunch the magazine.

I hope it has a bright and successful future.

Cllr Dave Martin, Leader of Sefton Council, Town Hall, Bootle OVER the past couple of years many readers in our community have enjoyed the very informative magazine.

I know it will be sadly missed.

I wish you every success in your endeavours to raise the necessary funds to resurrect the publication as a non-profit charitable business. Good luck.

Marie McGiveron, chief

exceutive, Vauxhall Neighbourhood Council, Millennium Resource Centre, 13 St Augustine Street, Liverpool AS chairman of Wirral PHAB I would often find an article which was of benefit to disabled members.

I trust, with support, a Lazarus can be performed. Good luck. You have our wholehearted support.

Brian Gouldosn, Wirral PHAB, Bromborough I WAS disappointed at the news of the loss of I can do that! magazine.

I so badly needed it for its information and for its what’s going on section, etc.

I passed my copy on via the Flint Library Home Delivery Service.

Please do your utmost to keep it going. We need it badly.

Ivy Hayes, aged 84, St John’s Close, Buckley, Flintshire I WRITE expressing my sadness and disappointment at the news that the I can do that! magazine has been axed The magazine has provided lots of important and useful information to many blind and partially sighted people in the area and I am sure to many people with other disabilities as well.

I can only hope that maybe funding can be found from another source so that the magazine could start up again.

Glen Flatley, Income Generation Manager, Liverpool Voluntary Society for Blind People, Youens Way, Liverpool 14

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Now for something completely different

HOLIDAYS/TRAVEL

It’s just plane common sense AIRLINES will no longer be able to refuse boarding because of disability and charging disabled air passengers for any special help will be illegal, under new European Commission proposals.

A package of EU-wide rules guarantees compensation to all European air travellers who find themselves “bumped” from overbooked flights or delayed by cancellations without good reason.

The special measures for disabled air travellers follow a row involving a passenger who was charged £18 to use a wheelchair at Stansted Airport – almost double the cost of his £10 Ryanair ticket to the south of France.

Bob Ross, who has cerebral palsy and arthritis, needed the wheelchair for the half-mile journey from check-in desk to departure gate.

Ryanair blamed the Stansted operating company, BAA, which charged for the wheelchair and the Court of Appeal ruled that both were guilty of breaching the Disability Discrimination Act. Mr Ross’s Euro MP, Richard Howitt, leader of the European Parliament’s Disability Rights Group, welcomed the new Commission proposals and warned fellow MEPs to resist any efforts to water them down.

Airline acts HOLIDAY airline Thomas Cook is repainting the toilet compartments of its fleet of 24 airliners – using contrasting colours to help partially sighted passengers.

Airline spokesman George BlundellPound said: “We will also incorporate more powerful lighting to make toilet fittings easier to recognise.”

Take cover J & M Insurance have relaunched their Travelbility cover, which provides specialist travel insurance cover for disabled travellers and those with pre existing medical conditions.

New medical and repatriation benefits within the policy include replacement carer or repatriation, when the carer is unable to care for the insured person due to injury/illness/compulsory quarantine. n J&M Insurance Services: 01992 566950.

Easy access trail IF YOU are planning a trip to Kent, sample the new “easy access” trail created at Ham Street Woods National Nature Reserve, near Ashford.

And let us know what you think!

The half-mile trail is an all-weather path that opens up the woods for visitors to enjoy all year round.

There’s also a tapping rail for people with sight problems.

The trail is one of eight walks featured in ‘Walks for all in Kent & Medway’ developed by the Kent Rural Disability Sportslink Project.

For a free copy call 01622 663306.

Trusting sorts!

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: National Trust working holidays!

T

RAVELLED the world, but can’t name the last time you stepped foot into your own countryside?

Maybe it’s time to take a walk on the wild side – like taking a National Trust working holiday!

You’ll be getting outdoors, meeting new people, learning about your environment and helping the National Trust with its vital conservation work.

Not only will you be improving the countryside, you’ll receive special access to some of the country’s most treasured historic homes, countryside and gardens.

From World Heritage sites, sites of special scientific interest, protected habitats and British wildlife and wildflowers – the natural beauty on your doorstep is breathtaking.

You can try your hand at dry stone walling,

footpath laying, helping with a sheep count, clearing the countryside of invasive rhododendron, take part in a botanical survey, planting flower borders in historic gardens, clearing beaches of debris, helping at an archaeological dig, erecting new fences, or maintaining a coastal footpath.

With over 400 holidays to choose from, the choice is vast.

But it’s not all work. Your hard graft will be well rewarded with time off to explore the countryside and optional evening adventures into the local village or town! Farmhouses, stone cottages, converted barns, mills, granaries and stableyards — even a former MoD radar station — are just some of the National Trust ‘basecamp’ buildings that are used for your accommodation.

While simple in style they are bursting with

atmosphere and are situated in the heart of some of the country’s most beautiful countryside.

Your confirmation pack will let you know what you will need to bring to your holiday. In general, though, you will need a sleeping bag, old work clothes, waterproofs, gardening gloves, strong footwear (not trainers) – and money for your day off and evening activities!

From £35 for weekend breaks and £65 for seven nights, you will receive accommodation and all your meals. You will also be helped with transport and there’s free entry to all National Trust properties for an entire year! n Contact the booking office on 0870 4292429 or log on to: n www.nationaltrust.org

And here’s what’s on offer . . .

THE National Trust offers over 400 working holidays right through the year. There are 14 categories: n Touchwood: Meet people with physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities, help them understand nature through conservation tasks. Age: 18+ n Acorn: Holidays with a wide choice of outdoor conservation tasks. Age: 18+ n Archaeological: No technical skills required. Digging, clearing, who knows what you will find? Age: 18+ n Construction: Building tasks such as dry stone walling, footpath laying, lime stone walling. Skilled instructor gives

guidance. Steel toe-capped boots needed. Age: 18+ n Events: Help with the running of the National Trust’s open air theatre, pop and classical concerts. Age: 18+ n Oak: Outdoor conservation holidays for age 35+. Most people come independently.

Couples need to agree to

separate dormitories. n Oak Plus: Like Oak holidays, but for people aged 50+ n Premium: Work hard, but rest in luxury. Three-course meal nightly. Superior accommodation. Age: 18+ n Youth Discovery: New this year. Like Acorn holidays but for 16-18 yr olds. n Short breaks: Ideal for people wanting a ‘taste’ of a conservation holiday before committing to a week. Age: 18+ n Trust Active: Outdoor pursuits and countryside conservation, including cycling, sailing, climbing, with qualified staff, mixed with conservation tasks. Age: 18+

n 21 Plus: Outdoor conservation holidays for 21 to 35-year-olds. Tasks may require accuracy or more perseverance than an Acorn holiday n Venture: Join volunteers from other countries. Work and fun for 10-14 days. Holidays are organised with Concordia, an international non-profit charity.

Age: 18+ n Wildtrack: Biology students, wildflower enthusiasts, amateur naturalists, botanists and lovers of the outdoors will help carry out surveys, record and map species botanically or zoologically important countryside in the care of the National Trust.

Spring / Summer 2005

COMPETITION

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21

Win a fantastic family day at the Tattoo

Terry is a real hospital Beacon

SEE EUROPE’S TOP AIRSHOW E

VER thought you’re being watched? Turn up to the Royal International Air Tattoo and the chances are you will be . . .

The largest airshow in Europe is getting ready to lift the lid on the secretive world of aerial surveillance.

Some of the greatest spy planes of the past 50 years will be shown at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, on July 16 and 17. The dreamy Cotswolds will also stir to the sound of the Tigers’ roar as the We have 15 pairs of tickets Tattoo hosts squadrons from to be won worth £1,050. And around the world who have Big remember, children go FREE! Cats featured in their emblems.

To win a pair of tickets just Normally decorated in brightlyanswer two questions and coloured paint schemes, the send your entries to: RAF ‘Tiger’ aircraft are always a huge Tattoo Comp, All Together attraction wherever they appear.

More than 300 aircraft, including Now! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 some of the greatest aerobatics display teams, will take part in the 2EP. Closing date: June 7.

1. What does NATO stand world’s largest military airshow. for?

Add to this an eight-hour 3. Who is Secretary General extravaganza of precision flying of the United Nations? by some of the world’s leading Advance tickets are £29.95.

Top Gun pilots and breathtaking Tickets on the gate are £35. displays by international Children aged 15 and under aerobatics teams led by the go free. Tel: 0870 758 1918. legendary Red Arrows. www.airtattoo.com On the ground is a stimulating

Win tickets

display of futuristic technology, a funfair, simulator rides and interactive activities for the whole family.

And as the sun begins to set on a fabulous day’s entertainment there’s the chance to enjoy a free, two-hour musical extravaganza.

TERRY OWEN, volunteer placement officer at Aintree Hospitals NHS Trust, has been highly commended in The Beacon Prize 2004.

Terry was nominated for her work with the trust’s volunteers scheme.

A former sister in A&E, Terry launched the Aintree Volunteers eight years ago with 20 people.

Now there are more than 600 volunteers who help in wards and departments across the trust.

They range from high school pupils to retired people wanting to put something back into the hospital community.

The Beacon Fellowship raises the profile of philanthropy in the UK. Terry and her team will be helping to distribute more than 3,000 copies of the new All Together Now! magazine.

Cinema sensation A CONCESSIONARY scheme that gives carers and disabled cinemagoers "two for one" tickets is getting up to 200 applications a day.

To apply for the Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card, you must either be in receipt of disability living allowance; be a registered blind person, or hold a disabled person's rail card.

Valid at the big chain cinemas such as Odeon and Vue and other local venues, the card costs £5 for three years.

Application forms from all participating cinemas or from the website: www.yourlocalcinema.com The Card Network, The Technology Centre, Rossmore Business Park, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 3EN. Tel: 0151 348 8020

Hey big spenders NEW Government figures show that disabled people's annual spending power has risen from £50 billion to £80 billion.

But a recent survey showed that four out of five high streets are not user-friendly for disabled people.

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Spring / Summer 2005

EMPLOYMENT/TRAINING

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Everyone deserves a chance . . .

Scope jobs SCOPE has set up a new ‘SkillBase’ scheme to help disabled people to get a job with the charity.

Anyone interested in working for Scope will receive a weekly bulletin of all vacant jobs.

The Skills-Base bulletin will also give information on what it is like to work as a disabled person at scope, development opportunities, assistance available for access requirements, campaign updates and information from the charity’s disabled staff group.

Last year Scope introduced its new ‘reserved post policy’ for disabled jobseekers in order to increase its 4% quota of disabled staff.

Scope is aiming to have a quota of 20% by the end of 2007 to reflect the figure of the UK’s potential disabled workforce.

Contact Natalie Rudd at Scope.

Tel: 020 7619 7114

Home-work warning BEWARE of bogus homeworking schemes that promise good wages and flexible working, but are really just scams that trick people out of their money and never deliver payment.

That’s the advice from Citizens Advice who say that home-working scams target the most vulnerable people in society.

In one case a CAB client from London responded to a scheme with the offer of earning £500 a month. The pensioner paid a joining fee of £39.95. He received address labels but had to pay to photocopy a document and buy envelopes and stamps. He never received payment and has been left £995 out of pocket.

In another case, a pensioner

from West Yorkshire paid an initial payment of £29 for her starter pack and then a further £99. She never heard back from the company and is unable to get through to anyone to claim back the money she has paid.

Citizens Advice Director of Policy Teresa Perchard said: “These conmen prey on vulnerable individuals. A good way to tell the difference between a legitimate scheme and a scam is to ask if you are required to make an advance payment. If you are asked for money up front alarm bells should ring — avoid at all costs advertisements or firms, which ask for money before work starts.”

For advice on home-working problems, contact any Citizens Advice Bureau. Or visit: www.homeworking.com

Age is no H

Council leader Marie Rimmer: “We are committed to an age-diverse workforce

E might be in his late seventies, but Joe Seddon is still getting up early for work — and loving every minute if it! For the past eight years Joe has been working as a school crossing warden with St Helens council.

Almost one third (32%) of the council’s current workforce of 8,000 are aged 50plus - nearly 300 have been taken on in the last year alone.

It’’s a policy that has put them in line for a national award.

Joe took the job after retiring from the town’s biggest private employer, Pilkington Glass.

He said: “When you’ve worked all those years you can’t just sit around doing nothing. Working outside, you’ve got the weather to deal with, but it’s great seeing all the kids every morning.

EURO GUIDE A NEW factsheet looking at the workplace safety of disabled workers has been produced by the European Agency.

Included are tips on how to ensure safety and health, while avoiding discrimination, and there is practical guidance on how the responsibilities of equality legislation can tie in with health and safety responsibilities.

Factsheet No 53 can be downloaded from http://agency.osha.eu.in t/publications/factsheets /53/en/index.htm

Spring / Summer 2005

EMPLOYMENT/TRAINING

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

23

You’re never too old . . .

barrier...

LIVING IT UP: Joe Seddon, St Helens’ oldest employee, loves his job as a school crossing warden

Work keeps me young, says Joe

“They all say hello and every holiday they give me a present.”

Older workers are employed in all areas of the council, from swimming teachers to environmental health officers.

While many retired people choose parttime employment, there are also a lot of fulltime workers who are over 50.

ITC Project Manager John Wales, 64, has worked for the council since his appointment at the age of 58.

He said: “I think the council has a very positive approach and that ought to be recognised.”

Mr Wales is responsible for getting the

internet into every school in the borough.

This involves him having to deal with cutting-edge technology on a daily basis.

“There are a lot of people in their 20s working in the office,” he says. “It keeps me young to work with people younger than my own children, they don’t let you get stuck in your ways.”

St Helens Council leader Marie Rimmer said: “Our council is committed to growing and maintaining an age-diverse workforce.

“By focusing on employment initiatives we believe we are accommodating people who previously may have been excluded from these opportunities.”

The policy has led to the council being named as a finalist in the Municipal Journal Awards for its positive approach in employing people of all ages. The result of the awards will be announced on June 27.

All eyes now on public sector THOUSANDS of new jobs for disabled people could be created in the public sector, thanks to new legislation which takes effect next year, says national employment charity Shaw Trust.

From December 2006 all public bodies will have to promote equality for disabled people — in every aspect of their work.

Shaw Trust managing director Ian Charlesworth said: “Public authorities employ 21% (5,839,000) of the UK workforce and yet only employ 14% (811,000) of disabled workers.

“Clearly there is some way to go to achieve equality of opportunity and we are eager to help in any way we can.”

Shaw Trust, which will help over 35,000 people this year, has a workforce of 1,100, of which 18% of those have declared a disability. The Trust is on target to boost that figure to 20% over the next year.

“That would be a proper reflection of the percentage of working age population which has a disability,” said Mr Charlesworth.

“But obviously public bodies, who employ hundreds of thousands of people, are in a real position to make an enormous impact.

“Any employer knows that declaring equality of opportunity is just the first step; they then have to get the right person for the job.

“That, of course, is our area of expertise. We have thousands of skilled clients eager to make their mark, and we continue to support them and their employers once they are in work. We would be happy to share our experiences with anyone who would like to talk.”

Shaw Trust, Tel: 07976 602754 www.shaw-trust.org.uk

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

Tel: 0151 230 0307

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MIND, BODY & SOUL

Your health could soon be in your own hands More help needed for stroke victims PEOPLE suffering strokes still get worse treatment than those with cancer and heart disease, says the Stroke Association.

The association says that the standard of care varies nationwide.

Gains in acute care have been made at the expense of hospital and community based rehabilitation, they add. The charity says that: n Stroke is still not being identified as a medical emergency; only 4% of hospitals have arrangements with local ambulance services for the rapid transfer of acute stroke patients to hospital. n 31% of hospitals have no stroke coordinator, stroke specialist nurse, consultant nurse or therapist. n Services to help stroke patients, their families and carers with the psychological and social aspects of life after stroke remain incomplete. n Only 28% of stroke units have clinical psychologists, and a third do not have a social worker. n Only 8% of mobile stroke teams have a social worker. n Only 3% of mobile stroke teams have a psychologist.

Chief Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association, said: “Stroke is the UK’s third biggest killer, with over 130,000 people having a stroke every year. It is also the major cause of severe disability in the UK. Therefore, it is unacceptable that current standards in care do not reflect the impact of stroke.

“We receive calls daily from stroke patients who feel abandoned after they have left hospital.

“They need a comprehensive service that supports them at all stages of their condition.”

Therapists wanted OCCUPATIONAL Therapists are wanted to help design new products for disabled and elderly people.

Nottingham Rehab Supplies are setting up a nationwide panel of OTs. The company’s John Turner said: “We’re looking for a selection of OTs to give us their opinions and be a key part of carrying our innovative ideas right through to production.”

Anyone interested can contact John on 01530 418363 or email: jturner@nrs-uk.co.uk

Deaf mums guide THE first guide for pregnant deaf women who use British Sign Language rather than English has been published.

Pregnancy and Birth - A Guide for Deaf Mothers by Sabina Iqbal is priced £14.99, from all good bookshops or from Forest Books, tel: 01594 833 858 voice/minicom More than 50,000 people use BSL as their first language and since March 2003 it has been an officially recognised language.

RNID Information Line: Tel: 0808 808 0123; Textphone: 0808 808 9000 Email: informationline@rnid.org.uk

PEOPLE with wide-ranging chronic and long-term illnesses could soon have their medical information and records at their fingertips — literally!

Using hand-held computers they will be able to view appointments, check treatment diaries — and have greater choice over the way they are helped.

Liverpool-based research company MiHealth Ltd will use technology to initially meet the information needs of breast

cancer patients and their families.

The prototype system is currently being piloted as part of a study at the Linda McCartney Centre at Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

It will examine the potential benefits of delivering information via the web and hand-held computers, and compare them to more traditional approaches such as patient information leaflets.

MiHealth project manager Jane Wood said: “The system

has the potential to help the 17.5 million patients with chronic and long term medical conditions by delivering timely, high quality information that gives them power and choice over their treatment.

“It will provide patients with personalised information that is accurate, authoritative and always up to date.

“In addition, the system has great potential to educate healthcare professionals in understanding the patient’s experience.”

Merseybroadband’s community chest programme is helping to fund the revolutionary project with a £63,000 grant.

Kevin Morley, Northwest Regional Development Agency’s head of ICT policy, said: “This is an excellent example of just one of the many ways in which broadband can be utilised.”

MerseyBroadband is an initiative funded by the NWDA and led by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Contact: 0845 145 1115 www.merseybroadband.com

Seeing into the future!

The top team working to prolong our eyesight SCIENTISTS and doctors in Liverpool are leading the way in research to sustain our eyesight.

Doctors and researchers at St Paul’s Eye Unit at the Royal Liverpool Hospital are carrying out some of the world’s most advanced ophthalmological work.

And they are confident of achieving a breakthrough in treating the most common cause of sight loss.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent reason for blind and partially-sighted registration in Britain, where 750,000 people register as blind each year.

The macula is a small region of the retina which looks like a red spot when magnified. The retinal pigment cells behind it start to fail, causing the macula to die, taking with it our central vision and the ability to see fine detail.

To combat this, St Paul’s doctors have been working with Liverpool University researchers, including lecturer Carl Sheridan.

Mr Sheridan and his team hope within the next two years to be able to take healthy cells from the iris of a patient at St Paul’s and grow them in tissue culture for transplantation as a substitute for the diseased retinal cells.

Although surgeons can already carry out the procedure, the scientists need a little more time to refine the technique of harvesting sufficient iris cells for effective treatment.

“We are probably the most advanced in the world in this area,” says Professor Ian Grierson, head of

Eyes are wearing out ‘much quicker than we

FORESIGHT: Professor Ian Grierson, head of opthalmology St Paul’s

’

are. You want quality of life as you get older

Opththalmology at St Paul’s.

“Moorfields Hospital in London is our main competitor.”

Mr Sheridan adds: “The idea is to use the patient’s own cells to get round the problem of rejection, as you get with any transplant procedure.

“You want to enjoy the quality of life as you get older. People who lose their

central vision can become depressed, have accidents.”

St Paul’s is also leading research programmes into glaucoma, diabetic eye screening, eye cancer, corneal ulcers and various tropical eye diseases and laser techniques.

The main purpose behind it all is to ensure our sight for as long as possible.

“Questionnaires show

there is nothing older people fear more than the loss of sight, though blind and partly-sighted people often cope very well,” says Professor Grierson.

“Eyes are wearing out much quicker than we are.

The theoretical maximum is exactly the same as that for human life, but the reality is that we start to get AMD in our 60s and 70s, glaucoma after we are 40 and cataracts in our 50s, 60s and 70s, so all the bits are wearing out faster than they should.

“Older people tend to be drawn to visual activities — reading, watching TV,

knitting, sewing, gardening, card and board games.

“Also it affects their mobility — because they are a bit more unsteady, they use their sight a lot more.”

Eye transplants could become a reality for our children or grandchildren.

Professor Grierson said: “It is a long term pursuit.

There is the problem that the back of the eye is part of the brain and the front is part of the skin.

“In his theory of evolution, Charles Darwin was stumped by the eye. He couldn’t conceive of the manner in which the eye could have evolved.”

SUPPORT OUR CHARITY . . .

Spring / Summer 2005

25

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

MIND, BODY & SOUL

by Stephen Hawkins chair, Mersey Care NHS Trust

I

WELL DONE: Cherie Blair meets Mrs Selvathurai, husband Shivakuru, with Mersey Care’s Scott Durairaj, right, and Anutha

Supermum’s devotion rewarded New CAB guide A WOMAN who fled her homeland has been honoured for the way she has cared for a daughter with severe learning difficulties.

Meenachyanma Selvathurai, a Sri Lankan Tamil, was among 100 women recognised at the annual Merseyside Women Making a Difference Awards.

She, her husband Shivakuru and daughter Anutha came to the UK three years ago after claiming to have suffered at the hands of the Singhalese Army.

Scott Durairaj, of Mersey Care NHS Trust who nominated Mrs Selvathurai for the award, explained: “They say that they fled the Singhalese Army after Mr Selvathurai was arrested and escaped from the camp where he was tortured.

“Their daughter Anutha, who has severe learning difficulties, mental health problems, diabetes and a mental capacity of a three year old, was also arrested at

Call for more GP support CALLS for more support for GPs faced with increased numbers of patients with learning difficulties has come from The Royal College of General Practitioners.

Dr Graham Martin, chair of the RCGP Learning Disabilities Group, told a London conference: “With the closure of the large mental hospitals, there has been a rise in the number of patients with learning disabilities in the community in recent years.

“GPs need support to improve their skills and knowledge of the needs of this vulnerable group.”

CITIZENS Advice has published a directory of their mental health projects.

The directory will help other organisations concerned with mental health to identify areas where Citizens Advice Bureaux can provide complementary services.

Volunteer hotline 08451 264264 (weekdays, local rate) www.citizensadvice.org.uk

the same time and taken to another camp.

“A whole month went by and Meenachyanma feared the death of her husband and daughter but Anutha was found badly beaten wandering around lost in the village. She was very fearful and doubly incontinent with spinal injuries

which were diagnosed once in the UK. “Meenachyanma has struggled to learn English as Anutha needs 24-hour care but her devotion has allowed her husband to learn both written and spoken English which has enabled him to work as a volunteer for St John Ambulance, The Refugee Council, Refugee Action and Liverpool Senior Citizen group.”

Scott said: “I nominated Mrs Selvathurai for the work she carries out on a daily basis as one of the many unsung heroes on Merseyside. The family’s story is truly horrific and they are asking for exceptional leave to remain in Britain.”

Mrs Selvathurai, 59, of Wavertree, attended a celebratory dinner at Mersey TV Studios, Liverpool, and met VIPs including Cherie Blair.

Anutha, 28, is now receiving help from Mersey Care's learning disabilities service.

Mental health shock NEW evidence reveals that people with learning disabilities and mental health problems are among the poorest groups in society, die younger of preventable diseases, and miss out on life-saving screening programmes.

As a result, The Disability Rights Commission is conducting an 18-month formal investigation to gather evidence to present to the Government, along with recommendations, on how to close the health inequalities gap.

The investigation will focus on GPs, community nursing, community health services, health screening services and health improvement initiatives. Research found that: n Preventable deaths for people with learning disabilities are four times higher than for the rest of the population. n People with a diagnosis of schizophrenia live on average nine years less than other people.

n Fewer than 20% of women with a learning disability attend cervical screening compared with 81% of women overall. n People with a learning disability are 58 times more likely to die before the age of 50 than the general population, according to one study. n Diabetes, which can lead to serious health problems and early death, has been estimated to be four to five times more common among people with a severe mental health problem.

DRC chairman Bert Massie said: “Unless the inequalities between people with learning disabilities, people with mental health problems and non-disabled people are seriously addressed, we could find the gap widening.”

The DRC has launched a website for individuals, organisations and primary health service providers to submit their experiences: www.drc-gb.org/health

. . . WITH AN ADVERTISEMENT

AM delighted to welcome you to this first column, which I hope will become an informative and campaigning focus for mental health issues — not only from my own organisation, but also the wider mental health community.

As many as one in four of the population will at some stage during their lives suffer some form of mental health problem.

Mersey Care NHS Trust cares for 10,000 service users at any one time.

It serves adults and older people with mental health problems, people with drug and alcohol abuse problems, and people with learning disabilities.

Each person is individual and unique, each case has its own challenges, many have very complex needs, and a high proportion have dual diagnosis – meaning they have more than one of the above problems.

Despite the scale, I remain optimistic.

One reason is that Mersey Care’s campaigning approach has led to proposals to transform mental healthcare on Merseyside – through the biggest single investment in mental health services the country has ever seen.

New initiatives But plans to invest millions of pounds over the next five years are as much about changing attitudes as providing new buildings. If we are going to help people we must also work hard to achieve a cultural shift in attitudes towards mental illness.

A report from mental health charity Mind showed 84% of people with mental health problems and almost a third of the general population, feel isolated. Factors leading to isolation included stigma and discrimination, lack of relationships, and absence of appropriate social support.

Mersey Care is promoting new initiatives to combat isolation and stigma. But we all have a stake in society’s perception of mental illness and learning disabilities.

More than 2.9 million people in the UK are diagnosed with depression at any one time, and as many as three in four cases go unrecognised.

During Mental Health Action Week, the Mental Health Foundation launched a campaign calling for patients with depression to be offered exercise on prescription. One of the Week’s aims was to raise awareness about the importance of finding and using effective ways of treating depression.

Much has been written about the connection between mind, body and spirit. I see campaigns like these as vital to giving us the leading edge services we would hope and expect for any of our own family members.

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HELPING HANDS

Pull your socks up!

Q: I CAN’T bend down to put on my shoes and socks. Can you help?

A: THERE is a range of long handled shoe horns on the market, gadgets to enable people to put on socks, tights and stockings, even the very strong support stockings.

Elastic shoelaces enable laceup shoes to be put on easily.

Dressing sticks – sticks with a hook – help remove your socks without bending down.

Your local Disabled Living Centre will have a range of dressing aids on display.

Tip top tap solution . . .

Q: TURNING the taps has become increasingly difficult.

Can I make it easier?

A: THERE is a range of strong plastic tap turners that fit over the tops of existing taps.

These provide extra leverage and a bigger grip making it easier to turn the taps. There are models to suit cross and crystal taps.

For a more permanent solution you could consider replacing the whole tap with those that are easier to move or just the part you turn.

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.

The Disabled Living Centres Council is the national voice for more than 40

. . . with Jan Lockyer DLCs around the UK. The council 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 through your local DLC to test the product before you buy.

There is also every chance your local centre will have the products you are interested in on display.

BATH TIME Q

IT’S getting more difficult for me to get in and out of the bath safely. I think I might have to have the bath taken out and a walk-in shower installed. Any advice?

A: THINK carefully and make sure you find out what is available.

While walk-in showers are an excellent solution for many people, some regret losing their bath when they find there is equipment that would have enabled them to get in and out safely and independently.

Arrange a visit to your local Disabled Living Centre where you will be able to see and test a range of bath and shower equipment. Staff will be able to provide information on the entire range of products and most DLCs can provide manufacturers’ literature.

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.

We are here and ready to help Liverpool DLC 101 Kempston Street Liverpool L3 8HE Tel: 0151 298 2055 Disabled Living Centres Council: Redbank House 4 St Chads Street Manchester M8 8QA Tel: 0161 834 1044 Independent Living Centres . . .

CREWE Leighton Hospital Middlewich Road Crewe Cheshire CW1 4QJ Tel: 01270 612 343

Q: I WOULD love to feed myself but can’t grip cutlery.

I have tried all shapes and sizes of handles without success. Can you help?

Q: I HAVE been invited to go camping. I’d love to go but I’m concerned about the height of the chemical toilet because at home I am used to hand rails and a raised toilet seat.

A: THERE is a range of cutlery with 14” (356mm) long flexible foam handles that wrap around your wrist or hand.

There’s also a wide range of utensil holders that are strapped to the hand. These can be used with cutlery, pens, toothbrushes or combs.

Your local Disabled Living centre will have a range of eating and drinking equipment on display. See what suits you best.

A: DON’T worry – there are adjustable height stands and frames available that allow the seat to be raised to a convenient height up to 22.5 inches (569mm).

They also have side rails to give support when standing.

Some types can be transported flat and easily assembled at the camp site without tools.

Your local Disabled Living Centre will have more details.

Dates for your diary OPEN days at Liverpool Disabled Living Centre: MAY Tues May 3 (1pm-4pm) Wed May 18 (10am-1pm) JUNE Tues June 7 (1pm-4pm) Wed June 22 (10am-1pm) JULY Tues July 5 (1pm-4pm) AUGUST - no open days

SEPTEMBER Tues Sept 6 (1pm-4pm) Wed Sept 21 (10am-1pm) Tues Oct 4 (1pm-4pm) Wed Oct 19 (10am-1pm) Tues Nov 8 (1pm-4pm) Wed Nov 23 (10am-1pm) Tues Dec 6 (1pm-4pm) The centre may relocate in 2005 so some dates may be altered. Tel: 0151 298 2055

Get the right walking stick Q: I WOULD like a folding walking stick to put in my pocket or bag when I go out.

What types are available?

A: FOLDING walking sticks come in a range of materials, colours and finishes with different shaped handles. It is very important to have a walking

aid of the correct height. For a free fact sheet ‘Choosing walking equipment’ contact Liverpool DLC on 0151 298 2055. Advice onwalking aids is provided by the Community Physiotherapy Service at Liverpool DLC’s Open Days (See above).

HALTON Collier Street Runcorn Cheshire WA7 1HB Tel: 01928 582 920 MACCLESFIELD Macclesfield General Hospital Victoria Road Macclesfield Cheshire SK10 3BL Tel: 01625 661 740 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

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE . . .

Spring / Summer 2005

CHESHIRE Unit 8, Albion Walk, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5XU. Tel: 01606 330 853 KNOWSLEY 149 Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby, L32 8SE. Tel: 0151 549 1412 SEFTON The Merseyside Third Sector Technology Centre, 16 Crosby Road North, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 0NY. Tel: 0151 285 4000 ST HELENS Millennium House, Bickerstaffe Street, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1DH. Tel: 01744 675 615 WARRINGTON The Bungalow, Garven Place, Warrington WA1 1GP. Tel: 01925 644 212 WEST LANCS 49 Westgate, Sandy Lane Centre, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 8LP Tel: 01695 733737 WIRRAL “The Grove”,, Woodchurch Road, Prenton, Wirral, CH42 9LS. Tel: 0151 670 0777 BANGOR Carers Outreach Service, 60 Fford Deiniol, Bangor LL57 1AA Tel: 01248 370 797 CONWY Carers Outreach Service, 32 Sea View Road, Colwyn, Conwy, LL29 8DG. Tel: 01492 533 714 GWYNEDD Carers Outreach Service, Central Builing, Eldon Square, Dolgellau LL40 1PS. Tel: 01341 421 167 ANGLESEY Carers Outreach Service, Units 1 & 2, Mill House, Llawr y Dref, Llangefni, Anglesey, LL77 7TS. Tel: 01248 370 797 PORTHMADOG St. David’s Building, Lombard Street, Porthmadog, LL49 9AP. Tel: 01766 513 975

JUST ASK

C

ARERS are being urged to get along to a special exhibition at Liverpool’s St George’s hall.

The Carers Information Day will be a chance to find out about the help that is available, say organisers, Local Solutions.

Taking place during National Carers Week – on Tuesday June 14 – the event will highlight new equipment and the latest improvements in support for people who are looking after disabled or elderly relatives/friends.

Local Solutions carers co-ordinator Katherine French says: “Anyone who is caring for a relative, friend or neighbour is invited to attend and enjoy free demonstrations, consultations, fun activities, refreshments and a free raffle!

“Carers will also have the opportunity to view the new Carers Strategy 2005/06 produced by Liverpool City Council, which will outline the council’s proposals for development in the coming year.

“It’s a chance for carers to talk to others in a similar situation and to get information and advice about what help is available.” l The event runs from 10.30am2.30pm. Contact Katherine French on 0151 705 2421.

27

. . . with Jan Lockyer

HELPING HANDS

Your carers’ centre

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

CARING FOR THE CARERS: Last year’s event was fun and informative

GROUPS n LIVERPOOL Association of Disabled People, Tel: 0151 263 8366/Text: 260 3187 Disablement Resource Unit, Local Solutions, Tel: 0151 709 0990 Glaxo Neurological Centre, Tel: 0151 298 2999 Merseyside Society for Deaf People: 0151 228 0888 Merseyside Disability Federation, tel: 0151 291 9570.

Text: 0151 733 3909 n KNOWSLEY Disability Concern (DIAL), tel: 0151 480 4090 n WIRRAL: WIRED, tel: 0151 647 6162 n ELLESMERE PORT, DICE, tel: 0151 355 1420 n HALTON Disability Service, tel: 01928 717222 n WARRINGTON Disability Partnership, tel: 01925 240064 n SKELMERSDALE: West Lancs Disability Helpline, tel: Freefone 0800 220676. n St HELENS: DASH, tel: 01744 453053 n CHESHIRE Disabilities Federation, tel: 01606 888400 n CHESTER: Dial House, tel: 01244 345655 n MOLD: Flintshire Association for Disability, tel: 01352 755546 n RHYL: Shopmobility, tel: 01745 350665 n ANGLESEY: CIL, tel: 01248 750249

AROUND THE REGIONS ST HELENS Carers group get Carers Week off to a good start on June 13 with a ‘Work Rest and Play’ theme including a marquee on Church Square offering free holistic therapy, massage ‘taster’ and pamper sessions.

On Wednesday June 15 there is a garden party, and on Friday June 17 and Saturday June 18, Hardshaw Shopping Centre hosts an informatioon roadshow.

There are also plans for a coach trip to York and Castle Howard. Further details from 01744 675 615 CHESHIRE is holding a mix of fun events and awareness raising events across the county but centred on its offices at Northwich, Macclesfsield, Crewe and Ellesmere Port. Contact the Cheshire office for latest plans. Tel: 01606 330 853.

NORTH West Wales groups have arranged a five-day stay at Pontins, Blackpool.

CONWY: There are plans for a trip to Blaenau Ffestiniog (Thursday June 16). To find out more call the Carers’ Centre, tel: 01492 533 714 ARFON: Bangor’s Deiniol Centre — card making (Wednesday June 15) and a trip on the Ffestiniog Railway (Friday June 17). Give the Carers’ Centre a call, tel: 01248 370 797 ANGLESEY: Card making (Thursday June 16), tel: 01248 370797 PORTMADOG group is organising a day out for 40 carers — a two-hour midweek excursion on the Ffestiniog narrow guage railway.

Creative carers may also like to take up an invitation to join a greetings card-making session which is expected to be supported by carers from Meirionnydd and Dywfor.

DWYFOR/MEIRIONNYDD: Card making activities for Dwyfor (June 17) and Meirionnydd (June 14)

. . . www.alltogethernow.org.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

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

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YOUR RIGHTS

Pension boost PEOPLE who choose to take their state pension late could, after five years, get a one-off payment of over £20,000.

The new Five Year Strategy sets out details of what a person could expect to receive if they deferred a state pension of £105 for anytime over one year: l £5,646 for one year l £11,673 for two years l £32,306 for five years l £77,090 for ten years.

Those who choose to defer can instead receive it as an increased weekly amount added to their pension when they finally claim.

Someone with a full basic state pension will be able to get a weekly pension of: l £90.58 if they defer for one year l £99.12 if they defer for two years l £107.65 if they defer for three years l £116.18 if they defer for four years l £124.72 if they defer for five years.

A copy of the leaflet can be ordered by phoning 0845 7 31 32 33. www.dwp.gov.uk

Life’s going to get better C

AMPAIGNERS have welcomed a Downing Street report on improving life for disabled people.

But they say that ministers are missing a chance to make a real difference NOW to people’s lives.

Instead, the new Government initiative aims to achieve full equality for disabled people by 2025.

Main recommendations include enabling disabled people to live independently by providing support based on personal need and choice.

The report recommends a move towards individual budgets for disabled people, drawing together the services to which they are entitled, and giving them greater choice over the mix of support they receive in the form of cash and direct provision of services.

The report also promises to improve support for families with disabled children and to give young disabled people better opportunities and choices as they move into adulthood, as well as

— but we will have to wait another 20 years before we get ‘full equality’ providing more support and incentives to help people with disabilities get jobs and stay in work.

Citizens Advice head of social policy Dan Vale said: “The measures have the potential to transform many disabled people’s quality of life but we are concerned too much emphasis on disabled people commissioning their own services could unintentionally make it more difficult for them to access the services they want and need,

unless the support and advice they will need to do this are also put in place.

“We are delighted that a more appropriate definition of ‘disabled persons’ will be introduced for community care services, and that charging regimes will be reviewed.

We hope this will lead to improved rights to services for those with the most severe physical and mental impairments.”

John Knight, head of policy at disability charity Leonard Cheshire, said: “The proposal for an Office for Disability Issues is very close to what we have been calling for so we’re delighted.

“We believe this is an important development that has the potential to make a difference. Policies from all government departments can have an impact on disabled people so having a mechanism to co-ordinate policies and ensure unified goals is extremely important. The most important factor, of course, is that the policies have to be right in the first place.”

Make the Pathway fair Are you getting your full benefit entitlement?

Do you find benefit claim forms confusing?

Would you like independent confidential and friendly advice?

If yes… the Welfare Rights Service can help you

The Welfare Rights Service is an independent, not-for-profit advice agency. Our aim is to assist our clients with obtaining their full Benefit entitlement and thereby, maximise their income rather then making a profit for ourselves. Our service is therefore, free.

We offer comprehensive Welfare Benefits Advice and Representation service to the people of Liverpool.

Our team can provide assistance with filling out lengthy benefit claim forms, and provide expert representation in challenging adverse decisions at Appeal Tribunals.

For housebound clients, we offer a home visiting service, where a member of the team will come and visit you in your own home.

Phone lines are open Mon - Wed 9.30am – 3.00pm

For more information, please call us on 0151 709 0990

REFORMS to Incapacity Benefit must coincide with the nationwide roll out of the Government’s Pathways to Work scheme, says the Disability Rights Commission.

DRC chairman Bert Massie said: “Disabled people on Incapacity Benefit are living in poverty.

“For these measures to work, high quality support will be needed from assessment of those deemed able to work, right through to finding and maintaining opportunities to work. It is important that people who cannot do paid work are not penalised financially or made to feel guilty.”

Based upon world leading US Software, this system is used by sport teams and various law enforcement agencies worldwide. It is also a fantastic entertainment system, offering many fun shooting simulation games.

Laser Shot is an activity that is suitable for everyone. Pistol shooting, clay pigeon shooting, target shooting and all types of game shooting can be simulated onto a projection screen.

Ideal for corporate entertainment – product launches – fairs & fetes – and charity fundraising Competitions can be set up for small or multiple groups, knock out competitions — plus many shooting scenarios.

Laser Shot can be set up almost anywhere. It is ideal for a small conference room — or even outdoors. If your event needs to be located outdoors the system will need to be housed in a marquee that has been blacked out on the inside, as the Laser Shot is light sensitive.

Fifteen fully interactive games packages, which score for participants and make real competition possible between families, groups or at public events.

Wirral Inroads, a Wirral-based charity, now provides the Laser Shot System for hire.

Why not book it for your next event or fundraiser?

For more information contact Wirral Inroads on: 0151 647 8289

BENEFITS Your guide to this year’s rates New Benefits applicable from April 2005 DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE £60.60 Higher rate: £40.55 Middle rate: £16.05 Lower rate: Mobility Component £42.30 Higher rate: £16.05 Lower rate: ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE £60.60 Higher rate: £40.55 Lower rate: RETIREMENT PENSION

£82.05

INCAPACITY BENEFIT Long term: *Earning Threshold up to

£76.45 £78.00

SEVERE DISABLEMENT ALLOWANCE £46.20 Basic rate: Child Benefit-only/eldest child: £17.00 £11.40 Other children: INDUSTRIAL DISABLEMENT BENEFITS Disablement Pension 100%: £123.80 Statutory Sick Pay: £68.20 Earning Threshold: £82.00 Carer’s Allowance: £45.70 MATERNITY ALLOWANCE Standard rate:

£106.00

STATUTORY MATERNITY PAY Standard rate: £106.00 STATUTORY PATERNITY PAY Standard rate: £106.00 INCOME SUPPORT PERSONAL ALLOWANCE Single under 18 - usual rate: £33.85 18-24: £44.50 25 and over: £56.20 Couple Both under 18 - responsible for a child: £67.15 One or both 18 or over: £88.15 PREMIUMS Family:

£16.10

ENHANCED DISABILITY PREMIUM Single/disabled child rate: £11.70 Couple: £16.90 DISABILITY PREMIUM Single: £23.95 Couple: £34.20 Severe Disability Single person qualifies: £45.50 Couple both qualify: £91.00 Disabled child: £43.89 PENSIONER Couple: £78.90 Carer: £25.80 Bereavement: £25.85 PENSION CREDIT Standard minimum guarantee Single: £109.45 £167.05 Couple:

Spring / Summer 2005

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

29

MOTORING

Parking campaigners step up the fight O

NE IN every five disabled parking bays at supermarkets and major retail outlets is abused by non-Blue Badge holders, according to a new survey.

Now campaigners, supported by the RAC, are taking their findings to the House of Commons and plan to widen the issue to embrace on-street parking too.

The Disabled Drivers Motor Club says it is not enough for stores to provide disabled parking bay spaces. They want stores to implement strategies to counter parking bay abuse.

The abuse is so prevalent that at 28% of stores visited for the Baywatch survey, there were no parking bays available for disabled visitors at all.

The DDMC claim there has been ‘little change’ in the 12 months since the last survey. But across the ‘big four’ supermarkets chains, an improvement in Safeway ratings had been noted, attributed by the DDMC to its takeover by Morrisons.

A quarter of stores had now eradicated abuse.

Meanwhile, Christine Pickthall, co-ordinator at Cheshire Disabilities Federation, says that in a crackdown on the ‘Space Invaders’, Tesco and Asda had launched nationwide trials, fining those using accessible bays up to £50 if they were not displaying a blue badge.

Tesco was also running trials in 20 stores while Asda was doing the same in a hundred of theirs.

The Baywatch campaign, backed by Scope’s Time to Get Equal Campaign as well as the Disabled Drivers Association, British Polio Fellowship, and Disability Now, has widened to include other stores and venues such as hospitals and leisure centres.

Ed Passant, chief executive of the DDMC, says stores need to do more.

“It’s time for local store managers to take the problem seriously – otherwise they’ll be debating the issue in court with frustrated disabled customers exercising their rights under the Disability Discrimination Act.” Bert Massie, chairman of the Disability Rights Commission, said: “I often experience this myself. If I HE MOBILITY Roadshow — cannot park in a space I the world’s biggest event for have to turn around and disabled and older people — go home.” returns to Donington Park in July.

He said, however, that it The annual three-day event, which might be possible to bring is free to visitors, provides the perfect a case under the new chance to try out specially adapted disability laws. vehicles on the world famous “If a disabled person Donington Park circuit. went to a supermarket and found all the disabled In addition about 200 exhibitors will bays were taken up by be on hand to answer questions and non-disabled people, then give advice on all aspects of personal the disabled person could mobility. argue there has been no On the opening day — Thursday reasonable adjustment July 7 — to celebrate National Young made to allow them to Disabled Persons’ Day, the main use the store.”

Lighten up A NEW all-round lighting system for cars could catch on.

The Vagole Safety Lighting System is designed to work automatically and seamlessly with the vehicle’s electrical system (such as when reversing), to light up the surrounding area of the vehicle.

It could also be a help in breakdown and emergency situations.

Fitting does not require any cutting of electrical wires or drilling into vehicle sub-frames, so is a reasonably straightforward procedure for a suitably qualified garage/individual.

Cost: £179.99 (including VAT).

Call Vagole on 01923 229368

REVVING UP FOR THE ROADSHOW

T

MOTORING 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, Appleby Bridge, Wigan WN6 9EP. Tel: 01257 256409 www.mobility-centre.org.uk focus will be on products and services for children and young people with disabilities.

Young visitors aged 15 and over will be able to go for a spin in a Vauxhall Corsa on a section of the circuit.

“We want to further expand the range of choice for young people, their families and carers,” says Jacqui Jones, director of projects and events, Mobility Choice, the charity that organises the Roadshow.

The Roadshow runs from Thursday July 7 until Saturday July 9, opening 10am daily. Tel: 0870 770 3222 www.justmobility.co.uk

The North Wales Driving Assessment Centre, Disability Resources Centre, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire.

Tel: 01745 584858 Motability, Goodman House, Station Approach, Harlow, Essex CM20 2ET. Helpline 0845 456 4566 (voice), 01279 632273 (text) www.motability.co.uk Disabled Motorists

Federation.

Tel: 0191 416 3172.

Mobility Information Service, 01743 463072 www.dmfnet.co.uk Disabled Drivers Motor Club, Cottingham Way, Thrapston, Northamptonshire NN14 4PL. Tel: 01832 734724 www.ddmc.org.uk Disabled Drivers Association, Ashwellthorpe, Norwich, Norfolk NR16 1EX. Tel: 01508 489449 www.dda.org.uk Disabled Motorcyclists Association, Clyde Business Centre, Clyde House, Clyde Street. Ashton under Lyne, Tameside OL7 0NQ Tel: 0161 214 8314 Mobile: 07947 138303 www.thedma.org.uk MAVIS (Mobility Advice and Vehicle Information Service.

Tel: 01344 661000 www.dft.gov.uk/access/mavis

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30

Spring / Summer 2005

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PUBLIC TRANSPORT

ALL SYSTEMS GO Work to start on trams for all

M

ERSEYTRAVEL has unveiled the livery for Merseytram and announced that – subject to contracts being completed — work on Line 1 will begin in July.

The trams, in the yellow and grey of COMING ON LINE: Every tram will have Merseytravel, are being designed and Neil Scales, chief executive and built by Bombardier, the leading director general of Merseytravel, said: international rolling stock “Our objective is to provide a fully manufacturer. integrated public transport system They will each have level boarding which is available to all and the trams for easy access and the centre aisle have been designed with this very is wide enough for wheelchairs.

There are 21 trams planned for Line much in mind.

“Merseytravel uses the social rather 1 which runs from the city centre to than medical model of disability Kirkby and a further 20 on Line 2 to which means people are often Knowsley.

level boarding for easy access constrained by their social and environmental surrounds.

“Our Senior Access Officer David Finnegan is a wheelchair user and any new project, including Merseytram, is thoroughly examined by him. It is doubtful if anything would proceed unless it receives David’s approval on access.

“If a project is accessible to a

wheelchair user then it should be accessible to all other users – and this will be the case with Merseytram.”

A new preferred bidder for Line 1 of Merseytram, a consortium called MPact which comprises Laing O’Rourke and Grant Rail, was brought in after Merseytravel rejected an original bid on the grounds that it did not fully represent best value.

Mr Scales added: “My decision to re-tender has been totally vindicated.

Line 1 will now be built, subject to final contractual arrangements, on time and below budget – a vast improvement on the situation we originally faced.

“We have also received a £4.2 million grant from the Government towards groundworks which we have already undertaken. I regard this as a massive vote of confidence in our scheme. It’s now all systems go.”

“The scheme will benefit massively from the fact that Laing O’Rourke is currently heavily involved in developments in Liverpool.”

Line 1 will be complete in time for Liverpool’s Capital of Culture year in 2008.”

CCTV on the buses SUPERTRAVEL is the first bus operator on Merseyside to have its whole fleet equipped with CCTV, under a scheme launched by Merseytravel.

Merseytravel pays half the cost of the cameras – and they are already paying dividends.

Dave Roberts, bus services manager of Supertravel, based in Speke Hall Road, said: “Three acts of vandalism have been caught on camera and are waiting to be dealt with by the courts.”

MD Graham Bolderson added: “The cameras give passengers an added sense of security.”

Spring / Summer 2005

HOROSCOPE

by June Baker-Howard

ARIES Thanks to Mars, your planetary ruler, visiting your part of the zodiac, you will have more control over what happens to you during the mid June period when you should be able to notch up a personal triumph and, at the same time, break out of a certain rut you’ve been in recently. However, don’t put off until tomorrow what should be done today because other peoples’ wishes and feelings are liable to influence what is possible as July approaches. .

TAURUS By tradition, May is the month when you come into your own. This year should prove to be no exception to the rule, providing that you capitalise on the supportive trends to win friends and influence the hearts and minds of others.

The key word is ‘new’ so be receptive to new opportunities, new faces and new experiences. In June, there will be a new financial sum to do and new suggestions to consider. Be receptive to all possibilities but bear in mind that the major planetary changes taking place later this year are likely to coincide with talk of a home move or relocation.

GEMINI Mars, planet of conflict, is at odds with your birth sign until mid June so life is unlikely to be a bed of roses. To compensate, Venus, associated with love and harmony, favours your fortunes suggesting that a hope or wish will be realised. If you’re unattached and wish the opposite applied, Venus will help you to find a new attraction or at the very least, bring extra invitations, gifts and friendly gestures.

Pay heed to all developments with the New Moon on June 6th because an opportunity arising will be meant for you.

CANCER The entry of the Sun into Cancer on the 21st marks the start of the summer, as well as the start of a new cycle of experience for you. In particular, regard options, propositions and suggestions discussed in late June or early July as worthy of serious consideration. Meanwhile, Saturn has almost completed its slow journey through your birth sign, confirming that a period of slow progress, struggles and frustration, as well as learning, is almost over. This clears the way for a brand new start in one direction and the chance to build on one of your successes in another.

LEO As you will soon realise, if you haven’t already, everything is unfolding in the correct order even if life has taken a different turn to the one expected. Saturn, one of the major planets, arrives in your birth sign in July, signifying that an important restructure is on the cards. In way of preparation, be ready to let go of that which you know inwardly no longer suits your circumstances or purpose.

Meanwhile, welcome the chance to socialise, particularly if it involves a reunion because someone who returns to the scene could prove to be a key player in the next big chapter of the story.

VIRGO The priority in this next phase is to consolidate your position as much as possible, which may be easier said than done because the planets are still playing strange tricks on your purse strings. This is why your financial expectations are unlikely to be the same as they were a year ago. Take care, because although generous Jupiter remains in your house of money until late October, developments around the time of the New Moon on 6th June may not be to your advantage.

What do the stars have in store for you . . ?

LIBRA For nearly a year the mighty planet Jupiter has been moving through your section of the zodiac bringing obvious but, sometimes, surprising changes to many different parts of your world. This has served to focus your mind and make you conscious of what you can afford to put behind you, as well as where your fortunes lie. Before October, when Jupiter’s work will be done, you will have a vital decision or choice to make.

SCORPIO Your key word should be ‘expansion’ so keep an open mind and show an interest in everyone and everything. On no account withdraw from the world and all that is going on around you because the outlook brightens

by June. Travel, far away places and people who possess different backgrounds to your own, are likely to have pleasant implications.

SAGITTARIUSS Late May and the month of June represent the most likely phase of the year for you to enter into a meaningful relationship, fall in love, or reach a new level of understanding with an existing partner. Despite this, the power will tend to be held by the other person in any situation while the Sun is in Gemini, so personal and professional arrangements may not always go as planned.

CAPRICORN The biggest tidal waves in your personal life have been and gone but it will be July before the planetary all clear sounds. Therefore, try to be patient for a little while longer and remember that ‘he who laughs last laughs loudest’. Meanwhile, it’s rare to have two Full Moons in your birth sign while the sun is in your house of partnerships, so take note of what they bring in late spring and early summer. It seems that a friend, lover, spouse, new attraction or opposite in business is going to make you exceedingly conscious of what they want from you, as well as what they will give in return.

AQUARIUS The good news is that the late spring brings opportunities to forge new ties and improve your standing in the area of human relationships. This comment is particular pertinent if you seek a new romance or special friend. By mid summer, an important vote of confidence received should dispel any doubts as to who you are and where you’re going. On the business front, be especially security conscious in all dealings.

PISCES The old is giving way to the new in more ways than one and it is feasible that you are dealing with some very mixed emotions due to having to say goodbye to someone or something.

After Jupiter, one of your two planetary rulers, changes signs in October you should find yourself in a stronger position and be able to make firmer plans, so keep this thought in mind during May and June. The main thing is to accept that providence knows what is best because no matter how it appears, you really are moving forward.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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Spring / Summer 2005

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SPORT

TV Clare joins the team BBC TV sports commentators Clare Balding and Paul Dickenson have been appointed patrons of the British Paralympic Association.

Clare said: “I am an ardent supporter of the wider exposure of Paralympic sport which I believe changes the attitude of the ignorant towards disability more effectively than anything else I have come across.”

Ski together STEPS towards merging the British Ski Club for the Disabled and the Uphill Ski Club have been taken forward after a study of an American programme.

Funding from the Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship enabled Lynda Williams to spend six weeks looking at how the USA became the world leaders in the sport.

Now she is planning a series of seminars around the UK and is helping to produce a training manual for the new organisation.

Uphill Ski Club, tel: 01479 861272 www.uphillskiclub.co.uk

World’s top athletes get set for Manchester

Triathlon call Sefton Triathlon is now open to children with disabilities from across the North West

C

HILDREN with disabilities from across the North West are wanted to take part in the Sefton Triathlon.

Organised by teacher John Moran at Liverpool’s St Mary’s College, the event promises to be bigger and better than last year when, despite appalling weather conditions, over 400 triathletes joined in the fun, making it the biggest children’s triathlon in the UK — and one of the most inclusive triathlons in Europe.

Two disability races are scheduled for the event at Crosby on Saturday July 2: The junior race includes a 25m swim, 2k handcycle and 1k wheelchair push, while the senior event will be a 50m swim, 3K handcycle and 1.5k wheelchair push.

Teams will consist of three competitors with each member completing one leg of the race.

The British Triathlon Association has given the event official status

Paralysed rowers go for glory

Tanni ready, too

!

HOW YOU CAN HELP, TOO!

with the prestigious title of BTA North West Schools Triathlon Championships.

All competitors receive a T-shirt, drink, wristband and medal and will be encouraged to help raise money for the nominated charities.

The highest fundraiser will receive a signed England shirt presented by Liverpool FC captain Steve Gerrard.

Weekly training sessions are currently being held for both adults and children, tel: 0151 924 3700

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Please send this form to: All Together Now! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP

MORE than 130 of the world’s top disabled athletes are taking part in the first Paralympic World Cup at Manchester in May. Sinclair Thomas, a key player in Britain’s GB wheelchair basketball team at last year’s Athens Paralympics, said: “Athens was fantastic. But now I want gold at Manchester.”

Since Athens, Sinclair has embarked on a new role as player/head coach of the Liverpool Greenbank wheelchair basketball team, after four years playing as a guard with Milton Keynes Ace. Competition at Manchester includes Australia, the Athens 2004 silver medallists, as well as Germany and the Netherlands.

“I’m sure Australia, the Germans and Dutch will bring their strongest teams, so it should be a fantastic event,” said Sinclair, who was born with polio.

“It will be a fantastic opportunity for us to play in a major tournament here and I’ll be really proud to play in front of a home crowd.”

The basketball takes place at Manchester’s Amaechi Centre on all four days of the games, starting on Thursday May 12.

The competition will be a round-robin format, followed by semis, bronze medal matches and finals.

R

OWERS who are paralysed are ready to steal the limelight at this year’s British Indoor Rowing Championship.

Last year, Robin Gibbons and Sol Solomou were the first paraplegic rowers to take part in the championship.

Using the revolutionary functional electrical stimulation technology their efforts left many observers speechless.

Now organisers of this year’s event are expecting to attract at least ten paralysed rowers.

Since taking up the training Robin now has enough physical strength in his legs and lower body to theoretically stand up.

The training is regarded as one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy circulation and general good health in paraplegics.

The FES rowing machine uses a multi-channel stimulator with electrodes placed on the skin over the quadriceps and hamstrings.

The rower can control each stroke by pressing and releasing a switch on the pull bar, resulting in a high intensity whole body workout.

DAME Tanni Grey-Thompson will also be at the Manchester games.

“The Paralympic World Cup will highlight the sport annually on a global stage and I am delighted to be competing,” said Tanni.

“It will give some of our young athletes the opportunity to compete against the best in the world, and also inspire young disabled people, who can go along and see what they can achieve.”

The athletics programme — involving 130 athletes from 41 countries — will be staged at the Manchester Regional Arena at Sportcity on the last day, Sunday May 15.

Other big names lining up include Britain’s Danny Crates, who won the gold medal in the T46 800m in Athens, and South African Oscar Pistorious, who struck gold in the T44 200m in Athens and will compete in both sprints. www.paralympics.org.uk

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