All Together NOW! Oct-Nov 2021

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Steve and Sally Morgan celebrate the opening p7 of Maggie’s

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

Koala charity transforms the lives of hundreds of children

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Can YOU help? n All Together NOW! is a registered charity set up to provide a tip top news service for anyone whose life is affected by disability, long-term health condtions or age. n The charity – the only one of its kind in the UK – relies entirely on support from its sponsors, advertisers, subscriptions and donations.

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ENS of thousands of FREE copies of All Together NOW! are regularly picked at Asda stores across the region.

Now, we’re delighted to report that customers at the Liscard store have nominated our charity for the Asda Foundation Green Token Giving award.

The prize is worth £500. If we were to win, it would enable us to get even more papers to customers.

All you have to do to help is to go onto their website, click Liscard store, and vote for All Together NOW! You can vote for us every week, and if you aren’t online, just ask a family member, friend or neighbour to vote for you.

It will make a big difference for thousands more people!

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n Any supermarkets – or other venues– wanting to stock All Together NOW! can contact us on 0151 230 0307, email: info@alltogethernow.org.uk

FIRST CLASS DELIVERY: Copies of the free paper are available at lots of stores across the region

Act now to save lives at stations

URGENT action is being demanded to make railway station platforms safer for people with sight loss.

The call comes after the death of a blind man, killed by a train and figures that show people with sight loss make up 15% of those who fall from station platforms.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People wants tactile paving – which enables visually impaired passengers to know where the end of the platform is – to be installed at all stations in Britain.

Cleveland Gervais fell from a platform at Eden Park station in South London, with a report finding that the lack of tactile paving at the edge of the platform was a likely key factor in his death.

The report, from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, also found that railway stations expose people with sight loss to “significantly higher levels of risk than the general public”.

Ups and downs

ACCESS improvements at Manchester’s Picadilly station are to go ahead in the New Year.

The lift giving access to platforms 13 and 14 at Manchester Piccadilly station is being replaced, to make stepfree access more reliable.

Disruption is likely between January 3 to April 18. The lift will be out of use, but step-free access to platforms 13 and 14 will be available via a new stairlift.

Network Rail says staff will be on hand throughout to assist passengers who need help.

Where possible, passengers who need step-free access or assistance with luggage are recommended to book assisted travel in advance with their train operator.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

We’re breaking all the barriers

Top Kidz show comes to Liverpool

HEAR all about it!

TRAILBLAZER: People all over the world can now hear all about what’s going on here to make life more equal for everyone

All Together NOW! can now be read – and listened to – all over the world for FREE.

Articles can also be translated instantly in up to 21 languages – and downloaded onto your mobile, or even emailed to your friends.

And if you are taking a plane journey, you can download the paper onto your mobile device to read offline.

We’ve teamed up with PressReader – the world’s largest digital newsstand – to make All Together NOW! even more available.

If you can’t get hold of a copy of the newspaper, just download the PressReader app onto your desktop or mobile device and start scanning – or listening to – the pages of the latest edition. It’s as easy as that!

Ed Marr, content editor at PressReader, said: “At PressReader, we believe in accessible reading for everyone. This is why we developed our platform in compliance with government-mandated accessibility criteria.

“By welcoming All Together NOW! to our platform, we are strengthening and supporting that belief, and are empowering readers to access content that informs, entertains and inspires.”

PressReader partners with the world’s leading publishers to deliver newspapers and magazines to millions of people in over 160 countries.

Readers can also opt to pay a monthly fee of £27.49 which gives access to PressReader’s catalogue of more than 7,000 newspapers and magazines. www.pressreader.com

Proud partners helping to keep this vital paper alive

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HUGE thanks to our longstanding sponsors, the Steve Morgan Foundation and United Utilities for their magnificent support.

We are also grateful for other recent donations from civil engineering firm Forkers Ltd for providing our delivery drivers with sets of high vis jackets, and to

3 wheel walker Only £49 Red, Silver or Blue Includes FREE DELIVERY

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Liverpool-based Bosus Engineering, who are helping us to get even more newspapers out and about across the region.

Bosus have given us £1,000 to cover the costs of more of our eye-catching All Together NOW! boxes that are in more than 150 venues across the region. Many thanks to Rob, Jen and the team.

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I HOPE you enjoy this autumn issue as much as we did putting it all together.

We’re back on December 7 with our bumper Christmas issue.

TOM DOWLING, editor

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SALES, REPAIR & SERVICING OF ALL MOBILITY & DISABILITY PRODUCTS

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IT’S BEEN a long time coming but the hugely popular Kidz to Adultz North exhibition is back and on its way to Liverpool.

The annual event attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the region and beyond, and is a must for families affected by disability.

All Together NOW! will also have a stand at the show, so it’s a great chance to come and meet the team.

Disabled Living, who are organising the event, say: “We are absolutely delighted to announce the Kidz to Adultz ‘face to face’ events are back starting with Kidz to Adultz North in November at the ACC Liverpool, an outstanding conference and event venue on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront.

“Our priority continues to be the safety of all those involved, in particular our vulnerable children and young adults, their carers and the health professionals who support them – as well, of course, as all the exhibitors and contractors involved in putting together this amazing event.” n Book your free ticket by calling the Kidz to Adults team on 0161 214 4592.

Email: info@disabledliving.co.uk

Carers’ listening ear

AN EMOTIONAL support service is helping carers who feel abandoned as the pandemic took a huge physical and mental toll on them.

While Covid-19 has left people across society struggling with their mental health, those caring unpaid for loved ones or relatives have been among those especially hard hit.

A new survey shows that as restrictions and shielding during lockdowns impacted support networks, two thirds of carer felt even lonelier and more isolated than before the pandemic.

Carers UK is providing the support service, which will involve trained volunteers calling unpaid carers to lend emotional support and a listening ear, wherever they are in their caring journey.

Helen Walker, head of Carers UK, said: “We know that millions more people took on a caring role during the pandemic, and carers have told us they felt abandoned and expected to get on with it with little or no support.” n Carers Helpline: 0800 055 6112.

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TEN YEARS OF FAILURE NEWS

No Jobcentre help for deaf and blind people

THE failure to ensure JobcentrePlus’s services are accessible has been slammed by senior MPs on both sides of the political divide.

A new report says it is “simply unacceptable” that the Department for Work and Pensions has allowed its employment services to remain out of reach to many disabled people.

It says that DWP should act as a “beacon of best practice” on accessibility for other government departments.

An inquiry by the committee heard instead that too many disabled people were finding it difficult to access support through JobcentrePlus, including Deaf users of British Sign Language who were not provided with an interpreter, and people with visual impairments who were not offered assistance inside jobcentres.

The inquiry report also says that DWP’s notorious work capability assessment (WCA) – which assesses eligibility for out-of-work disability benefits – is “not fit for purpose”.

Schools cut support

ONE in three English schools have been forced to cut support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), a survey of headteachers found.

Almost all said that funding for SEND pupils was inadequate, and 95% said funding was also insufficient for those on education, health and care plans.

Four-fifths told the National Association of Head Teachers that they had been forced to buy extra services, which before austerity policy was brought in would have been provided by local councils, often more cost-effectively.

Specialist nurse crisis

MENCAP is calling for action following the Royal College of Nursing’s report that revealed a shortage of specialist learning disability nurses could be putting lives at risk.

Dan Scorer, head of policy at the charity, said: “Time and time again, evidence has shown people with a learning disability are facing devastating barriers to accessing healthcare – they are dying 25 years younger than the general population and are three times more likely to die avoidably.

“This report clearly shows the vital role that learning disability nurses play in so many health and care settings, and the important work they do to address some of the most shocking challenges faced by people with a learning disability.” n Helpline on 0808 808 1111

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

‘Government continue to let down disabled people’

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ORE than a decade on, disabled people are still not benefiting from many aspects of the 2010 Equality Act.

The Government should implement the provision with immediate effect and amend it to ensure it covers Private Hire Vehicles as well as licensed taxis, the committee says.

From getting a taxi to supporting And the act has not given their local football club, people disabled sports fans the equal with disabilities are being let down access to sports stadia to which by the Government’s failure to they are entitled. It relies on implement sections of the law, individuals taking action against says a critical House of Lords institutions that are not meeting report. the requirements, and often Baroness Deech, chair of the disabled sports fans are reluctant Equality Act 2010 and Disability to take action against a club they Committee, said: “The support.

Government cannot expect To address this, the committee disabled people to have CRITICAL: Baroness Deech says wants the Government to confidence in its new National the Government has missed a introduce a Bill giving local Disability Strategy when it has golden opportunity authorities power to refuse a consistently failed to enforce FANS DESERVE BETTER – p31 safety certificate to large sports existing legislation or act on stadiums that do not comply with recommendations to rectify that.” accessible stadia guidelines.

The findings come in a report from the House of Baroness Deech added: “The Government has Lords Liaison Committee. It says public sector missed a golden opportunity to tackle key issues organisations too often treat their duty to ensure including ensuring the Public Sector Equality Duty equality as a “tick-box” exercise, because the law is delivers results and improved outcomes rather than too weak and emphasises procedure rather than being a tick-box exercise, ensuring taxis and private outcomes. hire vehicles are accessible to disabled people and As a result, the burden often falls on disabled people ensuring sports stadiums have appropriate provision to enforce their own rights. for all fans.

The committee says all public bodies should be “Some of these provisions are already law and are required to implement a “plan of action” for how they just not being enforced. For the Government to ignore will meet their equality duty. them yet again in its National Strategy means that it is The Equality Act requires licensed taxis to comply not acting on what Parliament has agreed. with accessibility regulations, but despite being on the “We are calling on the Government to now state statute books for more than 20 years it has never been clearly how it will update its Strategy to ensure this is implemented, meaning disabled people still find it hard corrected.” to access taxi services.

One in two are refused care ONE of the UK’s leading disability charities is concerned that the Government’s proposals to fix the social care crisis focuses too much on older people.

Fazilet Hadi, at Disability Rights UK, said: “We are concerned that the national conversation is still almost exclusively about older people, despite a third of people using social care being disabled people of working age, and using half of the overall social care budget.

“Further, thresholds for social care, which are not always based around finances, are so high that around half of all applications to local authorities by disabled people in need of care are turned down.

“The proposed measures, which do not kick in for another two years,

To advertise . . .

may not be enough to cover care costs.

“They may still rely on those with minimal assets having to contribute to care costs, and they do not cover the vastly greater accommodation or food costs, known as hotel costs, for disabled people in residential care. We also believe it is the wrong mechanism to use National Insurance contributions instead of income tax.”

The new plans

n A 1.25% Health and Social Care levy based on National Insurance contributions to support the NHS. This covers earned income and those working past state pension age. n From October 2023, a new £86,000 cap on the amount anyone in England will need to spend on

personal care over their lifetime. n From October 2023, anyone in England with assets of less than £20,000 will not have to make any contribution for their care from their savings or the value of their home. n Anyone with assets of between £20,000 and £100,000 will be eligible for some means-tested support in England. n Currently, anyone with assets over £23,250 in England must pay their care costs in full.

Helen Morrissey, senior pension and retirement analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “The £86,000 care cap only covers care costs and not accommodation costs which can be substantial, and people will need to ensure they have adequate income to continue to meet these costs.”

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

UN blasts £20 cut to Universal Credit

THE UNITED Nations has joined charities, welfare groups and the Labour party in condemning the the £20 per week cut to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits.

They say that it breaches international human rights law and is likely to trigger an explosion of poverty.

The Health Foundation has said the cuts are likely to lead to poorer mental health and wellbeing for thousands of families.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “I’m trying to get across to people the scale of this.

“This is the biggest overnight cut to a benefit rate ever in the history of the welfare state. The House of Commons library tells me it’s bigger than the cut to unemployment benefit in 1931, which collapsed the Government.”

Sex ordeal for women at work

MORE than two-thirds of disabled women say they have been sexually harassed at work, according to a poll by the TUC. TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “No-one should face sexual harassment at work. But seven in 10 disabled women say they have been sexually harassed by a colleague or a customer while at work.

“It’s time for every employer to take responsibility for protecting their staff from sexual harassment.

“Ministers must change the law to make employers protect workers from sexual harassment specifically, and from all forms of harassment by customers.

“Anyone worried about sexual harassment at work should get in touch with their union.”

Tel. 07511 839397

www.alltogethernow.org.uk NEWS

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

IN THE MONEY: winners of the 2019 awards

£170K UP FOR GRABS! C

HARITIES from Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales are being urged to enter a competition to win a share of prize money totalling £170,000.

Philanthropist Steve Morgan has pledged the money to mark the 20th anniversary of the Steve Morgan Foundation, which he launched in 2001.

In 2020/21 the Foundation distributed a record £25.8m to charities struggling with the pandemic, helping more than 2.2m people in the process.

Mr Morgan said: “Charities have never had it so hard and I want to

mark the Foundation’s 20th anniversary by recognising the work of our amazing charities and not-forprofit organisations that have led the way in supporting the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“The Steve Morgan Foundation has been changing lives for 20 years and will continue to change lives for many more years to come.

“Our annual conference is an important date in the calendar and we’re really looking forward to meeting our wonderful charities again after we had to cancel last year’s event because of Covid.”

The four themes of the conference

will be tackling mental health post pandemic; diversifying funding options; building community cohesion; and positive engagement for children and young people.

Ten awards are up for grabs as well as a number of discretionary prizes that will be revealed on the day. n Applications can be made online throughout the month of October.

For more details go to www.tfaforms.com/4930437 or at www.stevemorganfoundation.org.uk. n The winners will be announced at the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Conference and Awards at Carden Park Hotel on March 28th, 2022.

All Together NOW!

‘Covid inquiry must involve ALL of us . . .’

THE INQUIRY into Covid must ensure there Is no repetition of mistakes that meant six out of every 10 people who died from the virus had a disability.

That’s the message from disabled people who fear finding themselves at the mercy of coronavirus again if lessons are not learned.

National charity Sense has launched a petition calling on disabled people to be put at the heart of the inquiry.

The charity’s chief executive, Richard Kramer, said: “Never again should disabled people have to experience the lack of information, support and consideration that they have during this crisis.”

He spoke out as more than three quarters of disabled people said next year’s inquiry into the pandemic must

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investigate what has happened to them.

Disabled people have been one of the hardest hit groups of the pandemic – and three in four say they have not received enough support.

Nearly two thirds say their mental health has got worse during the pandemic, with over half also reporting a deterioration in their physical health.

The charity wants to see: n A key section of the inquiry investigating the impact of Covid-19 on disabled people. n A panel leading the inquiry that is representative of disabled people. n The inquiry to be run in an accessible way so that disabled people can engage with it.

Mr Kramer added: “The experience of disabled people must be at the heart of this inquiry.” www.sense.org.uk

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

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e-exam site inaccessible to blind students

THE website used by many universities for online assessments are inaccessible to blind and partially sighted students.

Tara Chattaway, head of education at sight loss charity Thomas Pocklington Trust, said: “We do not have data on how many universities are using the Inspera platform but on its website, Inspera claims to be the leading European eassessment provider – so these findings are of real concern to us.

“The move to online assessments as a result of Covid has caused huge issues for many blind and partially sighted students.

“Exam platforms that are not compatible with the software visually impaired students need to read have meant many have been unable to complete their exams.

“We call on all universities to ensure that remote learning platforms are accessible. We have created guidance on this and we urge universities to read this.

It covers essential points, including accessibility testing, academic support, regulatory bodies, proctored exams, addressing inaccessibility and supporting students through remote exams.” n Tel. 020 8995 0880 n www.pocklington-trust.org.uk

Hundreds of young lives are about to be changed forever . . .

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UNDREDS of young people are set to benefit from a unique new prosthetic arm that is lightweight, easy to fit, and can be used to do everything from DIY to playing the guitar.

A charity project has been providing the soft shell prosthetics to children in the UK, who might otherwise have difficulty accessing artificial limbs. And it’s proved so successful, the scheme is being extended to all those under 18.

The cost of prosthetics remains one of the major barriers for people with limb difference but so too is the design of traditional products, which are too heavy and cumbersome for children.

Koalaa soft prosthetics – the first of their kind in the world – have completely reimagined prosthetics, using lightweight and flexible materials.

In under a year, more than £500,000 has already been raised by #ProjectLimitless – a collaboration between The Douglas Bader Foundation, The Alex Lewis Trust and Koalaa – enough to pay for prosthetics for more than 500 children.

Parents of the children receiving them have been quick to show their gratitude on social media, sharing photos and videos of the prosthetics being used for everything from bike riding to skipping and drawing.

David Bickers, head of The Douglas Bader Foundation, which has spearheaded the fundraising, said: “We’ve been blown

CAPTION:

LET’S PLAY: Above, guitar and pencil in hand ... Joanie and Oliver. Below, Aurora showing her skills on the tennis court

away by the support that #ProjectLimitless continues to receive, and we’re absolutely thrilled to now be able to open it up to children of all ages.

“It’s fantastic to hear the feedback from families and all the fun things the children are getting up to with their new prosthetics!”

Adventurer and quadruple amputee Alex Lewis said: “Having access to a prosthetic can be life-changing for children with limb difference, empowering them to live life to the full and inspiring them to pursue their passions and interests.

“Prosthetics can aid inclusion and independence, while supporting play, fun, exploration and everything else a growing child may wish to do! I’m so proud to be involved with #ProjectLimitless and to see it opening up new opportunities for children across the UK.” Wearers put on a sleeve that can be fitted with different tool attachments, depending on the task or activity they want to do – such as hold a pen or cutlery, chop vegetables, skip, paint, saw, ride a bike, or play the drums.

n If you have a child with a below elbow limb difference or partial hand, you can register for a free Koalaa prosthetic. email: hi@yourkoalaa.com or visit www.yourkoalaa.com

Reach 250,000 readers . . . helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

Tel. 07511 839397

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

All Together NOW!

Making a difference . . .

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HE Steve Morgan Foundation aims to make a real difference by changing the lives of thousands of people across the region.

Founded by Steve Morgan CBE in 2001, the Foundation supports projects that help children and families, people with physical or learning disabilities, the elderly, and the socially disadvantaged across North Wales, Merseyside and Cheshire.

More than £50m has so far been awarded to over 650 charities and organisations, and this number will increase dramatically over the coming years

after Steve committed £250m additional funding to the Foundation in 2017.

Enable Funding for individuals was also introduced to provide grants for adults and children with disabilities in financial hardship, who require specialised equipment.

There are three types of funding available for organisations which fit the application criteria: n Major grants and one-off capital funding for large projects; n Regional grant funding; n Enable Funding for specialised equipment, which includes the brand new Smiley Buses.

If you need help, contact us – details below

Morgan’s pride at new Maggie’s centre ELATED: Dame Laura Lee and Steve Morgan

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Sad loss

HILANTHROPIST Steve Morgan spoke of his “overwhelming pride” as he formally opened the brand new purpose-built Maggie’s Wirral at the Steve Morgan Foundation Building in the grounds of Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Wirral.

Sensory garden for everyone

The centre was commissioned, designed, built and funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation to replace the previous interim centre which opened in 2014, and has given the charity more space.

Mr Morgan CBE, chairman of the Steve Morgan Foundation, said: “I feel NOT EVEN torrential rain could dampen the spirits a sense of overwhelming pride at at the opening of a special garden for people with opening Maggie’s Wirral at the Steve dementia.

Morgan Foundation Building.

The High Sheriff of Merseyside, the Mayors of “When my wife Sally first introduced Knowsley and Halewood and Jane Harris, director of the foundation to Maggie’s all those regional grants at the Steve Morgan Foundation, were years ago we had no idea that it would among those attending the opening of Knowsley be the start of a journey that would end Dementia Care Support’s sensory garden. with the opening of this wonderful The garden at the back of Liverpool’s Arncliffe Centre facility. was made possible thanks to a grant of £72,000 from the “The centre is welcoming, calm and Steve Morgan Foundation. peaceful. It’s a place where patients Jane Harris said: “The number of people with dementia and their families can relax and reflect is increasing so the work of organisations like Knowsley away from home or hospital whilst Dementia Care Support is so important.” gaining the emotional or practical Pat Mairs, who founded Knowsley Dementia Care support they may need.”

Support Memory Lane CIC in 2014, said: “The garden Dame Laura Lee, chief executive at offers a safe place for people with dementia and their Maggie’s, said: “It’s fantastic to be here carers to go. It will be open for the community as well.” for the formal opening of our new Wirral HAPPY MEMORIES: The new sensory garden centre. We couldn’t have done it without the extremely generous support of the Steve Morgan Foundation.

“Their support in commissioning, FINLAY Woodcock-Daniels is having the Thanks to an Enable Fund grant of designing, building and funding this time of his life after the Steve Morgan £7,545, Finlay’s family have been able to centre, as well as two others – a brand Foundation paid for a new wheelchair buy a top-of-the-range Van Raam OPair new Maggie’s to be developed on the bike. wheelchair bike that has given him a new grounds of the New Royal Liverpool The 15-year-old from Hoole, Chester, has lease of life.

Hospital in the city centre, and another n The Steve Morgan Foundation Enable cerebral palsy and was unable to go on in North Wales – is the only way we Fund supports people of all ages in cycling trips with his mum Alexa and would have been able to support as financial hardship who are in need of siblings Rafferty (14) and 11-year-old many people as possible across the specialised equipment.

Freya. region.”

Finlay’s riding high, thanks to Enable grant

www.stevemorganfoundation.org.uk Tel 01928 706555

stevemorganfoundation

Steve Morgan Foundation

THE Steve Morgan Foundation was saddened to hear of the death of Nick “Hoppy” Hopkinson, the former High Sheriff of Cheshire.

Last year “Hoppy” and the Steve Morgan Foundation worked together to support Cheshire Community Foundation’s Covid-19 Response Fund.

Steve Morgan CBE, chairman of the Steve Morgan Foundation, said: “It’s absolutely devastating news, we’ve lost a true friend.”

Steve’s wife Sally, a trustee of the Foundation, added: “Nick was a big supporter of the Steve Morgan Foundation.

He recently sent us his congratulations on reaching our 20th anniversary and said he was ‘proud’ to be our friends, we were equally proud to be his.”

@stevemorganfdn

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Housing Housing nightmare OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

Girls land £20k prize for sign language translator

A TEAM of schoolgirls won a £20,000 prize for creating a real-time sign language translator.

The nationwide Amazon Longitude Explorer competition called on schools to design, develop and build prototypes of “tech-for-good” solutions to the big challenges of our time.

Radhika Iyer, who led the team from St Paul’s, London, said: “Our app, BSL: Educate-2-Translate, aims to make learning and using sign language more accessible and to bring communities together.” n Watch their video: https://vimeo.com/572585653/8834e349b5

Life-changing apps

THE winners of this year’s Tech4Good Awards, run by the AbilityNet charity, include an app that makes shopping easier for blind people, AI-powered research into rare diseases, and a new way for adults and children to publish their own storybooks.

Other awards went to NaviLens, an app that combines a computer vision algorithm with a cutting-edge graphic device that helps visually impaired people.

The app is also being added to all of Kellogg’s breakfast cereal boxes. n AbilityNet helpline 0800 048 7642

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Over 65s fear they may have to move

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ORE than half of adults say they will have to leave their homes if they become physically disabled.

A new YouGov survey shows that 55% of adults, who do not have a mobility difficultly, think they would not be able to live in their current home, due to its design and layout, if they become physically disabled.

The survey, which was commissioned as part of Habinteg’s annual #ForAccessibleHomes week, found that of those who said they would have to move, 77% identified internal steps and stairs as the main reason for having to leave their home.

Meanwhile, 48% felt their bathroom was not accessible enough, and 44% said that steps up to the front door would be a significant issue if they were to become physically disabled.

The survey also invited people to consider the needs of some of the older people that they know.

Just over a third (36%) know someone aged

65+ who they think would need to find a suitable home as their mobility needs change.

Of that 36%, three in five felt that it would be difficult to find a suitable property.

Habinteg’s chief executive, Nick Apetroaie, said: “Adequate housing is fundamental to inclusion and equality for disabled and older people, but there’s simply not enough supply for the growing demand.

‘Make or break time’

“The Government’s disability strategy promises more research into inclusive and accessible housing. However, we need action fast rather than more research to solve the immediate and long-term needs of the population.

“What the Government do or don’t do next will effect disabled and older people for many generations to come. We urge them to raise accessibility standards for new homes in their response to the consultation; it’s now make or break for accessible homes.”

Habinteg tenant John Laville said: “After my accident, which left me in a wheelchair, I spent over two years looking for a home that allowed me to do basic things, like go to the bathroom alone. I almost gave up.

“Even though I’ve now found my accessible home, we urgently need to raise accessibility standards so other disabled people can also live independently.”

Jacquel Runnalls, Accessible and Inclusive Housing Lead, Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section in Housing, added: “It’s often not until people reach crisis point that they realise their homes are unsuitable to meet their long-term needs, and, depending on the circumstances, moving home or adapting isn’t always possible or ideal for the individual.

“It’s therefore vital that we push for accessible and adaptable standards in all new homes if our housing is going to become genuinely inclusive and stand the test of time for current and future generations.”

New Horizons, new beginnings CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

K

KNOWSLEY DISABILITY CONCERN

NOWSLEY Disability Concern (KDC) has been supporting local people who face challenges by reason of their disability for more than 40 years.

Our strong relationship with the community of disabled people provides us with an in-depth knowledge of the issues and challenges faced, and strong working partnerships with a wide range of local agencies and stakeholder groups.

One example is the New Horizons Project.

New Horizons is delivered through an innovative partnership approach led by The Women’s Organisation, in conjunction with 12 other organisations.

The partnership has been carefully selected to ensure a high quality of service is delivered across diverse communities, particularly focusing on accessibility for those with a disability or long-term health condition, BAME communities and those with socio-economic barriers.

The key objectives is to remove barriers to employment and education opportunities

through raising aspirations, developing confidence and skills and raising awareness of pathways into employment opportunities to raise the economic position of those involved, and in turn enhance the wellbeing of these individuals and those around them.

Through empowering the individual, we enable our local communities to flourish.

New Horizons is a free learning and development programme that KDC have specifically tailored to help increase independence and build employability skills for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

It will be delivered in short, fun, face-to-face interactive sessions in local classroom settings and learners can also access the course remotely over Zoom with telephone support provided.

n For more details and to see how you can get involved contact the Learning Disabilities Projects Service Manager Keri Romano at KDC, on 07946 318 898, or email LD@kdc.org.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

All Together NOW!

6XSSRUW ZKHQ you need it most

Receive the Warm Home energy discount? You could save on your water bills too If you qualify for the Warm Home Discount as you receive Pension Credit, United Utilities has a scheme providing LJQDQFLDO VXSSRUW LI \RXàUH KDYLQJ GLDžFXOWLHV ZLWK \RX ZDWHU ELOO payments.

Called Help to Pay, the scheme is aimed at customers who receive Pension Credit (either Pension Guarantee Credit and/ or Pension Savings Credit) and helps to reduce your water bill by as much as £168 a year.

Jane Haymes from United Utilities says: “We know that for some of our customers, meeting water bill payments FDQ EH GLDžFXOW HVSHFLDOO\ LI \RX DUH RQ D low income.

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7R LJQG RXW PRUH DERXW WKH +HOS WR Pay scheme, call the team on 0800 072 6765.

United Utilities also offers support for customers ZKR QHHG WR XVH D ORW RI ZDWHU ZLWK KDYLQJ D ODUJH family or a medical condition.

:H FDQ DOO EHQHLJW IURP D ELW of extra help at some stage in our lives. This could be due to age, ill health, disability, mental KHDOWK SUREOHPV LJQDQFLDO worries or language barriers.

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Called ‘WaterSure’, customers accepted on to the scheme have their bills capped at a set amount each year regardless of how much water they need to use. â7KH VFKHPH LV VSHFLLJFDOO\ IRU FXVWRPHUV ZLWK D ZDWHU PHWHU ZKR UHFHLYH EHQHLJWV and are struggling with high bills due to having three or more children, or a medical condition which means they need to use a lot of water,” says Jane.

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9

10

NEWS

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Why can’t we enjoy TV like everyone else?

BLIND and deaf people are demanding the Government deliver on promises to make on-demand TV content accessible.

The Government was given the power to regulate video on demand (VoD) services and set minimum levels for subtitled, audio described and signed content in 2017.

But four years later, the law still has not been put into action.

Sonali Rai, audio description manager at the Royal National Institute of Blind people, said: “We urgently need the Government to take action and ensure that blind and partially sighted viewers have access to the same programmes as their sighted peers.”

Robert Geaney, head of campaigns at the Royal National Institute for Deaf people, added: “Four years is more than long enough to have delivered on the commitments ministers made in 2017, and we call on the Government to act as quickly as possible now Ofcom have made their final recommendations.”

Ofcom’s recommendations would provide for 80% of on-demand content to be provided with the option of subtitles, 10% with audio description and 5% with signing, with exemptions for small providers.

A survey conducted by RNIB found that around 90% of respondents use audio description when watching VoD services.

Of those asked, only 58% said they’d seen changes to the provisions of AD on these services over the past five years, with one in five seeing no change in recent years.

Reece Finnegan, 25, has been blind since he was a young teenager. He said: “When audio description is done well, it genuinely transforms my viewing experience. Unfortunately, there are still so many shows that have no such option.”

Michelle Hedley, 49, who has severe to profound hearing loss, said: “Imagine TV was a world where all content was broadcast without sound.

And then at a time dictated to you, only a small proportion of programmes would have sound. That’s what it’s like for those of us who are deaf or have hearing loss.

Your freedom of choice and access is taken away.”

999-line to be signed

DEAF people have won an 18-month battle to get the emergency 999 phoneline available to them in sign language.

Telecoms regulator Ofcom say providers will be compelled to offer deaf people free 24/7 access to the emergency phoneline via a video relay service (VRS) on both an app and website. The industry now has one year to prepare and to make the service available.

SHAME BEHIND D ISABLED workers in UK television face “consistent difficulties”, with many driven out of the industry as a result.

Ignorance by senior professionals in television of their legal obligations is causing serious damage to the careers of disabled workers, a new study shows.

Three out of four people felt being disabled had impacted on their career choices in the industry, according to research by the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity.

The report was produced by Kate Ansell, a disabled journalist, writer and executive producer with over 20 years’ experience of working for major broadcasters including the BBC and Channel 4.

The award-winning filmmaker said: “What’s striking is the consistency of the experiences described and the simplicity of some of the solutions. It’s crucial that the industry acts upon what it is being told.”

More than half of respondents have been working in the industry for over 10 years in a variety of roles, including news, current affairs, factual and entertainment programmes.

Key findings include: n 80% felt being disabled had impacted on their career progression, or was likely to in future. n 84% said they had access needs or required reasonable adjustments some or all of the time. n 51% reported practical issues such as being unable to drive or physically use

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‘Ignorance is causing serious damage to careers’

n THE Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity is a newly established research centre, bringing together the expertise of media professionals and academics. n Tel. 0121 331 5719 n www.bcu.ac.uk/media/research/sirlenny-henry-centre-for-media-diversity

equipment, working hours, additional requirements such as BSL and support workers, as barriers to employment or career progression.

One respondent claimed: “There is little understanding of the Equality Act.” All except one of the interviewees agreed, saying they felt employers didn’t understand their legal responsibilities toward disabled people.

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

Marcus Ryder, from the Sir Lenny Henry Centre, said: “This work is a necessary and timely contribution to the debate of how we increase diversity and inclusion in the television industry with respect to disabled people.

“It demonstrates a shocking basic lack of understanding of people’s legal rights, which is holding people’s careers back.

“The report also illustrates the ethos of the Centre, that empowering people from underrepresented groups to undertake the research and devise policies to overcome structural policies is the best way to progress.

“I sincerely hope the industry takes note of the issues raised in the research and implement the simple and practical policy recommendations contained within it.”

Tel. 07511 839397

www.alltogethernow.org.uk NEWS

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

Racism is a stain on our

industry, says

THE CAMERAS S Sir Lenny

IR Lenny Henry has declared racism a stain on the British entertainment industry, as a major new study revealed the level of prejudice faced by actors.

The award-winning actor and comedian was speaking out as research showed prejudice, stereotyping and “racial ceilings” were all still common.

More than half of actors from ethnic minorities said they had directly experienced racism in the workplace, a survey by Sir Lenny’s Centre for Media Diversity found.

Out of 1,300 actors questioned, nearly two out of every three said they felt unable to turn down auditions that stereotype ethnicities.

Sir Lenny said: “The fact that the majority of respondents had directly experienced racism in the workplace should be a stain against the entire industry.”

The report’s author, Dr Jami Rogers, added: “The experiences of overt racism in this report are, frankly, horrific and the actors’ comments expose the grim reality they sometimes face when all they are trying to do is earn a living from an art form they love.”

Believed to be the largest survey of British actors on diversity and the auditioning process, its key findings include: n 79% feel roles continue to stereotype their ethnicities. n 64% have experienced racist stereotyping in an audition. n 55% have experienced racist behaviour in the workplace.

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‘The actors’ experiences expose the grim reality’

Actors also revealed specific issues around hair and make-up, and an inability to speak up against racist practices encountered while working: n 71% have experience of hair and make-up departments unable to cater to their heritage, hair or skin tone. n 61% feel “largely” unable to turn down an audition for a stereotypical character. n 66% feel “generally” unable to discuss issues openly with a director.

Recommendations include: n The need for an independent third-party reporting body that actors can access confidentially and anonymously if needed. n Active involvement from people of colour in substantive roles, with the power to actively engage in anti-racist practices, including the avoidance of stereotypes in writing and casting. n Ensuring appropriate levels of competency for hair and make-up artists.

The research suggested that stereotypes in casting briefs lead to discriminatory behaviour at auditions, often managed by allwhite panels of directors or producers.

Code words were used in conjunction with stereotypes of African-Caribbeans, with actors being told to “play it more sassy”, and “street”.

In other examples, actors of various ethnicities were asked to “do a MiddleEastern accent”, to sound “more Asian”, or Eastern European actors were repeatedly auditioning for the role of a prostitute through lack of other opportunities.

The survey responses suggest securing an audition can be challenging for actors from different communities, with Gypsy actors unable to secure representation from agencies, Hispanic actors not recognised as an ethnicity, and ignorance around the many complexities of Asian ethnicities and nationalities.

In his foreword to the report, Sir Lenny adds: “Every time we see a great actor like Thandiwe Newton, Idris Elba or David Harewood leave these shores to find opportunities denied to them in the UK, it is a painful reminder of why casting is so important.”

Dr Rogers said: “This survey has revealed how much work the entertainment industry has to do to fix the systemic inequalities that affect performers of all minority ethnic communities.”

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

11

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IVERPOOL ranks as one of the worst cities in the UK for Blue Badge parking.

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The findings are revealed in a report by Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, who say there’s been a surge in demand for disabled parking since 2019 when the Government extended Blue Badge parking for those with hidden disabilities.

Parkopedia data was used to calculate the percentage of accessible car parks available in each location. But which cities are falling short?

Of the 56 city car parks analysed, Derby came out worst, followed by Southampton, while Liverpool, which has more than 6,200 Blue Badge holders, is rated third worst with 44% of car parks without accessible parking.

A city council spokesperson said the council only has control over a relatively small proportion of parking spaces in the city – most spaces are in private sector car parks.

“There are around 500 dedicated disabled spaces in council car parks and on the street across the city centre. Additional spaces are being created in the new facilities being built at Kings Dock and Paddington Village.

“Blue Badge holders can also park for free in all but one of our council car parks or on street spaces in the city. We have no control over the number of disabled spaces in the 51 privately operated car parks in Liverpool.”

Worcester comes out best with a huge 96%. n www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/carleasing/guides/uk-accessible-parking-index

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DREAM A

SIMPLE outing posed a big challenge for Derek Russell and wife Irene

As a wheelchair-user, a journey in the car wasn’t the carefree experience the couple craved.

Instead, Irene had to load Derek’s heavy wheelchair into their standard car.

But Derek’s now back in the driving seat after the arrival of his new internal transfer wheelchair accessible vehicle, the Ford Tourneo Custom Dream from Allied Mobility.

Derek says: “A powerchair’s fine in the

MACHINE!

house but then when you want to go out you have to take it with you and that’s quite laborious.”

He knew he needed a wheelchair accessible vehicle, but he also wanted to drive himself – and sit in the normal driver’s seat. During his search he came across the brand-new internal transfer WAV Ford Dream from Allied Mobility and was instantly impressed.

Its handy remote-controlled automatic tailgate and ramp meant that he could take solo trips – and his powerchair wasn’t a hindrance. The six-way electronically

adjustable seat meant Derek could transfer easily from his powerchair (which is quickly and easily secured) to the driver’s seat inside the comfort of the vehicle.

But most importantly, the vehicle could adapt to Derek’s needs, instead of him having to work around the limitations of his previous car.

“As far as I’m concerned, everything’s perfect,” he says.

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Can you improve public transport ?

PEOPLE with lived experience of disability are being invited to apply for fully funded studentships at Coventry University to undertake PhD studies and research to help make transport more accessible.

The university is collaborating with national disability charity Motability to recruit and sponsor a number of doctoral candidates to undertake the research at the university’s National Transport Design Centre.

Paul Herriotts, Professor of Transport Design, said: “It’s crucially important that those who face daily challenges with mobility have the independence to be able to use public and private transport.

“We’re hoping to attract people who have real-life experience of how challenging public transport can be for people with disabilities to use.

“We want to combine that real-world knowledge with unique research opportunities and our cutting-edge facilities to make a really profound difference to accessible transport.”

The application deadline for applicants wishing to start on the programme in January 2022 is 29 October. n www.coventry.ac.uk/research/researchopportunities/research-students/motabilitypostgraduate-opportunity/

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All Together NOW!

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

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ALL SMILES: From left: Robert Mee, High Sheriff of Cheshire; Tony Brown, MD, Expanse Learning Group; Dave Thompson, event organiser; Cllr Maureen Creaghan, Mayor of Warrington; and Amanda Phillips, United Utilities

WELCOME HOME, DAD! RIGHT: Guitar man Kevin Phoenix welcoming visitors

A

GAINST all odds, the North West’s Disability Awareness Day bounced back in style for its 30th-anniversary event.

And although numbers were understandably lower than in previous years, the day was hailed a roaring success by organisers, Warrington Disability Partnership.

Dave Thompson, chief executive at WDP, said: “Our sincere thanks go to our

sponsors, Expanse Learning and Utilities, and to all our supporters for making the day possible, working tirelessly to complete all the preparations in a just a 12-week window – staggering, considering it usually takes 13 months.

“Many of us were disappointed when Covid-19 caused us to change last year’s DAD to a virtual experience, so it was a great relief when the green light was given to let this year’s show go ahead.

“And what a show it was! Although attendance figures (about 18,000) were down on pre-pandemic events, they were higher than expected given the disproportionate effect the pandemic has had on the disabled community.

“The positive feedback received has been very encouraging, with many visitors saying that DAD was the first large event they had attended in over 18 months.”

Peter Powell, Warrington’s Town Crier, and

the Liverpool Scottish pipe band got proceedings under way with a rousing march into Walton Hall Gardens.

Entertaining the crowds in the Arts Marquee were acts including nationally acclaimed Ella Together and Warrington BSL Signing Choir, Creating Adventures, Dream Team Drama, Warrington West Concert Band, Bridgewater Singers, Wired for Sound and Corey Scene and AM3. n Next year’s DAD – Sunday July 17.

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www.alltogethernow.org.uk

WE LIKE the sound of this . . .

Blackpool’s Grand Theatre – compulsory stopping point for many award-winning touring productions – has a new audio guide for visually impaired arts lovers.

Recordings promote shows including The Grand’s own production, Around the World in 80s Days, West End hit The Woman in Black, and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Bizet’s Carmen produced by the Ellen Kent Opera company.

A-list comedians Rob Beckett, Jason Manford and Alan Carr will be bringing their particular brand of stand-up to the Grand’s stage.

Altogether, details of more than 50 shows are included in the audio version of the guide, which is a joint effort by the theatre and former employee Anne-Marie Flood, who

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

Theatre’s grand plans for everyone

recently launched a voice audio company.

Andrew Howard, marketing manager at The Grand, said: “Accessibility is one of our major priorities and we want all theatregoers to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.” n Available on Sound Cloud, theatregoers can access the Audio brochure online www.soundcloud.com/black poolgrandtheatre/sets/theguide-blackpool-grandtheatre-autumn-winteraudio-21 IN TUNE: Anne-Marie Flood with the new guide

All Together NOW!

Your at-a-glance guide to all the big stage shows coming your way

15

Spotlight on young carers

Y

OUNG carers are set to take centre stage at the Lowry and Unity theatre, Liverpool.

Written by Matt Woodhead, Who Cares aims to help identify young carers in the UK – those who provide care under the radar of their friends, schoolteachers and local authorities – as well as signpost them to the support available.

Matt Woodhead said: “Sharing

Disabled people leading change

the inspirational stories of young carers is a real privilege and a vital part of the campaign to raise awareness of this, often hidden, issue.”

The play premiered to critical acclaim at The Lowry in November 2016. Last February, it was performed on BBC Radio 2 reaching over 800,000 listeners. n Nov 15-17: The Lowry n Nov 18-19: Unity, Liverpool

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

D

ISABILITY Rights UK is the largest national charity led by, run by, and working for disabled people.

It works with Disabled People’s Organisations and Government across the UK to influence regional and national change for better rights, benefits, quality of life and economic opportunities for disabled people.

DR UK’s distinctive position means it can put concerns strongly and directly to government, infrastructure and service providers, and care regulators. It was strongly involved in lobbying the major supermarkets to provide priority shopping and online delivery slots for disabled customers.

It continues to provide vital information to disabled people across the country through its helplines, news updates and factsheets.

Unique services, such as its Student Helpline, provide information about how to access support at university. It also partners with various grass roots organisations in the North West to run projects enabling disabled people to participate in sport and physical activity.

Naturally, the charity’s resources have been stretched during the Covid-19 pandemic and donations are very welcome at

www.justgiving.com/disabilityrightsuk.

Everything you need to know

THE Disability Rights Handbook provides in-depth, comprehensive guidance on the benefits system, explains how social care operates around the UK and includes information about other services and resources for disabled people.

And it’s full of tools and tactics to help you make a successful claim.

Written in plain English by benefits specialists and legally referenced, it’s the only user-friendly benefits guide designed for both claimants and advisers.

Fully updated for 2021/22 and easy to find your way around, it has the answers you need, to claim what you’re entitled to, or challenge an unsuccessful application for benefits or social care. n Reduced price copies of the Handbook for individuals are available online at www.disabilityrightsuk.org/shop or by calling 020 3687 0790.

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l Disability Rights UK manages the Radar NKS Scheme and relies on key sales to maintain it. l Don’t risk buying a cheap copy that may not work.

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All Together NOW!

Until Oct 23: Homebaked The Musical.

Royal Court. Back in 2012, the people of Anfield faced losing a huge chunk of their local community to property developers.

Things were looking bleak until a group of likeminded individuals got together and declared:“enough is enough”. Seeking a place for local lads to earn a crust they transformed a crumbling old bakery. Homebaked was born.

Until Oct 16: Disney’s Beauty and The Beast.

Liverpool Empire.

Oct 11-16: Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Palace Theatre Manchester.

Pack up your wigs, heels and all the glitter you can find – the iconic Priscilla is back.

Oct 11-23: Grease. Manchester Opera House.

Oct 12-16: Dracula: The Untold Story.

Liverpool Playhouse. A chilling new version of the classic gothic vampire tale that you thought you knew so well.

Oct 12-16: Absurd Person Singular.

Theatr Clwyd. Alan Ayckbourn’s comic masterpiece of social climbing in 1970s suburbia fuses a potent mix of farce and black comedy.

Oct 14: The Illegal Eagles. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Oct 15: Rob Lamberti – A Celebration of the Songs and Music of George Michael. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Oct 15: Rave On: Starring The Bluejays.

Crewe Lyceum. Fifties musical hits.

Oct 15: The Illegal Eagles. Venue Cymru.

Oct 15-17: A Greasy Spoon. Unity, Liverpool.

Dark comedy set in an absurd Liverpool café.

Also live online. Captioned.

Oct 16: The Best of Queen – The Break Free Tour. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Oct 16: All Singing All Swinging ... with Ray Quinn. Floral Pavilion.

Oct 16: Burn – A Deep Purple Tribute. Floral Pavilion.

Oct 16-Nov 6: Isla. Theatr Clwyd. A new dark comedy from acclaimed writer Tim Price. Roger needs company and he doesn’t want a dog . . .

Oct 19-23: War of the Worlds. Liverpool Everyman.

Oct 19-23: Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell. Liverpool Playhouse.

Oct 19: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Crewe Lyceum. Put on your dancing shoes.

Oct 19-Oct 24: Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

Palace Theatre Manchester. Star-studded musical.

Oct 19-23: The Addams Family.

Liverpool Empire. Musical comedy. The kooky family are back with Samantha Womack as Morticia and Cameron Blakely as Gomez.

Oct 19-23: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Theatr Clwyd.

Oct 20: Swan Lake. Crewe Lyceum. Royal National Ballet.

Oct 20: Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners. Floral Pavilion.

Oct 21: The Illegal Eagles. Floral Pavilion.

Oct 24: The Rocket Man – A Tribute to Sir Elton John. Liverpool Empire.

Oct 25-26: Paloma Fait: The Infinite Things Tour. Liverpool Empire.

Oct 25-26: Eric & Ern. Crewe Lyceum.

Morecambe and Wise homage.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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BOX OFFICE CONTACTS

BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre: 01253 290190 BOLTON Octagon: 01204 520661 CREWE Lyceum: 01270 368 242 LIVERPOOL Empire: 08444 999 999 Everyman & Playhouse: 0151 709 4776 Royal Court: 0870 787 1866 Unity 0151 709 4988 LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru: 01492 872000 MOLD: Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565 MANCHESTER Opera House: 0870 401 9000 Palace: 0870 401 3000

SALFORD The Lowry: 0843 208 6000 NEW BRIGHTON Floral Pavilion: 0151 666 0000 PRESTON: Charter Theatre: 0845 344 2012 RHYL: Pavilion: 01745 330 000 RUNCORN The Brindley: 0151 907 8360 SOUTHPORT: Floral Hall: 0844 847 2380 ST HELENS: Theatre Royal: 01744 756000 STOKE: Regent Theatre: 0844 871 7627

A SWELTERING Mississippi night and the lies are as stifling as the heat. The Pollitt family meet for Big Daddy’s 65th birthday, and the claws are out. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Theatr Clwyd, Oct 19-23.

TIME TO TAKE YOU

Oct 25: What’s Love Got to do With It? Venue Cymru. Tribute show to Tina Turner.

Oct 25: Sessions. Unity, Liverpool. Raw, funny and bittersweet dive into the complexities of masculinity, depression and therapy.

Captioned.

Oct 25-30: The Cat and the Canary.

Manchester Opera House. Britt Ekland stars in a new adaptation of the murderous mystery.

Oct 25-Nov 13: Hairspray. Palace Theatre Manchester. Welcome to the 60s, where everyone’s grooving to a brand-new sound! Oct 26: The Adventures of The Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen. Floral Pavilion.

Oct 27: Sixties Gold. The Biggest and Best Line-up. Venue Cymru. Featuring Herman’s Hermits, The Tremeloes, Marmalade, The Merseybeats, PJ Proby, Steve Ellis, Mamas and Papas UK, Dave Berry and Gerry’s Pacemakers.

Oct 27-30: Tip Top: The Show Must Go On. Theatr Clwyd. All singing, all dancing and guaranteed to leave you clicking your fingers, tapping your feet, humming your favourite show-tunes.

CHATEAU Ghoul is East Yorkshire’s go-to boutique hotel offering themed weekends. Fun for all the family, the only trouble is – the guests keep dying…

The Lowry, Oct 29-20.

Oct 28: Dr Richard Shepherd – Unnatural Causes. Floral Pavilion.

Oct 29: ELO Again. Floral Pavilion. Tribute show.

Oct 29: Into The Groove – The Ultimate Tribute to Madonna. Liverpool Empire.

Oct 29-30: Lip Service: Chateau Ghoul. The Lowry.

Oct 30: What’s Love Got to do With It? A Trubute to Tina Turner. Liverpool Empire.

Oct 30: Gary Murphy Presents Music & Laughter. Floral Pavilion. Ricky Tomlinson and Sean Styles.

Oct 31: Clinton Baptiste goes Stratospheric.

Floral Pavilion.

Oct 31: The Australian Pink Floyd Show.

Liverpool Empire.

Nov 1: That’ll Be The Day. Floral Pavilion.

Nov 1: Money for Nothing – Dire Straits Tribute 20th Anniversary Tour. Venue Cymru.

Nov 2: Sleeping Beauty. Floral Pavilion.

Russian State Ballet.

Nov 2-6: 9 to 5 The Musical. Liverpool Empire. Dolly Parton’s feelgood musical. Louise Redknapp stars as Violet.

GET ready Dolly Parto

Nov 3: The Nutcracker. Venue Cymru. The Russian State Ballet and Opera House.

Nov 4: Swan Lake. Venue Cymru. The Russian State Ballet and Opera House.

Nov 4: Come What May – The Ultimate Tribute to Moulin Rouge. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Nov 4: Luther – A Luther Vandross Tribute.

Floral Pavilion.

Nov 5-Jan 15: The Scouse Sleeping Beauty.

Royal Court.

Nov 5: Pauline Daniels: Get Me Before The Crematorium Does. Floral Pavilion.

Nov 5: Ian Waite & Vincent Simone – Act Two. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Nov 6: Showaddywaddy. Floral Pavilion. Let’s rock ‘n’ roll.

Nov 6: Sarah Millican – Bobby Dazzler.

Venue Cymru. Comedy.

Nov 7: Some Guys Have All The Luck – The Rod Stewart Story. Floral Pavilion.

Nov 7: Ross Noble: Humournoid. Liverpool Empire.

Nov 8: The Bon Jovi Experience. Floral Pavilion.

Nov 8-11: Riverdance: The New 25th

To advertise contact . . .

A N O a L s N L N P N L g s N f L N L t C N L N N N

helen@a

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

ow.org.uk

GUARANTEED to bring you sunshine – Eric & Ern returns to Liverpool with Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines.

Crewe Lyceum, Oct 25-26; Liverpool Playhouse, Nov 18-19.

UR SEATS AGAIN

y for a good sing-song. Louise Redknapp takes the lead as Violet in on’s feelgood musical 9 to 5. Liverpool Empire, Nov 2-6.

Anniversary Show. Liverpool Empire.

Nov 8-20: Waitress. Manchester Opera House. Crewe Treat yourself to a slice of five-star musical pie as Lucie Jones (Les Misérables, Legally Blonde) stars in the hit musical comedy.

Nov 9: Rob Brydon – A Night of Song and Laughter. Venue Cymru.

Nov 11: Only Fools and Boycie. Floral Pavilion.

Nov 12-13: Dracula: The Untold Story. The Lowry. A chilling new version of the classic gothic vampire tale that you thought you knew so well.

Nov 12-14: Out of the Narrow Place: A Ritual or Black Descendants of Slaves. Unity, Liverpool. Also live online. BSL performance.

Nov 12-14: How to Kill a Rose. Unity, Liverpool. Shining a light on domestic abuse in he transgender community. Also live online.

Captioned.

Nov 12: The Music of Zimmer vs Williams.

Liverpool Empire.

Nov 13: The Dreamboys. Venue Cymru.

Nov 14: Only Boys Aloud. Venue Cymru.

Nov 15-17: Who Cares? The Lowry. Lung

A SPECTACULAR reminder that as humans, we have the extraordinary ability to move forward together by taking the time to really understand each other. Human by Extraordinary Bodies, The Lowry, Nov 24.

theatre examing our failing care system, the impact of austerity and what happens when a child becomes the parent.

Nov 15-16: Riverdance – The New 25th Anniversary Show. Palace Theatre Manchester.

Nov 15-20: Grease. Liverpool Empire. After a whirlwind summer romance, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited.

Nov 16: The Australian Pink Floyd. All That You Feel Tour 2021. Venue Cymru.

Nov 17: Katherine Jenkins. Venue Cymru.

Nov 18-19: Eric & Ern. Liverpool Playhouse. Brilliant homage to Morecambe and Wise.

Nov 18-19: Who Cares? Unity, Liverpool. Lung theatre examing our failing care system, the impact of austerity and what happens when a child becomes the parent.

Captioned, Nov 19.

Nov 19: China Crisis. Floral Pavilion.

Nov 19: Eclipse – Pink Floyd Experience.

Floral Pavilion.

Nov 19-Jan 15: Beauty and the Beast. Theatr

alltogethernow.org.uk

Clwyd. The acclaimed rock ’n’ roll panto is back.

Nov 20-Jan 15: Robin Hood. Liverpool Everyman.

Nov 20: Christmas Strauss Gala. Floral Pavilion.

Nov 20: The Roy Orbison Story. Crewe Lyceum. Tribute show.

Nov 21: Russell Watson. Crewe Lyceum.

Nov 21: Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music. Floral Pavilion.

Nov 21: OMD. Liverpool Empire.

Nov 20: Paul Weller. Venue Cymru.

Nov 20: The Sensational 60s Experience.

Venue Cymru. Mike Pender (The Searchers), The Tremeloes, Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich, The Fortunes and The Dakotas.

Nov 22: Fairytale of New York. Floral Pavilion.

Nov 22-23: Dragons and Mythical Beasts – Live. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Nov 22-Dec 4: White Christmas. Palace Theatre Manchester.

Nov 22-27: School of Rock: The Musical.

Venue Cymru.

Nov 23: The Sixties Invasion. Floral Pavilion.

Nov 23-27: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Liverpool Empire. The smash hit

Tel. 07511 839397

All Together NOW!

musical comes to Liverpool.

Nov 24: The Take That Experience. Crewe Lyceum. Tribute show.

Nov 24: Sir Ranulph Fiennes – Living Dangerously. Floral Pavilion.

Nov 24: Clinton Baptiste Goes Stratosheric.

Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Nov 24: Human by Extraordinary Bodies.

The Lowry. Signed, audio described, and all performances are relaxed.

Nov 25: Ralph McTell. Floral Pavilion.

Nov 26: Johnny Vegas & Friends.

Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Nov 26-Jan 9: Peter Pan. Bolton Octagon. Fly to Neverland and join Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys in this warm retelling of J.M Barrie’s classic tale.

Nov 28: The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Liverpool Empire.

Nov 30-Jan 9: Stick Man. The Lowry.

Award-winning production featuring a trio of top actors and packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. Relaxed, Thur 9 Dec, 1.30pm; audio described, Sat 18 Dec, 2pm; signed, 19 Dec, 2pm. (Tel. 0161 876 2183) Nov 30-Dec 1: WNO: Madam Butterfly.

Venue Cymru.

Dec 1: Glyndenbourne: Stravinksy’s The Rake Progress. Liverpool Empire.

Dec 2: Glyndenbourne: Handel’s Messiah.

Liverpool Empire.

Dec 2: Christmas Party Night – Nya King as Witney. Floral Pavilion.

Dec 2: WNO: The Barber of Seville. Venue Cymru.

Dec 3: Christmas Party Night – Take on Take That. Floral Pavilion.

Dec 3: Glyndenbourne: Donizetti’s Don Pasquale. Liverpool Empire.

Dec 4: Christmas Party Night – ABBA Forever. Floral Pavilion.

Dec 4-Jan 2: Beauty & The Beast. Floral Pavilon.

Dec 8-Jan 1: The Book of Mormon.

Palace Theatre Manchester.

Outrageous musical comedy from the creators of South Park, Avenue Q and Frozen.

Dec 8-Jan 15: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Lowry. Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Audio described, Sat 11 Dec, 2pm – touch tour, 1pm; Sat 23 Dec, 7pm; captioned, Thur 16 Dec, 7pm; signed, Sat 18 Dec, 2pm. (Tel. 0161 876 2183) Dec 11-Jan 2: Aladdin. Venue Cymru.

The Venue Cymru panto is back and bigger than ever before. With the hilarious John Evans making a return to Llandudno as the hapless Wishee Washee you better grab your tickets now to this fabulous festive treat before they fly out of the door!

Signed and Audio described, Sat 18 Dec. Relaxed performance, Wed 29 Dec, 1pm Dec 10-Jan 9: Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Theatre Royal, St Helens Dec 10-Jan 2: Sleeping Beauty.

Crewe Lyceum. Bobby Davro, X Factor finalist Amelia Lily and Cheshire’s bestloved panto dame Malcolm.

Dec 11-Jan 2: Aladdin.

Manchester Opera House.

Alexandra Burke and Ben Nickless hoping to make your wishes come true.

17

18 All Together NOW!

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

ARE YOU LISTENING?

SHOPMOBILITY

n ALTRINCHAM . Tel 0161 929 1714 n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. Tel 0161 339 9500 n BARROW. Tel 01229 434039 n BIRKENHEAD. Tel 0151 647 6162 n BLACKBURN AND DARWEN. Tel 01254 690566 or 07757 502217 n BLACKPOOL. Tel 01253 349427 n BOLTON. Tel 01204 392946 n CARLISLE. Tel 01228 631564 n CHESTER. Tel 01244 312626 n CHORLEY. Tel 01257 260 888 n COLWYN BAY. Tel 01492 533822 n CREWE. Tel 01270 580 031 n ELLESMERE PORT. Tel 0151 355 1420 n KENDAL. Tel 01539 740 933 n LEIGH, Wigan.

Tel 01942 777 985 n LIVERPOOL. Tel 0151 707 0877 n MANCHESTER Trafford Centre. Tel 0161 747 2684 n MANCHESTER Arndale Centre. Tel 0161 839 4060 n NELSON. Tel 01282 692 502 n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal Tel 01606 288820 n OSWESTRY. Tel 01691 656882 n PENRITH. Tel 01768 895 438 n PRESTON. Tel 01772 204 667 n RHYL. Tel 01745 350665 n ROCHDALE. Tel 01706 865 986 n RUNCORN, Halton Lea Tel 01928 710144 n SHREWSBURY. Tel 01743 236900 SKELMERSDALE. Tel 01695 550066 n ST HELENS. Tel 01744 613 388 n STOCKPORT. Tel 0161 666 1100 n WARRINGTON. Tel 01925 240064 n WARRINGTON. Birchwood Tel 01925 822 411 WIDNES: 0151 511 8833 n WIGAN. Tel 01942 776 070 n WINSFORD Tel 01606 557550 n WREXHAM. Tel 01978 312390 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM. Snow Hill Railway Station. Tel 0121 236 8980. Level 2, Centre Car Park, Bullring. Tel 0121 616 2942 n STAFFORD. Tel 01785 619456 n STOKE ON TRENT. Tel 01782 233333 n SUTTON COLDFIELD. Tel 0121 355 1112 n TAMWORTH. Tel, 01827

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

IT’S NOT just All Together NOW! that’s teamed up with the world’s largest digital content platform.

Listening Books, the charity that provides audio books for people unable to read or hold books, has also joined Pressreader to allow their subscribers to listen to more than 7,000 newspapers and magazines.

Bill Dee, the charity’s CEO, said: “This new service, which comes at no additional cost to members, dramatically extends our content and makes for a more complete reading and listening experience.”

A joint study between the think tank Demos and The Reading Agency found that reading or listening to books significantly reduces feelings of loneliness for people aged 18-64. In addition, a report from Quick Reads found that nonreaders were 28% more likely to report feelings of depression, with one in five readers saying that reading made them feel less lonely.

To become a member, you must have an illness, disability, learning or mental health condition that affects reading or holding a book, and be resident in the UK. n Contact: Tel. 020 7407 9417

New collection sounds just great ONE of the world’s biggest publishers has donated its entire collection of audio books to the Royal National Institute of Blind People Talking Books Library.

The new collection, from the giant Penguin Random House, currently includes around 6,000 titles and will be added to RNIB’s Talking Books platform in instalments.

Anna Tylor, chair of RNIB and a regular user of the library, said: “Talking Books are essential for thousands of blind and partially sighted people across the country who, like me, enjoy getting stuck into a good story.” n RNIB Helpline: 0303 123 9999

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n ANGLESEY: TARAN Tel 01407 721933 n BLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support.

Tel 01253 472 202.

Textphone 01253 476 450 n CHESHIRE CIL Tel 01606 331853 n CHESTER Dial House Tel 01244 345655 n DENBIGHSHIRE Tel 01745 354445 n ELLESMERE PORT DICE Tel 0151 355 1420

n HALTON Disability Service Tel 01928 717222 n KNOWSLEY DISABILITY CONCERN. 0151 480 4090 n LANCASTER DISC Tel 01524 34411 n LIVERPOOL Association of Disabled People. 0151 263 8366. Text 0151 260 4076. n ACSIL (Amputees and Carers), Tel, 0151 261 1166 n THE BRAIN CHARITY Tel 0151 298 2999

n MANCHESTER (GTR) Coalition of Disabled People Tel 0161-273 5154 n MOLD Flintshire Disability Tel 01352 755546 n NELSON: Pendle Pakistan Welfare Association.

Tel 01282 603 616 n PRESTON DISC: Tel 01772 558 863.

Text 01772 204 787 n RHYL Tel 01745 350665 n STOCKPORT: Disability

CALIBRE AUDIO also provides a free audiobook service for anyone with a disability that makes reading print difficult.

More than 3,000 audiobooks are currently available from the charity specifically for children and young people, including Key Stage 1-4, GCSE and A-Level texts to assist with studies.

As well as providing a useful and free way to access school texts, the service is fantastic for children to escape and unwind with unlimited borrowing. n Calibre Audio: Tel. 01296 432339

Stockport. 0161 480 7248 n WARRINGTON Disability Partnership. 01925 240064 n WIRRAL WIRED Tel 0151 670 1500 n WEST LANCS HELPLINE Freefone 0800 220676 n ST HELENS DASH Tel 01744 453053 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Disability Resource Centre Tel 0121 789 7365

n Disabled People’s Network Solihull Tel 0121 788 1544 n STOKE: Disability Solutions Tel 01782 683800 n WOLVERHAMPTON Elder and Disabled Group Tel 01902 448552 n WEST MIDS Amputee

Group. 07891 794733; 07585 958322; 07557 228154

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Gemma raises a-wearness!

CARERS’ CENTRES

P

EOPLE with a disability want to wear the same clothes as everybody else – but even dogs are better served by the fashion industry.

That’s the message from up-and-coming fashion designer Gemma Tyte, who says a few simple changes could make high street brands accessible to all.

Fashion student Gemma says today’s designers should “think outside of the box” when it comes to inclusive fashions.

“When you consider that over 15% of the population have a disability, it makes you wonder why there’s so little adaptive clothing on the market,” said Gemma, whose mild cerebral palsy affects her left-hand side.

“It’s even claimed there are more clothing lines for dogs than for people with disabilities, which is astonishing.

“So I want to encourage brands to think outside of the box and make big differences to be inclusive and show that it’s possible with minor adjustments “In many cases it only means incorporating things like Velcro and magnets instead of buttons, so that garments can be fastened easily.

“Disabled people want to look like everyone else, but a lot of adapted clothes are very functional and boring. They’re not unique and don’t allow people to express themselves.”

To prove her point, Gemma, 22, created her own range – Bermudaful Adaptions, named with her Bermuda-based father in mind – for a special fashion show at Nottingham University.

Gemma’s garments include a cotton top for wheelchair users, cut out at the front and featuring a high back curve – meaning less excess fabric.

She also designed shorts and a top made from comfortable merino wool, with elastic waistbands.

The top features strong magnets sewn into the material to fasten the straps. Seams were omitted to increase comfort.

Anything’s possible, say kayakers

VISUAL PROBLEMS n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 233332 n BARROW Tel 01229 820698 n BIRMINGHAM Action for Blind Tel 0121 665 4200 n BLACKBURN Tel 0125 554143 n BLACKPOOL: N-Vision Tel 01253 362696 n BURY Tel 0161 763 7014 n BURNLEY Tel 01282 438507

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX: Gemma’s stylish outfits

A GROUP of five veterans has become the first adaptive team to kayak from Land’s End to John O’Groats, raising more than £100,000 for charity.

The Kayak 4 Heroes team, who all have life-changing injuries, took just 26 days to complete their challenge in aid of the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team.

They paddled a total of 1,400km – hitting speeds of up to 24km per hour, with their longest day seeing them cover 95km.

Expedition leader Darren Edwards, from Shropshire, said: “By working together, we proved that disability and injury has no bearing on the goals you can set yourself.”

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n CARLISLE: Action for Blind People Tel 01228 595121 n CHESHIRE & N WALES: Vision Support. Tel 01244 381515 n CUMBRIA (West) Tel 01946 592474 n CUMBRIA (Sth Lakeland) Tel 01539 726613 n GUIDE DOGS Tel 0118 983 5555 n HENSHAW’S 0161 872 234 or 0151 708 7055

All Together NOW!

n LIVERPOOL: Bradbury Fields.Tel 0151 221 0888: Action for Bind Tel 0151 298 3222 n MANCHESTER: Action for Blind Tel 0161 787 9252 n PRESTON: Action for Blind People Tel 01772 320550 n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682 8019 n ROSSENDALE Tel 01706 873256 n SIGHTLINE (North West)

Tel 0800 587 2252 n WIGAN Tel 01942 242891 n WIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877 HEARING ISSUES n BIRMINGHAM Institute for Deaf Tel 0121 246 6101 n CHESHIRE Deaf Society Tel 01606 47831 n CUMBRIA Deaf Society Tel 01228 606434 n LANCASHIRE (EAST) Deaf Society Tel 01282 839180

n MANCHESTER Deaf Centre. Tel 0161 273 3415 Genie Networks.

Tel 0161 941 4549.

Text 18001 0161 941 4549 n MERSEYSIDE Society for Deaf Tel 0151 228 0888 n SOUTHPORT Centre for the Deaf Tel 01704 537001 n ST HELENS: Deafness Resource Centre Tel 01744 23887 n WOLVERHAMPTON Centre for Deaf Tel 01902

n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 nCUMBRIA Carlisle.

Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith.

Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness.

Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal.

Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON Helpline:0300 102 0008 n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412 n LANCASTER Tel 01524 66475 nLIVERPOOL Tel 0151 705 2307 n MANCHESTER Tel 0161 835 2995 n MORECAMBE Tel 01524 833456 n PRESTON Tel 01772 200173 n RUNCORN Tel 01928 580182 n WIDNES Tel 0151 257 9673 n SALFORD Tel 0161 833 0217 n SEFTON Tel 0151 288 6060 n ST HELENS Tel 01744 675 615 n STOCKPORT Tel 0161 442 0442 n WARRINGTON (WIRED) Tel 01925 633 492 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243 n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 705959 / 486923 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Tel 0121 675 8000 n SOLIHULL Tel 0121 788 1143 n WALSALL Tel 01922 610 810 NORTH WALES n ANGLESEY Tel 01248 722828 n BANGOR Tel 01248 370 797 n CONWY Tel 01492 533714 n DENBIGHSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 0845 603 3187 nDOLGELLAU Tel 01341 421167 n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436 n WREXHAM CARERS SERVICE

19

READERS . . .

0 0 0 , 250

20

All Together NOW!

THE MULTI AWARD-WINNI

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

“WE HAD a brilliant response to your article about our Atrial Fibrillation Ambassador programme – and lots of people phoned us to find out how they could become an AF Ambassador.

Thanks to All Together NOW! many more people with an irregular heart rhythm will now be detected, get the right medication and this will prevent them from having strokes.”

— NHS Innovation Agency “All Together NOW! is a valuable link to hundreds of thousands of disabled people.

We have used this free charity newspaper to promote the services of our mobility shops and the annual Disability Awareness Day and know that it is reaching huge numbers of people who otherwise would go uniformed.”

— Dave Thompson Warrington Disability Partnership

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

“WE’VE advertised in All Together NOW! for the past 14 years – and haven't missed a single issue. It's a fantastic publication that does a brilliant job of presenting disability interests and issues in a positive and inclusive manner. We get a great respons to our advertising – and the team is always great to deal with.”

Donald Pow, MD, Allied Mobility “WE HAVE proudly advertised in All Together NOW! for over 12 years. It is an excellent newspaper, with endless, interesting and helpful facts for all readers. We have always received great responses to our advertisements. The newspaper is freely available to so many people throughout the North West and is appreciated by so many.

Heather Maddox, A-Line Mobility

COST-EFFECTIVE More than a newspaper – the key to independence

All Together NOW! has been a real help to us. We’ve been involved with the paper since its launch in 2004 and always get a great response to our adverts. Here’s wishing the paper every success — Steve Curran, co-director, DaVinci Mobility

“OF ALL the marketing that United Utilities puts into the community, nothing generates as much feedback and response as All Together NOW! It is a great platform that’s helping us to get our messages to our vulnerable customers.”

— Louise Beardmore, Customer Services Director United Utilities

You can benefit from our in-paper and online audiences with costeffective advertising and sponsorship.

Your advertisement will be

250,000

seen by local, and highly relevant readers – don't let your business miss out on our huge audience!

“WE HAVE supported All Together NOW! for the past 13 years and are proud to be one of the charity’s main sponsors – recognition for the way in which the newspaper helps bring together so many people and organisations. There is no doubting the importance of this excellent publication. All Together NOW! makes a unique contribution to improving the quality of life of disabled people and their families. We are delighted with the huge progress the paper has made, and we know from the number of telephone calls we receive from people who have read the paper that distribution is on the increase and is reaching the right audience.”

— Steve Morgan OBE, chairman Steve Morgan Foundation

NG NEWSPAPER THAT’S BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER www.alltogethernow.org.uk

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

All Together NOW!

Golden chance to highlight your services in our bumper Christmas issue

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Helen McLoughlin Tel 0151 929 3912 07511 839397

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21

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All Together NOW!

MEDICAL NOTES

Hep C sufferers who don’t even know it

THE hunt is on to track down thousands of people who may have hepatitis C – but don’t know it.

Many people with the blood-borne virus have no symptoms and may never know they have been infected. But left untreated, it can eventually lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Health care professionals and community health organisations have saved thousands of lives by treating people they know are most likely to have been infected, such as drug users who have shared needles.

But they are now appealing to many people who may have been infected through other means – like sharing bank notes or straws while snorting cocaine, or even sharing razors or toothbrushes with an infected person.

New drugs effectively mean that this virus can now be cured and the UK has signed up to the WHO target to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030.

Professor Stephen Ryder, Medical Advisor to the British Liver Trust said, “Work towards eliminating hepatitis C in the UK is a huge public health success story. However, a key challenge is the fact that hepatitis C often has no symptoms in the early stages and many people don’t know they have it.

“You don’t have to have injected drugs to catch hepatitis C – if you’ve shared a banknote to snort cocaine, your liver health could be at risk too because the virus is found in blood and you might not notice traces of this on the banknotes you’re sharing.”

Symptoms can include feeling tired, weight loss, feeling sick and jaundice, but they vary from person to person.

The stark stats . . .

n Liver disease is on the rise. Since 1970, deaths due to liver disease have increased by 400%. Every day, over 40 people die from liver disease in the UK. n This is in stark contrast to other major killer diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, in which the number of deaths have either remained stable or decreased. n Shockingly, liver disease is the biggest cause of death in those aged 3549. It is the third leading cause of premature death in the UK and more than one in five of us are at risk of developing the condition n 90% of liver disease is preventable.

Three quarters of people are currently diagnosed at a late stage, when it is too late for lifestyle changes or intervention. n Take the charity’s online quiz to see if you could be at risk: www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/screener n British Liver Trust Helpline: 0800 652 7330

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Clubs urged to study effects on brain

Liverpool base for Pandemic Institute

TACKLE THIS!

HEADING FOR TROUBLE? On-field collisons affected blood flow to the brain, the study found

P

ARENTS of keen young rugby players will be concerned at new research which claims just one season is enough for professionals to suffer a drop in blood flow to the brain – vital for it to function normally.

For the first time, players at one professional team were followed over the course of a season to measure how physical contact in games – like tackles and collisions – affected their brains.

Repeated on-field contacts resulted in the rugby union players having a reduced ability to regulate blood flow to the brain. The health consequences of this is crucial, as it may pave the way for neurodegenerative disease later in life, say researchers.

Compared to backs, forward players were involved in more “contact events” and showed an accelerated decline in their ability to regulate blood flow.

Professor Damian Bailey, who led a research team at the University of South Wales, said: “We hope that this study will encourage more rugby teams to engage in larger scale studies of this nature to determine the life-long implications associated with recurrent contact and concussion in rugby, including the potential links to neurodegeneration in later life.

“Our ultimate goal is to make the sport safer for the players and minimise the damage they incur through contact.”

Previous research in rugby union has mostly focused on concussion, and has linked it to neurodegenerative diseases in later life. But until now the physiological toll of repetitive contact on the field has not been investigated.

The new study addresses these gaps and could

news@alltogethernow.org.uk

lead to improved treatment to mitigate the impacts and make the sport safer for these players’ brains. It is the first to highlight that repetitive contact sustained through participation in rugby union causes subtle, yet important alterations in a player’s ability to regulate blood flow to the brain.

A spokesman for the university said: “The research suggests that the decline in blood flow regulation was related to an increased formation of invisible molecules called free radicals that circulate in the bloodstream. In excess, they prevent blood vessels from opening up as they should, to get oxygen and glucose to the brain due to a shortage of nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to open.”

Researchers collected data from 21 players (13 forwards and eight backs) before, during and after a 31-game season.

Before the season began, they created a profile for each player based on data including molecular (blood-borne), cerebrovascular (blood flow regulation to the brain) and cognitive (memory, attention, concentration) metrics.

During the season, they determined how many contact events each player was exposed to throughout play. They also mapped concussion incidence in order to determine which match event was most likely to cause concussion. After the season was over, they reassessed the players’ physiological profiles and mapped these against contact events sustained throughout the season.

n The new research was published in The Physiological Society’s journal Experimental Physiology.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

LIVERPOOL has been chosen as the global headquarters for a partnership committed to making the world better prepared for future pandemics.

The Pandemic Institute, whose mission is to help prevent, prepare for, and respond more effectively to global health emergencies, will be based in what is soon to be designated one of the world’s healthiest buildings, The Spine in Paddington Village.

A medical, academic and civic partnership – including the city’s two universities, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Liverpool University Teaching Hospital – the Institute will have an unrivalled breadth of worldleading expertise all on one campus.

And it aims to rapidly translate its work into tangible policy, solutions and activity, with an important impact on governments, businesses and individuals across the globe.

Professor Matthew Baylis, Director of the Pandemic Institute, said it has “the potential to help revolutionise how the world responds to pandemics.

“Uniquely, it will take a holistic view, from looking at future threats through to the response of communities and the healthcare system as well as treatments such as medicines and vaccines.

“Liverpool is perfectly placed to be the home for the Pandemic Institute – building on the foundations laid so far in the city, and its significant contributions in this field, Liverpool is a global city with expertise in many fields relevant to pandemics, including medical, tropical and veterinary research,” Professor Baylis added.

In response to Covid-19, Liverpool has pioneered innovative approaches including a whole city community testing pilot which cut transmission rates by a fifth.

Tel. 0151 230

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

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MEDICAL NOTES

Take free 3-minute online hearing test

‘

THREE minutes out of your day could change your life if you’re concerned about your hearing.

Hearing loss doesn’t just mean annoying everyone else in the room by having the TV too loud… it can lead to increasing social isolation and barriers to communication that seriously affect happiness and wellbeing.

RNID, the national charity working to make life fully inclusive for deaf people and those with hearing loss or tinnitus, has set up a new free online hearing check that only takes three minutes.

The check measures how well you can hear a voice saying three randomly generated numbers over background noises and gives instant results. It’s not designed to replace a full hearing test by an audiologist, but it will recommend the next steps to take.

Chris Worboys, 59, who has hearing loss said: “I delayed getting my hearing checked for over a year because I was so busy at work.

“Even with having a daughter with a severe hearing loss, I put it off. When I eventually got round to it, they confirmed a mild hearing loss, and I was given hearing aids.

“I wish I had got this checked earlier as it would have meant that I wouldn’t have struggled to hear colleagues at work so much.” n www.rnid.org

Elvis impersonator Stephen sings praises for mental health charity

SLING THE BLUES

A blues.

N Elvis impersonator is feeling like the King again after overcoming a bad case of the

Stephen Nearey is back on song thanks to the support of a health and social care charity.

And the 72-year-old, from Cheshire, says after believing he would never perform again, one mental health worker in particular helped him back into his blue suede shoes.

Stephen’s state of mind had declined during a long recovery from a knee operation.

“The surgery and recuperation were much worse than I was expecting,” he said.

“I wasn’t able to do much for what felt like ages and inevitably spent too much time in my own head. I worked until I turned 70 and am usually very sociable and outgoing, so I found all the sitting around really hard.

“I started getting very emotional over everything, I was agitated and bad tempered and even started having crying spells. It’s not an easy thing for a man to

I felt like a massive weight had been lifted before we even started to talk

admit, but eventually, persuaded by my wife, I told the GP I couldn’t cope anymore.”

Stephen was expecting to be offered medication, but was surprised when his GP suggested he try cCBT, or computerised cognitive behavioural therapy.

He was offered weekly computer-based therapy sessions, free from Psychological Wellbeing Service, which is operated by Warrington-based adult health and social care charity Making Space.

Stephen also had one-to-one talking sessions with psychological wellbeing practitioner Sarah Booth, an experienced worker for the charity.

“The therapy was all about understanding what causes my anxiety and depression, learning about triggers, dealing with symptoms by practising breathing

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e-cigs ‘do help’

techniques, and starting to rebuild my confidence and self-esteem,” he said.

“The computerised exercises were great, but the one-on-one time I received from Sarah was just amazing.

“At first, I couldn’t find any words and I just cried. I was brought up not to show any emotion or weakness in front of other people, so it was a very strange experience for me. But Sarah wasn’t fazed and just waited for me to get it out of my system and start to compose myself again.

“I felt like a massive weight had been lifted before we even started to talk. Sarah kept me on track with my online sessions and helped me to regain my confidence.

Just knowing she was there was like a lifeline to me.”

Stephen now wants to use his experience to draw attention to mental health problems in men, which he says are too often left unspoken.

He hopes to give some talks to other men about overcoming mental health issues and plans to perform again as Elvis as soon as restrictions allow, to raise funds for his favourite charity. n Making Space: Tel. 01606 606694

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

DESPITE being more effective than nicotine patches or gum, 30% of smokers have never tried e-cigarettes, according to the pressure group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).

Only one in ten smokers (12%) surveyed know that e-cigs are much less harmful than smoking, says ASH. The poll, carried out by YouGov for ASH, found a third (32%) think they’re more or equally harmful, one in four (24%) don’t know and 30% think they’re less harmful, but don’t realise that they are a lot less harmful.

Most public health advice agrees that e-cigs are not completely risk-free but are a lot less harmful than cogarettes.

ASH has welcomed a consultation bon revised tobacco guidance, including updated advice for healthcare professionals on what to say to smokers about vaping.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of ASH, said: “With support from health professionals more smokers would use an e-cigarette to help them stop, increasing the overall number who successfully quit long-term.”

Tel. 07511 839937

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24 All Together NOW!

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

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CHECKLIST

FLOWERS: Split the roots of older herbaceous perennials such as phlox, delphinium, Shasta daisy (marguerite) and peony. Dig up overgrown clumps, cut off sections from the edge, each with a few shoots and some roots attached, and plant these.

SHRUBS AND TREES: Plant new roses, hedging, shrubs and trees. Water camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas thoroughly if the ground is dry.

Shortage of water during early and mid-autumn can cause the flower buds to drop next spring.

LAWNS: Spiking in autumn is highly beneficial. This opens up compacted lawns, improving drainage, reducing moss and weeds, and encouraging grass growth.

Use a hollow-tine aerator or, as a second best, a garden fork. Spike 10cm (4in) deep in rows 10cm apart. Apply autumn lawn fertiliser, which is high in phosphate (not highnitrogen spring lawn fertiliser).

PONDS: Prepare ponds for winter by removing the dying leaves of water lilies, taking out any blanket weed or algae and clearing fallen leaves from the surface before they have a chance to sink to the bottom.

Pools under trees are best covered with fine mesh netting to catch the leaves. Clear the netting regularly.

VEGETABLES: Save seeds of runner and French beans to sow next year. Leave old pods to dry on the plants then pick them before they split. Store the seeds in a dry, frost-free, mouse-proof place.

FRUIT: Tie the new canes of summer-fruiting raspberries to supporting wires. When autumn raspberries have finished cropping, cut down the canes to ground level. Tie the long, new shoots of blackberries and loganberries to supports. Cut down stems which fruited this year.

HERBS: Split well-established clumps of perennial herbs such as tarragon, chives and mint.

HOUSEPLANTS: Remove dead leaves and flowers and move plants closer to windows so they receive enough light as the days grow shorter. Sponge shiny-leaved plants with water or a proprietary leaf-polish.

Don’t sponge ferns and hairyleaved plants but brush off dust with a soft-bristled paint brush. Mist ferns with tepid water regularly to maintain humidity.

Spring to it for a bright New Year

COLOURFUL DAYS AHEAD: winter snowdrops, tulips like Stressa, centre, or China Pink, and iris unguicularis

A

S YOU head for the garden centre to buy spring bulbs for autumn planting, spare a few seconds to consider the miracle you will be purchasing.

Inside each bulb is everything needed to produce the daffodil, tulip or hyacinth on the packet – not only all the food it needs to grow for its first year but also a tiny version of the flower.

Bulbs planted in pots or borders during autumn can provide colour and scent from February to May. Crocuses planted in pots in September give a delightful, if short-lived, indoor display in the New Year.

Outdoors, you can have a sparkling succession of bulbs from snowdrops and winter aconites in January, crocuses and dwarf irises in February (Iris unguicularis, Iris reticulata and Iris histrioides are the species to go for), daffodils and hyacinths from March onwards and tulips from April.

Different kinds of daffodil bloom from February to May and weather conditions play a part in flowering time.

When buying, choose bulbs which are firm, have clean, dry skins and are not showing more than a short, thick bud at the tip. If the skin is missing or the bulb shows signs of softness, damp or mould, reject it.

For outdoor planting, choose a situation in sun

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or light shade with well-drained soil though snowdrops prefer dampish ground and moderate shade. Plant aconites and crocuses as soon as possible, daffodils before the end of October and tulips in November.

There is a wide range of tulips including lilyflowered kinds like China Pink, and smaller varieties such as Stresa, as well as the more familiar cup-shaped types.

Snowdrops are best planted in late winter after flowering while still in leaf but bulbs can be planted now.

Bulbs of many kinds can be left to naturalise— snowdrops, daffodils, crocuses and blue or white scillas (squills), for example. Not even tulips have to be dug up, as is often thought.

To improve bulbs’ long-term performance, plant the best species for the soil and situation; feed annually, especially in thin soil, spraying a foliar feed on to the leaves after the flowers have died and sprinkling a general fertiliser on the ground around the bulbs; allow the foliage to die back completely before cutting it off; and keep chemical

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sprays well away from them.

For indoor bulb displays early in the new year, plant as soon as possible in pots large enough to prevent the bulbs touching each other or the pot’s sides. Bury the pots 15cm (6in) deep in the ground, marking the spot, or keep them in a cool, totally dark place.

When they have shoots 5cm (2in) or more long and are showing their pale shoots, usually in early to mid-November, take them into a very cool, dimly-lit room until the shoots turn green and the flower buds show colour, then move them to a slightly warmer place in brighter light for a fortnight before taking them into normal light.

Once they flower, they will last longest if kept cool.

It is too late in the season to plant bulbs in pots for flowering indoors by Christmas but some can be bought as well-established clumps in pots.

The best varieties for such early blooms are hyacinths – in blue, pink, red, yellow or white – and a few varieties of tazetta daffodil of which Paper White and Grand Soleil d’Or are among the best.

These bulbs will have been cold-stored in summer and planted in August, tricking them into thinking spring is coming early.

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Watch the birdie

EXPERTS from GardeningExpress.co.uk have collated the best ways to turn your outdoor space into a paradise for birds.

Shrubs and hedges

Every bird needs a place that they can call home and many varieties love snuggling in a shrub, hedge, and tree that has sturdy branches. Different varieties of birds all build their nests differently.

While different preferences are common, all birds need structure and cover to start building. Having cover is especially important, to protect birds and their babies from predators.

Flowers

Planted shrubs that flower with nectar-rich blooms are great for bringing insects into the garden for birds to nibble on during the spring and summer months. Sunflowers are also a top choice for birds, due to their large seed heads. The seeds provide oil-rich nourishment particularly for finches, long-tailed tits, and nuthatches.

Boxes

Having shrubbery in your garden can provide a great place for birds to hide away from predators and build their nests. However, this

isn’t possible during seasonal leaf sheds or in smaller gardens due to space constraints.

Wooden bird boxes will provide shelter when there is nothing else available. Come spring and summer, the boxes will become a brilliant breeding ground and place to rear baby birds.

Berries

Berries are particularly important when the temperature drops, as they help birds build up their fat reserves. Attractive shrubs like cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis are especially good for a wide range of birds.

Native berry-bearing species like holly, hawthorn, honeysuckle, and ivy are easy to

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look after and will feed birds during their most difficult food gathering months.

Feeders

Birds can’t always find food from nature, so a little helping hand never goes amiss. Birds are creatures of habit, once you start to put food out, you will gain some regular garden guests.

To help the creatures maintain a balanced diet, leave fat blocks, and pre-made bird mixes out for them. They are also partial to kitchen titbits, like cheese, bacon rind and fruit. It is vital to remove any unwanted food from the garden after the birds have had their dinner, as it could attract pests like flies and rats.

PLAN YOUR VISIT to RHS Bridgewater – Occupation Road, Greater Worsley, Manchester M28 2LJ. Helpline/ Wheelchair Hire: 0161 503 6100.

26

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Books

Kim’s gr-eight way back to happiness 8 Wise Ways to a Healthiier, Happier Mind

by Kim Rutherford, £14.99

KIM Rutherford, knows first-hand the struggles that mental health issues can bring, having lived with someone from a young age who battled with such troubles.

She then experienced her own difficulties as she grew older. As a result Kim came to understand both angles, spotting the signs of inner turmoil in herself – and others.

Her new book is aimed at those looking to take back control of their mental health and begin feeling better about all aspects of their lives.

Kim, a psychologist based in Liverpool, believes our wellness is a combination of eight core dimensions and that by achieving balance across them, anyone reading the book can take steps to improve life. l Emotional – When you are emotionally well you have a positive attitude, and find it easy to cope with life and build successful relationships. l Physical – Eat healthy foods, exercise, get adequate sleep every night. l Spiritual – Spiritual wellbeing has to do with living in a way that reflects your values and beliefs. l Environmental – You need to be aware of the interactions between the environment, your community and yourself. l Social – Build strong relationships with others, deal with conflict appropriately, and connect to a positive social network. *Intellectual – Be willing to learn and open to new ideas. l Occupational _ Seek work that is interesting, enjoyable, meaningful and that contributes to wider society. l Financial – Live within your means and learn to manage your finances.

Stay on the ball

TESTICULAR cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in males and as Covid continues to re-shape our lives it is vital to keep awareness about men’s health high.

Need2Know Books are offering a free download of The Essential Guide to Testicular Cancer.

If you have concerns and questions, the book provides clear and helpful advice with useful instruction and guidance on what to look for and how to carry out self-examinations. n Download your free copy at: need2knowbooks.co.uk/freebies/

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

ARIES (March 21-April 20)

the most empowering time of year for you, so making radical moves usually pays off handsomely.

Resist the temptation to undergo a radical makeover at the beginning of November.

For some, the Lunar Eclipse on the 19th could be the start of something new. There will be some exciting new opportunities job during the final week of the month, which will offer lots of intellectual stimulation, travel and study.

Striking a good balance between your personal and professional lives will be challenging at the start of October. The second half of the month emphasises the importance of cooperation; consult a business or romantic partner before making any big decisions. On the 20th, the Full Moon might prompt you to leave an oppressive work situation. November has an intense beginning for you. Close relationships can be a source of irritation in the middle weeks of the month. The Lunar Eclipse on the 19th warns against lending or borrowing money; mixing friendship with finance is a big mistake.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 21)

TAURUS (April 21-May 21)

Work will keep you busy through the first half of October. Don’t be put off by a demanding expert at the middle of the month; by working hard to earn their approval, you’ll become one of the most talented people in the field. The Full Moon on the 20th will bring an embarrassing secret to light. A close relationship demands your attention at the start of November. On the 19th, a Lunar Eclipse will tempt you to change your image. This could do more harm than good. Your love life will sizzle with excitement in the final days of November. A rendezvous with the object of your affection will be lots of fun.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Devote yourself to pleasure throughout the first half of October. This may be one of your favourite times of the entire year. On the 20th, the Full Moon could prompt you leaving an organisation that no longer reflects your values. November’s New Moon warns against accepting an offer that seems too good to be true. In the middle of November, you’ll be focused on improving your physical and emotional health. A Lunar Eclipse on the 19th brings the end to a secretive situation that has been making you miserable. Turning your back on this part of your life will be a relief.

CANCER (June 22-July 23)

You’ll be even more of a homebody than usual at the start of October. This is a great time to clear out clutter, redecorate and do home improvement projects. Money from a personal or professional partnership will arrive mid-month. The opening days of November can emphasise the need for fun, romance and adventure. Mid-month is ideal for taking a break. On the 19th, the Lunar Eclipse will prompt you to leave an organisation or friendship that no longer reflects your values. Devoting more attention to health is strongly advised for the final week of November.

LEO (July 24-August 23)

Intellectual stimulation gives you great pleasure at the start of October. On the 20th, the Full Moon could deliver a disappointing legal decision. Rather than dwelling on your disappointment, give thanks this matter has concluded. Family matters will inspire a big change on or around November 4, due to a conflicted

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RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . .

New Moon. The middle of the month finds you facing off with your best friend or romantic partner. A Lunar Eclipse on the 19th could see a change in your life and allow you more time for romance and learning. If you’ve been contemplating a relaxing vacation, the final days of November would be good.

VIRGO (August 24-September 23)

Money will be coming in at a brisk rate in the opening days of the month. The Full Moon on the 20th could trigger an argument over joint finances. It may be necessary to hire a lawyer to get your fair share of a group fund.

The middle of November warns against overindulging in food and drink. Practising moderation will boost your productivity, helping you attract a good opportunity. On the 19th, the Lunar Eclipse could mark a shocking end to a legal matter. It may be necessary to change the way you do business because of this verdict. Working from home is a distinct possibility at the end of November.

LIBRA (September 24-October 23) Domestic decisions and home-based concerns look likely to occupy your thoughts. You have some financial planning to do as well as preparing for what the coming months have in store. A period of positive progress and success begins.

November’s New Moon on the 4th will make it difficult to get the compensation you deserve. You’ll be tempted to spend money that you don’t have. Instead of shopping until you drop, it will be better to practice financial restraint. The Lunar Eclipse on the 19th puts strain on an intimate relationship.

Shafts of sunlight appear during the final week of the month.

SCORPIO (October 24-November 22)

You’ll be inclined to immerse yourself in spiritually uplifting books, movies and music.

In mid-October, domestic pursuits will give you a welcome sense of grounding. This is

Operating as part of a team will be highly satisfying in the opening days of the month.

In the middle of October, you will get a chance to take a stimulating online course.

The skills you acquire through these classes will put you on a whole new path. The Full Moon on the 20th warns against rushing into something new. November’s Lunar Eclipse on the 10th demonstrates the need to take good care of your body. Replace sugar, fat and alcohol with lean protein, fresh produce and whole grains. Enjoy the adulation you’ll receive.

CAPRICORN (December 22-January 20)

Your prospects will soar in October. Family could be a source of stress on the 20th, due to a tense Full Moon. Trying to pressure a relative to go against their instincts will be an exercise in futility. Let your loved one accept the consequences for their mistakes.

Working on a group project could be frustrating at the start of November.

Compromise. The middle of the month warns against engaging in retail therapy. If you want to fill an emotional void, pour your energy into realising a dream you’ve had since childhood. On the 19th, a Lunar Eclipse could cause you to abandon a project that has been giving you trouble.

AQUARIUS (January 21-February 19) Expanding your horizons will give you a new lease on life in the opening days of the month. In mid-October, you’ll assume some heavy responsibilities. Instead of being overwhelmed by these duties, you’ll be energized by them. You’ll love bringing order to chaos. The Full Moon on the 20th could bring shocking news to your ears.

November’s Lunar Eclipse on the 19th brings an end to an upsetting family matter.

Letting a relative take responsibility for their problems will allow you to focus on a cherished personal goal. During the final week of November, arrange a big reunion – even if it has to be online.

PISCES (February 20-March 20)

Your allure will draw admirers wherever you go. It feels good to be wanted and desired.

Someone will try to wriggle out of a payment on the 20th, due to a stressful Full Moon.

Don’t let this con artist take advantage of you. It may be necessary to cancel a trip, due to a challenging November New Moon.

The Lunar Eclipse on the 19th could deliver shocking news about someone you have always admired. The last week of the month is ideal for pursuing a new goal. Landing a great position that draws on your creativity will be a great use of the ambitious energy that swirls around you at the end of November.

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KEN PYE is staging his new ‘Joys of Scouse and Scousers’ fun show at the Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, on Saturday November 13, 2.30pm.

Tickets, £12 or £20 for two. n Contact the Box Office on 0151 643 8757

Tel. 0151 427 2717 email – ken@discoverliverpool.com www.discover-liverpool.com LEFT: Swimming on the river bank in Victorian days RIGHT: Guinea Gap baths soon after opening BELOW: William III golden guineas and the entrance to the Guinea Gap Leisure Centre

MERSEY TREASURE TROVE

Old baths recall golden memories

M

OST people from Wirral know the public swimming baths on the Seacombe waterfront named Guinea Gap Baths.

But they might not know that this is the oldest public swimming pool on the Wirral.

Costing £15,000 to build, it was opened on April 7, 1908, and, between then and 1957, 205 world and national swimming records were set there.

Although it later had a very sophisticated filtration and heating system installed, originally the water was pumped into the pool directly from the Mersey.

This meant that it was not only very cold but

was a permanent murky-brown colour! But, why Guinea Gap? The name comes from a natural cleft, or gap, that had formed in the high embankment above the river, sometime in the early 18th century following a storm.

The gap is still there but is now a paved pathway from the road down to the modern esplanade that runs along the Wallasey waterfront.

However, when the gap first opened up it also created a large natural basin against the shore.

This was big enough for a number of people to swim safely in at low tide – and proved to be very popular indeed, with boys coming here regularly to strip off and frolic

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about in the river waters. But, around 1850, one of these youngsters felt something round and hard beneath his foot in the sand under the water. When he lifted up his leg to see what was caught between his toes, he, and his very excited friends, saw a golden guinea. This bore the head of King William III (1650-1702), so dated from the end of the 17th century.

The boys now scrabbled around in the sand, where they discovered around 50 of these valuable gold coins. As a result, the gap soon became known as ‘The Guinea Gap’, and the coins were believed to be some of the hoard of the local smuggler chieftainess, Mother Redcap. Her isolated

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tavern had stood for very many years, further along the coast at Egremont, where a large treasure had always been believed to have lain undiscovered.

What happened to the gold coins is unknown. There are no records stating into whose pocket or bank account they eventually found their way.

It is almost certain that the boys who found them never got to keep them, so all that remains of this curious incident today, is the Guinea Gap itself.

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

The Accumulator Quiz

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

1

2

★

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8 9

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★ 10

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★ 15

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★ 24

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ACROSS

DOWN

1.

5.

8.

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29.

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Fervent (7) In areas (5) Vegetable (3) Mistake (7) Nitre (anag.) (5) Communion table (5) Cut a tooth (7) Lecherous look (4) Soft breeze (6) Squalid (6) Necessity (4) Disconcerted (inf.) (7) Distributed cards (5) Insinuate (5) Playhouse (7) Jeer at (3) Having pluck (inf.) (5) Rodent catcher (3-4)

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

QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: Where in the human body are the biceps?

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: What type of Italian food is Bel Paese?

A The wrist B The lower leg C The upper arm D The buttocks QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: According to the saying, which of the following is a dangerous thing?

A B C D

A A little knowledge B Too much money C Absolute power D Not enough patience QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: Sussex, Mini Lion Lop and Angora are varieties of which animal?

A B C D

African animal (5) Grown-up (5) Disciplined (7) Goblin (6) African country (5) Nicked (7) Mocked (7) Fib (3) Gaelic (4) Sea-eagle (4) Adjusting to nought (7) Sound of steps (7) Left-over (7) Unwell (3) Senior journalist (6) Stopping-place beside main road (3-2) 27. Out of bed (5) 28. Fool (inf.) (5)

A Lee Harvey Oswald B Mark David Chapman C John Wilkes Booth D James Earl Ray QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: What flavour does the drink Pernod have?

Vanilla Juniper Peach Aniseed

SUDOKU

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

A B C D Entertainer Cliff Richard. See Question 4

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: David Bowie did a duet of Dancing in the Street for Live Aid with which other singer?

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: In which area of London is Carnaby Street, popular for fashion in the 1960s?

A B C D

A B C D

Marble Arch Knightsbridge King’s Road, Chelsea Soho

Freddie Mercury Lou Reed Bing Crosby Mick Jagger

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Sir Bernard Miles founded which London theatre?

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: What is a mnemonic?

A B C D

William Golding Jack Kerouac J.D. Salinger Harper Lee

A B C D

A memory device A minor scale in music The arm of a sundial The vibrating core of a loudspeaker

The Globe The Apollo The Mermaid The Lyric

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: Ferdinand Marcos was once the president of which country?

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: In which year was the prohibition of alcohol in the United States repealed?

A B C D

A B C D

Philippines Thailand Malaysia Argentina

1933 1934 1935 1936

KAKURO

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

EASY

Sunil Gavaskar Greg Chappell David Gower Viv Richards

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Who wrote the novel The Catcher in the Rye?

A Hong Kong B India C Australia D Singapore QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: Who assassinated John Lennon in New York in 1980?

A B C D

Bread Pasta Cured ham Cheese

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: Who was the first cricketer to score 10,000 runs in Test matches?

A Rabbit B Guinea pig C Goat D Sheep QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: In which country was entertainer Cliff Richard born in 1940?

31

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DIFFICULT

9 6 1 3

9 3 8

7 4

8 6

3

5 4

4

2 1 4

7 6

3 1

8 6 8 5 3 9

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

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

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

MEDIUM 7

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17

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20 17 22 13

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

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

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

(

Telephone dialling pads combine several letters on one key. Here we have encoded several sets of words or items by using numbers rather than letters. Then we have divided them into groups of three characters and run all the names one after another to make your task a little more difficult. Can you crack the codes?

29

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE

All Together NOW!

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

6

5

1 []’–

2 ABC

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

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

BLUE

––––

BOY

GOLD

––––

HOUR

FIND

–––

COMPASS

––––––

POINT

OVER

–––––

UPON

TENNIS

–––––

GREASE

SIDE

units of measurement

2. gases 358 674 631 936 661 638 426 317 767 263 163 661 493 764 361 266 664 216 487 643 613 849 536 316 994 361 435 486 124 567 463 127 466 172 366

3. reptiles 837 727 461 242 635 366 126 272 188 785 312 771 549 273 186 786 473 143 256 126 226 632 125 544 286 717 288 537 625 314 482 621 276 263 453

4. famous cricketers 556 931 836 385 527 176 237 714 282 752 715 272 127 236 261 442 516 674 261 878 362 612 673 371 742 427 371 468 441 927 631 928 441 268 426

5. constellations 437 285 371 724 488 274 871 674 661 236 828 787 122 623 714 937 212 946 871 274 371 877 216 256 717 472 371 436 464 173 427 871 263 766 332

6. on the left 625 821 463 421 926 242 162 642 421 766 254 212 977 871 345 416 372 518 424 526 317 464 276 731 639 193 252 631 842 632 172 547 826 186 642

PATHWORDS

SPOT CHECK

Starting from the central shaded letter, move one letter at a S (up, down, right or left, but not diagonally) to find time 15 number one hits of the seventies.

Can you place the six dominoes (right) into the grid below in such a way that the number of spots in all four rows across and all four rows down totals 11?

M RA NN UI I A YS EW D A H T T E A R O

KM TM SG SL N I A Y L R T E E OR OE L EA SA TF EL S T E D G E H T A V D I W N M O I T I I E B R T A C G I S L UB EG CI

L E

G N U IC CH RO OI W

E D

L

E

E

T

L

T O SC SH IE MAKE A DATE

R

D

T

5

6

BOLIDE

1) An arboreal term meaning very broad, with particular reference to the circumference of a tree’s trunk;

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

O R N N M M

D

A

4

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

F

L S

1. America’s space shuttle Atlantis successfully docks with the Russian Mir space station.

A AD WN T I J L G U A QO NP AT OA DY L

3

WORD WIZARD

E K DO FB

G ER NA S D E O L E T G P CS H I AR ID D L U C L E TRANSFORMER

2

C

S L SI

1

B

O H

O E S N A RL OO TT SS O

countries which drive

A

L MC PG S V E E A Y G E E B F BT NH TL A AK UA N E T L G

MISSING LINK

1. old and new 645 317 827 814 726 122 731 387 566 415 487 317 686 319 273 174 681 328 466 154 566 387 315 324 831 566 814 624 146 871 366 816 468 831 866

E

P

2. The Royal Yacht Britannia is decommissioned.

H

S

2) A large meteor, especially one that explodes;

Y

3) An insecticide used to control the weevils whose larvae infest cotton plants.

3. The UK transfers sovereignty of Hong Kong, the largest remaining British colony, to the People’s Republic of China.

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

Clue: Imprison domestic.

WAS IT? a) 1993; b) 1994; c) 1995; d) 1996; e) 1997.

______+AL=______AL

ALL THE ANSWERS

9 2 8 1 7 4 3 5 6

SUDOKU EASY

6 7 1 8 3 5 2 4 9

3 5 4 2 9 6 1 8 7

4 6 9 3 8 1 5 7 2

1 3 5 6 2 7 4 9 8

2 8 7 5 4 9 6 1 3

8 1 5 3 6 2 9 4 7

9 6 7 5 1 4 3 8 2

4 3 2 7 8 9 5 6 1

1 9 4 8 2 6 7 3 5

1 4

' % : 0 * 9

-

;

8 5

6

=

<

+

,

/

)

.

&

$

CROSS CODE

6 5 3 9 7 1 8 2 4

7 2 8 4 5 3 1 9 6

3 7 6 2 9 5 4 1 8

5 4 1 6 3 8 2 7 9

2 8 9 1 4 7 6 5 3

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

07789 963162

7 9 6 4 1 3 8 2 5

24 29 7 27

8 4

1

9

3

6 2 7

21

4

7 32 13 5

7

1

9

4

16

8 1 3 27 15

9

7

2 11

1

3

8

1

7 4

8 2 4 5 19

KAKURO MEDIUM

7 20

6 15

4 9

9

8 3 11

Accumulator Quiz 1 – B; 2 – B; 3 – C; 4 – B; 5 – A; 6 – C; 7 – C; 8 – A; 9 – C; 10 – C; 11 – D; 12 – D; 13 – A; 14 – D; 15 – B. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Monocle; 8 Version; 9 Tax-free; 10 Neptune; 11 Respite; 14 Add; 16 Quit; 18 Quip; 19 Your; 20 Thug; 21 Eve; 23 Eddying; 26 Solicit; 28 Tempest; 29 Fatigue; 30 Dustpan.

Down – 1 Motorist; 2 Nexus; 3 Corgi; 4 Evened; 5 Trap; 6 Liqueur; 7 Once; 12 Plug; 13 Tape; 15 Dyed; 16 Quay; 17 Tungsten; 18 Quality; 22 Vetted; 24 Dumas; 25 Ice up; 26 Sofa; 27 Cage.

Star Name: NELLY FURTADO

bealiesadaptivewear.co.uk

5 4 2 7 6 8 9 3 1

7 2 3

Word Wizard No 2 is correct. A bolide is a meteor.

Dialling Codes 1. mile; quart; gram; acre; furlong; litre; pound; yard; pint; fathom; kilometre; league; knot; inch; hour; foot; minute; ton.

2. fluorine; xenon; methane; propane; neon; hydrogen; ammonia; nitrogen; ethylene; oxygen; helium; chlorine; argon; radon.

3. terrapin; chameleon; cobra; turtle; asp; lizard; tortoise; gecko; anaconda; alligator; rattlesnake; iguana; crocodile.

4. Lloyd; Tendulkar; Sobers; Gavaskar; Lara; Bradman; Hick; Morgan; Trueman; Border; Richards; Gough; Warne; Waugh; Botham.

G G G BESPOKE

JOGGERS WITH UNIQUE OPENING G G DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS G G G ENABLES DISCREET AND CLEAN SELF-CATHERISATION G G G G AVAILABLE IN NAVY, BL$&., GREY. MADE FROM SOFT COTTON JERSEY

8 1 3 9 5 2 7 6 4

(

5. Hercules; Sagittarius; Orion; Centaurus; Cancer; Hydra; Cygnus; Aries; Ursa Major; Pisces; Gemini; Pegasus; Andromeda.

6. Malta; India; Zambia; Namibia; Somalia; Cyprus; Fiji; Nepal; Thailand; Singapore; New Zealand; Uganda; Pakistan; Tonga.

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

Missing Link bell; rush; out; needle; there; elbow.

Novelist: Brontë.

Make a Date The year was 1997.

Transformer Intern + AL = Internal.

ADAP7IVE WEAR WITH STYLE!

£55 +P&P

Pathwords Eye Level; Tragedy; Sailing; Mamma Mia; Figaro; Woodstock; Clair; Grandad; Lucille; Dancing Queen; She; Blockbuster; Waterloo; Vincent; Bohemian Rhapsody.

ZIPPED FRONT 23(1,1*

HIGHER AT THE BACK

30

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NAME

ADDRESS

Please send this coupon and a cheque payable to All Together NOW! to: Subscriptions Dept., All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

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SUMMIT SPECIAL: Ben and the team at the top of Pen y Fan

THAT TOP OF THE WORLD FEELING

B

RITAIN’S “most injured soldier”, Ben Parkinson, continues to move mountains 15 years on from being told he wouldn’t survive.

The former British Paratrooper, accompanied by ex-firefighter John Chart, who has lost the use of his arms due to motor neurone disease, and police officer Laurence East, who has stage four cancer, scaled Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Wales.

Ben, 37, said: “It’s been 15 years, when people didn’t think I would even survive 15 days. I’ll never stop doing things that people say are impossible.”

Ben lost both legs and suffered brain damage while serving in Afghanistan in 2006. He was not expected to survive, let alone speak or walk again. But his determination and tenacity continues to defy the odds.

Over the years, he has taken part in many expeditions organised by Pilgrim Bandits – a military charity that supports injured and amputee veterans by inviting

stay ahead of the game . . .

them to take part in physically demanding expeditions that push them to their limits, helping them to enjoy life again and see just what they are capable of.

The Pen y Fan climb was organised for members of the Curtis Palmer Program, a branch of the Pilgrim Bandits charity that supports emergency services personnel

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

who have also suffered lifechanging injuries or are living with mental health conditions, such as PTSD and anxiety as a result of the trauma they have faced on duty.

Thames Valley Police Inspector Damien Isherwood, who heads up the project, said: “Ben climbed Pen y Fan prior to his injuries, but hadn’t since and we knew this challenge meant a lot to him – as it did to all those taking part.

“It was all about teamwork. All those taking part had their own mountain to climb as well as the actual mountain – and we believe that a big part of their healing process is in helping others.”

Previously, Ben became the first double amputee to cross the Hardanger Plateau in Norway and one of the few to conquer the mighty Yukon River in Canada.

More recently, he took on the charity’s Winter Survival Course in Sweden, trekking across inhospitable terrain and sleeping in snow holes at minus 20 degrees – and completed a 1,000-mile bike ride across the country with 10 other amputee veterans, in support of John Chart, who had set himself the mammoth challenge after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Tel. 0151 230 0307

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Pre-season adventure gets the team off to a flier

IT LOOKS like another great season is in store for Cerebral Palsy United FC – and they’re keen to thank the Steve Morgan Foundation for helping them to get off to the best possible start.

Set up in 2013 for anyone with CP or an acquired brain injury, the club benefited from an “all expenses paid” adventure break in the Lakes, and returned in tip-top shape.

Michelle Willcock, who helped found the charity, said the trip was designed to support wellbeing through nature and the outdoors after a difficult 18 months caused by Covid-19.

She said: “Our members all have cerebral palsy or an acquired brain injury and all have had additional challenges, from bereavement, shielding, isolation, loss of social confidence, loss of physical capabilities due to not being able to access the physio and exercise they need.

“Getting them out in nature and reconnecting with each other in a calming and natural environment has been a massive success. This visit was such a release for our young members.”

CP United FC were awarded £12,000 from the Community Match Challenge (CMC) Fund, which is a match-funding joint initiative between the Steve Morgan Foundation and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).

They also received two smaller grants totalling £6,500 from the SMF Covid-19 Emergency Fund during the early stages of the pandemic. n info@cpunited.co.uk

All Together NOW!

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

SUPPORT YOUR SUPPORTERS!

FIT FOR ACTION: CP United being put through their paces at the Kepplewray Activity Centre

D

ISABLED fans continue to face barriers to watching live sport, a new survey shows.

Almost a third of disabled fans who took part in the survey said there were some sports or sporting venues they felt unable to visit because of access failings.

A similar number said physical access at stadiums was a barrier to them attending live sport, with almost one in five highlighting the difficult of buying tickets as a barrier – and inaccessible public transport.

The survey was the first to be conducted by the Level Playing Field charity and will now be carried out annually.

Most of the respondents reported their experiences at football grounds, with about a third saying they supported Premier League and Championship football clubs, and another fifth following League One teams.

More than 1,400 disabled fans took part, with results being sent to each club that was mentioned by a supporter.

One supporter said: “Never underestimate the need for good signage and people to ask.

“I don’t want to get lost because I then have to walk further than necessary and get tired.”

Another highlighted the need for “a room to take insulin – not very hygienic having to use a toilet”.

Many also raised concerns about returning to

watch live sport now Covid-19 restrictions were easing.

More than three in five said there would need to be sanitising stations, and almost half wanted compulsory mask-wearing, except for those who were exempt.

More than a third said clubs should only admit fans who had been vaccinated against the virus.

One question asked which services and facilities disabled fans could benefit from inside stadiums.

Nearly half mentioned accessible toilets, while others suggested easy access seating, additional legroom and priority use of lifts.

Access Charter

Tony Taylor, LPF’s chair, said: “Having no access to essential facilities such as accessible toilets and other services should never be an option.”

He said the LPF had been working with the National League, the fifth tier of English football, on an access charter, while both the Premier League and English Football League both offer guidance on access issues to clubs.

He added: “Clubs must engage with supporters and mitigate their concerns about spectating in a safe, secure environment.

“We have heard of clubs providing blocks of seats/areas where there is a greater focus on social distancing, mask use and other safety measures – all of which we would encourage.”

Wheelchair spaces on Merseyside – and at Wembley n LIVERPOOL FC – 263 wheelchair spaces.

Disability ticketing team: email disability@liverpoolfc.com. Tel 0151 264 2500. n EVERTON FC – 180 wheelchair spaces, including 13 for visiting fans.

Disability Access Officer: michelle.kirk@evertonfc.com. Tel. 0151 530 5261.

stay ahead of the game . . .

Disability Ticketing Liaison Officer: brendan.connolly@evertonfc.com. Tel 0151 530 5396.

n WEMBLEY – 310 wheelchair spaces.

Accessible shuttle bus, dedicated lifts, 147 accessible toilets, and two Changing Places loos.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Ali’s access to exercise

PARALYMPIAN Ali Jawad has launched a mobile app that he says will “revolutionise” fitness programmes for people living with impairments.

The app – Accessercise – provides an exercise library, specifically designed for various impairments, and a hub for users to explore and rate accessible sport and exercise facilities in their community.

Ali said: “For too long, people with impairments have not been given ample information, knowledge and access to fitness centres.

“I want to help transform the lives of people across all abilities and the only way to achieve that is to put them first.

“Where possible, I want to work with local governments and fitness services to make information and access more widely available to people living with impairments and to bring about legislation that promotes and encourages greater accessibility to sport and exercise for the disabled community.”

The app is available to download via both the Apple Store and Google Play. n www.join.accessercise.com

Go for it, kids

CHILDREN with cerebral palsy are being encouraged to take a look at a new online booklet that’s been created to help them find out about getting involved in sport.

Wheelchair tennis player and CP Sport ambassador James Shaw said: “I hope this will encourage lots of young people to give sport a try. There are lots of opportunities and support out there.

“Sport has completely changed my life on and off court, giving me great independence and finding lifelong friends. My advice is ‘say YES to sport!’ “ n CP Membership: Tel. 07377 142527 n www.cpsport. org/resources

Tel. 0151 230 0307

31

32 All Together NOW!

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021

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