Enable May/June 2022

The UK’s leading disability and lifestyle magazine

May / June 2022

CARERS WEEK Recognising the vital contribution made by the UK’s unpaid carers

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Welcome Get ready to enjoy another exciting issue of Enable Magazine for May/June

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EDITOR’S PICKS...

19 ALEXANDRA ADAMS: BREAKING BARRIERS We meet the young woman training to become the UK’s first deafblind doctor.

38 TIME TO ATTACK MND Former professional football player Stephen Darby discusses the work of the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.

51 RECIPE: GINO’S RIGATONI Chef Gino D’Acampo shares his recipe for rigatoni with chipolatas, courgettes and mascarpone.

t is estimated that unpaid carers save the economy £132 billion ever year, but many carers are still fighting for support and rights. To mark Carers Week, this issue we’re highlighting the many faces of carers and sharing their unique experiences on page 10. Caring can come in different forms, including opening your home to a child. Turn to page 16 to learn about the path to fostering.

Also inside, disabled voices are sharing everything from the best accessible beauty products on page 33 to the power of finding your true self on page 27. On page 35 we learn about the long-term effects of meningitis, and on page 28 we go behind the scenes of a project that could change the future of Alzheimer’s research.

It’s nearly time for the summer to begin and throughout this issue we’re helping you prepare. Find accessible trails, activity ideas and ways to locate greenspaces on page 40 as we celebrate the great British summer. If you’re in need of some holiday inspiration, look no further: find staycations and getaways abroad on page 43. Travelling with an autistic child and preparing for the return to school can seem daunting, on page 30 parents Alex and Jenny share their top tips to help you get ready.

As the price of fuel, food and bills continues to rise, we highlight ways you can save money on page 64 and help you get informed about pensions on page 66. Plus, a Mencap volunteer shares their experience on page 70.

Get in touch All of this and much more inside. editor@enablemagazine.co.uk facebook.com/enablemagazine twitter.com/enablemagazine

Emma Storr, Editor

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Behind the scenes

EDITOR Emma Storr emma.storr@dcpublishing.co.uk EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Emily Davison Jane Hatton Samantha Renke Tim Rushby-Smith Alisdair Suttie DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Lucy Baillie lucy.baillie@dcpublishing.co.uk SALES Marian Mathieson marian.mathieson@dcpublishing.co.uk ENABLE MAGAZINE www.enablemagazine.co.uk

Tel: 0844 249 9007

On Friday 20 May the team at Enable Magazine will be wearing their best fun hats to raise awareness during Acquired Brain Injury Week.

As we make the transition from spring to summer, we’re picking up new outdoor hobbies including running, paddle boarding and gardening.

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©DC Publishing Ltd 2022. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Publishing Ltd. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers within the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate; while dates and prices are correct at time of going to print, DC Publishing Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors.

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What’s inside May / June 2022

Care

10 CARERS WEEK Unpaid carers share their experiences

Life

24 FIGHTING ONLINE HATE Calling for more action against cyber bullying and hate crime

16 THE PATH TO FOSTERING Improve a child or young person’s life by becoming a foster parent

28 DRIVING RESEARCH FORWARD How taxi drivers are influencing the future of Alzheimer’s research

Voices

30 LEARNING TO ADJUST Preparing for the summer holidays with an autistic child

19 BREAKING BARRIERS Alexandra Adams on her journey to become the UK’s first deafblind doctor 23 BULLET HOLES IN THE SOCIAL FABRIC As the conflict continues in Ukraine, Tim Rushby-Smith shares his concerns around social inclusion 27 FINDING THE REAL ME Samantha Renke opens up about finding her authentic persona

Spotlight

14 ON THE FRONTLINE How the conflict in Ukraine is affecting the disability community

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33 EMBRACING ACCESSIBLE BEAUTY BRANDS Blogger Emily Davison shares her top picks for people who are visually impaired 35 LIFE AFTER MENINGITIS A mother and a young woman share their experiences 38 TIME TO ATTACK MND Stephen Darby discusses the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation 40 THE GREAT BRITISH SUMMER From days out to new activities, embrace your social side 43 SUMMER HOLIDAY READY Where will you escape to this summer?

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WIN

47 GOING LIVE It’s time to return to gigs and festivals 48 THE DIARY Exciting events to attend this summer 51 RECIPE: GINO’S RIGATONI Get excited to make this chipolata, courgette and mascarpone rigatoni from Gino D’Acampo 61 PRODUCT ROUNDUP Aid your everyday living with our product picks 82 CELEBRATING SCOPE AT 70 Looking ahead as the charity marks seven decades of support

Health

20 INSIDE MY MIND Three people share their unique experiences of mental health

Housing

58 RETHINKING YOUR HOME Adaptations and renovations to transform your space

A RELAXING GIFT BOX WORTH £100 ON PAGE 52

Finance

64 TACKLING THE COST OF LIVING Easy ways to save as inflation hits a 30-year high 66 YOUR PENSION EXPLAINED Prepare for the future with a greater understanding of your pension

Motoring

54 REVIEW: HYUNDAI BAYON Alisdair Suttie test this SUV 56 THE BIG EVENT AND ONE BIG DAY RETURN What to expect at this year’s events from the Motability Scheme

Employment

68 PROMOTING WELLBEING The importance of health and wellbeing for personal assistants and employers

70 TIME TO VOLUNTEER Gain transferable skills while helping your community 75 IF AND WHEN TO DISCLOSE Jane Hatton answers your employment questions 76 MASTERING YOUR CV Use our easy-to-follow guide when looking for work 81 CREATING ACCESS FOR ALL A new report helping businesses create inclusive built environments

Education

73 KEEPING SAFE AT SCHOOL The programme teaching young people about disability hate crime 78 THE RETURN TO LEARNING How could gaining a degree as an adult help you?

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News Fresh concerns for disability community as cost of living rises A SURVEY FROM DISABILITY charity Leonard Cheshire has led to increased worries around the impact of the cost of living crisis on the disability community. The new research revealed that more than 600,000 disabled people in the UK are estimated to have £10 or less each week to cover food and other costs after paying for housing, tax and other bills. More than half of survey respondents said

they felt anxious, depressed or hopeless due to financial worries.

The concerning figures come as inflation hits a 30year high and people struggle to afford the increasing cost of things like food, heating and fuel. A quarter of those polled said they had missed a meal because they couldn’t afford it, and 28 per cent said they had not been able to keep their home warm.

First study launched into THREE YEAR WAIT FOR TV viewing HOSPITAL CARE IN ENGLAND habits of BSL users AFTER NHS DATA FROM 2021 showed that there were nearly 40,000 nursing vacancies in England alone, disabled people’s organisations and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) are speaking out. The shortages could see some patients waiting as long as three years for hospital care, with the RCN highlighting that ‘patients will pay the price’ of the workforce crisis.

Dan Scorer, head of policy and public affairs at learning disability charity Mencap, commented: “The shortage of nurses - and its impact on the NHS backlog - is incredibly worrying to see, particularly for people with a learning disability who already face serious barriers to accessing healthcare.

“We also know there is a huge shortage of learning disability nurses. These specialised nurses are instrumental in supporting patients with a learning disability to get the healthcare support they deserve.

While there has been some progress

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to boost training and recruiting nurses, we need to see the Government commit more investment in training and retaining staff to ensure people with a learning disability get the healthcare support they have a right to.”

A new study by researchers at Heriot-Watt University will see a comprehensive review of the television viewing habits of British Sign Language (BSL) users. The first of its kind in the UK, the 12-month study will begin at the end of May and will be entitled Deaf BSL users’ preferences for watching television.

Funded by the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust which commissions programme makers to include BSL in their output, the findings of the research will better inform decision makers in the industry. At present, most television programmes are subtitled but not all include BSL despite an estimated 151,000 people relying on the language in the UK.

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News FUNDING TO SUPPORT DISABLED PEOPLE TO TRAVEL MORE CONFIDENTLY THE ROLLOUT OF A new mobility service aims to improve alternative forms of transport to driving and improve the accessibility of ferry services. The £2.5 million package is set to help people with a disability travel more confidently as services reopen after the coronavirus pandemic.

Announced by the Accessibility Minister, £1.5 million of the funding has been allocated to support all 13 Mobility Centres across England to roll

out a Hubs Mobility Service.

These services will help people stay mobile after they have been advised to stop driving, or if they are unable to learn how to drive. Alternatives will be offered to this group including powered wheelchairs, community transport and local services. The hubs have been piloted at seven of the centres over the last two years, already helping 4,000 people to regain their confidence to travel.

North Wales sets the standard for accessible tourism

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT TO BOOST VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES A NEW £4.6 MILLION investment from the UK Government is set to create thousands of new community volunteering opportunities for young people, people with disabilities and people experiencing loneliness. The fund will be distributed by Arts Council England (ACE) and aims to break down barriers to volunteering and enable organisations across the arts, culture, sport, civil society, youth and heritage sectors to do more work within local communities with volunteers.

More than 160 community organisations will have the chance to support 7,800 new volunteering opportunities over the next two years.

Organisations who have been awarded funding include colleges, local councils, schools, and health and wellbeing organisations. The funding comes in response to demand from a range of groups including people experiencing social isolation, young people from the LGBTQ+ community, and people with learning disabilities and complex needs.

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A HIGH SHERIFF IN North Wales has launched a new campaign to improve access to tourist attractions and other businesses in the area, setting a high standard for the rest of the UK. Mother of three Davina Carey-Evans launched the Access Cards in response to her own family’s experiences: Davina’s 27-year-old son is autistic and the family has spent all of his life visiting leisure attractions only to find they were unsuitable for his needs. Available through community interest company PIWS and created in partnership with Welsh charity Nimbus Disability, the new disability passport scheme features cards detailing users’ unique support needs to help them inform providers of what help or adjustments they need in a discreet way.

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Celebrating

CARERS WEEK This June, Carers Week will recognise and celebrate the UK’s hidden workforce of 13.6 million

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ach year, Carers UK bring together a host of organisations to mark Carers Week (www.carersweek.org). The annual campaign, taking place from 6-12 June 2022, raises awareness of caring, highlights the challenges faced by unpaid carers, and recognises the vital contribution they make to not only families, but the

wider community. A key part of the campaign is sharing information to allow people to identify themselves as carers and access essential support, and for existing unpaid carers to learn about their rights.

Here, four unpaid carers share their thoughts and experiences of caring, the support available, and what they wish people knew about the role.

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CONNECTION Don, who is a vice president at Carers UK (www.carersuk.org), cares for his 45-year-old son, Sam, who has Down’s syndrome. Just over three years ago, Sam moved into a supported living facility, but during the pandemic Don made the decision to bring him home and go back to caring full-time for Sam’s safety.

At Carers UK I’m on the board of trustees and we support them with particular events like Carers Week and act as advisory points for dealing with parliamentary groups, currently we’re looking at the reorganisation of the health and social care white paper published by the government.

About three and a half years ago we managed to find a place for Sam in supported living accommodation with two other young adults with learning disabilities. This is quite close to where I live so I was able to visit him regularly which was very important to us. At the beginning of the pandemic there wasn’t much communication with care services about what they should do, but then day centres and

other activities closed. I knew I had to think about how to protect him. For my family and I, there wasn’t a choice, we weren’t going to cut off his social contact with us because he wouldn’t understand why that was necessary, and so I moved him home.

Eventually Sam was classed as clinically vulnerable and so I would sneak out while he was sleeping in the morning to get provisions and when it was allowed, our family would come and sit outside on the patio to visit us. Now, Sam is back in his supported living, but at the time I think we were caring for each other really. During this time, it was further highlighted how little services connected carers and the people they care for.

I was in a better position than most because I have a supportive family and I’ve had a comfortable career, but I’m very conscious that I’m privileged in this and that it’s not the same for a lot of carers who live with money worries.

As things change carers have to be involved in shaping the services that are provided for them.

FUNDING

Carers have to be involved in shaping the services that are provided for them

Martin has cared for his wife who has MS for 27 years and has received support from Carers Network (www.carers-network.org.uk) in recent years. One of his main concerns is the lack of financial support available for carers to cover living costs as well as funding for respite and recreational activities.

I had to learn about my caring role along the way and I’m still learning.

Carers Network came onto my radar in recent years and I have been given a bit of respite from my everyday caring role, but more generally there is no support.

I think for carers certain recreational activities, for example a gym membership, should be afforded.

Exercise is crucial for health but a lot of current facilities are either too expensive or too much of a distance

to access. In recent years my wife has required more treatment, especially around December and January when she had a relapse, and that has put more strain on our relationship.

Generally, carers need ways to let off steam because this excessive pressure is going to work against us.

Unpaid carers are consistently praised, but at the end of the day we don’t need praise, we need money.

For years we haven’t been able to take a holiday or attend family occasions and it has created isolation, there’s not many chances to enjoy the pleasures of life or just to relax somewhere.

I’ve been able to utilise the Carers Network services in recent years, but things like this need to be more accessible and promoted so that more unpaid carers are aware of the help that is available to them.

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SUPPORT Fatimah, who is 17, cares for her father who has musculoskeletal issues and severe anxiety and depression. With the support of Carers Trust Scotland and Action for Children (www.actionforchildren.org. uk), Fatimah has shifted her mindset around caring and is now preparing to attend university once she finishes school.

I find that [caring] is quite an emotionally taxing role at times, especially with other commitments.

However, ever since I found out that I am a young carer and associated with the young carers, I feel as if I’ve learned so much which has changed the way I deal with situations and has opened up a whole route of different

types of support that I could get.

Although my caring role hasn’t lessened, through the support of my local carers centre, I have been able to deal with it in a more positive way by meeting people who are in a caring role like me, who understand what I’m going through and are ready to support me.

I feel I can share my apprehensions without being judged which really helps me with my own mental health and positivity. I’ve also found that through all the opportunities I have been given through Carers Trust Scotland and Action for Children, I have been able to raise awareness about what young carers are and immensely improved my own skills

such as communication, confidence and empathy.

Meeting my support worker and interacting with other carers changed a lot of how I viewed things. I stopped seeing caring as a cause of stress or a problem that was forced upon me, and started seeing it as something which I should take pride in. It’s all about changing your psyche and taking pride in what you do as a young carer, and appreciating how much you are able to achieve, even while dealing with extra responsibilities that others don’t have to. Today I am happy to say that I have admissions offers for all four medical schools I applied to and a significant part of my interviews focused on caring.

RIGHTS Ruth is 17-years-old and cares for her father who is a wheelchair user. She was first identified as a young carer by her school and local carers centre, and has since worked with Carers Trust Scotland (www.carers.org) to highlight the importance of young carers’ rights.

In December 2019, I was part of a focus group that I found out about through Young Scot (www.young. scot) and being a young carer. From there I have gone on to be part of the Young Adult Carers Advisory Group, speak at the launch of an education toolkit, and co-facilitated a consultation workshop on education and sharing

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my experiences at school as part of last year’s Young Carers Festival. I have been part of the Rights Right Now (www.togetherscotland.org.uk) group which has been such an amazing experience and I have been able to work with other young people on ways we think the government should go about implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The thing I wish more people knew about young carers is that being one is nothing to be ashamed of, if anything it is something you should be so proud of as you are developing these amazing life skills and by doing this will be ready

for what comes later in life. I would like to see more support around schools for young carers in Scotland, as for most of us these two things may be the biggest parts of their lives, so the support in both areas should be better connected.

While we want to be able to do it all - school, caring, hobbies, clubs and spending time with friends - sometimes it isn’t possible and for us it has to be caring that becomes the top priority.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Read more of each carer’s story online at www.enablemagazine.co.uk during Carers Week.

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spotlight

ON THE FRONTLINE As the conflict in Ukraine continues, disabled people in the country are still facing barriers to evacuation and support

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n estimated three million people with a disability and their families live in Ukraine and the current situation is even more detrimental for this population. Due to a lack of good accessibility, disabled people have faced barriers to safe evacuation and humanitarian assistance.

INACCESSIBLE

Before the conflict began, a 2020 report on disability rights in Ukraine by the pan-European human rights NGO Council of Europe (www.coe.int) found that disabled people are often excluded from society due to negative stereotypes, legal and workplace discrimination, and high levels of people being institutionalised. Poor accessibility on public transport has created greater concerns as people struggle to evacuate from locations that are under attack.

Many bomb shelters - often repurposed metro stations - are inaccessible and for those who can access them, there is a risk of contracting illnesses that could be fatal for people who are immunocompromised.

ACTION

Human rights groups and disabled people’s organisations in the UK and around the world have called for greater action to be taken. Many of these calls have come from the European Disability Forum (www.edf-feph.org) and the International Disability Alliance (www.internationaldisabilityalliance. org). The two groups have asked for disabled Ukrainian’s human rights to be protected in multiple ways including: full access to humanitarian aid; protection from violence, abuse and ill treatment; accessible information on safety, assistance and evacuation; full access to basic services like water and sanitation, healthcare and transport.

The European Network on Independent Living (www.enil.eu) has also launched the ‘Leave no-one behind’ campaign to ensure that all disabled people in the country are accounted for, including people living in institutions or orphanages. Despite efforts from international organisations, it is feared that many disabled people have already been left behind with no way to find safety near their homes.

OFFERING SUPPORT

Finding ways to help people in Ukraine can feel overwhelming, especially in a time where financial scams are commonplace, but there are trusted organisations making an impact with the disability community.

Bright Kids Charity (www. brightkidscharity.com) is dedicated to providing support like food shopping, high-nutrition food and hygiene products to families with a disabled child who have been unable to evacuate the country. The organisation is vetted by Global Giving, a global crowdfunding platform for grassroots charitable projects.

Through the Global Giving website (www.globalgiving.org) you can find trusted organisations supporting disabled people in Ukraine to discover how you can help and provide aid whether this is financial or otherwise.

In the UK, Mencap, ENABLE Scotland, The Richmond Fellowship Scotland and Learning Disability England have formed a coalition and are helping Inclusion Europe (www. inclusion-europe.eu) to fundraise and better support people with a learning disability in Ukraine. The money raised is going directly to assisting Ukrainian citizens with intellectual disabilities, helping local organisations to provide food; water; medicines; hygiene products and other goods that are needed urgently. The funding will also help pay for personal assistance and community-based support.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Stay updated on the conflict in Ukraine through the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at www.unhrc.org

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The path to

fostering

Providing a caring home for a child in need, nearly anyone can foster and improve the quality of life for children and young people

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n 2021, there were more than 60,000 fostered children across the UK. In England, this group represents nearly three quarters of all children in care, and more foster carers are needed to ensure every child has a suitable and supportive home.

During the annual Foster Care Fortnight, taking place from 9-22 May, the campaign’s organisers, The Fostering Network, and other fostering agencies will work to raise the profile of fostering

and show how foster care can transform the lives of children and foster parents.

This year, the campaign will celebrate the fostering communities providing strength and resilience to foster parents and fostered children.

SHORTAGE

“Foster Care Fortnight is that time of the year where we get the opportunity to not only sing the praises of our current pool of foster carers but also to raise awareness of the number of

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foster carers and families that we need because there is such a shortage,” highlights Sarah Thomas, director of Wales at The Fostering Network. “It’s not just a shortage in respect of the numbers of foster carers, it’s about the diversity of our fostering community.

“It is really important for children who need foster carers to be matched with people who reflect their diversity and their needs.”

Disability shouldn’t be a barrier to fostering, but more foster carers with a disability are needed along with people who can understand the needs of children with a disability looking for a foster home.

“You do have to be quite a special person to foster without a doubt, but at the same time, almost anybody can foster,” explains Sarah.

If you have a spare room and are able to offer a child love, support and time, you could be approved to foster.

“A non-disabled person and a disabled person might come to the table with different skills and strengths,” offers Sarah. “People who have overcome adversity in their lifetime will bring so much to the fostering arena because we’re talking about young people who have had some of the most challenging childhoods.

“People with a disability might understand what it’s like to be the person in the room who may not be treated the same as everybody else and that all adds to someone’s ability to empathise and to provide a different experience.”

INSIGHT

The little achievements make it so worth it

After working with nursery-age children and children with additional needs with her local authority, Claire knew she wanted to become a foster parent.

Some of this work included working on Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) and made her certain that she would be open to fostering children with disabilities.

“I got an insight into that world and that quite a few fostered children did have additional needs or a disability,” shares Claire. “I had a bit of previous experience thanks to my work, but I wouldn’t want that to put anybody else off if they don’t, there’s so much support and advice out there.”

Claire and her husband decided to start the process to become foster parents with private agency By The Bridge, with her husband also having a medical background. By The Bridge

(www.bythebridge.co.uk) is a therapeutic fostering agency, offering specialist training and support to ensure fostered children can recover from adverse experiences like trauma or loss.

“We were delighted to get through and we always said we were open to any categories as long as there wasn’t a history of violence or offending,” explains Claire.

Due to having a young daughter, Claire was keen to highlight this to the panel that approved them, but stressed that they would be open to children with additional needs. When the couple were approached about their current foster child, they let their daughter help them with the decision.

“We spoke to his doctor and other people in his life, but we made that decision as a family,” offers Claire. “When he came to us he already had quite a substantial amount of medical needs that we had to consider, but when we asked our daughter for her opinion she thought we could offer him the help he needs and show him how important he is.”

COMMUNITY

Since this placement started, Claire has watched him achieve new things and supported him through new diagnoses.

“Every day is different and some days are easier than others, with our little boy it’s about being prepared for that,” explains Claire. “It’s a lot of hard work but the little achievements make it so worth it, he’s come on leaps and bounds, he’s now smiling and laughing and has just learnt to roll over.”

This isn’t the family’s first placement with a child who has additional needs and Claire would advise anyone considering fostering to also think about accepting children with a disability.

“You need to sit down and consider whether it’s right for you, whether you can give them that support,” advises Claire. “We’ve had so much support from medical professionals and our social circle, even my mum who is one of my supporters has learnt how to use his machines with no prior knowledge.”

With the support of the people around you and a fostering agency, you could help improve the life of a young person or child by providing them with a new home and family.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about the fostering application process, find your local agency and get further advice at www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk

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Alexandra Adams:

BREAKING BARRIERS Due to her own experiences, Alexandra Adams always wanted to work in medicine, but this path hasn’t been simple. Having faced discrimination and challenges, Alexandra is now sharing her experiences of becoming the UK’s first deafblind doctor

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he road to becoming a doctor hasn’t been easy for Alexandra Adams: as a teenager her dreams were continually dismissed and she has faced multiple health challenges since starting her degree. As she continues to work towards qualifying as a doctor, Alexandra discusses the obstacles she’s faced and how she would like to see support in the medical field change.

When did you know you wanted to become a doctor?

Deep down, I always knew I wanted to go into a caring profession from a very early age. I think as the young child who was always in and out of hospital I was inspired and in awe at how healthcare staff were able to help people.

The point that confirmed my desire to become a doctor came when I was bedbound in hospital for over a year as a teenager as a result of needing multiple stomach surgeries. It was whilst I was in the hospital bed, in so much pain and genuinely believing that I could never get my young life back on track, that I began linking both the human aspect of illness and injury with the science and anatomy of the human body. That made me curious and passionate to follow the medicine path.

We need to establish more people-centred programmes and pathways

How has your life changed since starting your degree at Cardiff University?

My life has changed in all the ways I never imagined, some parts good, some parts bad and some parts really quite ugly. I have had a number of near-death experiences, spending months to years in hospital, being in the Intensive Care Unit 23 times since starting medical school, and having to come to terms with some life-changing diagnoses. The one thing that hasn’t fundamentally changed throughout all of this is my dream and determination to still become the doctor I’ve always wanted to become.

Why did you decide to start sharing your story online?

It all really began with just one purpose: to raise awareness of the very obvious inequalities I was observing, and personally experiencing within the NHS - my own workplace. I realised that if nobody else was going to implement this much-needed change, then I was the one who needed to step up.

What started off as me just trying to keep my head down and pursuing a very unique and untrodden career path as a deafblind person, quickly blew up into me being known as the UK’s first deafblind person training to be a doctor.

How would you like to see careers in medicine become more inclusive for people with a disability?

Not many of the current accommodations in place for those with disabilities or health needs suit or are applicable to everyone. We need to establish more people-centred programmes and pathways that are suited to each individual rather than one big group, all whilst scrapping the outdated tick-box concept.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Keep up to date with Alexandra on Instagram @alexandraelaineadams and Twitter @alexandra_DBmed or through her blog www.settingsights.co.uk

Read the full interview online at www.enablemagazine.co.uk enablemagazine.co.uk

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INSIDE MY MIND Everyone’s experience of mental health is unique and so are the methods of finding help that is effective. Three people share their stories and paths to support

DALIA, 39 Dalia didn’t experience mental health problems until 2017 when she had an extreme allergic reaction, leading to being in hospital twice in one week.

A new mother at the time, Dalia began to experience panic and anxiety.

“After that I became really anxious about going to restaurants and wouldn’t let anyone else cook food for me,” remembers Dalia.

20 enablemagazine.co.uk

“Eventually I just didn’t want to leave my house because it was my safety net.”

Dalia was also experiencing heart palpitations and became worried that something bad would happen if she went out with her son alone.

“My life literally came to a halt, I would think that if I had palpitations while driving something would happen to my baby,” reveals Dalia. “I would get palpitations at night and so I wouldn’t go to sleep for fear that I would never wake up.”

This began to affect Dalia’s health, losing two stone from not eating and

experiencing hair loss due to a lack of nutrition, but it also impacted her first few years as a mum. These feelings prevented Dalia from leaving home for almost a year until she explained what was happening to a family member and they urged her to visit the GP. “That was the beginning of my recovery and to be honest it was the best thing I ever did,” admits Dalia.

Now, as discussions and media coverage around mental health continue, Dalia would like to see other people reach out for support.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from, your race or gender, go and get help – we all deserve to be happy and in good health mentally, emotionally and physically,” stresses Dalia.

enable health ALICE, 24 Having experienced trauma from a young age, Alice struggles to pinpoint a particular event or time when her mental health problems started. These later developed into depression and an eating disorder.

“For me it’s always been there,” shares Alice. “This sense of selfloathing came from the depression side of things and that then brought memory loss.”

As a child, Alice did have moments of joy and happiness, but these faded as she moved into secondary school.

“I became the class clown because I felt that if people were laughing with me then they wouldn’t be able to see how sad I was behind that mask,” recalls Alice. “When I was about 16 I was really miserable, I fell into anorexia and began self-harming, it quickly took over my life.”

Alice’s friends recognised that something was wrong and reached out to her parents, but it was when she wasn’t allowed to continue attending dance lessons, one of her favourite things, that she accepted support.

JOHN, 59 Since the age of 10, John experienced mental health problems but didn’t receive a diagnosis until later in life.

Throughout his life, John has been diagnosed with multiple mental and physical health problems including; rapid cycling bipolar; posttraumatic stress disorder; emotional instability; diabetes; prostate cancer; cardiovascular disease.

“From the age of about 13 until I was 40, I kept having to take time out of school, university and work due to depression, but it wasn’t until I was 40

“For a couple of years I was doing quite well, but in 2017 I had a huge relapse and I really struggled because nothing that I did the first time to get better was working,” explains Alice.

Alice then began attending open dialogue therapy - a type of group therapy where people in a similar situation can talk through their experiences with the support of a professional.

“It was really comforting, for the first time I had found a therapy system that really helped me,” enthuses Alice.

“Since then I met my partner, we bought a house together and now we’re engaged, we’ve got two dogs and I have a stable career.”

In recent years Alice picked up gardening and this has quickly become a lifeline for her.

“Nature really helped me, actually it completely transformed my life,” explains Alice.

Now, Alice is attending the Chelsea Flower Show with Mind as they host a garden that aims to encourage important conversations about mental health with a space to sit and share experiences in a calming environment.

and had a major breakdown that I was diagnosed with being bipolar,” shares John.

Throughout his life John worked in banking everywhere from Wall Street to the Philippines, but after being made redundant in his late 30s, his mental health began to decline further.

“I struggled to find work again and had applied for 750 jobs in the space of three months,” reveals John. “A year or so later my mental health just tipped over the edge and I had a breakdown.

“I was admitted to hospital for over three months and came out homeless, but actually having that hospital stay completely changed things.”

John finally received a bipolar diagnosis and since this point has had monthly appointments with a mental health nurse. He also secured a place in supported housing where he has lived for the last 15 years.

This move changed John’s life for the better, but due to the impact of his condition, he has been unable to work

Nature really helped me, actually it completely transformed my life

for the last 19 years. Instead, he now dedicates his time to volunteering in order to give back to society.

“My approach to work is manic and I can’t control this so it takes over my life and I become very unwell,” explains John. “I saw that my local Mind office was running mental health first aid sessions so I thought I would apply.

“That led me to where I am now and I’ve been volunteering with Mind locally since, then in 2014 they asked me to volunteer nationally.”

Since applying for the short course, John has learnt mechanisms that have helped him and allowed him to support others, has been quoted in the House of Lords and raised awareness of suicide prevention.

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 9 to 15 May

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Find mental health advice and support from Mind at www.mind.org.uk, by calling the charity’s Infoline on 0300 123 3393 or by emailing info@mind.org.uk

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Tim Rushby-Smith

Bullet holes in the social fabric In his latest column Tim Rushby-Smith reflects on the current situation in Ukraine and how quickly social inclusion is stripped away in times of desperation

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but still they do not succeed’.

I also enjoyed conversations with athletes and journalists from other parts of the world where daily life was more of a struggle, and where even basic resources like a decent wheelchair were thin on the ground, let alone continence products. I remember a conversation with a member of the team from Zimbabwe where he described how many of the teams had raised their expectations on the basis of what they saw at the Paralympic Games. It was a galvanising experience that made them determined to advocate for change and to demand more.

I hadn’t really considered how those social gains could be so swiftly reversed, as support and inclusion become casualties on a long list of important threads of social fabric destroyed by the callous and calculating actions of a brutal regime.

We still have far to go in terms

“

I have seen people with disabilities being half carried, half dragged along roads

“

atching the tragedy unfold in Ukraine is profoundly upsetting; cities that resemble so many others in peaceful, post-war Europe are being reduced to dust while civilians remain trapped and unable to leave.

Like much of the world, I have watched with profound sadness as refugees try to find ways to escape the horror, dragging with them what few possessions they could carry, and struggling to clamber over broken bridges and mangled fences. I have seen people with disabilities being half carried, half dragged along roads because they were unable to move at the pace necessary to flee the destruction before the next wave of carnage began.

It is jarring to see how swiftly the key pillars of life in peace time disappear, and reflecting on the impact being felt by Ukrainians with a disability. I remember having a chat with some of the Ukraine team at the Paralympics in London in 2012. I was there as a journalist rather than a competitor, but we ended up mostly talking about wheelchairs, wheelchair skills, pressure cushions, catheters and the joys of accessible public transport.

I remember one of them showing me an image from home of a 45-degree ramp next to a flight of stairs into a pharmacy. He said, ‘yes, they now try,

of social inclusion in the UK, but sometimes events can give pause to reflect on how far we have come, and to be thankful for those resources and supports we do have access to. I’m not saying we should keep quiet and be grateful, but rather that we raise our voices in support of those with disability around the world who suffer so much when what they have is ripped away.

Follow Tim on social media on Twitter @Trushbys, and on Instagram @trushbys.art

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Fighting

ONLINE HATE CRIME

Over the last two years, online hate crime has become a greater concern, but modes of reporting and the repercussions don’t reflect this. Greater rules and regulations are necessary to combat online hate

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n 2020/21, the number of recorded hate crime offences was at its highest, totalling more than 114,000 in England and Wales alone. In the same time period, just one per cent of reported disability hate crime cases ended with a charge or were referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.

These figures are made more concerning as they are only episodes of recorded hate crime and don’t consider crimes which went unreported. In the UK, it is estimated that as many as 170,000 hate crimes aren’t reported each year, mainly due to people feeling that they won’t be believed or that no action will be taken.

Just one of the five strands, disability hate crimes can come in many forms from verbal to physical abuse and the destruction or theft of property.

Working together, charities United Response and Leonard Cheshire have continually campaigned for greater awareness of disability hate crime and more accessible ways to report, but more has to be done by the government and police forces around the UK to insight real change.

CAMPAIGN

Chris Holden, who is based in Cheshire, was targeted by online abuse after being open about his autism and BPD diagnoses, leading to a decline in his mental health and self-injury.

“I talked about my diagnosis openly with friends and family but then started to receive threats and nastiness

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online, mainly through Facebook and Instagram, the usual big social media platforms,” reveals Chris. “It led to a big downfall in my mental health to the point where I didn’t want to be here anymore and I felt extremely suicidal.”

Chris has sought help from mental health support services and his local hospital over the last 18 months while the abuse continued online, but his mental health didn’t begin to improve for a long period of time until he found support from a local charity, Rainbow After the Storm (www. rainbowafterthestorm.org).

“It was a long process for me, I was referred to every mental health place possible but felt like I wasn’t always taken seriously and didn’t know how I was going to survive it, but then I found a lovely charity based in Cheshire,” explains Chris. “The founder of the charity, Nicky, was the most peaceful, helpful mental health support, she helped me concentrate on getting better and starting my campaign.

“Since this time, my experiences have

There has to be better rules and regulations to stop cyberbullying and hate crimes

improved but I want to help people who are less fortunate and vulnerable to this type of attack online.”

Motivated by his own experiences, Chris is utilising social media platforms for good: to raise awareness of the prevalence of cyberbullying and online hate crimes, and to fight for a safer online environment.

“It’s been amazing and really supportive, I’ve had encouraging comments from people all over the world, as far as America,” reveals Chris.

“The feedback has been amazing and just shows how much it matters to speak out.”

Encouraged by Nicky, Chris began reaching out to his local MPs and the Department for Media, Culture and Sport who he notes as being supportive of his campaigning.

“My own experiences are what led me to start my campaign around anti-cyberbullying and protecting other people online,” offers Chris. “I noticed the new online safety standards coming through and, paired with my experiences, I thought the timing was perfect.”

The UK’s Online Safety Bill is the first of its kind and was introduced in Parliament during March 2022. The new bill requires social media platforms, search engines and other apps and websites allowing people to post their own content to protect children, tackle illegal activity and uphold their stated terms and conditions. Companies failing to comply with the laws can be fined up to 10 per cent of their annual

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global turnover and forced to improve their practices by regulator Ofcom.

Ofcom will also have the power to block non-compliant sites.

ACTION

These new regulations are a step forward, but Chris would like to see greater action from social media companies themselves.

“I would say that online, there has to be better rules and regulations to stop cyber bullying and hate crimes,” emphasises Chris. “Especially on big social media sites, these huge media companies need to regulate things and provide better opportunities for people to report, or better processes once they do report something.”

He would also like to see better training around disability hate crime within police forces and users of social media platforms, and improvements to mental health services.

“People don’t understand the gravity of their actions online or that there can be real consequences so we need change, but also change in mental health support,” offers Chris. “I think the mental health system is suffering and therefore people don’t get the help they need, that’s why we need better internet regulations and why I’m campaigning, so that it doesn’t get to that point in the first place.”

For anyone currently experiencing cyber bullying or who has been a victim of hate crime in the past, Chris would always recommend reaching out for

help, even if this feels difficult, he says: “I know that it can feel really isolating when cyber bullying happens but you’re not alone, seek support because that’s so important and know that there’s people trying to create a different experience.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you are experiencing online abuse, contact your local police force, or reach out to United Response (www.unitedresponse.org.uk) or Leonard Cheshire (www.leonardcheshire.org) for advice on what to do next.

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SAMANTHA RENKE

Finding the real me Reflecting on how she has felt and been treated in the past, actress and disability campaigner Samantha Renke discusses finding her authentic persona

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’ve been a performer all my life. Not necessarily a revelation given my career as a creative artist, actress, writer and presenter.

I have many fingers in many different pies (metaphorical pies of course, otherwise that would just be gross), but in the professional and working world, I’d describe myself as having a ‘portfolio lifestyle’ - I know right, who came up with this BS? But it’s not my creative abilities I’m referring to. No, I learnt early on that a certain type of Samantha - the bubbly, fierce, strong and yes, I am going to say ‘inspirational’ Samantha - was more palatable to everyone in my life.

REFLECTING

Samantha Renke

This Samantha doesn’t fit in the world as neatly as the other

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve recently finished writing my first memoir or the fact that I am now in my mid 30s but I have been reflecting on who Samantha Renke truly is. I thought I knew what characteristics and adjectives would best describe me for a very long time.

Confident, cheerful, outgoing: a people person and a smiley optimist who seldom lets life’s hurdles get in my way. Life and soul of anywhere I went, I endeavoured to be seen and heard.

I suppose many disabled people can relate. We can often be forgotten, ignored or invisible, so I learnt from a very young age to be as loud and present as I could.

Whenever I would attend a social gathering or event where I’d literally be the only ‘disabled in the village’, I knew that I’d be overlooked. Mostly due to the awkwardness felt by many non-disabled people and the fact that I am so petite in stature and low to the ground in my wheelchair, so people physically overlook me.

AUTHENTIC

We all know the marginalisation and ableism in our lives is completely unacceptable, no disabled person should have to alter their persona to be treated like everyone else.

However, in many ways my efforts to be seen and heard as the exuberant Samantha have done me well. She has afforded me opportunities, allowed me to network and made me unforgettable, and I actually quite like that. The Samantha who was once forced at times has actually become an authentic part of my identity.

But, over the past few years I have started to allow myself to explore the other parts of my personality because I know my flamboyant side is a product of circumstance. In truth, I feel most like me in my own company - pottering around my flat doing very basic tasks like rearranging my knicker drawer, browsing on eBay and cuddling up with my Sphynx cats. Yet, as I allow this demurer and calmer Samantha to manifest, a version of myself that is more confident in expressing my boundaries, talking about my bad days, pain and my frustration of my condition and the disabling world around me is born.

I have noticed that this Samantha doesn’t fit in the world as neatly as the other. I feel the most lonely and scared being this person.

All I can say is that I find joy in both of these personas, yet more and more I feel whole in being who I want to be rather than what society expects or finds easier to digest.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Keep up with Samantha at www.samantharenkeofficial.com or on social media @samantharenke

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DRIVING RESEARCH FORWARD Providing a unique insight into how our brains work, London taxi drivers are helping to influence the future of Alzheimer’s research

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he test to become a licensed London taxi driver is unlike any other city around the UK and further afield. In order to take up the role, applicants must pass the Knowledge of London: an in-depth study of London street routes and places of interest that takes the average person three to four years to master.

In the early 2000s, researcher Eleanor Maguire discovered that this unique study produces more than great knowledge of the city: drivers who have passed the Knowledge have a larger hippocampus than the general population.

Now the Taxi Brains Project, run

by Spiers Lab at University College London (UCL), is using this information in the hopes of furthering Alzheimer’s research. Stephanie De Silva is a masters student at UCL and is working on the project.

“The human brain is pretty consistent, everyone has individual differences in terms of the size of different brain areas, but what’s really exciting about the London taxi drivers is this tiny area of the brain is uniquely enlarged,” explains Stephanie. “All of the studying that they have to do in order to pass the Knowledge test basically alters the structure of their brain.”

DEVELOP

The area that enlarges in London taxi drivers’ brains is the same region that shrinks early in Alzheimer’s disease. By understanding why, researchers can gain critical insights to help develop testing for earlier detection.

“They have such a unique skill set and uniquely structured hippocampus, the idea is that it can offer insights into the optimal workings of the hippocampus or maybe what happens when things go wrong,” offers Stephanie.

Currently, the team working on the project are enrolling as many London taxi drivers as possible, with more than

It can offer insights into the optimal workings of the hippocampus 28 enablemagazine.co.uk

100 already interested in taking part.

PROGRESS

Once signed up, each participant is asked to take a survey-style test at home, attend an MRI scan and use the Sea Hero Quest app. This smartphone game was developed by Alzheimer’s Research UK and allows players to take part in dementia research by playing a simple game.

“It’s a really fun game and we’re asking the taxi drivers to do that so we can compare their performance to the general public,” reveals Stephanie.

It is hoped that the research project can continue long-term, following participants as they get older.

“If we get a big enough group to stay with us long-term, we can look at things like what happens if someone retires or takes a few years off from driving, does their hippocampus shrink back down to the normal size or does it stay enlarged for the rest of their life?” asks Stephanie.

As the research progresses, these results could lead to a greater understanding of why changes occur in the brain and if there is a protective mechanism that makes London taxi drivers unique in their development.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about the Taxi Brains Project by visiting www.spierslab.com

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Learning to adjust The transition into and out of the summer holidays or even the lead up to going on a trip away can feel overwhelming for an autistic child, but the right preparation can change the experience for the whole family

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ith the summer holidays approaching, you might already be thinking about the return to school in August or September. Every autistic child is different, but learning from other parents can help with this transition.

Alex and Jenny have been working on this with their son Ben, who is now eight, since he was in nursery and have now found what works for them.

“We like to prepare for what’s happening weeks in advance because even once you get through one change, there can be another one and that doesn’t always make sense to your child,” highlights Alex.

Alex, Jenny and Ben

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

When Ben was younger, Alex and Jenny would start their prep up to four weeks before the return to nursery or school, but over the years this has decreased as the family found what was effective and what wasn’t.

“In the build-up of going back to school we have a set routine of getting up, washing his face and brushing his teeth, and then putting his uniform or clothes on,” explains Jenny. “We always explain weeks in advance that he will be going back to school soon because we can’t just spring that on him.

“All autistic children are different and what works for Ben might not necessarily work for someone else,

The best piece of advice we can give is to prepare with plenty of time

but I think the best piece of advice we can give is to prepare with plenty of time.”

For Ben, a greater understanding of what was happening and why he had to prepare came as he got older and the process has gotten easier every time.

“It does sound like a grind but it’s worthwhile and it will wind down each year,” emphasises Alex. “Our nursery actually suggested picture books originally for any change of scenery whether it’s school or a holiday, just having that visual of what will happen next.”

Alex and Jenny have found that positive language is essential and helps Ben look forward to the return to school.

“Even if what’s happening next is boring, it has to be a good thing,” stresses Alex. “Going back to school has to be a positive: you’re going to see your friends again, have fun with them again, go on school trips again. It’s not sugar-coating it, but it’s

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positive reinforcement.”

“Saying things like you’re going to meet so many new children, have a really nice teacher and your classroom is going to have so many new and interesting things to do,” adds Jenny.

SUMMER TRIPS

These same steps can be useful if you’re planning to go on a trip this summer whether it’s in the UK or further afield. Alex, Jenny and Ben will be jetting off to their favourite holiday spot, Majorca.

“We have been travelling with him since he was little, before he even went to nursery, and I’m sure that has helped, but we also have different ways that we prepare,” offers Alex.

“We’re off to Majorca towards the end of May and he’s actually really excited about it.”

Alex and Jenny would encourage other families to use a countdown to the event and to create familiarity around what will happen during travel

and on the holiday itself.

“You might do some kind of visualising of what they’ll do when on holiday, like going swimming or to the beach,” suggests Alex. “Google Maps or even online pictures are a huge help because you can plan what you’re going to do and show them in advance.

“A great thing we’ve found is that when we get to the hotel we know there’s a shop around the corner that sells ice creams. If you can tell them that when they arrive they’ll go there and it happens soon after turning up, it reinforces the whole plan and there’s quickly trust in what’s going on,” reveals Alex.

Ben also helps to pack his suitcase in the week leading up to a holiday and has a travel buddy that he associates with going on trips. For him, this companion is a soft toy monkey, but it could be anything your child chooses.

“Something I would always say is buy two of everything if you can

afford to because something will inevitably get lost,” says Jenny.

The couple have learnt that a relaxing holiday with a schedule is better than pushing Ben to do a lot of new activities while away.

“You need a routine and you won’t always be doing big excursions or activities,” explains Alex. “It would be lovely to go see underground caves or go on a rollercoaster, but that probably isn’t going to happen.”

“I would say to turn off any really high expectations or the hope of trying lots of different things,” adds Jenny. “It’s more about being somewhere different but nicer than home and maintaining a routine as much as possible.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more tips and support around changes to routine during the school holidays, visit www.autism.org.uk

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Terms and Conditions *1. The prize draw is open to UK residents aged 18 or over. 2. To enter, entrants must purchase an RSA Home Insurance policy, between 1 January and 30 June 2022 and have a policy in force at the time of the prize draw to qualify. 3. Upon purchasing an RSA Home Insurance policy, customers will automatically be entered. To opt out of the prize draw, entrants should email motability.prizedraw@uk.rsagroup.com. 4. Entries are limited to one per person, per household. 5. The prize draw is conducted on the 16th of each month for policies sold the previous month. If the 16th falls on a weekend, the draw will take place the next working day. The final draw will take place on the 18th July. 6. Each month 25% of entrants will be chosen at random to win an armchair caddy as described. 7. There is no cash alternative and the prize is non-transferable. If, for any reason, the prize is unavailable, the promoter reserves the right to substitute it with one of similar value. 8. The prize will be sent within 60 days of the policy start date. 9. All entrants agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this prize draw. 10. Winners’ names and counties will be available on request by sending an SAE to the promoter by emailing motability.prizedraw@uk.rsagroup.com within 6 months of the closing date.

11. The decisions of the promoter are final, and no correspondence will be entered into. 12. The promoter is Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. St. Mark’s Court, Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1XL. 13. Winners will not be required to participate in any publicity. **An average of £34 will go to Motability Enterprises Limited. Based on RSA data November 2020 to October 2021. These funds are used by Motability to help disabled people with their personal mobility. Motability Enterprises Limited (Registered No. 1786053 England and Wales) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Motability (a Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 299745 and in Scotland No. SC050642) both of which have their registered office at Warwick House, Roydon Road, Harlow, Essex CM19 5PX. Motability Enterprises Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. Motability Home Insurance is administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd (No. 93792) registered in England and Wales at St. Mark’s Court, Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1XL. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Calls may be recorded and monitored.

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EMBRACING

Accessible beauty brands Blogger and disability advocate Emily Davison discusses the top beauty brands you need to know about if you’re blind or visually impaired

VictoriaLand Beauty US-based skincare brand VictoriaLand Beauty (www.victorialandbeauty.com) offers some innovative solutions for their visually impaired customers. Their boxes include embossed QR codes that link to an audio file containing product information. Additionally, all of their products feature a tactile symbol to distinguish each product.

L’Occitane

L’Occitane (uk.loccitane. com) is a luxury beauty brand selling everything from skincare to body care and cosmetics. The brand includes braille on their packaging and bottles which indicates the product name for users of the tactile writing system.

Even their flagship store in Regent Street, London features braille buttons in the lift.

Cleanlogic Cleanlogic (www.cleanlogic.com) is a US brand that makes sustainable bath and body accessories, all made with Organic Certified Cotton. The brand also features braille on all of their packaging which states the name of the product. Plus, a percentage of their sales are donated to various sight loss organisations.

Herbal Essences Haircare brand Herbal Essences (www.herbalessences.co.uk) recently developed a tactile feature for their blind users to distinguish their

shampoo from their conditioner bottles. As they are both the same shape, the brand implemented raised dots on their shampoo bottles and raised lines on their conditioner bottles to make telling them apart easier if you are unable to see them.

Humanrace Humanrace (www.humanrace.com) is a gender-neutral skincare brand created by rapper and producer Pharrell Williams. The boxes all feature braille stating the name of the product inside and the products themselves have the brand name brailed onto them. This makes it easier to narrow down your selection if you are a braille user.

There is still an incredibly long way to go to making the beauty industry accessible to the sight loss community, but these brands are trailblazing the way forward for others to hopefully follow suit.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Keep up with Emily on her blog www.fashioneyesta.com or via Instagram @fashioneyesta2012

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PIC: © EMILY DAVISON VIA INSTAGRAM

I

’m one of the 285 million people in the world living with sight loss. Like many, I know the struggle to find and use products in my beauty routine.

The beauty industry Emily is worth $511billion worldwide, and this figure is only set to rise over the coming years.

Much of this massive, multi-billiondollar industry lacks when it comes to accessible and inclusive design, but there are some brands doing great work to make their products more inclusive for visually impaired people. These are just some of them.

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Life after

MENINGITIS

Meningitis can affect anyone of any age, but many people don’t have a full understanding of the condition past the common signs and symptoms that new parents are urged to look out for by their doctor

I

n recent years, the number of meningitis cases has decreased, thought to be a side effect of social distancing and isolation during the coronavirus pandemic. As the world opens up and people begin to mix again, it’s more important than ever that more of the population are aware of the signs and symptoms of the infection. Here, Victoria, whose son Sebastian had meningitis twice as a baby, and Holly, who had meningitis when she was an infant, share their experiences and what they wish people knew about the long-term effects.

VICTORIA When Victoria’s son Sebastian was eight days old, his behaviour changed and she knew something was wrong.

Trusting her gut instinct, Victoria rushed him to hospital where he received a meningitis diagnosis.

“He suddenly went from being a really happy baby, waving his arms around and being lively, to being in and out of sleep and crying a lot,” remembers Victoria.

After being seen by doctors, Sebastian began to have seizures which led to him being put into a coma. As a result of the infection,

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Sebastian, who is now eight, has learning difficulties and epilepsy, but he also went on to have meningitis a second time when he was eight months old.

“Before he had it I’d heard of meningitis, but just what I had seen on posters in my doctor’s waiting room,” recalls Victoria. “Everyone says there’s the rash that doesn’t disappear under a glass, but Sebastian never had a rash.

When you hear meningitis, you assume that it’s a killer, that it’s not something you recover from, or at least that’s what I thought I knew.”

The long-term effects of meningitis mean Sebastian also has difficulty communicating his emotions and with his speech.

“Every day is a learning curve,” highlights Victoria. “We never really asked for help because we always thought there must be other people who need it more, but we still tried to help fundraise for Meningitis Now with my husband previously completing the London Marathon.”

Victoria and her husband reached out to the charity for support during the first coronavirus lockdown. During this time, Sebastian’s friends would ride their bikes up and down the street, but only having a

Sebastian

balance bike, Sebastian couldn’t keep up and felt left out.

“It was then that we looked into the fact that Sebastian still can’t ride a normal bike and getting a new, adapted bike, but we realised that we were never going to be able to afford it on our own,” explains Victoria.“We emailed the charity and within a few months everything was sorted.”

Sebastian can now enjoy bike rides with his friends. As Victoria and her family find new ways to support

Sebastian like this, she would urge other parents to trust their instinct and learn more about the effects of meningitis. Speaking on this and raising a child with a disability, she says: “Take every day as it comes, bringing up a child with a disability is no different to a child without: you still don’t know what each day is going to bring.

“Enjoy every achievement that they have, always give encouragement and just let them show you what they enjoy.”

HOLLY Like Sebastian, Holly, who is now 24, had meningitis when she was just a baby and didn’t have the rash that many people associate with the infection. When she was 14 months old, Holly’s mum went to see her doctor multiple times, insisting that something was wrong.

“My mum had this feeling that something wasn’t right, even though she had no idea what,” explains Holly. “She kept taking me back to the doctors and by the time they realised something was seriously wrong they had to give me antivirus drugs in one dose rather than over 48 hours.”

This was a shock to Holly’s body and as a side effect she lost her hearing, and has experienced additional effects.

“My recovery took a long time, I think it was a good few years going back and forth to the hospital,” reveals Holly. “After that my journey was very much about deafness and learning how to hear again, I didn’t actually connect the meningitis side of things until quite recently.”

Soon after her diagnosis, Holly was fitted with her first cochlear implant, but 36 enablemagazine.co.uk

she didn’t get her second one until she was around nine years old.

“With cochlear implants the main thing is that practice of learning to hear again, it takes a long time and a lot of perseverance and patience,” explains Holly. “I also have difficulty concentrating which is something a lot of people experience after having meningitis, it’s like you get waves of heavy brain fog that won’t go away.”

In recent years, Holly has connected with Meningitis Now and got to meet other people with a similar experience.

Since then, she’s also become a Believe and Achieve peer mentor with the charity, supporting other young people who have had meningitis.

“It can be really life-changing so meeting other people who have had it can make you feel understood and recognised,” expresses Holly.

Now, Holly wants people to be more aware that meningitis can affect anyone at any point in their life.

“It can affect absolutely anyone and everyone, not just young babies,” stresses

Holly

Holly. “In recent years there’s been a surge in university students getting it, and it isn’t always obvious: the symptoms can be unrecognisable.

People always talk about the rash, but the only thing to show I had it was a high temperature.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Find out more about meningitis and the signs to look out for at www.meningitisnow.org, or call the Meningitis Now helpline on 0808 8010 388

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Time to attack

MND

Raising awareness while funding research and support, the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation is helping to change the lives of people living with Motor Neurone Disease and their families

W

hen former football player Stephen Darby was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), he knew what he had to do next: help other people who were also learning to live with the condition.

Stephen and Chris

LAUNCH

“I was diagnosed on 12 September 2018 and from that day really I knew I wanted to set up the foundation,” remembers Stephen. “Being told I had MND and there was nothing that could be done was hard, I wanted to set it up and help others who were in the same situation.”

After Stephen received his diagnosis, veteran, campaigner and a friend of Stephen’s brother, Chris Rimmer, reached out to offer support. Chris received an MND diagnosis in 2015 but sadly passed away on 18 April 2022.

Both Stephen and Chris had the same goals and together set up the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation to attack MND.

OBJECTIVES

The foundation has three main objectives: awareness, support and research. Since 2018, they have been achieving these by holding events, raising essential funds for support grants and donating money to research projects around the UK. “When you’re diagnosed the doctors don’t have any answers, yet you have so many questions,” reveals Stephen.

“You find you get a lot of strength from the MND community and those who are living and battling through it.”

38 enablemagazine.co.uk

It’s massive that you speak to others who are going through the same thing Since its launch, the foundation has worked with the MND Association, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and former rugby player Rob Burrow.

“We’ve been very lucky to have an amazing amount of support so those objectives have stayed the same since we launched,” explains Stephen. “We’ve been able to raise awareness through different events including a football game when we launched which raised over £250,000.

“We’ve donated £150,000 towards the MND Association for grant support, they process grants on our behalf that go towards accessories, recliner chairs, different things that someone with MND and their family might need for daily living.”

Currently, the foundation has also donated more than £650,000 to eight research projects to help find a treatment or cure for MND.

SUPPORT

The foundation continues to raise awareness and funds for research, but emotional support and community has always been at its heart.

“I think that people receiving a diagnosis can find support in different ways, some people have support through family and friends but for those who don’t there are support groups out there,” offers Stephen.

The MND Association (www. mndassociation.org) provides a host of local and national support as well as advice and financial aid.

“It’s massive that you speak to others who are going through the same thing because they can give their advice on what you’re going through and they understand,” stresses Stephen. “The biggest thing I’d say is although you are hit with this devastating news, try and still be positive, try and focus on things you can do rather than what you can’t.

“Having a positive mindset certainly goes a long way.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation at www.darbyrimmermnd.co.uk

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THE GREAT BRITISH SUMMER When someone mentions British summers, you might think of strawberries and cream or the prospect of more than a few days of sun. As we approach the new season, it’s time to get planning and find new opportunities to try out activities, meet friends and family outdoors, and to tackle isolation

Get social

With longer days and higher temperatures, the summer provides a great opportunity to socialise outdoors. Organising a picnic, barbeque, activity or just a chat with friends or family outside can help combat loneliness and ease you back into your social calendar after more than two years at home. Did you know that humans have an innate need to be around plants and the outdoors? Biophilia is the human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings. Heading for a picnic in a nearby park could come with added benefits like stress reduction, increased vitamin D intake and improvements to sleep.

Always remember to clean up after your picnic, clearing any rubbish left over from food or disposable barbeques.

You could have a greenspace near you that you don’t even know about, but there are resources to help you find your closest outdoor space or park. The Ordnance Survey OS Greenspace tool (getoutside. ordnancesurvey.co.uk) is available online and in the GetOutside app, helping you to discover greenspaces, country parks, nature reserves and access land. This is Britain’s most comprehensive catalogue of the spaces, with the inclusion of sports spaces, golf courses, allotments, play spaces and more.

The UK Government has a similar tool that lets you find your closest park, open space, playground, nature reserve or sports pitches.

Visit www.gov.uk and enter your postcode to find spots in England and Wales.

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Get active

During the summer months, seeing other people socialising with groups of loved ones can feel isolating, but this time presents a great opportunity to meet new people through activities and hobbies. Whether it’s something creative or adding a new exercise into your routine, there’s a whole host of ways to make connections during the summer.

You could have a seasoned green thumb or you might never have owned a house plant before, but gardening is a simple and accessible way to start something new. You don’t need to have a lot of space or be an expert to start gardening: you can add a window box while the sun is out or even join a local gardening club to learn more from people who already love it. The Royal Horticultural Society (www.rhs.org.uk), The Gardeners Club (www.gardenersclub.co.uk) and Garden Club (www. gardenclub.org) all have tools to help you find local clubs and opportunities, or you could search for a local Facebook group to connect with people nearby.

These resources can also help you find local allotments or community gardens, or you can contact Thrive (www.thrive.org.

Humans have an innate need to be around plants and the outdoors

uk) and Carry On Gardening (www. carryongardening.org.uk) for gardening advice specific to people with a disability.

When you aren’t busy planting, you could take up a new form of exercise and meet like-minded people. If you or your loved one attend a day centre, or are connected with a disability-specific charity, they should be able to give you advice on what is available in your area. Parasport (www. parasport.org.uk) have a helpful postcode search tool to help you find sports clubs and activities near where you live.

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EATING SEASONAL

Get out and about Embrace the warmer weather with a day out this summer and head to one of the UK’s many beauty spots or attractions. Great British Gardens (www.greatbritishgardens.co.uk) has a list of every Botanical Garden in England, Scotland and Wales along with garden-specific pages that detail what disabled access is available, whether you can purchase refreshments on site and if you can bring your four-legged friend along for your day out.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next day trip, Visit England (www.visitengland.com), Visit Scotland (www.visitscotland.com) and Visit Wales (www.visitwales.com) are a great source of information, detailing everything from local historical sites and the best locations to take

children, to the top places to eat and how to get there from your local area.

Finding accessible trails close to where you live can open doors to accessible walks and cycles that can be done solo, with a friend or in a group. The National Cycle Network is a UK-wide network of paths and routes for walking, cycling and wheeling. In 2020, this was recorded as having 12,739 miles of signed routes, but this is due to grow in coming years thanks to plans from active travel charity Sustrans (www.sustrans.org.uk). You can also find your nearest Wheels for All inclusive cycling centre through Cycling Projects (www.cycling.org.uk), or use the Cycling UK website (www.cyclinguk.org) for tips on how to get out on your bike safely.

Tailoring your shopping and meals to seasonal produce can save you money and give your recipes more flavour. Whether you are harvesting your own or heading to the supermarket, throughout the summer a range of fruit and vegetables are in season in the UK. VEGETABLES • Carrots • Cucumbers • Lettuce • Tomatoes • Runner beans FRUIT • Blueberries • Cherries • Raspberries • Currants • Blackberries

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Find inspiration for your next day out or picnic spot from the National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk).

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We all welcome a little extra assistance now and again, particularly when travelling alone. Thistle Assistance is an initiative to help you feel safer and more comfortable when using public transport.

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SUMMER HOLIDAY READY It’s almost time for summer to arrive and that means one thing: holiday planning

A

s the warmer weather arrives, it’s time to start thinking about the summer holidays. There’s plenty of ways to start your planning whether you want to stay in the UK or head abroad after more than two years of travel restrictions.

PLANNING

No matter if you’re heading on a staycation or hoping for some sun abroad, there’s plenty of tools to help you plan your next trip and ensure your travel and accommodation meets your needs. Organisations including Euans Guide (www.euansguide.com) and Tourism for All (www.tourismforall. org.uk) can help you find accessible destinations in the UK, while the Virgin Holidays special assistance team (www.

virginholidays.co.uk) and Limitless Travel (www.limitlesstravel.org) can aid with trips further afield.

If you’re going abroad, check that you meet the country’s vaccination criteria before booking and speak to your doctor or consultant if you are concerned about being fit to travel.

Always ensure documents like your passport are still valid and that you have any medication or necessary equipment ready to go.

If you’re travelling by plane, you should be able to book special assistance when you buy your tickets.

This lets the airline know that you need support at the airport and during your flight, but it can help to contact them at least 48 hours in advance to discuss what support you require.

When travelling by train or coach,

the support available will be different depending on the service provider. If you’re using the Eurostar (www.eurostar.com) to visit mainland Europe, you can take advantage of assistance with luggage and boarding; wheelchair spaces; wheelchair accessible toilets; braille buttons on train doors; quiet carriages and discounted fares.

If you’re planning to take your car abroad, check that your insurance allows this and that you have breakdown cover for while you’re there.

If you use the Motability Scheme to lease your car, you will need a special certificate called a VE103 to take your vehicle abroad. RAC Mobility Assist (www.rac.co.uk) can help you get this, but it has to be requested at least three weeks before your trip.

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Portmeirion

Before you click book, it’s important to do your research. This can be an exciting part of your holiday planning, but it can also be stressful. It helps to speak with people who have similar access needs to you about previous positive experiences, or you could see if a blogger you follow has any recommendations for good, accessible destinations.

Watching city tours on YouTube is a great way to determine whether different locations are a good fit for you. You could even join an accessible travel group or online forum to ask questions before you book. Tripadvisor (www.tripadvisor.co.uk) and FlyerTalk (www.flyertalk.com) both have forums about travelling with disabilities, or you could use TabiFolk (www.tabifolk.com), a social network for people to share information and ask questions about accessible and inclusive travel.

After more than two years of travel restrictions, you might be keen to get abroad

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DESTINATIONS

Your perfect holiday destination will depend on your unique needs and the activities you want to do while you’re there, but there are some great options both at home and abroad.

If you want to stay here in the UK, you could head to Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, to take in historical sites before going on a short train ride to Glasgow – the country’s most accessible city. Add a slice of the Mediterranean into your staycation with a trip to Portmeirion in Wales.

This tourist destination was designed and built in the style of an Italian village with most of the main squares and attractions being accessible. For music fans, a trip to Liverpool could be the perfect fit, especially as the city has been voted as the UK’s most accessible.

After more than two years of travel restrictions, you might be keen to get abroad. Luxembourg City won the 2022 Access City Award and was recognised by a jury of accessibility experts for its wide range of innovative solutions to enhance accessibility for disabled residents and visitors. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, and Barcelona, Spain, came in second and third place for the award.

Wherever you decide to go, ensure you plan ahead to have the best holiday possible.

Take a break with Revitalise

Give yourself some time to switch off, relax and have fun this summer with Revitalise. The respite holiday provider is now taking summer bookings for disabled people and carers at their two centres: Sandpipers in Southport and Jubilee Lodge in Chigwell, Essex.

Both centres are fully accessible with equipment provided and expert care support and volunteers on site to assist you or your loved one.

Utilise your stay to try new things, visit new places, meet people and make new friends. This summer, you can enjoy live evening entertainment and events like live music, comedians, quizzes and casino nights, as well as daily activities.

For younger guests, Revitalise run several Youth Weeks throughout the year for people aged 18 to 40. The Summer Youth Party returns on 1 August 2022* where their centres will transform into a lively hub of activity with late-night parties and unmissable entertainment.

Find out more about Revitalise online (www.revitalise.org.uk), or contact their team by calling 0303 303 0145 or emailing bookings@revitalise.org.uk

*subject to change

RESEARCH

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Going live This summer, live events are back and that includes gigs and festivals. These are a great way to spend time with friends, see your favourite artists live and meet new people

RESEARCH When you’re deciding what festival or gig to attend, there’s different points to take into consideration depending on your needs. Look for things like: complimentary personal assistant or carer tickets; whether wheelchair accessible campsites are available; accessible toilets and showers; if the venue or festival stages will have viewing platforms; accessible shuttle buses from campsites; disabled parking spaces.

Amenities like electric wheelchair charging stations, free refrigerated medication storage and whether electric or manual wheelchairs are available to hire can be especially helpful at a festival, but you might need to contact the organisers directly to enquire.

These are just some of the disability-specific measures you should consider before purchasing tickets to a gig or festival, but your research should stretch further than the event itself. If you’re travelling to a different city to attend, look into where you will stay, what medical facilities are nearby and the destination’s disability access for everything from restaurants to public transport. This extra work is essential if you’re going somewhere you have never been before or travelling

without the support of a carer.

Euans Guide (www.euansguide. com) is a great resource to find out about the accessibility of different cities and venues.

Attitude is Everything (www. attitudeiseverything.org.uk) is an organisation improving deaf and disabled people’s access to live music and awards different festivals and organisers with awards based on their accessibility.

FESTIVALS Whether you’re already planning to attend a festival this summer or you’re planning for the future, these events are known for being inclusive of the disability community.

GLASTONBURY

www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk Taking place in Pilton, Somerset, Glastonbury tickets are some of the most in demand in the UK, but the festival is continually highlighted as the country’s most accessible.

Glastonbury has many of the features that make it a good inclusive festival including a PA 2-for-1 ticket scheme, mental health and wellbeing support, accessible campsites and the chance to register in advance for accessible facilities.

GREEN MAN FESTIVAL

www.greenman.net This independent Welsh festival is packed with events and is centred around music, science and arts.

Held in the Brecon Beacons, the festival is committed to providing an inclusive experience and has recently received a silver award from Attitude is Everything. Some accessibility facilities have to be booked in advance of attending, but information on these is available in easy read format and with audio descriptions.

TRNSMT

www.trnsmtfest.com If you would rather not camp, Glasgow’s TRNSMT festival could be the right fit for you. The festival has the gold level of Attitude is Everything’s Charter of Best Practice and a host of measures and guidance around accessibility. These include free accessible parking, ‘can’t wait’ cards for toilets and two types of accessibility wristband.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Always contact event organisers directly to enquire about your specific requirements before purchasing tickets.

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47

enable life

thediary 17 MAY ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2022

Park Plaza Hotel, Victoria, London www.alzheimers.org.uk Highlighting the theme of Diagnosis, this year’s conference will delve into key issues around the diagnosis of dementia alongside the diagnostic and post-diagnostic pathway for dementia. The conference is perfect for policy makers, professional bodies, health and social care professionals and people with an association to dementia. All sessions from the in-person event will also be available online.

22 MAY ABSEIL FOR AUTISM

PIC: © MILES WILLIS

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London www.autism.org.uk Calling all adrenaline junkies: help raise vital funds for the National Autistic Society and change attitudes by taking part in this 80-metre abseil from the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

While fundraising you will receive dedicated support from a member of the events team before taking part on the day.

JULY 6-7 JULY NAIDEX

NEC, Birmingham www.naidex.co.uk It’s almost time for Europe’s most established annual event dedicated to supporting people with a disability.

This year, more than 200 exhibitors will showcase the latest mobility solutions, tech innovations, products and much more. Attendees can also see speakers on the Main Stage including Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, listen to panel debates, attend a range of seminars and visit the Mobility Test Track. With two days packed with information and events, there’s something for everyone.

Exciting events to attend this summer

MAY 17 MAY KIDZ TO ADULTZ SOUTH

Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, Farnborough www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk Based in a fully accessible venue with free parking, this Kidz to Adultz exhibition will feature more than 140 exhibitors covering topics like funding, seating, sporting activities, holidays and more. Great for disabled people, families and professionals, the event has something for everyone with free CPD-accredited seminars during the exhibition.

JUNE 8-29 JUNE LIVING WELL WITH SIGHT LOSS COURSE: FOCUS ON CONFIDENT LIVING

National phone group www.rnib.org.uk

This four week phone group is open to all residents of the UK, taking place every Wednesday from 10:30am to 12pm. The course looks at how you can make the most of your remaining vision, exploring aspects like low vision assessments; lighting; products and services; magnification; colour contrast.

12 JUNE ST ALBANS WHEELCHAIR HALF MARATHON

Verulamium Park, St Albans www.stalbanshalfmarathon.com Whether you’re a seasoned racer or you’re ready to take part in your first half marathon, it’s time to start training.

This 13.1 mile wheelchair race starts and finishes in Verulamium Park with stunning views throughout the route, plus, it features a cash prize for the person who finishes in first place.

If you have any events coming up in July or August 2022 email us at diary@enablemagazine.co.uk with the details for inclusion in next issue’s diary page.

48 enablemagazine.co.uk

Car insurance adapted for you If your vehicle has been adapted or modified to cater for your disability, or you’re a carer who needs bespoke cover, experienced insurance experts at Adrian Flux can talk you through our tailor made policies.

Call Adrian Flux today to make even bigger savings with our newly reduced rates.

Policy benefits can include: M New for old cover on adaptations M Breakdown cover M Any driver cover available M And many more...

Call our UK team on 0800 587 5288 adrianflux.co.uk Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Trustpilot rating checked on 15th February 2022

Ask us about our new for old cover on adaptations

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RECIPE

Gino's rigatoni with chipolatas, courgettes and mascarpone SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 6 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 500g chipolata sausages, chopped into 2cm pieces 1 large courgette, chopped into 5mm cubes 200g pancetta, diced 500g dried rigatoni pasta 250g mascarpone cheese 100ml milk, at room temperature 60g finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more (optional) to serve Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pour 4 litres of water into a large saucepan, add 1 tbsp salt and bring to the boil.

Meanwhile, pour the olive oil into a large shallow saucepan and place over a medium heat. Add the onion and fry for 8 minutes. Place in the chopped sausages, courgette and pancetta and fry for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.

After about 15 minutes of cooking the vegetables and sausages, put the pasta into the boiling water and cook for 1 minute less than instructed on the packet, giving you the perfect al dente bite.

Spoon the mascarpone into the sausage mix and add a ladle of the boiling water from your cooking pasta. Add the milk to the sausage sauce and stir well until combined.

Sprinkle in the Parmesan, 1 tsp salt and 1⁄2 tsp pepper and allow to simmer for 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Turn off the heat and set aside.

When the pasta is ready, drain, then return it to the large pan in which it was cooked. Pour over the chipolata sauce and stir well, ensuring all the pasta is coated in the sauce. Equally divide the pasta between 4 warmed plates or large bowls and enjoy, sprinkled with a bit more cheese, if you like.

PIC: © HAARALA HAMILTON

STEPS

Extracted from Gino’s Italian Family Adventure: Easy Recipes the Whole Family will Love by Gino D’Acampo (published by Bloomsbury), £22 hbk.

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WIN

A RELAXING GIFT BOX WORTH £100 We’re giving readers the chance to win a relaxing gift box worth £100 from Don’t Buy Her Flowers

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estress and relax with the help of a relaxing gift box from Don’t Buy Her Flowers (www.dontbuyherflowers.com), containing a combination of items that are calming and soothing.

With over 250 products to choose from, Don’t Buy Her Flowers allows customers to create bespoke gift packages, perfect for the recipient and their taste.

Originally started to provide a different option when sending gifts to new mums, the business now has packages to suit every occasion from the sleep package to the cheese lovers package.

Whether you want to treat yourself or send a surprise to a friend, the opportunity to create your own tailored package makes this a fun and cost-effective method of gift giving.

Products can be chosen from a wide range of categories that include: beauty, skincare and relaxing; snacks, treats and meals; drinks and refreshments; entertainment and stationery; accessories and clothing; extras for baby and kids. There’s something to suit everyone’s unique taste.

There are also packages to support people currently going through treatment for medical conditions. The Stand Up to Cancer Care Package was specially created for anyone going through cancer themselves or their families.

The company makes an annual donation to the charity to help

fund groundbreaking research, and has made more than £30,000 of donations to different charities throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

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to brownies and chocolate buttons, the relaxing gift box is a great companion for a pamper night in the house or to savour for moments when you need some extra relaxation.

HOW TO ENTER To be in with the chance of winning this prize, simply send us your name, contact details and where you picked up your copy of Enable to competitions@dcpublishing.co.uk quoting Relaxing Gift Box. Or visit the Enable website and enter online at:

www.enablemagazine.co.uk/relaxinggiftbox

All entries must be received by Monday 27 June 2022. Good luck!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: All entries must be received by Monday 27 June 2022. The prize is one relaxing gift box up to the value of £100 which will be sent to the winner. The contents of the prize may differ from the images and descriptions included here. The prize in non-transferable, non-refundable, there is no cash alternative and cannot be sold to another party. One entry per household. The publisher’s decision is final.

52 enablemagazine.co.uk

The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair without the worry of owning and running one. Parents and carers can drive on behalf of the customer.

The vehicle should be used by, or for the benefit of, the disabled person.

Making life easier for disabled people

“We went on our first family camping trip.

Something we couldn’t have done without the new car.”

Sam, Elisabeth’s mum

Who can join the Motability Scheme?

You may be able to join the Scheme if you receive one of the following: • Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

• Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS).

• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).

What’s included on the Motability Scheme?

Insurance Breakdown assistance Servicing and repairs

How Motability, the Charity can help We can provide charitable grants for: • Car adaptations to help make travelling as comfortable as possible.

• Vehicle Advance Payments for larger, more expensive vehicles.

• Up to 40 hours of driving lessons, to ensure disabled people have access to driving tuition in specially adapted cars as necessary.

To find out more visit motability.org.uk or call 0800 500 3186

Tyres and battery replacement

To find out more about the Motability Scheme visit motability.co.uk or call 0800 093 1000

11782_Motability_Sen_Advert_UPDATE_V1.indd 1

Motability is a Registered Charity in England and Wales (No.299745) and in Scotland (No.SC050642). Motability is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No.736309). All cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs provided under the Motability Scheme are leased to customers by Motability Operations Ltd, who operate the Scheme on a contract basis for Motability. Motability Operations Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No.735390).

19/01/2021 11:29

REVIEW

HYUNDAI BAYON Alisdair Suttie puts the Hyundai Bayon SUV range to the test

INSIDE Hyundai has struck just the right balance between clean-cut, modern lines and easy to use buttons in the Bayon driver’s environment.

Where many rivals now force you to operate everything through the infotainment screen, the Bayon still comes with simple controls for the heating and ventilation, as well as clearly defined steering wheel controls for most other needs.

Entry for the driver is easy through the wide-opening door and the seat is at a convenient height, and not high-set despite the SUV styling. The driving position is spot on and there’s plenty of adjustment in the seat height and steering

54 enablemagazine.co.uk

wheel settings to achieve ideal comfort. All-round vision is excellent and every Bayon comes with a reversing camera to make parking a piece of cake.

The SE Connect trim has an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the higher two trims upgrade this to 10.25-inch. Both sizes have clear menus and are simple to navigate, though we’d like the response to our commands to be a little quicker.

There can be a fraction’s delay that sometimes has you tapping the screen twice, which can be distracting while driving. On the plus side, rear seat and luggage space are good for this class of compact SUV.

enable motoring

Easy to live with, easy on the wallet, and easy to like

The Hyundai Bayon is available through Motability with no Advance Payment.

Find out more at www.motability. co.uk

EQUIPMENT The SE Connect is the starter trim in the Bayon range and comes with 16inch alloy wheels, cruise control, rear parking sensors and camera. There’s an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition and a host of safety equipment. The Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, and rear privacy glass. Inside, it has the larger 10.25inch infotainment screen, climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, and wireless phone charging. The Ultimate has two-tone fabric upholstery, keyless entry, upgraded stereo, blind spot warning, and Lane Follow Assist to keep a safe distance from the car in front.

DRIVING You have a choice of 100 or 120hp 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines in the Bayon. The SE Connect only comes with the lower powered motor, but you can pick between the six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed auto. We’d take the auto for its smooth shifts and ease of driving, plus there’s no difference in fuel economy as both versions offer a combined average of 53.3mpg.

The more powerful 120hp motor is ideally suited to those who cover more miles as its extra surge helps when joining a motorway and for high-speed cruising.

Also, as it returns the same 53.3mpg as the 100hp version regardless of whether you have a manual or auto transmission, there’s no penalty for having that extra reserve of power.

The three-cylinder engine has a happy beat that is refined in town, though it’s a bit noisier at higher speeds than rivals like the Ford Puma.

However, the Bayon has a smoother ride, fine handling, and light steering.

As for the hybrid power, you won’t notice it working as the car pulls away on electric power or as the petrol engine joins in.

SUMMARY Easy to live with, easy on the wallet, and easy to like, the Hyundai Bayon is a very sound small SUV choice.

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THE BIG EVENT AND ONE BIG DAY RETURN The Big Event and One Big Day events are back in-person for 2022

I

n 2022, the Motability Scheme’s face-to-face events are back with the return of The Big Event and the regional One Big Day events.

With the latest range of products available on display and Scheme experts on hand, visitors can have their questions answered on the day.

REASONS TO ATTEND

This year’s programme of events kicks off with The Big Event at the NEC in Birmingham on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 May 2022. The two-day flagship event is the Scheme’s biggest event of the year, showcasing a large range of cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), adaptations, powered wheelchairs and scooters. Visitors will be able to go on test drives with the supervision of professional driving instructors.

For 2022, the Scheme has introduced the Electric Vehicle Info Hub, featuring a selection of electric vehicles, home charging points from partners Ohme and Easee, the latest charging app technology and a chance to speak to electric vehicle (EV) experts. The Hub provides an opportunity for visitors to learn more about EVs and discover if it is the right choice for them.

Alongside the wide range of products on display, Speaker Sessions are back. Running on both days, attendees will hear the latest news about the Motability Scheme, its products, EVs and other motoring and accessibility related topics. The full line up will be released as the event draws closer.

STREAMING

Accessibility and inclusivity are always at the heart of The Big Event and this is no different in 2022. For people who are unable to attend the event face-to-face, it will also be live-streamed online. This means you can watch expert Speaker Sessions

56 enablemagazine.co.uk

EVENTS 20-21 May 2022 The Big Event, NEC Birmingham as they happen alongside exclusive interviews, product demos and event footage cams from across the two-day event, all from the comfort of your own home.

FULLY ACCESSIBLE

All Motability Scheme events have free parking and each venue is fully accessible with plenty of seating, cafés and accessible toilet facilities along with a children’s play area. Ear defenders are available on request at each event and a sensory room providing a quiet space can be found at every venue.

23 July 2022 One Big Day Exeter, Westpoint 13 August 2022 One Big Day Harrogate Yorkshire Event Centre 17 September 2022 One Big Day Edinburgh Royal Highland Centre FOR MORE INFORMATION

Find out more and keep up to date with event information at www.motabilityonebigday.co.uk, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/motability) or on Twitter (www.twitter.com/OneBigDay).

SET UP HOME IN CRYSTAL PALACE A collection of ground floor one and two bedroom wheelchair adaptable apartments for shared ownership

moathomes.co.uk/beulah-hill Eligibility criteria applies. In line with government priorities, top priority for these homes at Beulah Hill is awarded to serving military personnel and former members of the British Armed Forces honourably discharged in the last two years. Priority will be given to people who live and/or work in Croydon. Applicants must have an income (joint or single) of less than £90,000. Other eligibility may apply.

CROYDON WWW.CROYDON.GOV.UK

Rethinking your

home

We spend the majority of our time in the home and it should be a place of comfort and convenience that fits your individual style. There are plenty of ways to adapt or renovate your home to make it right for you

I

f you are unable to move home, or you simply don’t want to, staying in your current home doesn’t have to mean settling for a space that isn’t suitable for you. Adaptations and renovations can make your space fit for yours and your family’s needs. Changes big and small can make a big difference to your everyday living.

Kitchen The kitchen is often the most important room in the house for a family and there are plenty of adaptations that can make it more accessible. This space can also present multiple safety hazards that can be remedied. The oven and hob can be a dangerous area: installing an oven with a side opening door or a door that slides under when open can reduce the chance of burns and avoid having to lean over the open door for long periods of time.

If you are concerned about cuts and burns in the kitchen, avoid gas and traditional electric hobs and instead choose an induction hob. This modern option only heats up when a pan is placed on each ring, reducing the risk of touching a hot hob or forgetting to switch it off once you have finished cooking.

For some people, a complete kitchen renovation could be the best option to ensure your needs are met. If you decide to take this route, consider everything from the counter heights

58 enablemagazine.co.uk

to the type of light switch you want installed, always thinking about what your family’s needs might be in the future whilst planning.

Home specialist association KBSA (www.kbsa.org.uk) provide a host of tips and advice on creating an accessible and safe kitchen.

Bathroom Making changes to your bathroom is often the most expensive thing when adapting your current home due to the need for structural change and the requirement for different types of contractors like plumbers, joiners and tilers. Specialist companies like Fine and Able (www.fineandable.co.uk) can help you transform your current bathroom to fit your needs, all without compromising on style.

If you’re not ready to completely renovate this space, it doesn’t have to mean living with a bathroom that doesn’t work for you. Small adaptations can make a big difference.

Adding in a bath or shower seat is essential for people who cannot stand for prolonged periods of time. These can be built in or portable with some bath seats having a swivel and lower function that allows for an easy transfer into the bath.

Grab rails are one of the most common adaptations in homes and for good reason. These can be added temporarily or permanently to your bathroom and make it easier to avoid

enable housing

trips and falls by taking your full weight off the legs. If you want to install permanent grab rails always check that your walls will hold enough weight in the event of a fall, otherwise you might need to have these reinforced before proceeding with the adaptation.

Specifically designed to put the user in control, the Mera Care Shower Toilet from Geberit (www.geberit. co.uk) is smart, stylish and easy to use.

Its advanced technology gives users increased bathroom independence.

With adaptations available, the toilet fits different individuals’ needs, leaving users feeling cleaner and fresher with a comfortable, convenient and hygienic bathroom experience.

Wilma Morrison, who owns the Geberit AquaClean Mera Care, has regained her independence since having the product installed. She says: “Geberit has put the ‘personal’ back into

my personal care. I’ve never been so thankful for something in my life.”

Around the house Adapting individual spaces like the kitchen and bathroom can make a big difference, but accessibility should encompass your whole home. Installing a ramp or a stair lift can help if your home is on multiple levels. Adapting the door handles around the home so that they are easier to grip, adding easy grip handles to cupboards or taps, or adding pull handles can also be helpful.

Even repainting your home to differentiate between spaces can make a big difference if you or someone you share your home with has a visual impairment or is living with a condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s.

In social areas of the home, chairs,

Grab rails are one of the most common adaptations

risers, cushions and wireless devices should all be considered. The right chair, bed or cushion can help posture and relieve muscle pain, while risers make it easy to get in and out of a seated position. Many of these products can be bought from high street retailers rather than specialists, making it easier to find resources and do your research.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Always contact your local authority (www.gov.uk) to request a Needs Assessment before making any adaptations.

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STRIDENT ENABLE BATTERY ADVERT DEC 2021_Layout 1 07/12/2021 10:49 Page 1

MOTIVATION THROUGH INNOVATION

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Strident - a name yo y u can trust fo f r battery pow owe ow wer Supplying high perfo f rming battery power fo f r mobility scooters, powerchairs, stairlift fo f s, ft bath lift f s, hoists and more fo ft f r over 20 years, Strident batteries support your freedom and mobility taking you the extra mile.

A NEW INNOVATION IN DISABILITY SCOOTER DESIGN The real beauty of the Electrokart Ranger is the ease with which you can take it apart.

No other buggy folds away to be as neat and compact as the Ranger. It dismantles simply, in no time at all, to fit neatly into the boot of most saloons and all hatchbacks.

This off road mobility scooter is rugged built quality, constructed from high quality steel tubing, phosphated and epoxy coated to give longer life and all weather protection.

A k yo As y ur distributor fo f r fu f rther advise on the Strident brand of products or contact us to find yo y ur nearest installer

01362 300102 or email us at sales@strident.uk.com Strident Innov ova ov vations

Head office address: 50 Turbine Wa W y, Ecotech Business & Innovation Park, Swaff f ham, PE37 7XD ff

www ww ww. w.strident.uk.com

Adjustable steering column adjusts for comfort and easy, step-on access, with comfortable steel backed, foam filled and weatherproof bucket style seat as standard. With 2 x braked motors for safety.

RANGER with Lithium battery £3,225 HEAVY DUTY RANGER with a lithium battery £3,655 STABILITY GUARANTEED – EVEN ON THE TOUGHEST TERRAIN, YOU STAY STEADY AS A ROCK.

T: 01233 666 000 E: sales@electrokart.com www.electrokart.com

MADE IN ENGLAND

Accessible bathrooms designed around you At Fine & Able we create beautiful accessible bathrooms.

We are experts in blending form and function and are here to help make your bathroom easier to use in a style you love.

Book a free virtual or in person design consultation to start planning with us.

www.fineandable.co.uk 0808 134 2727

Book a free consultation today (Quote Enable22)

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Product Roundup Products to aid everyday living this spring and summer

SENSORY

ACCESSORIES

WEIGHTED LAP PAD

VITALITY WHEELCHAIR AND STROLLER UMBRELLA

Sensory Direct, £42.00

Vitality, £31.99 www.healthandcare.co.uk, 020 7720 2266

Stay protected from the sun this spring and summer with a wheelchair umbrella. Using an adjustable clip and a flexible handle, this umbrella can be used to shield against sun, rain, wind and insects and can easily be folded down to store when not in use.

HOME

www.sensorydirect.com, 01905 670500 This Soft and Snuggly Tactile Weighted Lap Pad is designed to apply calming deep pressure to the lap and upper legs, with the weight provided by plastic beads that mould themselves to the body or legs. This lap pad comes in two weights, one suitable for children and one suitable for older children, teens and adults.

BRAILLE LABELLER

Reizen, £34.99 ex VAT shop.rnib.org.uk, 0303 123 9999

This handheld braille labeller from Reizen allows you to produce braille labels without knowing the tactile writing system. A dial displays the alphabet and grammar signs in embossed braille and black print, allowing labels to be created in uncontracted braille (Grade 1) with some contractions available including the word ‘and’.

HEALTH

READING

EFEMIA BLADDER SUPPORT PESSARY

BODIES ARE COOL: A PICTURE BOOK CELEBRATION OF ALL KINDS OF BODIES

Available on NHS GP prescription, iMEDicare www.mypelvichealth.co.uk, 01923 237795

Tyler Feder, £7.99 www.waterstones.com

Teach your little one about different types of bodies or show them their body represented in this picture book by author and illustrator Tyler Feder. The body positive paperback is a judgement-free celebration of every body, shape and size, with each page dedicated to one physical aspect including height, size, scars and prosthetics.

GAMING

XBOX ADAPTIVE CONTROLLER

Microsoft, £74.99 www.xbox.com

Game your way with this adaptive controller for Xbox, created with input from disabled people and disabled people’s organisations.

This controller has been designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility and works with a range of other devices including switches, buttons, mounts and joysticks.

This reusable, comfortable and effective device has been created for women with Stress Urinary Incontinence. Made from soft and flexible material, the Efemia Bladder Support Pessary is easily inserted and removed from the vagina in a similar way to a tampon. The device can be reused daily for up to three months or as needed.

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SUBSCRIBE TODAY Subscribe to Enable Magazine and be in with the chance of winning a four-night break with Hoe Grange Holidays

E

ach issue of Enable Magazine is bursting with relevant and exclusive content from real life stories and celebrity interviews to advice and spotlight features on the topics that really matter.

Subscribe to Enable by 30 August 2022 to be in with a chance of winning a four-night, midweek break in a luxurious wheelchair accessible log cabin with Hoe Grange Holidays.

Based on a farm in the stunning Peak District countryside, up to four guests can enjoy this prize with extra equipment included such as a mobile hoist, profile bed and shower chair. You could win this relaxing, peaceful break including one day’s free hire of a Boma 7 off-road wheelchair to explore the farm fields and local trails.

For full terms and conditions see www.enablemagazine.co.uk/ hoegrange22

WHAT DOES IT COST? You can subscribe for either one or two years at a time.

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May/June 2022

A free support service for everyone living with a spinal cord injury Navigator is a free patient support service delivered by Fittleworth that has been created for people living with a spinal cord injury. It is designed to help you find your way by providing useful information as well as connecting you with a personal expert to help with specific needs.

When you join the Navigator service, you receive:•

Your own personal navigator managing your prescriptions and giving you expert support and advice on living with a spinal cord injury

•

Your continence supplies delivered to your door each month from Fittleworth

•

Online ordering and Live Chat facilities to make requesting your products simple

•

Access to our online portal of blogs and advice from experts on living with a spinal cord injury

We look after more than 800 people living with a spinal cord injury and joining is completely hassle free.

Let us know a few details and we will manage the rest and ensure you have everything you need when it is required.

Ring your Navigator hotline to join today on 0800 373 858 Contact the Navigator team via email at navigator@fittleworth.com

Dani

Harriet

Nikki

Beverley

Scan to find out more:

Tackling the

COST of LIVING

The price of everyday items and bills is on the rise, this can be especially concerning if you have additional costs relating to a disability. Find ways to save money and access support RECURRING COSTS

Taking time to check over your bank statements every three to six months can help you spot subscriptions and costs that can be removed or reduced. This check in can cover everything from streaming service subscriptions to your home insurance. During this time, check if you are eligible for a council tax discount: this applies if only one adult lives in your home, if you are on a low income, or if you live with a person with a disability and your home meets certain criteria. Find out more from your local authority or the UK Government website (www.gov.uk).

ENERGY AND FUEL

Charity Scope (www.scope.org. uk) runs a free Disability Energy Support service, allowing you to make an appointment and speak with an expert adviser. They will talk you through the different help available and ways you could save on your energy and fuel bills.

If you have a prepayment meter in your home and are struggling to make payments, you could be eligible for a fuel voucher. This is a code given to you by your local council which can be used to add credit to your gas card or electricity key. Contact your local council directly to find out if you can utilise this service or if there are other schemes specific to your area.

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RE-ASSESSMENT

Regardless of your age, a reassessment of your needs or eligibility for support could help you handle the increasing cost of living. For some things you can do this yourself: you can conduct a benefits eligibility test on the UK Government website (www.gov.uk) to ensure you are getting all of the support you are entitled to. In England and Wales, you can also request a needs assessment.

This is a health and social care assessment which is carried out by the social services team in your local area to see what help and support you need.

Depending on your needs and situation, social services could then provide home care help with things like cleaning and shopping; disability equipment and adaptations to your home; day centres; day care for your child; help with care homes. It’s important to remember that during things like needs assessments, your support could decrease as well as increase, so seek advice on your personal situation before making this decision.

Finding ways to make small savings on everyday items can add up

SAVVY SPENDING

Finding ways to make small savings on everyday items can add up and help with your overall finances. If your local supermarket has a rewards scheme - like Tesco Clubcard or collecting Nectar points when you shop at Sainsbury’s - ensure you are signed up and using this every time you visit. Special Tesco Clubcard prices can see shoppers saving as much as 50 per cent on popular items. Making the switch to a different supermarket can also help: Lidl was named as the UK’s cheapest supermarket in 2021, but doesn’t provide a home delivery option so keep this in mind when deciding where to shop.

If you are tech savvy or have a carer who can help, you can download coupon and rewards apps to access discounts and receive cashback when you shop.

Sites like TopCashback UK (www. topchasback.co.uk), Quidco (www. quidco.com) and KidStart (www. kidstart.co.uk) all offer deals. You could use these services to take money off of your bills instead of receiving cashback. Airtime Rewards (www.airtimerewards.co.uk) gives you a percent back when you spend in selected stores and this can then be redeemed against your mobile phone bill.

If you do a big weekly or fortnightly shop, you could see big changes to your final cost.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit the Money Saving Expert website (www.moneysavingexpert.com) for further information and advice on budgeting.

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SUPPORT If you are struggling with increased costs, you’re concerned about debt or you just want to learn more about money, always reach out for support.

StepChange

www.stepchange.org 0800 138 1111 Working across the UK, StepChange provide free debt advice, helping people to find solutions. In 2020, the charity aided more than 24,000 people in becoming debt free. The organisation’s website provides easy-to-follow information on debt solutions, budgeting and more.

Money Helper

www.moneyhelper.org.uk 0800 138 7777 Previously known as the Money Advice Service, Money Helper is provided by the government but is a free, impartial source of financial guidance. The service covers all areas from benefits and money troubles to everyday money and pensions.

Turn2us

www.turn2us.org.uk 0808 802 2000 Created to provide information on benefits and grants, Turn2us has a number of calculators and search tools to help you find out if you’re eligible for additional financial support. This includes information on schemes to help with energy and water bills.

Money Advice Trust

www.moneyadvicetrust.org Supporting individuals, people who are self-employed and small businesses, the Money Advice Trust is a charity offering free guidance, but also working to influence policy and research around money.

National Debtline

www.nationaldebtline.org 0808 808 4000 Run by the Money Advice Trust, this service allows you to call or web chat with a specialist adviser. The service is available Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm, and 9:30am-1pm every Saturday.

Dosh

www.dosh.org Providing financial advocacy services, Dosh supports people with a learning disability to manage their money through advocacy, appointees and account management.

Mencap

www.mencap.org.uk 0808 808 1111 Learning disability charity Mencap has a range of online resources related to money. These guides are available in easy read format and cover everything from budgets and direct payments to what to do if you lose your support.

Stop Scams UK

www.stopscamsuk.org.uk 159 In the three months leading to 18 September 2021, nearly 45 million people received a scam call or text message. With these figures on the rise, always be wary of unusual messages and call Stop Scams UK on 159 if you are concerned.

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YOUR PENSION EXPLAINED

Building a pension can help you have a more stable future, and you can get money towards your pension even if you’re out of work for long periods of time

P

ensions are a tax-efficient way of saving money for when you are no longer working and come in three main forms: the state pension paid by the government; workplace pensions arranged by your employer; personal or private pensions that you set up yourself. You can save into different pensions at the same time as long as you stay within the tax-free limit each year, but it is unlikely you will reach this unless you are contributing your full salary.

When you reach 55-years-old, you can take money from your pension as a lump-sum, to use as income, or a combination of both. Otherwise, you will receive your pension when you reach retirement age.

IF YOU ARE UNWELL If you have to take an extended period off work due to illness and you are receiving Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), this will still mean contributions are being made to your workplace pension. Automatic enrolment legislation classifies SSP as qualifying earnings so during sick leave pension contributions will be paid by both you and your employer, but the amount will reflect your income at the time.

In this situation, you might not be able to afford to continue making pension contributions so it’s important to know about your other options.

If you are in receipt of any state benefits, check that you’re also receiving National Insurance Contributions

IF YOU CAN NO LONGER WORK While you can withdraw money from your pension once you turn 55, you might be able to start receiving an income from your pension earlier if you are very ill or no longer able to work. This applies regardless of your age, but you have to speak with your pension provider directly to see if it is possible.

These rules don’t apply to your state pension, but if you are in receipt of any state benefits, check that you’re also receiving National Insurance Contributions as these will count towards it.

UNDERSTANDING PENSION CREDIT Pension Credit can give you additional help with your living costs if you’re currently over state pension age and on a low income. Carers, disabled people and people responsible for a child or young person may qualify for this extra money.

These payments are separate from your state pension and you can still receive them if you have savings or own your home. If you collect Pension Credit, you could be eligible for further support like Housing Benefit, a council tax reduction or a free TV licence, find out more at www.gov.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Money Helper (www.moneyhelper.org.uk, 0800 011 3797) and The Pension Service (0800 731 7898, prefixed by 18001 if using Relay UK) can provide further information and advice on pensions.

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Where some see barriers, we see potential

United Response is a top national charity and we support people with learning disabilities and autism to get a job they love – and then thrive in it.

We also value the skills and lived experience of people with disabilities and autism to provide great support work and check that it’s being done well.

If either of these sound like you, please get in touch: For support, visit www.unitedresponse.org.uk/employment For vacancies, visit www.unitedresponse.org.uk/jobs Registered charity no. 265249 Photo © iStock

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PROMOTING

WELLBEING

For personal assistants and their employers, overall health and wellbeing is key to a good relationship and professional success

C

aring for your health and wellbeing is important for everyone, but personal assistants (PAs) need this to ensure they can care for and support others. Workforce development and planning body Skills for Care are working to improve access to wellbeing resources for PAs. Carol Reeves is a project manager at the organisation and has been involved in the sharing of wellbeing resources from Skills for Care and other trusted partners.

RISE

“Over the past couple of years, I think stress and burnout have really risen,” offers Carol. “Wellbeing has never been more important and it’s key that PAs look after their own emotional and support needs as well as those that they are supporting.”

The added pressure felt by PAs in recent years has stemmed from staff shortages in the sector and increased responsibilities during the pandemic, but these concerns have been mirrored by employers who are often struggling to find the right PA for them.

“It’s vital to find a person that fits with them and their personality as well as their wider network, plus someone who has the skills and knowledge needed to support them,” explains Carol. “It’s really important to get the right match because the relationship between the employer and a PA is usually quite intense.

“The vacancy rates reported to us by employers seem to suggest it’s getting harder to recruit and find the right person than it has been in the past.

There’s lots of challenges in the sector right now including competition with other types of employers, so the pool of available PAs is now smaller.”

RESOURCES

In the current climate, it’s key for PAs and employers to look after their

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wellbeing, and Skills for Care resources can help.

“We recognise that employers and PAs need support and so we have developed wellbeing resources to help,” reveals Carol. “We ran a webinar where we talked to employers about their experiences and things that have worked for them, and this is still available on our website.

“We also have our information hub where we have created a directory of support that can be used by both PAs and employers.”

This directory brings together Skills for Care resources and helpful links to outside organisations relevant to the social care sector.

“So much of wellbeing is about feeling in control, valued and loved, even financially secure,” adds Carol. “It helps when people can connect with others, be more active, or continue learning whether that’s academically or creatively: all of these things can build on self-esteem and give you confidence.

Skills for Care’s wellbeing resource finder and funding to support training can also help to manage workload, be a better employer and learn new skills, all aiding overall wellbeing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit www.skillsforcare.org.uk for wellbeing resources and training.

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TIME TO

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to gain transferable skills, help others and learn more about different industries 70 enablemagazine.co.uk

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I

f you are looking to learn new skills, build on existing ones, give back to your local community or meet new people, volunteering could be the right fit for you. For most volunteering opportunities you don’t need prior experience. It can be a great way to socialise and find your passion if you are unable to work or want to fill your free time.

Regardless of your disability or needs, there are ways to get involved with volunteering. This could be by finding a position through a dedicated organisation or with a charity that you already know about. You could even tailor your volunteering role to your interests or hobbies.

You don’t have to volunteer in person: you could sign up to a telephone befriending service, offer expertise or advice in an area you are qualified in, or become a crisis volunteer with a mental health charity like Shout (www. giveusashout.org) to support people over text messages.

There is a volunteering opportunity to suit everyone and while organisations aren’t obligated to make reasonable adjustments for volunteers, many will make changes to support you and provide any necessary training for the position.

OPPORTUNITY

All forms of volunteering can help build confidence and transferable skills. Saskia, who goes by Sas and is a Mencap Myth Buster, has been volunteering with the charity for more than three years.

“I got involved with Mencap

It’s given me an opportunity to do new things, be confident in myself

through someone that I know, my support worker basically told me about Mencap and their café,” remembers Sas. “I went to have a job interview there and that was my first time working there, I just worked there for six months so that other people could have a try. The shop opened next door and I got put in there.

“I wanted to prove to people that I can do something that I want to do and learn new skills, and obviously to meet new people as well.”

Mencap provide a range of volunteering opportunities for people with a learning disability and for individuals who would like to help support people with a learning disability. This could be in a Mencap shop or café, like Sas, through befriending, on campus if you are a university student, or in another way.

CONFIDENCE

During her time volunteering in her local Mencap shop Sas works on the till, talks to customers and enjoys meeting new people as they come into the shop. She also works with Superstar Arts (www.superstararts. com), a charity in Worthing committed to providing meaningful creative projects for young people and adults with learning disabilities.

People who attend sessions with the charity create art and other crafts and sell them in a shop.

“It’s similar to what I do at Mencap but we sell a lot of the stuff that we make and I’m part of a gardening group there, so I go down and water the plants that we sell,” reveals Sas. “I have a fantastic manager and work colleagues who are very supportive with my needs.”

For Sas, volunteering has taught her new skills and built up her selfesteem.

“It’s given me an opportunity to do new things, be confident in myself and talk to various people in my job, I learn about money,” shares Sas. “The highlight is that I love to train people, at the moment I’m training someone on the till because with my skills that I’ve learnt from colleagues I can now train people.”

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

When she isn’t volunteering, Sas spends her time training and working as a football coach, something that her transferable skills have helped

Sas

her with. “[It helps me when] dealing with different people, different cultures and various ages because on a Saturday I teach 6-12-year-olds but on the Friday, I train with people my age,” explains Sas. “My passion at the moment is either to coach it or to play it, my dream is to play for the England Cerebral Palsy team and it’s basically come true thanks to everyone who has supported me in my future.”

This summer, Sas is heading to Spain to train with the England Cerebral Palsy team and would now encourage other people to volunteer to gain new skills, she says: “[I would] tell people to try your best, never give up and to go for it.

“If you don’t go for it and you give up and you’re stressed about it then you’re not going to get anywhere.”

Regardless of your prior experience, where you are based and the time you have available, there are plenty of ways to get involved as a volunteer. Reach out to an organisation today to learn new skills and make a difference in your community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Discover volunteering opportunities through Volunteering Matters (www.volunteeringmatters.org.uk), NCVO (www.ncvo.org.uk) and Mencap (www.mencap.org.uk).

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KEEPING SAFE AT SCHOOL One Scottish project is helping the next generation of school pupils to break the cycle of disability hate crime and promoting accessible reporting

F

rom 2020-21 the number of charges containing at least one element of hate crime in Scotland rose to 5,525.

In 2012, Carol Burt, a project manager at I Am Me Scotland, watched a programme that told Gemma Hayter’s story. Gemma, who had learning difficulties, was 27 when she was murdered by a group of people she thought were her friends.

Carol wanted to prevent incidents like this from happening in the future and began collaborating with police officers in her local area of Renfrewshire. Working with Police Scotland and the Crown Office, I Am Me launched an initiative to educate young people in schools.

KEEP SAFE

“Myself and a police officer set up some focus groups to find out if these things were happening locally,” remembers

It can happen within the school and be classed as bullying

Carol. “The stories we were told were horrific.”

Disability hate crimes often go unreported due to fear that victims won’t be believed or taken seriously. Educating the younger generation could help tackle this in the future.

“Bullying and hate crime are really similar, it’s targeting people physically or verbally,” emphasises Carol. “It can happen within the school and be classed as bullying, but if that happens out in the community it’s classed as a hate crime.”

ACCESS

Carol and the team at I Am Me developed the Keep Safe Initiative, first identifying safe spaces in the local community where people could go if they felt unsafe or vulnerable. They then began working on an online resource and the Keep Safe Ambassadors Programme was launched, teaching young people in schools about different disabilities, hate crimes, bystander impact and safe ways to report.

Secondary schools throughout Scotland can now access the free online platform filled with resources covering the five strands of hate crime and the criminal justice system. On the Keep Safe Ambassadors Programme, young people receive a full day of training which equips them to recognise, understand

and report hate crime in their school and wider community.

APP

The organisation has developed the Safe Kids App to make it easier for young people to safely report incidents which also signposts to national organisations that can offer further support.

“A lot of young people said they didn’t report bullying because they didn’t want to be a grass or snake, they were scared that things might turn and they would be the target,” reveals Carol. “The app enables them to make a report at a time where they feel safe or supported to do it.”

The opportunity to report incidents anonymously can give schools the chance to implement early intervention strategies and prevent more serious problems in the future. Through a combination of resources and training, I Am Me’s Keep Safe initiative can educate young people on hate crimes and make Scotland’s schools a more welcoming place.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Find out more about the Keep Safe Ambassadors Programme and I Am Me Scotland at www.iammescotland.co.uk

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Without Barriers

E C A F S R U E N E R ENTREP DLES, DISABILITY R U H M Y E N H T MA F O E N O E B T ’ N D SHOUL Hear inspiring and motivational stories from successful business owners who are disabled people in different industries across the UK. Discover advice for starting your journey to self-employment and support for running your own business.

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EMPLOYMENT Q&A

If and when to disclose Jane Hatton, founder of Evenbreak, answers your employment questions

Q

If, when and how can I talk to a prospective employer about my disability?

A

This is a question we often receive at Evenbreak. You are not legally obliged to tell a recruiter or prospective employer that you are disabled, but you may choose to. If you require any adjustments in the recruitment process, it can be beneficial to ask for them so that you are being assessed at your best. If you are applying for a role where being disabled is seen as a positive asset, or you wish to take advantage of a guaranteed interview scheme - where disabled people who meet the minimum essential criteria are guaranteed an interview - you would obviously tell them. Otherwise, it’s entirely up to you.

If your disability is invisible and won’t impact on the recruitment process, you may decide to let the employer focus solely on your skills to start with.

If you do decide to mention your disability, this can always be done in a positive way. Rather than saying ‘I’m autistic, so I struggle when working in teams’, perhaps say ‘my autism means I pay incredible attention to detail and tend to be much more accurate than neuro-typical people’. Both statements may be true, but the latter is more likely to result in a job offer. Of course, many autistic people are great at working in teams, this is just an example. Other positive examples include: ‘being Deaf means I’m really good at reading body language’; ‘requiring personal assistants means I am experienced in employing and managing people’; and ‘acquiring an impairment has helped me develop skills such as resilience and adaptability’.

The trick is to phrase your impairment

as an asset rather than a potential problem.

Similarly, when asking for any adjustments you may need, this can be done positively too. Saying ‘I’m afraid I will need specialist software to help me do my job’, could be rephrased as, ‘in my previous role I used dictation software, paid for by the Access to Work scheme, which meant I was both quicker and more accurate than my colleagues’.

Whilst some employers are enlightened enough to be positive about disabled applicants, many others may need challenging in a subtle and positive way in order to rethink their pre-conceived ideas about us, the disability community.

Jane Hatton

When asking for any adjustments you may need, this can be done positively

YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED Evenbreak (www.evenbreak. co.uk) is a social enterprise run by and for disabled people, with a specialist job board and a career hive (hive.evenbreak.co.uk) where you can receive career advice and

personalised support.

This is the first in a new series answering your employment-related questions. If you have a question for Jane to answer send it to editor@dcpublishing.co.uk

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MASTERING YOUR CV COVER LETTER A cover letter is a separate front page on your CV which is tailored to the job you are applying for. This should only be a few paragraphs long and summarises why you are a good fit for the role. A great way to start is looking at the job description, identifying the qualities an employer is looking for and thinking about how your skills and experience match these.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Every CV should include certain information, regardless of the company or position you’re applying for. This is your contact information and details about your references. Including your full name, email address and a phone number helps employers to contact you if they would like to offer you an interview for the job. Always have these at the top of your CV. If possible, you should include the information for two references on your CV. If you don’t have any prior work experience, these could be a teacher or support worker who can vouch for your skills.

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SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Your skills and experience are the most important part of a CV but it can be the hardest section to complete. This is especially true if you haven’t worked before or don’t have a good example CV to hand. You don’t need to have a wealth of work experience to impress an employer: if you have ever volunteered, taken part in group activities in education or a setting like a day centre, or you are a carer, all of these experiences give you great transferable skills that employers are looking for.

Get in touch with someone who has supported you in these situations, like a team leader, and ask for their help in identifying your skills and what you learned. Try to keep these relevant to the positions you’re applying for, they can even be bullet points.

Creating a CV for the first time can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t have much experience, but you likely have more skills than you think IN THE DETAILS Being smart, structured and concise will help your CV appear professional and appealing to employers. Keep any experience you have listed in the order that it happened and try to only include relevant information. Ensure your CV is two A4 pages at most, but one is better. Always make sure you check it twice for spelling or grammar mistakes before pressing submit: a carer, work coach or family member can help you with this and might spot mistakes that you’ve missed.

Being smart, structured and concise will help your CV appear professional

Find your perfect place.

As a leading recruitment outsourcing provider, Guidant Global can offer you direct and exclusive access to great jobs with some of the UK’s top employers.

We’re also a Disability Confident Leader, and our award-winning approach to disability inclusion is building careers and changing lives.

criteria required for the job) and please don’t forget to tell us about any adjustments you might need during the recruitment process.

It goes without saying, we welcome applications from people with disabilities! In fact, if you have a disability, we’ll guarantee you an interview for any internal role (assuming you meet the minimum

If you would like to find out more about inclusive careers at Guidant Global, or search for roles with our amazing clients, please visit our website. jobs.guidantgroup.com

20220 Guidant Global Enable Ad AW.indd 1

17/12/2018 10:57

The return to Going back to or beginning higher education as an adult can give you more confidence, qualifications and even help you make a career change

O

ver the last five years, the proportion of first year students aged 20 and under has decreased, but the number of first year students aged 25 and older has continually increased. This surge is for good reason: there’s many benefits to embarking on higher education as an adult. You could decide to return to education to upskill or master something new, or it might be your first time attending university or college and gaining a degree.

GAIN

Holly Parrott is the senior manager

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learning

of the additional resources team at the Open University (OU), a specialist team implementing support for disabled students.

“It might be for personal reasons, they have an interest in a particular subject, or for professional reasons, they want to progress at work or change career,” explains Holly.

Gaining a degree as an adult can give you knowledge, choice and a sense of community, and if you’re doing this through a provider like the OU, you can also enjoy flexibility while gaining your new qualification. The OU (www.open.ac.uk) is a distance learning provider, allowing people

Going back to education is a great way to embark on a new challenge

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to gain full university degrees from home and has helped more than two million students so far.

Many students have already undergone a degree and start a new one to make a career change or simply to excel their existing knowledge. Either way, gaining a new qualification can broaden your opportunities and offer a new perspective on what you can accomplish.

“Many mature students have stepped away from education for various reasons,” offers Holly.

“Returning to learning can help reflect, redirect or boost to achieve new goals and take pride in what they achieve.

“Whatever the reasons students need to change career, going back to education is a great way to embark on a new challenge in something you enjoy.”

TEST RUN

There are different ways to complete a degree as an adult. If you’re attending college or university fulltime and in person, this can come with big changes to your daily routine and your financial situation for the length of your degree, but you can also do this around your current work using distance learning. However you decide to take your next steps, doing a trial run with a shorter course can confirm whether this is the right path for you.

“We know that it can be scary going into something new, and the commitment can be daunting as it is a completely new thing for many students,” empathises Holly. “For students that are new to higher education and want a taster of what to expect, have a look at the OU’s free learning site, OpenLearn and part-owned by the OU, FutureLearn, where there are lots of free courses available.

“The courses aren’t credit-bearing but will give a good taster in what to expect.”

Many FutureLearn courses are free to complete and take as little as two to three weeks. Plus, these can be done in your spare time. Doing this will give you the experience of studying, taking notes, scheduling your time and keeping to deadlines

– all important skills when in higher education.

SUPPORT

Deciding to return to education can be scary, especially if you haven’t had this experience since you were in school. Regardless of the provider you choose, there will be specialist support on hand.

At the OU, the additional resources team is split into three sections, covering audio versions of materials for print disabled students; the printing of documents in different formats like braille and large print; and arranging specialist equipment and specialist human support like British Sign Language interpreters.

This wide-ranging support is common in higher education institutions, with most students associations having a specialist team to support disabled students. You can contact this team before you even apply to ensure the correct support and resources will be available if you attend that institution, and they will work with you once your place is confirmed to ensure you have the best student experience possible.

“For students who are [returning] due to disability, this can be an emotional time and we have a great

team of disability support specialists that work with our disabled students to guide them through their learning journey,” explains Holly. “We have a team of people that help our disabled students enable success through understanding, compassion, knowledge and innovation.”

These specialist teams can help support students to establish coping strategies, with their support needs, and with learning how their disability impacts learning and what is available to help them.

Specialist financial support is also available, Holly explains: “Students should look at Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) funding and guidance to what is currently offered, it’s a great starting point to see what is available for students who don’t necessarily know what support they need.”

Regardless of what you want to study, where and how, there is support available to help you make the right choice and ensure you succeed in gaining your new degree.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For further advice on attending higher education as an adult and the support available, call the Disabled Students Helpline on 0330 995 0414, or visit www.ucas.com

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Creating

ACCESS FOR ALL

Armed with a new report, Business Disability Forum are helping companies to create inclusive built environments

I

n spring 2022, Business Disability Forum (BDF) launched a new report, detailing how businesses can make their built environments more accessible for disabled people.

Considering everything from entrances, exits, stairs and lifts to signage, parking, green spaces and transport systems, built environments are essentially any human-made environment. This encompasses all of our towns, cities and, importantly, workplaces.

Access for all: Creating inclusive global built environments, was sponsored by HSBC and is helping businesses to make positive changes after BDF received queries on the topic from members.

AGENDA

“We saw the interest in inclusive built environments was really growing and coming up the agenda, it was starting to be asked about by our global members,” explains Diane Lightfoot, chief executive at BDF. This increased interest has been growing during the coronavirus pandemic as businesses and retailers were given a chance to rethink their structures and spaces.

“It’s given businesses and employers a chance to realise that they can do something different and they can think differently,” reveals Diane. “Pre-COVID home working was the most frequently requested adjustment in the workplace, but now people want to make workplaces attractive and accessible so if people want to get together, there’s a way that works for everyone.

“If you’re going to offer flexible working or hybrid working, then that has to be a genuine choice for people, not just because it’s the only option that works for them.”

EXPERIENCE

When hearing from members, BDF found that big businesses wanted to get it right, but weren’t sure where to start: the task felt overwhelming and no one

wanted to make the wrong choices.

“This is a time where businesses are starting to think about relocating or downsizing, at least in their physical state, so it’s a really good opportunity to build accessibility and inclusivity into design,” offers Diane. “It’s so much cheaper and more effective to do this at the start of a project rather than trying to retrofit.”

The report is helping businesses to consider this by providing bite-sized sections that cover the key challenges and tools to create more inclusive built environments for employees and consumers.

“It’s rooted in the experience of businesses,” emphasises Diane. “There’s often a worry that you can’t get it right for everyone so I think one of the central messages is just talk to people, listen

to your employees, to your customers and you should be able to work out solutions.

“I think it really is about genuinely engaging people at the beginning but also about keeping good communication throughout the project, they should know that their feedback is important and is listened to.”

By considering accessibility from the beginning of a project or design, and by listening to real people’s needs, businesses can create a built environment that is both inclusive and attractive.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Read the full report online at www.businessdisabilityforum.org.uk

enablemagazine.co.uk

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enable life

CELEBRATING SCOPE AT

As Scope marks seven decades since the charity’s creation, a new awards ceremony is set to shine a light on the people, projects and organisations creating equality in our communities

I

n 1952, three parents and a social worker wanted better access to education for disabled children, now 70 years on Scope is one of the biggest charities supporting disability equality in the UK. The organisation is marking Alison seven decades of services and support with the theme looking ahead, and focussing on tackling the challenges currently facing the disability community as well as embracing future opportunities.

70 YEARS

“There’s a lot of looking back, but I think it’s really important to look at what hasn’t been done yet and what more we still have to do,” emphasises Alison Cowan, executive director of fundraising and engagement at the charity.

Alison and the team at Scope wanted to use the attention around the anniversary for good.

“We decided that we wanted to do something to celebrate our birthday but that it had to be something about looking forward not just looking back and talking about how much still needs to be done in terms of achieving a society where disabled people enjoy equality and fairness,” explains Alison.

CELEBRATE

To help celebrate equality champions across the country, the charity has launched the

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Scope Disability Equality Awards, highlighting people who are campaigning for equality, changing attitudes and bringing about change.

“It’s very much about Scope providing a platform to spotlight and enable other people to shout about the fantastic things that are going on out there,” enthuses Alison.

Broken down into eight categories, it is hoped that the awards act as a springboard for greater change, showcasing the great work that people are already doing and encouraging others to do the same. Individuals with a disability, allies to the community and organisations can all receive awards.

“We’re going to have an independent judging panel and will be announcing the shortlisted nominees in June before we announce the winners at the ceremony in the autumn,” explains Alison. “My hope is that we create something that’s really powerful so that we have a kind of legacy coming out of our 70-year anniversary.

“It’s 2022 and we’ve come a long way in 70 years, but there’s an awful long way still to go in terms of outdated attitudes about disability and the challenges that disabled people are facing at the moment, particularly around the cost of living crisis and their experiences through the pandemic. I think it’s really important to always be pushing forward and making sure that we are constantly striving to hold people to account and do better.”

HISTORY 1952

The charity is created by three parents of disabled children and a social worker who want equal access to education.

1970

The charity opens its first charity shop in Sevenoaks, Kent.

1990

The helpline launches and now supports nearly 30,000 people every year.

2004

Nelson Mandela launches Scope’s Time to Get Equal campaign, highlighting discrimination against disabled people.

2022

The charity turns 70 and launches the Scope Disability Equality Awards.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about the awards and Scope at 70 at www.scopeawards.co.uk

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