spring 2012 This magazine is for people who use Livability’s services. They help to plan and to write it. It comes out three times a year. You can get it this size, or in big print or to listen to on CD.
VOICES CHOICES
In business
Watch out for George at the Olympic stadium
George goes Olympic One billion people around the world will be watching the London Olympic Games – and Livability resident George will be one of the performers. He has been chosen to take part in the opening and closing ceremonies. George says: “I am a big sports fan and I enjoy performing and expressing myself in front of others. I really wanted to be involved in the London Olympic Games in some capacity. This is the perfect role for me!” George was selected from hundreds of people who went to auditions for the ceremony. He was invited to three auditions at the Olympic site in east London, near where he lives. He had to dance and play drums to show he has a good sense of rhythm. “I was really shocked when they told me I was chosen,” George said. “I was really pleased and excited, and so was my mum. My brother gave me a big hug.”
Congratulations to Wendy, who has just won a loan to launch her vintage clothing business. Wendy worked with Livability’s Enterprise Agency to make this happen. If you have a good business idea, contact Alice on 020 7452 2067 or email enterprise@ livability.org.uk Send me a story! Please send Gill the editor any ideas you have for stories to go in this magazine. You can contact Gill by: email: gtroup@livability. org.uk or send a letter to: Gill Troup Livability 50 Scrutton St London EC2A 4XQ
getting to know you Hi, I’m Louisa. I support four guys in Livability flats in Gloucestershire. They’re great to work with
I’ve supported them to try new things like going to college or on a holiday. My motto is “use it or lose it”!
The guys nominated me for a Princess Royal Livability Award. They came with me to London to get the award from Princess Anne
We were all nervous but Princess Anne made us feel very relaxed
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VOICES CHOICES
news
Say what you think If you are a Livability service user, the government wants to know what you think about disability issues. The government is running a big programme called Fulfilling Potential. They want to find out how they can help disabled people get the most out of life. They also want to support disabled people to get involved in their local area. Fulfilling Potential wants to hear from you
You can tell the government what you think by helping with some questions. Livability would like lots of people to take part because the government should hear what they have to say. You can find out more by looking at an easyready booklet online. Go to http://odi.dwp.gov.uk/docs/fulfilling-potential/disability-discussion-easyread.pdf. There are 12 questions and you can give short or long answers. If you have any questions about Fulfilling Potential, you can Phone 020 7340 4000 Email fulfilling.potential@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
We need mobility! Livability service users were not a happy bunch when they heard the government wanted to stop paying the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Livability joined with other charities to tell the government this was wrong. Nine out of every ten people at Livability said they need this money to pay for transport so they can get out the house. Now the government has changed its mind, and the mobility component will stay. Transport is essential for disabled people, says Livability’s Suzanne
spring 2012
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Animal magic
Some unusual visitors appeared at The Links recently, including a snake, a skunk and a bearded dragon. About ten animals came along as part of a special exotic animal event. The Links’ clients could hold and stroke the animals, and learned about looking after them. One client was too scared at first to come into the room but she ended up holding and even kissing some of the animals. About 30 clients came along and said it was a fantastic event. “A big thumbs up!” and “It Meeting a bearded dragon was fun not scary!” were some of the comments people made.
Starring role
ry Residents from Netteswell Recto they became models for a day when hoot. helped Livability with a photos shoot Eight people took part in the r Richard. with professional photographe a, at They posed in a café, the cinem one did the shops and at church. Every s tiring a great job and said the day wa used but fun too. The photos will be blicity for Livability’s website and pu of the information. You can see some y.org.uk/ pictures online at www.livabilit w service/netteswell-rectory-harlo
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VOICES CHOICES
Smile! Netteswell people in action
Need a break?
Students enjoy top tunes on Hinwick’s juke box
Rock around the box
Get away with Livability
How about a stay in a cosy hotel to beat the winter blues? Livability’s Promenade accessible hotel is running special winter and spring offers. You can relax and enjoy delicious food and fresh sea air, in Minehead, Somerset. Price per person until 26 March: £256 full board, per person. In April, all Livability service users and supporters can get a 15% discount at the Promenade and the West Shore in Llandudno. To find out more, ring 08456 584478
spring 2012
What’s big, loud an d lives in Hinwick Hall College’s coffee shop? Answer: Hinwick’s new juke box. Hinwick’s students were delig hted when a local golf club gave them the jukebox. It is getting plenty of use because the students love th eir music. They have chosen 150 CD s to play on it. Listening to the mus ic, student Aleia says: “It’s great – lo uder, louder!” Daniel and Ashley say: “It needs more Bob Marley.”
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news in brief Only the best People who are supported by Livability expect good service wherever they go. The Livability Open Doors Award scheme rewards businesses who offer great service and accessibility to disabled people. A taxi firm in Essex called Swift Cars is the latest business to win the award. They were put forward by Anvil House, a Livability service in Billericay. Richard lives at Anvil House and does not like going in cars. This has made it hard for him to get out. Swift have worked hard with Richard to make it easier for him to go in the car. Now he can enjoy going to his day service. Do you know a business that deserves the Open Doors Award? If so, please get in touch with Voices and Choices. See page 1 for how to do this.
Who deserves Open Doors where you live?
VOICES CHOICES
Simon takes a break on his bench
Simon’s friends will be enjoying the sun this summer on a beautiful new garden bench – made by Simon. Simon has been to woodworking classes for 18 months and loves it. He really enjoys working with his hands. He started off making simple things like flower planters and a bird box. Simon lives at a supported living service in Gloucestershire. The bench is in memory of Roger Day, a friend of Simon and other people he lives with. Simon’s latest project was making a doll’s house with furniture for his niece who is eight. She was very excited when Simon gave the house to her. She said it was the best present she has ever had! Have you learned a new skill recently? We’d love to hear about it. See page 1 for how to get in touch.
Issue 1 Oct 2006 – Jan 2007
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Simon saws
my story 1
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I’m working d n a h ig le y I’m Ka y for a year with Livabilit
I’m blo young disa gging about my life as a bled perso n because talking to I love people. An see, I love d as you ca changing m n y hair colo ur!
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I want disabled people to get to do the things they want to do. Using the Lifestyle Choices services has made such a difference to my life.
spring 2012
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You can read my blog on www.livability.org.uk/SUI – just sign up as a member. Any problems, email smohammad@livability.org.uk
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and finally... Quick quiz As the holiday season approaches, do our round the world quiz – and win a box of chocolates! Send your answers to editor Gill by 5 April. The first correct answers drawn out of the hat will be our winner.
1 How long are the famous Blackpool lights? o One mile o Three miles o Six miles?
2 I f you
Just joking Knock knock? Who’s there? Sacha Sacha who? Sacha lot of questions! Doctor, doctor, I’ve swallowed my pen Hmm – how are you coping? I’m using my pencil! Where do baby apes sleep? In apricots!
Spot the difference See if you can find five differences between the two pictures below
visited the Grand Canyon, would you be in… o Canada o USA o South Africa?
3 If you took a trip on the Orient Express, would you be on a...
VOICES CHOICES
Issue 1 Oct 2006 – Jan 2007
o Plane o Motorway o Train?
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