Support Irwin Mitchell is proud to sponsor Edition 2 of Menphys Magazine.
NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016
Edition 2
Welcome to Menphys Magazine Since our initial newsletter was published in the spring there has been a considerable amount of activity throughout Menphys. The most substantial change has been to acquire new premises at Grange Park, Whetstone where for the first time all Menphys staff (other than those overseeing the clubs and the shop) can be housed under the same roof and can work productively together. Not only has this enabled Menphys S.O.S. staff to work next to the administration and fundraising team, but has also given us greater efficiency and cost saving. All members of the Menphys team seem delighted with their new home. My fellow trustees and myself are grateful for the way everyone pulled together to make the move so trouble free. There has been a lot of activity on the fundraising front, starting in early May with the Annual Sponsored Walk. Although we were blessed with great weather yet again the number of walkers taking part was down on
those participating in years gone by. I thank Bray & Bray, Solicitors for their sponsorship of the event. The trustees are now considering what type of major fundraising event to organise for future years. Two events over the summer have enabled two very different groups of people to give substantial financial assistance to Menphys. In late June the Bardi Orchestra, a very talented group of local musicians with the very active support of Oadby and Wigston Lions’ Club staged an excellent concert at De Montfort Hall for all of the family. Funds raised from this concert will be donated to Menphys. In mid August, the second annual Western Park Beer Festival was held at Dovelands School in Leicester. Last autumn as soon as I heard that the group of passionate imbibers in craft beers was looking to donate monies to a local charity from this event I approached them. I was delighted that the work carried out by Menphys supporting local children with special needs was just the type of charity with
Irwin Mitchell has supported the valuable work of Menphys over a number of years, by attending events and helping with printing sponsorship. Through our clients we often see first-hand the day to day challenges families of disabled children face and we understand the importance of the services that Menphys delivers to so many families across Leicester and Leicestershire. Irwin Mitchell offers a wide-range of legal services including: challenging health and social care packages, special educational needs, court of protection issues, family law matters, as well as, serious injury and medical negligence claims. Visit: www.irwinmitchell.com to find out more about our services. Follow us on Twitter @irwinmitchell
which they wanted to be associated. The weekend was an excellent community event from which Menphys will benefit. Recently there has been a golf day at the Leicestershire Golf Club, a Mediterranean Dinner at La Vida Restaurant, organised by long time supporters of Menphys, Iain and Denise Bell. In early October together with our President Jennifer, Lady Gretton I was pleased to welcome civic leaders to an afternoon visit to the Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery School. These local dignitaries were most impressed by the exceptionally high standard of care provided by the Head, Laura Jeffs and her dedicated staff. Ian Knight, Chair
MISSION STATEMENT
VISION STATEMENT
Our mission is to deliver a quality service that values the views and enables the voice of disabled children, young people and their families in Leicester and Leicestershire. We aim to provide a range of holistic, impartial, empowering specialist services both through our own resources and in partnership with the statutory authorities and other voluntary sector groups.
Our ambition is for a future full of equal choices and opportunities for disabled children, young people and their families, empowering them to live as ordinary lives as possible and aspiring for the extraordinary.
Within the framework of everything we do, we aim to identify unmet need and offer effective support, which is in step with current legislation and concepts of good practice.We value diversity and believe that every child or young person, whatever their needs, has the equal right to take part fully in their community and to have the same choices, opportunities and experiences as other children; our ambition is to help families live as ordinary lives as possible.
Menphys Ltd Disclaimer: The inclusion of an advertisement in this publication does not imply any endorsement by Menphys Ltd or the Trustees thereof of any products or services as advertised, and they are not responsible for the accuracy of information provided from outside sources. February 2016
The Menphys Nurseries
The Menphys Centre, Wigston and Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery
Ambassador Plea As we continually strive for improvement we are looking to recruit Ambassadors to help assist the senior management team grow and develop the charity. The three areas we want to cover are:
Youth Ambassador
This would be a young person up to the age of 25 who has a knowledge, understanding and a passion for the work we do. That can be a face of the charity and assist with key events and help the charity grow and meet key financial aims.
Parent/ Carer Ambassador
Parents with an understanding of problems faced by our families to help and support future growth of the charity.
Business Ambassador
To help Menphys Limited raise its profile, develop business relationships within the city and county and achieve financial targets. Encouraging others to understand and support the organisation and promote our work. If you feel you would be suited to one of these roles please send a covering letter to info@menphys.org.uk for consideration. Outlining your experience and relevant suitability, please note these roles are voluntary.
Menphys SOS Help – Line Tel: 01455 323 018 Email: Help-Line@menphys.org.uk Open 10:00 am - 4:00pm Mon to Friday The Help-Line provides telephone advice, support, information and signposting for parents, carers and professionals in Leicestershire and Leicester.
Referrals can also be made to the service via the Help-Line
Whilst it was sad saying goodbye to the children and families who moved on at the end of the last school year, we have all enjoyed hearing how they are settling quickly at their new schools. At the nurseries, the term has got off to a flying start with lots of children beginning their time with us over the past few weeks. We work closely with families to ensure a smooth transition for new starters and this year, play sessions at both settings have really helped with this process. Both nurseries have held special events over the past couple of weeks where families have been invited to come in and celebrate ‘Harvest Festivals’ with their children. This is a great opportunity for families to see the nurseries in action and to explore a range of learning experiences.
Practitioners have worked incredibly hard at creating lots of engaging, motivating and sensory activities for the children to explore. As Christmas rapidly approaches, staff at both settings are already working together to plan special festive events and activities which I am sure the children and their families will find highly engaging. We can’t wait to get the tinsel and glitter out! Laura Jeffs - Head Teacher Please feel free to give us a call or have a look at our websites: The Menphys Centre Wigston www.menphyscentre.leics.sch.uk tel: 0116 2889977 Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery www.menphysnursery.co.uk tel: 01455 890684
Tom’s Story Tom is 17, at Birkett House School and has a rare chromo disorder - shows as epilepsy, leg pain, huge fine and gross motor skill issues, autism, MH problems and complex learning difficulties. As a family, music is fairly central to our lives but Tom has never been able to join in. His fine motor skills aren’t up to playing piano and his joints are too painful for guitar - the two instruments he had been interested in. But he has been completely obsessed with the Beatles for some years now and is desperate to play drums like Ringo Starr. Drumming seemed like a possible goer
- as long as we could get round his sensitivity to noise and the lack of strength in his hands. I approached Jo at Menphys and asked if we could maybe just try out drum lessons - before we committed to anything. And ‘Rob’ appeared here today, complete with a Beatles Drumming Sheet Music Book and different sized drum sticks to see which ones were best for Tom’s hands. In the space of one one-hour lesson, Tom went from having never played a proper drum to doing a Grade 1 sight-reading piece, playing his favourite three Beatles songs, accompanied by Rob on acoustic guitar and learning the basics of reading drum music. I saw his confidence and self-esteem grow by the minute - he had been so scared before Rob arrived as he is so used to not being able to do anything but he discovered that he actually had some ability at drums. His brother is a talented musician and Tom always wanted to be like him but accepted that his body - hands, arms, legs - would make it impossible to play anything. Until today! By the end of the hour, he had started to really believe in himself! Annie Bannister - Tom’s mum
This glamorous event is set to be held at the stunning City Rooms on Hotel Street, Leicester on 11th February 2017. Tables of 10 are available at £500 with individual tickets being £50. This includes a drink on arrival, three course meal and full evening entertainment. Menphys is delighted to announce three headline sponsors of the event Farmer & Carlisle Toyota, Cross Productions and M & B print, Fundraising and Marketing Manager Tracey Morris says “Being a local charity we are keen to embrace the support from local businesses, the Ball has become a much anticipated event in the Menphys calendar and we are truly grateful for the support given to us from Farmer & Carlisle, Cross Productions and M & B print”. With over three quarters of the places already reserved, this year promises to be a great evening of fun and celebration. John Carlisle – Chairman of Farmer & Carlisle is proud to sponsor the event to support his local community. “We are proud to be one of the headline Sponsors supporting the Menphys Ball. As a family
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF LEA EDWARDS AT DIGITAL MAGIC CREATIVE.
The Menphys Annual Charity Ball 2017
run business we understand the value and the importance of family. For that reason, we understand how valuable the support provided by Menphys is to those families in our community that are facing disabilities and illnesses. Menphys plays a big role in the lives of families within our community, therefore to help them continue their wonderful work we wanted to take part in the Ball. We’re looking forward to a fantastic event where we can raise even more money for the superb work that they do.”
Jonathan Carlisle of Farmer & Carlisle, Jenny Cross of Cross Productions, Tracey Morris Fundraising & Marketing Manager of Menphys and Brendan Green of M & B Print.
Happy & Glorious Applause in association with BBC Radio Leicester and Curve theatre put on a performance of Happy & Glorious on October 2nd 2016 to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday. The evening started with a welcome from The Lord – Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer, Lady Gretton with a personal message from Her Majesty.
Menphys are appealing for other local businesses that are interested in sponsoring a table or donating an auction prize. We look forward to welcoming anyone else who would like to attend. For all sponsorship and bookings contact Tracey Morris or Sue Phillips: 01455 323 013 or email tracey.morris@menphys.org.uk.
Jennifer, Lady Gretton, President of Menphys wanted proceeds to benefit two charities those being LOROS and Menphys.
Stay and Play
Specialist family play sessions for under 5’s with additional needs are held on a regular basis at The Menphys Centre in Wigston. All sessions are free to attend with cakes, snacks and refreshments included. Stay and play is run by parents of children with additional needs to provide a safe, stimulating and fun environment for everyone to enjoy. Meet other families with children with additional needs and share ideas, information and make new friends!
Annual Charity Ball Saturday 11th February 2017 6.30pm - 1.00am The City Rooms, Hotel Street, Leicester LE1 5AW Includes drink on arrival, Dress code: black tie 3 course meal, £50 per head, live entertainment, tables of 10 available disco, raffle and auction (£15 non-refundable deposit available)
Helping tar every s e in h s to
10.30am–12pm
Thursday 27th October Thursday 10th November Thursday 24th November Thursday 8th December
The Watson Room at the Menphys Centre, Launceston Road, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2FZ
To book call 01455 323013 or email info@menphys.org.uk www.menphys.org.uk
Reg charity no. 270700
PRINT LTD
mandbprint.com
EXCELLENCE IN PRINT
Charity Shop revamp
New team leader for Menphys Inclusion and Independence
Our charity shop is located on 2 Carlisle Street off Hinckley Road, Leicester. It is managed by Kim Sankar and a dedicated team of volunteers. They accept donations of clothing, household items and electrical items. If you have visited our shop you will have a seen a dramatic change recently. Hope Construction staff were given time to come and support a project in their local community, we are delighted to say our shop saw the benefit. They teamed up with Kim and her volunteers to transform the shop bringing in our corporate colours of red and teal to present a clean fresh place to shop. Kim’s husband Nick designed and built a new till station. I am sure customers will agree it has been an amazing transformation and we are extremely grateful to Hope Construction for their time. If you haven’t seen it yet it’s well worth a visit.
Before
from his role. Overlooking the clubs, and part of my new position is to replace Peter to support and develop them. We would like to thank Peter for building such successful clubs which are valued by many. I am very committed to continuing Peter’s work by building on these foundations to ensure that even more children and young people have the opportunity to take part in fun meaningful activities whilst socialising and building friendships.
I am delighted to be taking the role of Inclusion and Independence Team Leader for Menphys. My role allows me to focus on supporting children and young people to be included in sport, play, leisure and cultural activities which are vital for their confidence, health, self esteem and for the development of independence skills as they move towards adulthood. Recently, Menphys Charity has combined with Menphys Sport Play and Leisure Ltd who have ran Saturday Clubs for ages 8+ since 2008. Peter Coopey has now retired
I have now began the process of reviewing both clubs and together with the leaders we have exciting new plans. With these plans being implemented, we are currently not taking any new members, but look forward to promoting the new look clubs early in 2017. The club leader for the older group James has left us along with his partner Sally and we wish to congratulate them on the birth of their daughter Mona. We would like to thank them for the commitment they gave to the clubs and wish them well with their future plans. I look forward to taking the clubs forward into 2017 and hopefully welcoming many new members staff and volunteers. Alison Birkin - Team leader Inclusion and Independence Team
Narborough Hall
pledges support to Menphys AGAIN ! During
Menphys is delighted that Simon & Sophie Edwards from Narborough Hall have decided to support us for a second year running. Last year they donated over £5000 and have kick started this year’s support by
After
donating the remainder of their sale stock for our shop on Carlisle Street. They held their popular Christmas preview evenings in October and donated a proportion of the profits to Menphys as well as holding a raffle.
Special Outreach Service The Menphys Special Outreach Service continues to offer a wide range of services to families of children and young people with disabilities. SOS is often the first or only point of contact some families have to enable them to access services or benefits. With the introduction of the Menphys SOS Help-Line we have been able to extend the level of support we can offer by providing direct telephone advice, support, information and signposting for parents, carers and professionals in Leicestershire and Leicester. We believe that all disabled children/young people should have the same opportunities through sport, play and leisure activities and we continue to support children and young people into an activity of their choice through our ‘I can do it too’ Taster Activity Scheme, with many new and adventurous activities being accessed. In all of the work that we do we endeavour to capture the voice of the child and empower families to live as ordinary lives as possible. No one day is the same as
another for our Outreach workers. They work directly with the families, supporting and building relationships. This is a key part of our work. Do we make a difference? Feedback from our families say that ‘yes we do’.
The Menphys Mini Olympics The Menphys Special Outreach Service held their very own ‘mini Olympics’ on Sunday the 30th October at Brockington College in Enderby. The event was a huge success with families of disabled children and young people living in Leicestershire, taking part not only in a range of sporting activities but also sensory and creative play. Some very proud children and young people walked through the balloon arch to receive their medals and certificates from one of the Menphys Monkeys; a fun day was had by all!
Can you help Make March Menphys Month?
We are now starting to think of exciting events to Make March Menphys Month, this is a month long campaign in March to promote awareness and raise valuable funds. We are seeing if local businesses, schools and individuals can work with us to make this campaign a success. Maybe you could arrange a bucket collection, hold a cake sale or a non uniform day. Or we can bring the Menphys Mile to you or join us on our Curry Night and bring a table of friends and colleagues. If you would like to take part contact Fundraising 01455 323 012 or email tracey.morris@menphys. org.uk.
Marathon Success
Well done to Stuart Hale, Chris Unwin, Nitin Gohil, Aimee Browne and Christian Gamble for completing the Virgin London Marathon 2016. Between them they raised £9515.52. Fundraising & Marketing Manager, Tracey Morris was there to cheer them on with support from Garry Stratford from GKSM sports massage to help soothe those aching muscles. If you are interested in running the London Marathon for Menphys or any other challenge events please contact Fundraising on 01455 323013 or email tracey.morris@menphys.org.uk.
Swim Marathon Many thanks to Oadby Rotary Club for organising the Swim Marathon at Parklands Leisure Centre held on February 28th, 2016. Tracey Morris, Fundraising & Marketing Manager collected £562.13 from Oadby Rotary in a presentation held at The Stage in Wigston along with Ian Hallam who joined the team of Menphys Mermaids. Also joining the team was Ian Knight, Chairman and 10 year old Jimmy Morris.
Chef & Spice,
Hinckley Road, Leicester
6th March 2017 7.oopm to sit at 7.30pm All you can eat £15 per person
Let’s help make March Menphys month For more details or to book please contact Fundraising on 01455 323013 or email info@menphys.org.uk www.menphys.org.uk
Reg charity no. 270700
Christmas Cheer at Menphys Catholic Schools’ Carol Concert in support of Menphys De Montfort Hall , Leicester , Friday, 2nd December at 7.15 p.m
A volunteer story Peter Smith – Trustee
In 1969 I was aware that Mum intended to try and establish a playgroup to meet on Saturday mornings following her chance meeting with Grace Moon and her son Stephen. She was aware that families needed some respite and also the young people would benefit from having some social life. Mum volunteered me as a driver to collect the young people and take them to and from Douglas Bader House on a rota basis. This continued for some years. It became apparent that there was a need for a nursery to provide nursing care for the babies that had been discharged from hospital. Initially a porta cabin was purchased and the first matron was Esther Goode; a charity had been formed. I have been actively involved since the first meeting in 1970 as I was one of the original trustees. As a solicitor, I was appointed company secretary. Menphys has continued to develop to meet the needs of our rather special children and their families. I find it terrifying that I have been involved since the Menphys story started in 1970 and have been buying raffle tickets since then!
Why was I meeting with representatives of twenty schools, a musical director and compere to discuss Christmas carols before the end of June? It’s because it takes over five months to put together a concert involving twenty schools, an orchestra and a choir of 400 voices to entertain and delight a packed De Montfort Hall. At a second meeting in mid September each school (or groups of schools) had made a decision as to which carol they were going to perform. Fortunately there was only one clash and St. Joseph’s of Market Harborough generously agreed to choose a second carol. Chris Lowe, the conductor, after consultations at the first meeting had decided on the massed choir items and the audience carols. The carols originate from different parts of the world, some traditional and some contemporary. Scores were distributed and teachers boldly and bravely were led by Chris in a mini rehearsal of part singing.
The order of the carols to be performed has been agreed and the draft programme will shortly be off to the printers. Each of the choirs from schools from as far afield as Measham to Melton and from Loughborough to Market Harborough are practising hard. So all that remains to be done is for the tickets to be sold so that De Montfort Hall is packed out for an evening that really starts the Christmas season with a swing. Each of the participating schools has an allocation of tickets. All tickets are priced at £9. If you are connected with a school whose choir will be on stage please contact that school to purchase your tickets. Don’t worry if you do not have a link with a school or your school has sold out, tickets are available from the Menphys office 01455 323 013, but don’t delay as we are expecting a full house. Please note that tickets are not available from De Montfort Hall. I look forward to seeing you in good voice on 2nd December. Ian Knight Chair, Menphys
“Fantastic to see so many local business professional come together to support such an amazing charity.” Jenny Cross
Contact Us: Fundraising and Marketing 01455 323 013 info@menphys.org.uk Menphys Special Outreach Service 01455 323 020 Menphys Help – Line 01455 323 018 help-line@menphys.org.uk Menphys Charity Shop 0116 255 2469 Menphys Nurseries Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery, Burbage 01455 890 684 Menphys Centre, Wigston 0116 288 9977 @MenphysUK
/MenphysUK
Thank you for the golf Many thanks to all at Niche Magazine for hosting a golf day at Leicestershire Golf Club 15th September 2016. After a foggy start and a warm welcome from Jenny Cross – Managing Director of Cross Productions, the golfers left to tee off. Many thanks to all who took part
and the many businesses that sponsored tees and holes. Congratulations to headline sponsors Soar Valley Press for winning the trophy. Early figures suggest that £2000 was raised to be split between Menphys and Hope Against Cancer.
Rothley Court Garden Party Many thanks to Rothley Court who held their Summer Garden Party in aid of Menphys raising £390. There was a variety of stalls selling knitwear, jewellery, household items and more. The sun was shining and we had the musical talents of ‘Unrelated Duo’ and ‘James Green.’ Earlier in the year Rothley Court also held an Easter egg hunt along with Easter crafts all in aid of Menphys. We would like to thank them for their continued support.
Western Park Beer Festival Who would think that you could sup on ale and say it’s for charity? Well that’s exactly what happened at this year’s Western Park Beer Festival, Menphys were delighted to be chosen as their charity to benefit from a weekend of ale, gin, prosecco and good food. The event was held over the weekend commencing 19th August at Dovelands
Primary School. Many thanks to Mat Mabe and his committee that organised the event, to the event sponsors and all who attended. Without your time and dedication these events wouldn’t happen, we truly value your support. If you are holding a local event and would like to do it in aid of Menphys please contact Fundraising 01455 323 013.
A volunteer story Sandra Abraham
I’m Sandra Abraham and I have lived with my family in the Hinckley area since 1975. I have two sons, one who now lives in Spain with his young family and our younger son, who has a learning disability and lives independently in Hinckley. I trained as a nursery nurse qualifying in 1966. In 1986 I opened my own small children’s day nursery, The Old Rectory Nursery Barwell, based in our family home. At around the same time both my husband, Peter, and I became involved in Menphys as we were asked to help raise funds to build the Sketchley Hill nursery in Burbage. After the Sketchley Hill Nursery opened in 1992 I was lucky enough to also have children with varying special needs who had dual placements. This I found very rewarding to see their progress. I have been a Menphys trustee for over 25 years. My current role is to act as the link trustee between Sketchley Hill Nursery School and the main board of Menphys Ltd. I am also a member of The Sketchley Friends of Menphys.
Bardi Concert Success Menphys would like to thank the Oadby & Wigston Lions Club and the Bardi Wind Orchestra for organising the Family Gala Concert at De Montfort Hall on Sunday 26th June raising money for Menphys. Guests were treated to musical performances from Frozen to Les Miserables conducted by David Calow. The event was wonderfully hosted by compere Martin Ballard culminating in a Last Night at the Proms Finale.
I am currently a co-opted governor of The Menphys Nurseries Governing Body and both the Teaching & Learning and Health, Safety and Wellbeing subcommittee. I feel privileged to belong to the Menphys ‘family’.
A Cross Productions publication www.crossproductions.co.uk 07711 043 901
School Transport As a team of specialist education solicitors, the number of cases we have seen involving school transport disputes has dramatically increased for the past two years. We see a range of different disputes and have set out below the main issues that we see families facing.
Children under 16 In establishing whether a child is entitled to free home to school transport it is important to be able to determine whether a child is an ‘eligible child’ for the purposes of the statutory guidance:Home to School Travel and Transport Guidance. This is crucial because local authorities have to make suitable travel arrangements to facilitate attendance at school for eligible children. An eligible child, as set out in the statutory guidance, is: ● A child of compulsory school age (between 5-16 years old) in an authority’s area if their nearest suitable school is: a) beyond 2 miles (if below the age of 8) b) beyond 3 miles (if aged between 8 and 16) ● The second category of those eligible for free home to school transport are those children that, despite living within the distances specified above, cannot reasonably be expected to walk to their nearest suitable school due to their special educational needs and/or disability.
● The local authority must also provide home to school transport where the nature of the route would deem it unsafe for the child to walk to school. Eligibility under this provision is not dependent on distance. There are other considerations such as those in receipt of certain state benefits which are more complex but generally reflect the situations set out above.
Young people over 16 The situation regarding transport for those over 16 years of age and under 18 is more complex than it is for those under 16. Local authorities must have policies in place to clearly set out when they will award transport to students over the age of 16. There is a clear expectation in law that local authorities will provide transport to some students between the ages of 16 and 18 but they have a general discretion as to the situations in which they do so. These cases can be complex and we do recommend that those who find themselves in such situations seek legal advice. Local authorities should act in a way which is fair and reasonable to the young person.
Appeals Local authorities must have a clear appeal process in place when transport is refused. Parents should engage in this process if they wish to challenge a refusal to provide school transport. If such appeals are unsuccessful but it is apparent that the local authority may have acted unlawfully, the authority may be open to further challenge through judicial review proceedings. These are legal proceedings taken in the High Court when a public body, or organisation carrying out public duties, acts unlawfully. If parents consider this may be the case, they should seek advice quickly as judicial review proceedings can be unsuccessful if the Court considers there to have been an unreasonable delay. Legal Aid is potentially available for a judicial review process.
Suitability Once it is settled that a local authority will provide school transport, that transport must be suitable to that individual child’s needs. Again, parents can challenge authorities when this does not happen.
For further advice and information, please call Irwin Mitchell Solicitors 0370 1500 100 (local rate number) or visit www.irwinmitchell.com/personal/protecting-your-rights