Innervoice #3

“I must have done something right because they still remembered me AND let me back in!”

Guess who? – see page 12

inner The Disabilities Trust staff magazine… For you... About you...

Summer 2014

Vesta ecstatic with owner Miles Rogish success at Crufts page 11

Spotlight on the Staff Awards page 15

Spotlight on the ConnectAbility appeal Page 13

Results of photography competition Page 16

www.thedtgroup.org The Disabilities Trust is a Registered Charity No. 800797

Disability Hero James Cracknall Page 5

Speaking clearly

For you...

About you...

Speaking clearly

This issue sees the introduction of our new ConnectAbility appeal, which will be launching in September 2014. Its aim is to raise money and awareness of assistive technology in our Disability Lifestyles services which will benefit, not only our service users, but also the wider community.

Jerry Ratcliff, Director of Disability Lifestyles, speaks about the appeal in the context of his working life in the Your Voice column, opposite, whilst Helen Tridgell, Head of Marketing and Fundraising, explains the scope of the appeal in a Spotlight on page 13. It’s an exciting concept and will change the lives of so many people!

I’m also delighted to announce the inauguration of the Staff Awards. This will be a quarterly event recognising and celebrating the wonderful achievements from across the Trust. The scheme is open to all members of staff, and each of the quarterly winners will then be put forward for the Annual Reward!

(See page 15 for more information.)

Following on from suggestions made during the readership poll last year, this issues also sees the results of the first photography competition which was launched in May. Congratulations go to James Calvey for his wonderful photo. He’s received a framed copy of the winning photo and a £20 gift certificate.

2

Your Vo

Jerry Also in this issue are profiles from Janet Wilcock, Laura Sunley, Craig Saunders, James Wares Jayne Herring, and our very own editor, Gareth Ransome.

As usual the Spotlights showcase the breadth and depth of knowledge and commitment of our staff and services. This issue is no different with articles on Rosegarth House (page 6), a community house in York; we look at the progress of our new BIRT service in Wales, Ty^ Aberdafen (page 10); and chart the success of the Activities Centre in our autism service in Lindfield, Hollyrood (page 10).

I’m also pleased to welcome guest columnist Lee Ridley (page 14). Lee is a stand-up comedian who uses a voice synthesiser due to his cerebral palsy and he has been taking the comedy world by storm. Thanks for a fun and insightful column, Lee.

Jerry is the Director of Disability Lifestyles which provides specialist services for people with complex physical disabilities.

D

espite Disability Lifestyles being the oldest division of the Trust (with Shinewater Court celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary this year and Ernest Kleinwort Court in it’s 30th year), I’m very conscious that the services remain at the cutting edge and that they adapt with the times.

That’s been my main concern through the years I worked in NHS social services. I worked my way up through various jobs and became the Strategic Commissioner for Learning Disabilities and was responsible for the budgets with the local authorities. I like to say to people that I didn’t start my working life in a

“ Technology has paid dividends for our service users, significantly changing their lives for the better “

oice:

Ratcliff

important that everything is geared up to enabling them at every step of the way and maximise their independence whether it’s through community support or technology.

We’ve already seen some fantastic examples of this through Tobii Eye Scanners and iPad apps. Over the last year and a half this investment in both ‘high’ and ‘low’ technology has paid dividends for our service users, significantly changing their lives for the better – often allowing them the chance to communicate, sometimes for the very first time!

suit, I worked my way up from the front line and I feel that it gives me an insight into the pressures.

There is such a wide variety of opportunities out there and I want to develop our services so they become hubs of expertise.

Shinewater Court, for example, already acts as a showcase for local authorities where they can visit and test out the assistive technologies that are currently being used there, which is brilliant.

“ I didn’t start my working life in a suit, I worked my way up from the front line”

What impresses me about the Trust is the quality of engagement from the staff; from the front line support workers onwards, everyone cares. The people that we support in our services have enough barriers through their disabilities and it’s

With that in mind we’re launching the ConnectAbility appeal in September, which aims to improve access to assistive technology, especially with a focus on communicating, and to raise awareness of its life changing benefits. We want to raise £250,000 in the next three years in order to set up regional hubs, which will be linked to our current Disability Lifestyles services.

These hubs will be able to showcase assistive technology not only to our service users, but also to the wider community, which is a fantastic opportunity in itself.

All of this is leading to a new way of support which has some similarities to the rehabilitation model of BIRT. We want to maximise independence through enabling the individual. Although we will still have our long term service users and will continue to do our best by them, our aim is to work with people who have significantly more complex conditions, empowering them through rehabilitation and moving them through into our community houses.

For more information on the ConnectAbility appeal please email helen.tridgell@thedtgroup.org, and check out page 13.

Life in The IT Help Desk Hi, IT Helpdesk. How can I help you?... You’ve deleted the entire network folder?! Oh dear, yes I can see that now. That’s bad…

I think we’re going to need a bigger boat!

3

For you...

About you...

Laura Sunley Profile

Laura is the Training Co-ordinator for Community Services that provides support and enablement to people with acquired brain injury, physical and sensory disability, and those on the autistic spectrum.

How long have you worked at the Trust?

Hobbies – do you have any that define you?

Since November 2012, when I started as one of the Assistant Managers at Victoria House.

I love being with friends. It’s not just the normal socialising aspect as we’re a very close-knit group.

Where did you work beforehand?

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one DVD, one CD and one book with you, what would they be?

I worked for a charity in Hull which specialised in looking after individuals with challenging behaviour, autism and learning disabilities.

The movie would have to be Clue, I love that film (me too! Editor); the CD would What are the main responsibilities be anything by Michael of your role?

Buble and the book would I deliver the have to be Peacock Spring “ I’m all for making mandatory training

by Rumer Godden. training more for Community What might surprise Services support interactive, fun and people about you? workers. The

encouraging people to get involved”

training covers areas such as Health & Safety, Manual Handling, Fire Safety, Infection Control, Safeguarding Adults and much more.

What do you think that you bring to your role?

I love jigsaws – I’m secretly a geek in that respect!

If you could pick one superpower, what would it be? And why?

It would have to be flying! I’d be able to get to places a lot quicker than using the M1!

Wit! And a sense of humour; I’m all for making training more interactive, fun and encouraging people to get involved.

What are you most proud of?

I qualified as a teacher six year ago and I always said that I’d like to teach adults – I’m now able to fulfil that, which is great.

4

Janet Willcock

Janet is a fundraising volunteer for the Communications team and has been a valuable member of the team for over eight years, providing support and assistance wherever needed.

How did you end up volunteering for the Trust?

I really wanted to get involved in volunteering so went to the Volunteering Centre in Burgess Hill and luckily The Disabilities Trust had a vacancy that needed to be filled.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

I like being around people and enjoy being part of the team and making a difference.

What have you learnt during your time at the Trust?

What have you learnt since working at the Trust?

The Trust covers such a wide area, from physical disabilities to autism, it’s great to get an insight into everything and I hope to gain so much more experience through interacting with other divisions.

All the staff are brilliant and have a great sense of humour and fun.

Profile

Whose profile is this?

If you would like to know more about Laura please email: laura.sunley@thedtgroup.org Photo credit: Clue - Polygram Filmed Entertainment / Paramount Pictures 1985

I didn’t like using computers when I first started and was afraid of using them. I feel more confident now. I’m also more sociable now; I felt quite insular and introverted at the start but I’ve opened up more and enjoy having a laugh with the team.

What hobbies do you have outside of the Trust?

I enjoy looking after my grandchildren; I have five of them, which is a full time hobby! I have at least two of them staying for three days

Disability Hero James Cracknell

James Cracknell has certainly lived a life; Olympic champion rower, intrepid explorer, father to three children...

during the week – I love it!

I make my own cards too, and have been for two years. This year I’m making all my own Christmas cards.

I also enjoy needlework and have done for a long time (I started when I was eight years old) and have moved on to cross-stitching as well.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one DVD, one CD and one book with you, what would they be?

The film would have to be “The Tales of Beatrix Potter”, it’s a lovely film that I enjoy watching time and time again.

The book, well it would be anything

by Maeve Binchy and the music… that’s difficult… Westlife or Will Young, I think.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

I’d like to buy a house in Burgess Hill! I’d also give some money to the Trust, spend lots on my grandkids and go to South Africa more! I’ve been four times already and have another trip booked for January.

Have you a claim to fame?

My front garden was highly commended for the ‘Burgess Hill in Bloom’ competition a few years ago.

What’s been the highpoint in your life to date?

Oh, anything to do with my grandchildren… but it was when we heard my grandson’s halfbrother speak his first words… they were “Nana-Janet”.

Photo credit: EMI Film Productions ltd

...and also survivor of a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a petrol tanker whilst cycling across America in 2012.

While filming the series “Cracknell’s Race Across America”, where James attempted to run, cycle and row across the US in 18 days, he was struck by the tanker’s wing mirror at 70 miles per hour.

now very different than before: “There is a crucial window of three weeks from the accident to regaining consistent memory,” he explained to the BBC; “within that “ It doesn’t matter window a full recovery is on the cards; outside what you’ve done of that and there are in the past, it’s how no guarantees. I have you can deliver in ‘islands of memory’ but the future” no consistency, so there are no guarantees.”

If he hadn’t been wearing a cycle helmet it would have been certain death.

“When the wing mirror hit me on the back of the head some of the impact was absorbed by my helmet,” he told the BBC. The impact caused his brain to rebound off the inside of his skull damaging the frontal lobes, the area that controls personality, planning, concentration and memory. “Although I was very disorientated and agitated for some time, just knowing I’d been hit by a truck made me feel lucky to be alive .”

He also found that the gentle, laid back soul he was before the accident had become more irritable, short-tempered and forgetful. However, through on-going rehabilitation he is now ready for the next step in his journey, and some might say that this will be his toughest trek yet!

Good luck James, we wish you all the best!

The accident left scars, many of which would have long term consequences.

James found that his personality was

“ ...just knowing I’d been hit by a truck made me feel lucky to be alive.”

Photos courtesy of The Independent & The Times Newspapers

5

For you...

About you...

James Wares Profile

James is the Maintenance Person and a Support Worker for Hamilton Lodge, which provides accommodation and support for adults on the autism spectrum.

behaviour which, if done correctly, can help to prevent challenging behaviour from escalating. DIT training teaches staff how to diffuse situation in a way that safeguards the service user and helps staff manage their own feelings and emotions, giving them confidence.

How long have you worked at the Trust?

I bring fresh ideas to my role, both on the maintenance side and as a trainer. I think out of the box and I’m very approachable. I’ve a good rapport with all the people I meet.

I’ve worked at theTrust for seven years now, starting as a Support Worker.

What are the main responsibilities of your role?

What do you think that you bring to your role?

What are you most proud of?

As part of my I’m really proud of the way maintenance role “ I ’m really proud my confidence has changed; I’m responsible of the way my moving from a Support Worker for all the Health role into maintenance, and confidence has & Safety checks; now into the training – having including the fire changed” support from those around alarms and water me as well has helped build temperatures, that my confidence greatly. I kind of thing. I’m didn’t think I’d be doing this kind of responsible for making sure that the thing when I started. It’s made such a grounds and living accommodations difference to me, in the way I interact are safe and maintained, so I help with with the world as well, the way I the decorating and general repairs. see how people are being treated.

I also run training on physical Through the learning I’ve done I’m now intervention: DIT (De-escalation more caring, empathic and aware.

Intervention Techniques), and a big part What hobbies do you enjoy? of this is breakaway training. Breakaway I’ve started playing rugby for a local training is learning how to remove team, which is an achievement for yourself from encounters of challenging

A Spotlight on

Rosegarth House

Alex Garden, Divisional Manager for Community Services, introduces Rosegarth House: the latest addition to Community Services in York.

6

me as well. I’m really enjoying it. I also help teach people self defence which makes them more assertive and gives them more confidence. My dogs also like taking me for walks along the beach. (Pictured are Molly and Hetty) If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one DVD, one CD and one book with you, what would they be?

The book would have to be Lord of the Rings… no – A Game of Thrones as it’s longer! The CD, well, anything

by Tracey Chapman. And as for the DVD, probably a Bear Grylls survival guide would be best!

If you would like anymore information from James please email him on: james.wares@thedgroup.org

C

ommunity Services provides support and enablement services to people with acquired brain injury, physical disabilities and those on the autistic spectrum. The services can be provided within an individuals’ own home or within certain accommodation based services nationwide.

Rosegarth House is the latest addition to Community Services accommodation based support services. Situated in York, it is an older property, originally built around 1750, and consists of the main house and an old granary annex.

Adaptations are being made to make the property more suited to the needs of the service users. When completed it will be home for six service users who have all been affected

Disability In The I

Media

t would be safe to assume that acquired brain injuries are completely misunderstood by the majority of mainstream movies. How many films have there been where the protagonist is knocked unconscious?

Five minutes later they’re inevitably up and running with nothing more than a sore head. Lucky them...

For the rest of us, such incidents could lead to a traumatic brain injury or worse, but for the Sylvester Stallones and Arnold Schwarzeneggers of the world it’s just part of the daily grind.

There are other instances where acquired brain injury functions as a means of metamorphosis: where the otherwise nasty antagonist can, through an accident or catalysing incident, move through rehabilitation and become a better husband,

by acquired brain injury and who have received intensive rehabilitation within the BIRT services and York House.

Rosegarth House provides them with an opportunity to continue their rehabilitation and to regain the skills required for successful community living. Service users can stay for as long as they need to, but it is hoped that some will gain sufficient skill and confidence to move on to more independent accommodation.

Service users are involved in designing their support which focuses on meeting their needs and helping them to achieve life goals. Support is provided by staff

kinder father and see the error of their previous ways.

If this seems like an overly simplified excuse for a fairy story do not watch the Harrison Ford film “Regarding Henry”. Although I’m sure this is a heart-warming story (I’ve not actually seen it, admittedly), the plot on Wikipedia sounds just too trite: an “ambitious, callous, narcissistic, and at times unethical” lawyer becomes kind, loving, understanding and empathic after his brush with death.

From this it seems that brain injury, like autism (see last issue’s Disability in the Media column), is used as just another plot device (when it’s not ignored completely).

However, there is one film in which acquired brain injury is treated with gravitas and understanding: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. The film depicts the life of Jean-Dominique Bauby who suffered a massive stroke at the age of 43 which left him with the condition known as ‘Locked-in Syndrome’.

In this column we look at how acquired brain injury is depicted in mainstream cinema.

Although mentally aware of his surroundings, Bauby was almost completely paralysed with only the ability to blink his left eye. Through help from a speech and language therapist he developed a system of communication by blinking his left eye as letters were read out; transcribing each as they were spoken. Through this method he dictated a novel, which acted as part of his rehabilitation, by composing it in his mind during the night he then dictated it verbatim during the day.

Even though several aspects of the film were fictionalised – most notably Bauby’s relationships - it was based on the best selling book and true life story, and the film went on to garner universal acclaim and became a poignant portrayal of the realities behind life after a brain injury.

specially trained in dealing with the after effects of brain injury and is designed to allow service users to become active members of the local community.

The granary will provide a home for our first couple and will provide them with independence and privacy whilst also meeting their support needs.

If you would like more information on Rosegarth House please email: alex.garden@thedtgroup.org

7

For you...

About you...

Craig Saunders Profile

Craig Saunders has been the Maintenance Person at Chalkdown House, the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust’s new purpose built independent hospital in Swindon, since it opened a year ago.

What have you learnt since working at the Trust?

Where did you work before the Trust?

I worked in construction for ten years and was self-employed.

What are the main responsibilities for your role now?

I’ve been to a lot of training courses since starting my job, including PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) and even a ‘train the trainer’ course, so I can now train others on health and safety issues.

What are you most proud of in your role?

I wear many hats. My main responsibility The big difference between this and my is the upkeep of the service and making construction work is that I never got to sure that everything runs smoothly. It’s see a project through to completion. important that what I do is ‘behind the Now I have the satisfaction scenes’ and that there’s on a daily business to see the minimal interruption for “ If something results of my work with staff the staff and service users. needs doing, and service users alike. My I’m also responsible for it gets done as family is proud of me too, for the Legionella inspections quickly as I can” all the training that I’ve received and am the Fire Marshall, and the courses I’ve been as well as being a trainer on. They can see that it’s given me a too on health & safety matters. real boost and I’m more dynamic.

What do you think that you bring to the role?

What hobbies do you have?

I’m dynamic; with ten years in the building trade I have a lot of knowledge and professionalism. If something needs doing, it gets done as quickly as I can.

There’s a lot of experience that I can carry over and it all comes in handy.

Scale engineering – that’s where you take an object and create a scale model of it. I also like sketching life like interpretations of movie characters Who is the person you’ve learnt the most from?

My assistant manager, Holly Caswell.

She’s always been so encouraging and sent me on all those courses.

If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?

Super-speed because I could get everything done in a day!

For more information please contact Craig via email: craig.saunders@thedtgroup.org

8

Emma Hunter Profile

Emma is a Senior Business Administrator and has worked for the Trust since 2005.

What are the main responsibilities of your role?

I oversee the support and training of the Business Administrators in the services. I ensure that the standard operating procedures are understood by the administrators and help with all aspects of business and finance.

Where did you work beforehand?

I worked at Comic Relief as the UK Senior Grants Administrator and assisted in giving out grants to various people and organisations.

What do you think that you bring to your role?

I started out as a Business Administrator myself of Fen House, so I have understanding of the role and what it entails. I can relate to the needs of a service whilst ensuring we fulfil our administrative and financial requirements.

What have you learnt since working at the Trust?

Since working here I’ve grown as a person and evolved into a sensible, level-headed person.

What are you most proud about?

A couple of years ago I never would have been able to take part in something gruelling like the London Night Rider 100km cycle ride, but I’ve lost eight stone in weight (something else that I am extremely proud about) and completed it with my husband, Rob. We did it to raise funds for Addenbrookes Hospital who were absolutely amazing

A Spotlight on

Assistive Technology The definition of Assistive Technology is: “an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities”. But what does that really mean and how does it help the lives of our service users?

in supporting my daughter Ava, who was diagnosed with congenital heart disease at just two days old. She underwent major heart surgery at Great Ormond Street when she was just seven weeks because she had a couple of holes in her heart and needed a valve replaced; It was a very traumatic time for us but thanks to the team at Addenbrookes and Great Ormond Street she’s now a happy little girl – even if she is a bit of a madam at times.

What might surprise people about you?

Nothing because I wear my heart on my sleeve at all times.

What is your claim to fame?

I represented Great Britain in discus throwing up until I was 18 in athletics!

If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?

Invisibility because I’d be able to spy on people! (And I really would too!)

Do you have any hero’s?

My husband! We’ve been through so much over the past couple of years and he continues to be my pillar of strength and supports me in everything I do, whether its travelling for work, exercise challenges or life in general.

If you would like to know more about Emma, please email her on: emma.hunter@thedtgroup.org

The term assistive technology has been used a lot in recent times; we refer to it a lot in this issue because of the ConnectAbility appeal (see pages 3 and 13) and, at its most basic, assistive technology is any device that enables an individual to perform tasks that they would otherwise be unable to accomplish (or have great difficulty accomplishing); so in this respect the wheelchair is perfect example of this; each wheelchair is specifically adapted to suit the needs of its user – no two wheelchairs are the same. It’s important to find control systems and seating controls that work best for each service user.

However as technology advances so does the potential for enhancing the lives of those we support. Assistive technology is being used across our services in a number of ways, most notably in the training kitchens.

The kitchens have worktops that rise and fall to allow wheelchair access; adapted can openers and even a chopping board with prongs which allows the user to prepare vegetables one handed. These may seem like small adaptations but they can mean a huge difference to those using them. Angela Woodhams, from Shinewater Court remarked that, “My confidence has grown because I know I can do so much for myself now. I feel that now I’ll be able to live in my own flat again.”

One particular advancement is the development of the Edero-Arm Support which was specifically designed for those who have limited strength in their arms or hands. The Edero support acts as a kind of exoskeleton and allows the user to move their arm in any direction and carry out tasks that they might not necessarily be able to; simple things that we would

take for granted, such as drinking a cup of tea or using a knife and fork.

Hoists are very important as well, allowing the service user a safe and comfortable way of moving from their bed into their chair whilst retaining their dignity. There are a number of ways that this is accomplished; two of the most accessible of these are using a ceiling track system or a mobile hoist.

However, it is with the advance of computers that Assistive Technology has really come into its own. It would be fair to say that the iPad has revolutionised the lives of so many of our service users and opened doors that some thought were bolted shut. With the use of an iPad it is now possible to: • Steer a wheelchair by just using a finger • Use environmental controls to change the temperature, open and shut the curtains and control the lights The iPads can be wheelchair mounted and controlled with either a finger, a chin switch or the Tobii Eye Scanner which works through infrared technology and installed to read the eye movements of the individual. Service users can now use the scanners to watch films from the internet; communicate with members of their family and friends using Facebook and Skype and, using Google Earth, go anywhere in the world.

With thanks to Carol Wade, Service Manager at Shinewater Court.

9

For you...

About you...

A Spotlight on

Ty^ Aberdafen

the new BIRT Centre for Wales

by Dr. Tracey Ryan-Morgan

Tracey is the Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist at Ty^ Abderdafen, the BIRT Centre for Wales, Llanelli, which is our new specialist assessment and rehabilitation centre for people with brain injury and the first BIRT service in Wales.

I

t has been exciting being involved doors. We’ve had time to learn each other’s from such an early stage in the building strengths and skills and to draw up ways project in Llanelli; I feel and means of harnessing that I’ve been able to these for best clinical effect. bring a clinical influence “ …we’ve had time I was attracted to to bear on aspects of working for the Trust by to learn each the finished build. I’ve its high profile focus on other’s strengths contributed to the use the outcomes for the and skills..” and layout of rooms, individuals it supports. There as well as how they are is a significant research furnished, so that they tradition at BIRT which is are prepared for our first service users. widely-respected and relied upon. Many of the Consultant Neuropsychologists I’ve also been closely involved in the who provide clinical leadership at the recruitment and induction of new staff to BIRT units are well-respected in the the service, both clinical and non-clinical, professional field and it is a privilege to which has enabled me to get to know work alongside such esteemed colleagues. them all individually prior to opening our

A Spotlight on

the Hollyrood Learning Centre Cat Hogan is the Senior Learning Co-ordinator at Hollyrood, Lindfield, which provides support and accommodation for adults who have been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.

10

One of our key plans for the unit when it opens is to ensure that we use the most effective means of Assistive Technology available. Assistive Technology is described as: “any technology which assists cognitive function during task performance” (Gillespie, Best & O’Neill, 2012).

At BIRT we are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Brian O’Neill who has worked

S

ince September last year, the Learning Centre has run monthly themes that encompassed our structured groups and individual sessions throughout the week. Work from these sessions is then displayed on our ‘project wall’, which changes each month.

For example: for our Australia month in January we had a wall of Aboriginal inspired art, for Chinese New Year in February we had a giant Horse, and for March we had a scene filled with forms of transport.

When the month has finished and the display is taken down to make room for the next project I make a smaller display to add into our ‘past projects’ frieze around the top of the walls. This is a great way to remember the wonderful achievements of both service users and staff and a vibrant visual to show visitors the kind for things we do here at Hollyrood.

Our themes work in three ways: to draw together all the work we do in the Learning Centre and surrounding workshops each month, to give staff a clearer idea of what activities can be

with others to develop GUIDE, an awardwinning ‘prompt system’. We will routinely be using Assistive Technologies at the unit, including tablets and smartphones.

In addition, there are no specialist neuro-rehabilitation services of the calibre of those provided by BIRT anywhere else in Wales so interest has been expressed from all parts and even across the border into England for individuals who wish to return to Wales for their care, which would not previously have been possible.

For more information on Ty^ Abderdafen please email: tracey.ryanmorgan@thedtgroup.org

planned and what resources may be needed several months in advance, and it also gives all our service users the opportunity to connect visually with the month’s activities, meaning that everyone has the chance to be involved, whatever their level of engagement.

As well as the main Learning Centre building we are very lucky to have a pottery shed, wood workshop, cement works, small onsite gym and a well equipped sensory room. Each week the Learning Centre staff hold sessions in these areas for both onsite service users and those from our three houses in the community.

Also, on Tuesday and Friday afternoons, our pottery shed is used for sessions with service users from Ernest Kleinwort Court as part of our continued program to further integrate the various sites managed by the Trust.

Since starting at Hollyrood I have worked to push the public involvement side of Hollyrood to include other organisations in the wider community.

Staff Achievements Miles Rogish, Consultant Psychologist at York House, was over the moon with his Basenji, Vesta, at Crufts 2014. At Crufts Miles handled Vesta in her class like the true professional he is. Vesta was awarded 2nd place in a strong class of other Basenji’s. Vesta was also entered in the Basenji Good Citizens class, and achieved Bronze, Silver and Gold, and at Crufts won the class for this category, hence the three rosettes.

Emily Gage, Clinical Psychologist at Thomas Edward Mitton House, completed the BUPA 10K in May and ran it in under an hour! (58 minutes, 23 seconds).

“I think I’ll keep up with running and would definitely consider doing another race at some point. The atmosphere was great.” Well done Emily!

Congratulations also go to Sally Rogers, Marketing Manager for BIRT, who ran the Brighton Marathon in April. “I had a fantastic day,” Sally said about the experience, “the support from the Trusts team at the end and at mile 16 was brilliant.”

Part of our on-going community involvement is our newly revamped volunteering program. These volunteers help in our workshops, gaining practical experience of working with adults with autism.

This experience, along with guided research and ongoing discussions with myself and the Learning Centre team, helps to give them the tools they need to not only better understand autism, but to help educate their colleagues and peers on communicating effectively with our service user group.

I feel it’s vitally important that we practically educate people, such as those in the police and health services, and raise their awareness so they have at least a basic understanding of autism.

11

For you...

About you...

Look Who’s Talking

by Gareth Ransome, Editor

By way of a change I thought I’d combine the Look Who’s Talking column with my own profile…

How long have you worked at the Trust?

I started full time at the Trust in December 2007, but ironically I temped as a receptionist the year before… I must have done something right because they still remembered me AND let me back in!

What do you think that you bring to your role?

I’ve now got over 15 years experience in administration and consider myself a jack of all trades. What I don’t know I’ll find out and I’ve got an appetite for knowledge and learning. I’m extremely creative and because of that have a lateral approach to problem solving. I also bring an anarchic (and sometimes surreal) sense of humour to my job.

What have you learnt since working at the Trust?

On a personal level, it’s been great to see many of my plans come to fruition as I’ve been here long enough to set up systems and watch them work, it’s immensely satisfying. I’ve learnt a lot about acquired brain injury and just how lucky I’ve been; I was knocked down by a taxi about nine years ago and lost consciousness briefly. I was very fortunate to only have a couple of bruised ribs and minor cuts, but after reading the case studies of some of our service users I dread to think what might have happened!

portrait for three of his hardback novels.

However my biggest achievement is writing of my own novels: Bellkipeg and Return to Truth (both of which are available on Amazon via Kindle).

I’ve just got the other two to write!

Do you have any hobbies?

Jayne Herring Jayne is a Human Resources Advisor for recruitment and selection.

How long have you worked at the Trust?

Too many! As I’ve said, I’m a writer in my spare time; both short stories and novels. I’m a keen photographer and am also a composer of ambient music (among other styles). I love reading; am an avid movie buff and couldn’t live without music.

I’ve worked here for nearly two years now.

What is your one unfulfilled ambition?

Where did you work beforehand and for how long?

To be a drummer in a band. I love music and I’m a compulsive tapper – when I get hold of a beat it’s really difficult not to start tapping away to it (much to the annoyance of those around). I used to drum in college for fun but have never had a chance to play in a band.

Do you have any heros? Who are they?

Miles Davis; John Cale; Fred Astaire; Harlan Ellison; Brian Eno; and Stanley Kubrick. (among others)

What are the main responsibilities of your role?

I look at effective ways of recruiting and advise on the whole recruitment process. I’m also looking at ways to standardise the process.

I worked for a private organisation which ran children’s homes. They were family orientated with no more than four children per home. I worked with teenagers that had emotional and behavioural difficulties, and there were quite a few that had either autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

What do you think that you bring to your role?

I have experience of the care sector and understand what people are looking for. I’m good at building professional relationships, whether that’s within the Trust or dealing with external agencies.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud of the work that I do with Samaritans in a voluntary capacity; my listening skills have improved vastly because of it. I’ve also become adept at event management; I get so much enjoyment from organising events.

What are you most proud of, both in and out of your role?

What hobbies to you enjoy?

I’m really proud of Inner Voice, and I’m pleased with the way it’s been accepted and enjoyed by everyone. But on a personal level, I was over the moon when my photo of crime writer Peter James was accepted as the author’s

I enjoy making costume and fashion jewellery, I find it very therapeutic.

I love playing basketball; I’ve played every week for the last 20 years!

My portrait of Peter James.

12

Profile

As I’ve said, I also enjoy my work with Samaritans; I get involved in all the extra-curricula events –that’s where I met my partner, Michael.

A Spotlight on

by Helen Tridgell The money will be used to set up regional ‘hubs’ so that people with disabilities and local authorities in the community “ My Kindle is amazing; it can trial the equipment has opened new doors something they for me and given me are unable to independence, and a do currently. new family!”

What is your one unfulfilled ambition?

I love walking and I want to do more of it! I enjoy distance walking and have walked the South Downs Way, the Isle of Wight coastal path and the East to West coast of Scotland.

Who is the person that you’ve learnt the most from?

That would have to be my other half, Michael who has had amazing patience with me. We’ve been together sixteen years and he’s taught me so much about how to treat people and relationships; he’s been so supportive.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one DVD, one CD and one book with you; what would they be?

The CD has got to be something upbeat, so ‘Bat Out of Hell’ by Meatloaf; the book would be ‘Tuesday with Morrie’ by Mitch Albom and the film is ‘Pay it Forward’ without a doubt!

T

he ability to use The appeal Jackie from Gregory Court assistive technology for will fund: communications has been • Touch screen desktops / laptops life-changing for a number of • Tobii eye readers, both stand our service users. There is such a wide alone and linked to a tablet variety of devices and apps that have • iPads already given individuals a voice and • 50/60” TVs Printers / 3D printers paved the way for them to live a more • Reshaping of IT suites and staff support fulfilled, integrated and independent life.

With that in mind, we’re delighted to tell you about the ConnectAbility appeal which will be launching in September 2014. This will be a three year fundraising appeal which aims to raise £250,000 for assistive technology which will benefit not only the service users within the Disability Lifestyles services across the UK, but also the surrounding communities.

“ I love using new technology it gives me access to on-line books to read, I can play games and communicate with others.”

Sarah from Shinewater Court

If you would like any more information please email Jayne on: jayne.herring@thedtgroup.org

Life in The IT Help Desk Hi, Is that the Microsoft Helpdesk? I’d like to report a fault with my computer.

“ I had previously been using the switches to work the computer but it was slow, the eye tracker will make things much quicker.”

Mark from Shinewater Court The fundraising team will be working closely with each service to make sure that we get support from families and friends of service users, local businesses and organisations, as well as applying to trusts and foundations. We also hope to engage with new and existing celebrity ‘Friends’ of the Trust to add some celebrity muscle!

If you would like more information about the ConnectAbility appeal, please contact Helen.tridgell@thedtgroup.org

No, everything has frozen.

I can’t access any of my network drives at all. I’ve tried everything...

Have I swiched it off and back on again? ...

Seriously?

No I haven’t...

13

For you...

About you...

Lee Ridley IAL SPECProfile

I’d like to welcome a special guest to Inner Voice, stand-up comedian Lee Ridley

F

rom the comedy clubs of Newcastle through to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and beyond he has wowed audiences everywhere. What makes this all the more remarkable is that Lee has been able to do this all without actually speaking a single word! Born with cerebral palsy he uses a voice synthesizer and comes off as a cooler (and funnier) Stephen Hawkins, please welcome the Lost Voice Guy himself, Lee Ridley!

Hi Lee – When did you first come up with the idea of becoming a stand up comedian?

It was my friends idea actually. He thought I was funny and that I should give it a try. I thought he was mental. I’ve always enjoyed watching comedy and making people laugh and doing stand up was probably my dream job. I never really considered it before he suggested it though. Anyway, the idea stuck in my head and eventually I decided to give it a try because I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t. I’m glad I did!

What were the initial reactions to your routines?

My first gig was in February 2012 and the reaction was very positive. In fact, the reaction blew me away a little. I got such a good buzz out of making people laugh that I couldn’t wait to do it again. It’s just grown from there really. It’s all been really positive so far.

What was your first routine about, and how does it differ from your material today?

My first routine was just me taking the mick out of myself and my disability. I still use some of that material today actually.

I think it helps put people at ease if I address my disability straight away. I’d say that most of my material is still about myself. For better or for worse, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. But I am branching out into other topics as well. Currently, I’m working on my show for this year’s 14

Edinburgh Festival Fringe which is all about spending time in hospital with pneumonia during last year’s festival. I tend to be able to find humour in the strangest of places, so I talk about getting poorly, getting seen by the worst doctor in the world, chatting up the nurses, that kind of thing.

Tell me about the audition on the X-Factor. That sounds like a brilliant gag, what happened?

I noticed that the auditions were coming to my city so I decided it would be funny to go along and see what would happen.

Given that I can’t talk, never mind sing, I didn’t think I’d get to audition at all. But no one seemed to question it and I got to perform in front of the audition crew. I don’t think they knew if I was being serious or not so they didn’t really see the funny side. Funnily enough I didn’t get through.

Why do you think there aren’t more disabled comedians?

There’s quite a few actually. We sometimes gig together under ‘Abnormally Funny People’. Of course, we have a token non disabled comedian too. But, yes, I don’t think that any of us are that well known in the grand scheme of things. I’m not sure why. I think it has something to do with society in general though, rather than just comedy.

What’s been your favourite gig? Why? Supporting Ross Noble was special.

It was a dream come true. From watching him perform for ten years to being able to warm up for him was a real privilege. In fact, it still puts a massive grin on my face now.

For more information on Lee, please visit his website www. lostvoiceguy.com Photo credits: Caroline Briggs

A Spotlight on

Staff award scheme Sarah Clifford, Director of Communications, introduces the new scheme that recognises excellence across the Trust.

I

t’s no secret that we have some wonderful members of staff working for us. You are all vitally important to our quality of service, and it’s fair to say we wouldn’t be here without you. Inner Voice was just the first step in recognising the part that you play and I’m happy to announce the inaugural Staff Awards!

The Staff Awards will not only celebrate your achievements every quarter, but will

raise awareness across the Trust and inspire you to share new ideas and try new things.

The categories are

We are going to start the scheme by making an award each quarter – the winners will receive a £50 (individual) or £200 (team) voucher, and will then be put forward as a nominee for the Annual awards which will be presented by the Chief Executive at an event in the summer of 2015.

• Outstanding Individual Achievement

Any member of staff can make a nomination, but it must be signed off by your Service Manager or equivalent, or by a member of Extended SMT. The nominations need to be in by the 7th of the month following the end of the quarter, so for example the nominations for June, July and August 2014 need to be submitted by 7th September 2014.

Nominations will then be put to SMT for a decision and the vouchers and certificates will then be presented to the award-winning individual and team by a member of SMT, who will visit the service or office concerned.

• Outstanding Team Award More information regarding these categories can be found via the public folders on email: Public Folders / All Public Folders / All Staff / Staff Award, alongside the nomination forms. The nomination forms have also been sent to all service managers, and completed forms should be emailed to staff.awards@thedtgroup.org Look out for more publicity over the coming months at your service!

We will keep you updated in the next issue of Inner Voice, and look forward to receiving your nominations!

If you would like more information on the Staff Awards, please contact sarah.clifford@thedtgroup.org

Flash Fact!

Inner Voice costs only 66p per issue, which is 22p cheaper than Take-A-Break; £1.30 cheaper than National Geographic and £1.90 cheaper than Vogue!

We’ve tried to make sure that it’s chock full of informative and insightful stories designed to highlight the achievements of staff across the Trust and encourage people to exchange ideas.

It’s distributed to Services as paper copies, as well as being available electronically at www.issuu.com, because not everyone has easy access to a computer during their working day.

We’d welcome your feedback – what would you like to see in future issues of Inner Voice? Email gareth.ransome@thedtgroup.org 15

For you...

About you...

Photo competition

Congratulation go to James Calvey, ICT Support Analyst for winning the 1st Inner Voice photography competition.

The theme was ‘Transition’ and James interpreted this as the transition between day and night. The photo was taken from the top of Beachy Head in East Sussex

Runner up Childhood to Adulthood by Dilwyn Jones – Service Manager, The BIRT Centre for Wales

Runner Up - Transition of Pollen by Jonathon Padfield, Senior ICT Support Analyst Thank you to all those that entered the competition. Please let me know if you would like another photo competition to feature in the next issue of Inner Voice.

Remember, this is your magazine so please let me know: • If you would like to nominate anyone as a Star Voice • Would like to be put forward for a profile • Have ideas for any future Spotlights Just email me on: gareth.ransome@thedtgroup.org –see you next issue!!

16

The Disabilities Trust, First Floor, 32 Market Place, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9NP Tel: 01444 239123 Fax: 01444 244978 Email: info@thedtgroup.org Search ‘The Disabilities Trust’ Twitter: @theDTgroup