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Home truths NEWS

August/September 2014

OMES have become houses of horrors for many thousands of disabled people who find it difficult to get through their own front door or use their own kitchens and bedrooms, says a leading charity.

A new housing report from Leonard Cheshire Disability highlights the lack of action to build more accessible homes, which is leaving many disabled and older people unable to live comfortably, as well as the low-cost changes that could be made. n The Hidden Housing Crisis report says that around threequarters of people reporting mobility problems (72%) say that the door to their property is not accessible (for example, because it had steps or no ramp). n Around two thirds (63%) of people reporting mobility impairments say they do not have a bathroom large enough to cope with a wheelchair, and half say that they do not have stairs wide enough for a stair-lift to be fitted. n More than one in twenty (6%) say they find it very difficult to sleep in their own beds, because their bedrooms are out of reach.

Our homes are becoming no-go areas for many Sue Frier, who uses a wheelchair, has been living in a two-storey house for two years. She said: “My life has become impossible. I have been unable to go upstairs for two years and have to be washed in the kitchen sink. “ If people come to visit they have to leave the house when I use the toilet as it has no door on so I can get my wheelchair in. I have been told I will have to wait years to get a disabled friendly home.” The charity is calling on all house-builders and political parties

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to commit to building more disabled-friendly homes and specifically: n Make sure all new homes are easily adaptable, which costs only £1,000 extra per new home n Build at least 10% of homes in new large developments to be fully wheelchair accessible, which costs £13,000 extra per new home Clare Pelham, chief executive of Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: “It is truly shocking that in 2014 disabled people are living in conditions reminiscent of the Victorian era. “A strip wash at a kitchen sink is something that belongs in a period drama not Britain today. “This is a hidden housing crisis which we must tackle head on. Our report shows that instead of home being the haven it should be, many thousands of disabled people are shut out of their own kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. “We must make sure that the next generation of homes are built with the future in mind. “For a very small investment today, we can make sure that the homes of tomorrow give disabled and older people freedom and comfort rather than despair.”

0151 230 0307 Editor: Tom Dowling email: news@alltogethernow.org.uk

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Tribute to Widnes campaigner, Jack

FOND MEMORIES: Family and friends of Jack Ashley at the unveiling ceremony

FRIENDS and family of the late Baron Ashley of Stoke unveiled a bust of the tireless campaigner for disabled people at Widnes Library. For more than 40 years Jack Ashley fought for the rights of the underprivileged and the disadvantaged. He was born in Widnes on 6 December 1922 and left school at 14 to become the family’s chief breadwinner as a factory worker and crane driver. He soon became a leading trade unionist, and won a scholarship to Oxford.

When Jack died in 2012, Labour Leader Ed Miliband led the tributes. He said: “Jack was a pioneer as the first deaf MP to sit in parliament, but he did much more than that. “There are many millions of men and women with disabilities who will have better lives thanks to Jack Ashley. He succeeded in changing the law and in changing attitudes. Anti-discrimination legislation for people with disabilities would not have happened when it did without his tenacity, his campaigning and his support.”

Ros: My pledge to older workers THE Government’s new Business Champion for Older Workers is determined to get more people over 50 back into work – and change outdated perceptions. Consumer champion and economist Dr Ros Altmann is a former head of Saga and independent expert on later life issues. She said: “A big part of my role is to work with employers to understand the significant benefits of retaining and recruiting older workers. “This fast-growing section of society has so much experience and talent to offer and could play a vital role in future growth. Everyone can benefit from ensuring their skills do not go to waste.” There are currently around 2.9m people aged between 50 and state pension age out of work in the UK. While the UK employment rate for this age group is around 60 per cent and growing, many other countries achieve rates of around 70 per cent or higher. In the next 10 years, there will be 700,000 fewer people aged 16-49 in the UK labour market but 3.7m more people aged between 50 and state pension age. Baroness Greengross, chief executive of the International Longevity Centre-UK, said: “We are living longer than ever before, yet far too many people fall out of the workforce early. “Without more older workers active in the workplace there are significant risks for UK plc that we will not have the workforce or skills we need to be a competitive nation. “Businesses must wake up to the challenge of extending working lives.”

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This is more than just a newspaper – it is the key that opens a thousand doors

‘

— SIR BERT MASSIE, BRITAIN’S LEADING DISABILITY CAMPAIGNER

High flier Betty

AREDEVIL Betty Lyons, 90, walked out of her care home – and took to the skies in a glider!

“It was one of the most exhilarating experiences I have ever had,” said Betty, who was given the chance to fly above Loch Leven by the Scottish War Blinded charity. “You should never be too scared, or old for that matter, to try new things. “I have trouble with my vision nowadays but I still managed to see a lot of sights and the wonderful Scottish countryside was breathtaking. “I didn’t feel at all nervous before take-off - I was just excited to be given the chance to do such a thrilling experience.” Betty, who lives in one of Bield’s care homes in Uphall, near Edinburgh, has now signed up for her next thrill-seeking adventure – acoustic shooting where she fires a gun at a target every time a whistle blows.

Lottery boost for history projects

Mental health blow

AD TO report that our hopes of getting Big Lottery support to fund a vibrant Mental Healthzone within All Together NOW! have taken a nosedive.

More than 300 avid readers affected by mental health who responded to our in-depth survey told us what we already knew – that there is an appalling lack of relevant news and information to help them with their lives. Among a list of other frutsrations, they also stressed the importance of reducing the stigma attached to mental health illnesses. All this is something we are confident we can help address within All Together NOW! But in order to do it properly we need more funding. However, the Big Lottery say we would have great difficulty “measuring the impact the paper is having on people’s lives.” It’s all hugely disappointing, but we’re not giving up on the plan . . . n ANOTHER sad note . . . my long time pal, Chris Groves – who has been such a key player in the success of All Together NOW! – has decided to call it a day. Chris has just celebrated his 70th birthday and is now eagerly looking forward to devoting more time pursuing his other many interests. A very BIG thanks, Chris – and here’s wishing you a very long and happy retirement.

TOM DOWLING, editor

EX-Corrie actor Steven Arnold sang the praises of your FREE All Together NOW! newspaper at Warrington’s Disability Awareness Day.

“This paper is just brilliant,” said Steven, who was helping to promote Apex Healthcare at the event. “All Together NOW! is getting so many key messages to so many people who would otherwise never know what’s going on and what help is available.” Warrington-born Steven, who played Ashley Peacock in the Street for 14 years, is now looking forward to the panto season when he will be starring in Aladdin at Woking’s New Victoria theatre.

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Make it a day to remember OCTOBER 10 is World Mental Health Day and Merseycare NHS Trust is working with Liverpool Mental Health Consortium and partners to make it a huge success.

Plans include setting up a Liverpool city centre hub for health and wellbeing, as well as staging events in Williamson Square, Liverpool Central Library and the World Museum.

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TWO national organisations have been handed Heritage Lottery Fund grants worth £128,000 to highlight the history of disability. The Accentuate History of Place project will tell the story of disabled people’s history through the design and use of historic sites from the 1100s to the late 1970s, including examples of early provision for disabled people and the first examples of purpose-built architecture. Accentuate has secured more than £75,000 from the HLF to develop the project, and hopes to submit a bid for another £800,000 at a later stage. Meanwhile, Leonard Cheshire Disability has received £53,000 for a ‘Disability Archive’ project that will create a new website containing material and interviews with disabled people.

Travel grants ANYONE working with older people in the field of arts are being invited to apply for a new round of travel grants. The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust will be awarding another 10 Travelling Fellowships in the Arts and Older People / Creative Ageing category. Successful applicants will receive an average grant of over £6,000, covering return airfare, daily living costs, insurance and travel within the countries being visited for approximately six weeks. A Trust spokesperson said: “We are interested in people who are providing community activities and opportunities for older people in all aspects of music, dance, drama and fine arts. We are also interested in projects that are aimed at the training of care staff.” Successful applicants must demonstrate the commitment, the character and the tenacity to travel in pursuit of new and better ways of tackling a wide range of current challenges facing the UK. The deadline is 23rd September. n Tel, 020 7799 1660 www.wcmt.org.uk

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Autism ‘passport’ to help hospital staff Two-ticks nonsense

You need not suffer in silence, says Dot ACTRESS June Brown, best known for playing Dot Cotton in Eastenders, is encouraging older people who are being abused, to ring the free Action on Elder Abuse hotline. Over 500,000 older people experience abuse each year, with the majority suffering in silence, according to recent data analysis produced by Action on Elder Abuse. Almost 90 per cent of elderly victims never reach the attention of adult protection systems. Most older people being abused live in the community, not in care homes or other institutions. June said: “It is frightening that so many older people endure appalling neglect and abuse without ever getting the support and help that they need. It’s almost like a silent scream from our friends and neighbours that we have to hear. That’s why I’m encouraging people to talk to Action on Elder Abuse. Help is at hand, we just need people to reach out and grasp it.” n Helpline: 0808 808 8141. n www.elderabuse.org.uk

Why we love this paper All Together NOW! was passed on to me by a friend. I have found out about things that I would otherwise not known about. Mrs C Brock, Gt Sankey All Together NOW! never ever disappoints and is a very helpful and enjoyable publication. Mrs K Parr, Orrell, Wigan.

BBC jobs promise THE BBC is planning to improve its representation of disabled people, both behind and in front of the camera. The broadcaster said its ambitious plans would “radically change representation on air”, and make the BBC a top employer for disabled people. Among the plans, it promises to quadruple on-air representation and portrayal of disabled people by 2017 – from 1.2 per cent to five per cent – and will appoint a pan-BBC disability executive to champion disabled talent and projects. There are also plans to add to the BBC’s award-winning Extend scheme for disabled people who want to work in production. Tony Hall, the BBC’s director-general, said: “It is vital we reflect the public we serve – both on and off air. “While the BBC has some good schemes in place, we must and can do significantly more.”

AN autism “passport” has just been launched to help hospital staff working with disabled patients.

Backed by the Department of Health and NHS England, the passport contains personalised information about an individual and vital details about the condition. Leo Capella has Asperger syndrome and was involved in the development of the passport. He said: “I believe that the autism passport has the potential to help a lot of people on the autistic spectrum be treated with respect and accuracy in hospital. “The passport provides the right combination of personal information and wider information about autism, including our right to be treated as having capacity until proved otherwise.”

Baroness Angela Browning, a National Autistic Society Vice President, said: “This will make a real difference to people with autism. “We can all find it difficult to communicate well with doctors, nurses and other professionals at times when we feel vulnerable and confused. But these difficulties may be magnified for people with autism, many of whom can find even day-to-day activities such as shopping or using public transport overwhelming. “There is emerging evidence that people with autism have poorer health outcomes than the general population, so it is vitally important that their use of health services is made as straight-forward as possible.” n NAS Autism Helpline: 0808 800 4104 n www.autism.org.uk/hospital-passport

Tourist venues blasted

‘

Many are paying only lip service to accessibility

ANY OF the nation’s most popular attractions are falling short when it comes to accessibility.

National charity Vitalise rated 85 of the top 100 attractions by factors including wheelchair access, numbers of disabled toilets and disabled parking spaces and disability and carer concessions. Over half the attractions did not have full wheelchair access, while almost half had fewer than two disabled toilets per 100 visitors. And as the nation prepares for the great summer holiday getaway, seven out of 10 people with disabilities have so little confidence in accessibility claims that they would rather not bother trying to visit tourist attractions at all. The National Railway Museum in Durham came out on top of the league table. Fifteen of the top 20 attractions were housed in historic buildings, demonstrating the imagination with which barriers to accessibility can be overcome and setting an example for less accessible venues to follow. But 65% of disabled people have decided against visiting a tourist attraction because they found their accessibility information to be insufficient, confusing or difficult to obtain. More than half said they found tourist attractions’ accessibility claims to be exaggerated. Four out of 10 said they had been physically unable to get into a venue they had previously been informed was accessible. Over half said they just do not trust the accessibility info provided

THOUSANDS of firms with the UK Government’s “two ticks” symbol for ensuring equality for disabled workers have been found to be no better than companies without it. Just 15% of organisations awarded the symbol adhered to all five of its commitments, a study showed. The research was led by Kim Hoque, of Warwick Business School, and Nick Bacon, of Cass Business School. Professor Hoque said: “We found there was no difference in the support and commitment to disabled workers between companies who had the two ticks symbol and those who did not have it. “We also found no difference between the public and private sector, if anything the opposite was true. “There is no regulatory pressure on firms to adhere to the two ticks commitments, it is done through employer goodwill and self-enforcement,” said Professor Hoque.

Poverty shame

GOOD access WITHIN Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery and the World Museum. But cobbles in William Brown Street are a real hassle for wheelchair users and others with walking problems

The top 25 accessible venues 1. National Railway Museum, Shildon 2. Imperial War Museum, Manchester 3. World Museum, Liverpool 4. National Railway Museum, Yorkshire 5. Lady Lever Art Gallery, Liverpool 6. People’s Palace, Glasgow 7. Riverside Museum, Glasgow 8. International Slavery Museum, Liverpool 9. Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow 10. V&A Museum of Childhood, London

11. Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford 12. National Maritime Museum, London 13. Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow 14. Imperial War Museum, London 15. National Media Museum, W Yorks 16. Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool 17. Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh 18. Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool 19. Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford 20. National War Museum, Edinburgh

by attractions and venues. Not surprisingly, 70% of those polled said a lack of confidence in accessibility information sometimes held them back from visiting tourist attractions at all. An overwhelming 95% of the

respondents said UK tourist attractions could do more. Vitalise chief executive Chris Simmonds said: “Many venues are still only paying lip service to accessibility.

THE number of disabled people living in poverty is about one million higher than official figures, according to a new report. The authors of the report for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) told the all-party parliamentary group on disability that the true number of people in poverty who were living in households with a disabled member was at least four million, rather than three million. This is because official figures include cash paid to disabled people through disability living allowance (DLA) and attendance allowance (AA) (and now also PIP). The report’s authors – Tom MacInnes of the New Policy Institute and independent consultant Declan Gaffney – argue that this money is intended to cover some of the extra costs of disability, so should not be counted as income when trying to count the number of disabled people in poverty.

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Do YOU want a say in new products? MOVES are being made to get more disabled people to take part in paid-for qualitative market research events such as focus groups or user testing. Maya Middlemiss, marketing director at Saros Research, urged delegates at the Worldwide Conference on Qualitative Research to identify and remove the barriers to research participation. “Disabled people are practical innovative problem solvers, who have to apply creative thinking to everyday movements in a world not designed for their needs,” she said. “Even if you may not see yourself as a typical participant for a typical research project, such a focus group in a central venue, please do enrol with Saros Research - and tell us about any access or support needs you may have,” Saros Research is the UK’s leading portal for the recruitment of paid market research participants, such as user testing, focus groups, product tests, in-depth interviews and online discussions. You can enrol at www.sarosresearch.com/participate/join -saros-research

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Superman Swasie CHAMPION fundraiser Swasie Turner is determined to make this summer one of his best.

CALL FOR ACTION: Swasie Turner on Parys Mountain. Inset: the Isle of Wight push

In May he pushed his “bog standard NHS chair” around Anglesey’s Parys Mountain, then completed an 80-mile gruelling circuit of the Isle of Wight - and in between time launched his third cartoon book, If It Was Up To Me. Next on Swasie’s list was climbing the Rock of Gibralta – in his sturdy chariot! “This time I raised funds for the Royal Marines Association and COPS (Care Of Police Survivors) charities,” he said. Swasie, from Saughall Massie, has been raising money for charities since the death of his wife, Marjorie in 1997. The ex-policeman, who was injured on duty, has travelled the world to complete gruelling challenges for the cause, including 110 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne across the South Downs Way, 98-miles of Hadrian’s Wall in his wheelchair and climbed Ben Nevis. He received an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours in 2005.

TV guides for blind THE TV industry is being asked whether ‘speaking TV guides’ could help Britain’s two million blind or visually impaired people - and if it would be feasible to introduce them across the UK. Ofcom want to hear from pay TV providers such as Sky, Virgin Media, TalkTalk and BT TV and from free-toview TV services.

Copying easy now MORE disabled people will be able to make accessible copies of books, films and music, thanks to reforms to copyright law. Exemptions to copyright previously allowed visually-impaired people, and their organisations, to make accessible versions of certain types of material, such as books, and allowed some organisations to produce sub-titled copies of broadcasts. Thanks to the reforms, exemptions will apply to anyone with an impairment that prevents them accessing copyrighted work. The law will also allow individuals, educational institutions and charities to reproduce all types of copyrightprotected content in accessible formats, as long as an accessibleformat copy is not already commercially available. And the law has been simplified to make it easier for organisations to provide sub-titled copies of broadcasts. Among the acts that are now legal are: making sub-titled films for deaf people; adding audio-description to television programmes for visuallyimpaired people; and making accessible copies of books for people with dyslexia.

Disabled students ‘will quit’

The buzz word S

CIENTISTS have given fresh hope to the one in 10 people in the UK who suffer with tinnitus – a continual ringing or buzzing in the ears.

A new study suggests that the condition can be eliminated by blocking signals between the ear and brain, offering hope to suffers that a cure is within reach. Researchers at the University of Western Australia treated guinea pigs with a drug called furosemide one week after tinnitus had been triggered by exposure to loud noise. The treatment lowered the activity of the auditory nerve,

Fresh hope for tinnitus sufferers

reduced neural hyperactivity in a specific part of the brain that processes sound, and the animals treated with the drug no longer displayed signs of tinnitus. Dr Helmy Mulders, who led the research, said: “Studies in human tinnitus sufferers are still needed to confirm our results and to establish whether or not this approach will be effective for

people who have had tinnitus for a long time, but our research shows that lowering the activity of the auditory nerve may be a promising approach to treating recently triggered tinnitus.” Dr Ralph Holme, from charity Action on Hearing Loss, said: “There are practical steps people can take to manage their tinnitus, but what people want the most is a cure to silence the noise. “The research we have funded takes us a step closer to this goal. “We will continue to fund research into treatments, and offer support to people who suffer.”

FOUR out of five disabled students say they are more likely to leave university if the Government presses ahead with reforms to the system of disability-related higher education support. A new poll of disabled students, carried out by the disability support specialist Randstad Student and Worker Support, found that more than a third would definitely not have attended university without State support. Under the Government’s current plans, according to Randstad, 92% of disabled students – or 48,000 - are likely to be affected by cuts to funding. Maddie Kirkman, disabled students’ officer, said: “The Government can’t say that 50% of school leavers should go to university and then make this impossible to achieve.”

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Rafa and Montse dig deep for autism

PARENTS of disabled children are helping to change health services for the better in their local area. A report from Contact a Family shows how involving parent carers in the design and delivery of health services saves money and improves the quality of the service. Sheila Davies, health manager at Contact a Family, said: “Parents have helped find practical solutions to common problems about the health services their children need and use. “We know from calls to our helpline and from our research that these are problems that many families with disabled children face. “The result of this collaborative working is that there have been improvements to local health services and money saved. “We urge others to see the value of this way of working. Take these examples and replicate them in your area.” Children with autism often find visiting hospital extremely stressful, which leads to them refusing medical treatment. Parent carers in Manchester worked with the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital to introduce procedures so visits are less stressful. n Contact A Family Helpline: Tel. 0808 808 3555 www.cafamily.org.uk

NEW HORIZONS: Rafa and Montse Benitez and, above, how the fabulous complex will look by the time it is completed next year

OOTBALL boss Rafa Benitez and wife Montse armed themselves with spades and started work on a fabulous home for people with autism.

The new North-West facility wil include numerous state-of-the-art features specially designed to aid eight adult residents. They will move in to the centre, being built at Wirral Autistic Society’s Raby Hall complex in Bromborough, early next year. Montse, whose charitable foundation is supporting the project, said they were proud to support “the exceedingly good and dedicated work of Wirral Autistic Society. “Autism has such a huge impact on all the family. Wirral should be very proud to have such a fantastic facility on its doorstep.” Robin Bush, chief executive of WAS, said: “Good quality residential accommodation for people with autism is in incredibly short supply right across the country. “We want to create a home for life, where carers can help the residents build their confidence and selfesteem, achieving the best possible quality of life in an environment which can be adapted to their individual needs. “We see this is a lasting legacy which can be passed on to future generations in Wirral.” Features will include: n Mood’ lighting, which can be used to “paint’ rooms” different colours and help calm or stimulate a resident. Pink and purple have been found to be positive colours and grey to be calming, although all people respond differently. n Wide corridors to reduce feelings of claustrophobia and crowding. n www.wirral.autistic.org

The big read THE magical world of Harry Potter has opened up to blind children Charity Blind Children UK has just produced the world’s largest ever version of the JK Rowling collection. And there was something extra special in store for eight-year-old Kayleigh Ann who was presented with the complete series in a font large enough for her to read – and signed by the author herself. Kayleigh only has 10% vision due to congenital bilateral cataracts and microphthalmia – a condition where the eyes fail to develop. Kayleigh said: “I think it’s brilliant that my Harry Potter books have been signed by the lady who wrote them. “She also sent me a nice letter saying she was delighted I can read

them for the first time and that she hopes I like them.” Mum Debbie said: “Kayleigh was delighted when she heard that she was getting the Harry Potter series in a font large enough for her to read. “We were all thrilled they had been signed by JK Rowling. We can’t thank Blind Children UK enough! “Lots of Kayleigh’s friends are into Harry Potter, so she has been saying for ages that she would like to read them. “She can now sit in bed and read with a torch, like any other child might, which is wonderful. And she loves to write stories so I’m sure that reading by herself will improve her writing.” n Blind Children UK Support line: Tel. 0800 781 1444.

8 TAKE ME HOME!

FAMILIES Putting in an effort TV sports commentator Rob Palmer and some famous pals helped raise £28,000 for North West children’s charity, Stick ‘n’ Step. Rob, the Wirral-based charity’s ambassador, was joined by ex-soccer stars including Kevin Ratcliffe, Jason McAteer, Alex Stepney and Arthur Albiston and Frank Stapleton at a golf fundraising day. Comedian Stan Boardman and singer-songwriter Bernie Flint also took to the greens at the Pryer Hayes club. Rob said: “I am constantly overwhelmed by the generosity and support we get from so many people..” n Stick ‘n’ Step tel 0151 638 0888, www.sticknstep.org

MPs demand a better life for children Ex-footballer Jason McAteer, left, and Rob Palmer

ISABLED youngsters are being failed by every aspect of the childcare system, an inquiry has revealed.

Serious faults at the heart of the system has led to thousands of disabled children – from toddlers to teenagers – missing vital education and social opportunities, it shows. Now MPs and Peers are calling for the problems to be urgently addressed. The politicians’ inquiry into Childcare for Disabled Children found that: n 41% of families with disabled children aged three and four are unable to access the full 15 hours free entitlement to childcare and early years education due to a chronic lack of appropriate settings or lack of funding. n 86% of parent carers who responded to the Inquiry’s survey reported paying above average childcare costs, with 38% paying £1120 and 5% paying more than £20. n 72% of families with disabled children have cut back or given up

work because of childcare problems n The childcare situation gets worse as a disabled child gets older – the cost increases and availability gets even more limited as mainstream holiday and after school clubs are often not inclusive n There is confusion among local authorities, nurseries and schools about what their duties are in providing childcare for disabled children. To begin to tackle some of these key issues, the inquiry is calling on all parties to commit to developing a coherent policy to improve access to affordable, accessible, and appropriate childcare for all children. Robert Buckland, MP and co-chair of the cross-party inquiry said: “We need one coherent policy to improve access to childcare for disabled children and this is the time to take action. “Ahead of the next general election all political parties must commit to tackling the lack of affordable and quality childcare for disabled children once and for all.”

Kids put on ‘life support’

HANNAH Postgate and her seven-ear-old daughter Rosy made a gruelling train journey to tell the Inquiry of the everyday challenges they face. Rosy has autism and complex learning difficulties and needs one-to-one care. “But finding high-quality, affordable childcare is sometimes an insurmountable challenge,” said Hannah,. In an attempt to regain her work life and help other families like hers, Hannah has started her own website. Named after her daughter, RosyandBo.com sells toys and gifts designed for families with special needs.

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NEW support materials to raise awareness of the aspirations of children with complex health needs and highlight opportunities to improves their lives is available. The materials are the result of a threeyear project, An Ordinary Life, by charity the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. It is estimated that over 6,000 children in the UK have complex health needs, with a growing number living into adulthood. As part of the project, almost 40 children and families from across England shared the obstacles hindering their quality of life, and the Foundation supported many of these families to try new approaches. Many needed help with practical issues, including accessing leisure opportunities, transport, having a voice and making adaptations to the home, and described the difference that a suitable home, personal budgets and person centred planning can make. Jill Davies, at the FPLD, said: “It is clear that children in this group are not only fighting to stay alive, but they also have to fight for the opportunities to do ordinary things that others take for granted – from the exercising of basic childhood rights, like communication, independence and friendships, to more spontaneous aspects of life, like going on a school trip.” n FPLD tel 020 7803 1100. www.learningdisabilities.org.uk

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How we can help . . .

ERE at the Morgan Foundation we want to help organisations who share our philosophy – Making a

Difference. Over the past decade we have helped hundreds of organisations across the region, committing over £14 million. This year we will be giving away a whopping £2 MILLION to good causes. Created in 2001 by

businessman Steve Morgan OBE, founder and chairman of Redrow plc, chairman of the Bridgemere Group of Companies and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, the Morgan Foundation supports charities across North Wales, Merseyside, West Cheshire and North Shropshire. Our aim is to provide funding for small to medium-sized organisations who are addressing specific needs in these regions.

We are particularly keen to support those who have already begun to make an impact, but need a helping hand to expand their work and increase their effectiveness. We focus our help mainly on those who work directly with children and families but we recognise that many wider issues may also affect their welfare, so we are interested in any project which contributes to the quality of life in our region.

A VITAL LISTENING EAR

Our funding is helping children through the most difficult of times

‘

Thanks to the Morgan Foundation we can now do so much more . . .

ELP is at hand for vulnerable children across the whole of Merseyside, thanks to a major grant from The Morgan Foundation. The work of Merseyside’s Listening Ear charity has been recognised with a three-year grant of £91,800. The funding will extend the charity’s geographical reach for the ‘Butterflies’ programme for four to 10-year-olds, and help pilot an innovative pre-bereavement service. The ‘Butterflies’ programme is now able to provide its award winning bereavement and loss emotional therapeutic service to ANY child or young

person aged four to 25 ANYWHERE in Merseyside. In addition, the charity will launch Merseyside’s first pre-bereavement emotional support service for children and young people whose parents/ guardians have been diagnosed as terminally ill. Listening Ear currently operates from Halewood, Huyton, Kirkby and Wirral, but the charity is now planning to expand into Liverpool, St Helens, and Halton. Young People’s manager Tracy AllenLea said: “This service will be an extension to our current support and will enable families to access age

appropriate, individual therapy in a safe, child friendly environment. “We are grateful to the Morgan Foundation as we can now deliver a much needed and requested service specifically aimed at the issues children and young people may face when living with a family member who has a terminal diagnosis. “The team are excited to be able to offer innovative, activity based therapy to support children and young people along this journey.” Mr Steve Morgan, chairman of the Morgan Foundation, said: “For the past seven years we have consistently

provided the project with financial support, with lump sums at key development stages. “Regular monthly payments have enabled the project to grow, while capital funding allowed for the children’s project to move from shared rooms with the adult service into its own space with a suite of bespoke rooms. “The Foundation is delighted with the positive impact Butterflies is making on the lives of so many children and young people. We are excited to be supporting this latest development.” n Listening Ear, tel 0151 488 6648 n www.listeningearmerseyside.org.uk

www.morganfoundation.co.uk Tel. 01829 782800

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All Together NOW!

So why aren’t we getting fair hospital treatment?

OSPITALS who prevent older people from having access to lifesaving surgery have been heavily criticised by the Royal College of Surgeons. An analysis of surgery rates in English NHS hospitals shows there was widespread variation in the rates of surgery for people aged over 65 and 75, depending on where they live. The six types of operations surveyed include life-saving procedures to remove cancers of the breast and colon, hip and knee replacements, hernia repairs and gall bladder removal, all of which, say the surgeons, have the potential to transform a person’s life by alleviating pain, allowing them to regain their mobility and independence and by relieving stress. Almost a fifth of 211 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England recorded a decline of more than 25 per cent in at least three procedures between patients aged over 65 and patients aged over 75. The President of the Royal College of Surgeons, Professor Norman Williams, said: “This report raises important questions about how we treat older people on the NHS and whether they have access to the type of surgery they need.

Safer surgery “ Every patient must be treated as an individual and, when a decision is made about their treatment, they must be judged according to their physiological age – how healthy they are – rather than their chronological age. “Many older patients with common health problems – such as a very painful hip - need costly drugs to alleviate the pain and social care to help them live. Clinical Commissioning Groups could actually save money by commissioning operations which would help a patient to regain their independence and mobility. “This is why it is crucial that surgeons and GPs refer people for an operation on the basis of their clinical need and not their age. “It is also important for the public and commissioners to realise how much safer surgery is than it used to be – we now have robotics, minimally invasive techniques and anaesthetics which mean patients can recover much quicker.” The report makes clear that there may be legitimate reasons why a patient may not undergo surgery, including if a patient opts not to, for example. It urges commissioners to explore their data and understand why they may have higher or lower rates of surgical intervention to make sure they are providing the best health service possible for the population they serve.

August/September 2014

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Life is fragile, handle with care . . .

Beware of these ‘pension deal’ scams AGE UK is warning of a growing risk of scams following the Budget announcement that pensions will no longer have to be converted into annuities from April next year. With a growing number of older people considering alternative ways of investing their savings, there is likely to be an accompanying increase in bogus investment schemes. Regular financial check-ups for the retired and people approaching pension age are critical to help the growing number of people aged 60 and over navigate later life, say the charity. Ill health, divorce, care needs and the death of a partner can derail financial plans

overnight. Combined with retirement, which now routinely lasts 30 or 40 years for a growing number of people, the report says we need a new approach to financial planning that concentrates on building resilience rather than developing a single ‘plan’ for retirement. These ‘road-checks’ are particularly important for those with modest savings, many of whom will not have used traditional financial advice. Latest figures show that two thirds of people in the UK do not take professional financial advice. There is widespread concern about finances in later life. Almost two million people in England (20 per cent) aged between 50 and 64 show very low

preparation for old age in terms of financial resources and health. Age UK found that while some people in this age group do not know where to go for sound, impartial financial advice, many of those who are less financially secure are opting for a “fingers crossed” attitude to the future. While the introduction of automatic enrolment into a workplace pension has been a vitally important step forward, the current generation coming up to retirement will not fully benefit. One fifth of men and two fifths of women have no private pension. And half of all women have a private pension worth less than £22,000 – that’s just £1,300 a year.

Let’s talk about YOUR cash

EMO to the head of the household: come clean about how much you’ll have to live on in retirement – otherwise your family could suffer.

The advice comes after a survey revealed that money is often seen as a taboo subject within the family, leading to important decisions being brushed under the carpet. Millions of over-55s are failing to include their family in important decisions about their retirement income with potentially devastating consequences. The research by the insurance firm Aviva also highlights that people are failing to get the basics of a will in place. n More than a third of those interviewed say leaving some inheritance to make sure their

family are provided for when they are gone is important to them. Yet only 59% of over-55s have put a will in place, rising to 76% in the over-75s. n Many of the over-55s with family want to keep their financial position private with more than a quarter of those with family saying they have not had a conversation with either their spouse or their family about their retirement finances. n Nearly two-thirds say they have revealed their financial retirement plans to their spouse, but only a fifth have updated both their spouse and family on their plans. n Less than a quarter have chosen options that provide some income to their spouse should they pass away. Although they wish they could provide some financial support to their family,

15% say they cannot afford to do so. With retirement promising more time and freedom away from the workforce, over-55s are most preoccupied with pursuing a lifestyle of interests and hobbies. Top of the over-55s list of things to enjoy in retirement are: more time to do what I want (66%), spending time on hobbies (45%) and traveling (41%). An interest in pursuing individual interests only accelerates with age, with the over-75s appearing most keen on having more time to do what they want (70%) and spending time on hobbies (53%). Family is important to the over55s. Some 44% said they want to live close enough to their family to spend time with them. Yet this is a higher priority for women (48%) than men (40%).

SENIOR MOMENTS . . . with FRANK HARRIS

MONEY MATTERS

Cut the cost of summer SUMMER has arrived, the schools are out and the children are in need of entertaining. I am sure some of you will be taking them to attractions like Legoland, Spaceport, children’s farms, Cheshire’s ice cream and candle factories, and Chester Zoo, to name but a few North West attractions. But It can be very expensive for families. So how can you cut costs? Firstly, visit their website where sometimes tickets booked in advance can be cheaper. Then visit sites offering discount vouchers, like myvouchercodes.co.uk, daysoutguide.co.uk, moneysavingexpert.com. It can also pay to google “discount vouchers for Blue Planet” and see what comes up. Don’t forget, too, that National Rail offers two for one at some attractions and discounted rail fares. Sometimes you get two for one on packets of Kellogg’s or Quavers. Finally, if you have Tesco Clubcard Vouchers, these can be redeemed at double or treble face value for vouchers to hundreds of top visitor attractions throughout the UK. Just visit their website for details. Hope you enjoy the summer.

Gordon Viner FCA CTA

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August/September2014

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Rory gets VIP treatment W

HEELCHAIR user Rory Moss was given the VIP treatment when he went to his local dealership to pick up the keys to a new Motability car.

Greeting him at TrustFord, Wilmslow were the Chancellor George Osborne, Lord Sterling of Plaistow, chaiman of Motability, and local dignitaries. Rory, 54, has multiple sclerosis, and can only walk a few paces. His new Ford Kuga has been fitted with an electric hoist to store his wheelchair. Rory said: “My car provides me with a lifeline. Without it I would be completely stuck indoors, especially as my wheelchair is so bulky. “Although I am unable drive anymore, my carers can drive me wherever I need to be.” Mr Osborne, MP for Tatton, said: “It is a great pleasure to be here and present Rory with the keys to his new car. I am also delighted to meet those who work for Motability and others associated to this fantastic scheme, which supports many people with their independence.” Lord Sterling of Plaistow, chairman of Motability, added: “We are delighted that George Osborne could join us for this special presentation. “We have supported more than three and a half million disabled people and their families with their personal mobility since 1978 and look forward to assisting many more in the decades to come.” John Leeman, Operations Director at TrustFord, added: “Motability is an extraordinary initiative and we are very proud of what we have been able to accomplish through the scheme. “Over the years our dedicated team of Motability specialists have provided thousands of customers with vehicles tailored around their individual requirements, such as Mr Moss.” KEYS TO FREEDOM: Rory gets his new car from Chancellor George Osborne at TrustFord, Wilmslow

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New assessments for older drivers

OOD NEWS for older drivers who want to ensure their driving is up to scratch.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has launched its Mature Driver’s Assessment – a way for drivers over 70 to gain a trusted second opinion on their driving. The assessment, which costs £35, consists of an hour’s driving with a qualified instructor. At the end of the assessment, drivers are given immediate feedback and a confidential written report. A certificate is given to those judged ‘Excellent’ or ‘Competent’ and there is expert advice for those whose driving needs to be improved. IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “This assessment helps keep older people driving for as long as it is safe to do so. “It’s worth remembering that many older people actually give up too early, simply because they lack confidence. “It also gives elderly drivers and their families the information they need so that they can choose the right time to give up driving.” IAM research shows that 42% of the population is worried about an elderly relative driving, yet they are unlikely to do anything about it. n The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. n Tel 0300 303 1134, www.iam.org.uk

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READERS’ LETTERS . . . OPINION . . . COMMENT . . .

Our museum is accessible IT WAS disappointing to read Sir Bert Massie’s comments about a city museum’s “dark age attitude” with lack of wheelchair access. To their credit some of our smaller museums, and I speak as museum officer at Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum, Crewe, have persevered over many years to comply with the equality legislation, and have finally achieved a great degree of success. It has not been easy raising the money or getting the plans passed but by commitment and hard work we are proud to have opened our new access for all and we look forward to many more people visiting us. The new ramp gives an impressive entrance to the site, and is already attracting new visitors, as well as providing safer access from the car park for the many school children who come to take part in a wide range of programmes, including the Victorian Sunday School. Our new exhibition relating to World War I and conscientious objectors opened in April. The museum is open until October, though opening days and times vary. Admission is free. Groups are welcome to book by appointment. Tel.01270 820836 Margaret Veal (email)

Polio: The facts ON 25 APRIL 1954, Randy Kerr, a sixyear-old American boy, became the first person to receive the polio vaccine. It followed a successful drug trial which saw the vaccine become mass produced and kick started the eradication of the deadly virus. Sixty years on, I would like to recognise the heroic work of these medical pioneers. However, with 120,000 people in the UK still suffering from the late effects of polio and post polio syndrome (PPS), more work is needed. Between 1947 and 1958 polio claimed more than 3,000 lives and disabled over 30,000 people. Many who survived polio were left with, in the worse cases, total paralysis and at best wasted limbs and severe muscle fatigue. If that wasn’t enough, many survivors now have to struggle with PPS, a debilitating neurological condition that up to 80% of people who contracted polio in earlier life can develop, bringing with it new or increasing muscle weakness and pain, swallowing and breathing problems and chronic fatigue. The British Polio Fellowship, currently celebrating its 75th anniversary, offers support to those suffering from the late effects of polio and PPS in the UK. Call 0800 018 0586 or visit www.britishpolio.org.uk Ted Hill, CEO, The British Polio Fellowship

LETTERS/ARTICLES PLEASE TO: All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. email: news@alltogethernow.org.uk

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Fourth time lucky for us? Don’t rush into right to die law FOUR years into the life of the current Government and the fourth Minister for Disabled People has been appointed. This seems to suggest that the Government does not think the post is very important. First we had Maria Miller, who declared that the Independent Living Fund was unsustainable and must be closed, while at the same time being creative with her claims for Parliamentary expenses. Then came Ester McVey, who continued to press with vigour the Government policy of removing benefits from disabled people while presiding over the chaos of the work capacity tests. Last year came Mike Penning who continued the Government’s policies but understood the problems with them. He worked behind the scenes to find better ways of doing things and his transfer to other duties is a loss to disabled people. The new minister, Mark Harper, was a shadow disability minister before the election so should have some knowledge of the issues. Let’s hope he proves to be a minister for disabled people and not against us.

At long last, disabled actors are being taken seriously

IN JULY an important debate took place in the House of Lords. It concluded by agreeing to allow a Parliamentary Bill to go forward that will make legal a doctors assistance to people who are assessed as being terminally ill to kill themselves. Assisted suicide is a controversial issue and many disabled people believe that if the Bill became law it could result in the right to die turning into the duty to die, because they would not wish to be a burden to their families. Of course, some disabled people support assisted suicide. It is an issue that divides caring and humane people. So what is the way forward? The Bill being considered by the Lords will not become law before the General Election. The debate will continue and now is the time for a calm and dispassionate look at the issues. Parliament does have a role to play, as do the many others with an interest in this issue. One way forward would be for Parliament to establish a Select Committee to look at all the evidence from this country and abroad, consider all the various views and present their conclusions. Such an important issue should be considered with great care before any change to the law.

SOUNDING OFF! with Sir BERT MASSIE

The world is now our stage

N THE mid-1980s I served on a committee chaired by Sir Richard (now Lord) Attenborough, which was concerned with the arts and disabled people.

We sought to address two issues: The first was to improve access to artistic venues so disabled people could enjoy the arts like anybody else. Thirty years ago very few theatres were accessible to wheelchair users. No plays were signed to enable deaf people to enjoy them and there were no audio descriptions for visually impaired people. There were no laws requiring museums to be accessible and cinemas frequently turned away disabled people on the bizarre claim that we were a fire risk. Mythical “health and safety” regulations were cited to ensure that disabled people were kept out. The report resulted in increased pressure to enable disabled people to enjoy the arts in the same way as others could. Today the position is much changed and organisations seeking Arts Council grants or money from other organisations are required to ensure they have appropriate facilities for disabled patrons. Of course, things are not perfect: I wonder why so many spaces for wheelchair users in cinemas have to be on the front row and so

near to the screen – the whole experience is rather disagreeable. The other issue the Attenborough Committee addressed was the unwillingness of the entertainment industry to employ disabled people. Non-disabled people usually played disabled characters in plays or television dramas. At the time it seemed as though casting directors feared that the sight of disabled people on the stage or on our television screens would result in viewers running away, screaming with terror! Theatre groups of disabled people such as Graeae and arts organisations such as Shape, based in London, and Da Da, based in Liverpool, have done much to promote disabled actors and there are encouraging signs that disabled people are breaking into the entertainment industry. It might seem a contradiction to define a wheelchair user as a stand up comedian but how else can Lawrence Clark be described? This Liverpudlian comedian will be featuring at the Edinburgh Fringe during August. Francesca Martinez, who is disabled, appears increasingly on quiz shows that allow her wit to sparkle. In our TV soaps an increasing number of disabled people are being featured. Eastenders at one time featured only non-

disabled people some of whose characters had accidents and became disabled. But by power known only to television companies even people who had broken their back were cured and running around a few weeks later. Now greater realism prevails. In 2009 the character Adam Best was introduced, played by wheelchair user David Proud. The feisty market trader Donna Yates, played by Grange Hill actress Lisa Hammond, is the latest newcomer. I should not leave Eastenders before commending the decision to include people with learning disabilities. In Coronation Street we have Izzy Armstrong, played by Cherylee Houston, and another disabled person is due to be introduced this autumn. The important point is that these and the characters in other soaps are rounded characters rather then paper cut-out people. Perhaps one of the best is Liz Carr playing forensic scientist Clarissa Mullery in Silent Witness. There are many more examples I could give but I think we are now seeing the results of decades of work to give greater visibility to disabled artists. The world of the arts and TAKE ME HOME! entertainment is much better for it.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

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August/September 2014

Robots take another step inside the home R

OBOT vacuum cleaners may sound like appliances from the 22nd Century.

But far from science fiction, they could soon be enabling disabled and older people to live independently. The robot cleaner and other devices are controlled with a tablet computer, allowing the user to clean the carpet, order shopping and switch the lights on and off, without leaving their chair, wheelchair and bed. Nearly 200 disabled and older people are using the equipment in trials lasting three years.They are part of an EU-funded independent living project, I-stay@home, which is examining the potential of information and communications technology to

support people to live independently, and address challenges such as isolation, security, and financial hardship. Volunteers in the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. are trying out gadgets and judging them on their usefulness, reliability and value-for-money in supporting independent living. The project’s UK partner, Habinteg Housing Association, a specialist in accessible housing, is working with 22 tenants across London. Research from phase one of Istay@home in 2013 found that threefifths of disabled and older people were open to using new technology to help them in their homes. Bill

Smalley, one of the Habinteg tenants testing products, said: “I’m really pleased – the vacuum cleaner is excellent and already saving me and my wife time with jobs around the house. “This was certainly more difficult before so we’re already seeing the benefit. “I’m all for this project and I know that other tenants would be helped by these new ideas. If we can help other people in future with this testing that would be fantastic.” Habinteg and its partners aim to use the research to promote the use of effective high-tech equipment for tenants both in and outside social housing.

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Ooh, sheer bliss . . .

n FED UP having to ask others to put sun cream on your back? n Well here’s a new device that may let you do it yourself. n The Backbliss Lotion Applicator is the latest invention from Caroline Wagstaff, who was featured in BBC TV’s Dragons’ Den. n “Sun care has improved enormously over the years but it is still difficult to get all this good stuff in the right places,” says Caroline. n They come in single packs, £11.99, and double packs, £19.99. www.backbliss.com

Let’s make it a NATIO

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August/September 2014

UTH Adorian is a woman who knows – and who usually gets – what she wants.

FIGHTING SPIRIT: Ruth Adorian ready for action

A mother of three, she’s travelled the world, played an influential role with some of Cumbria’s public and private sector organisations, and is a lover of the great outdoors. Now, aged 82 and living with motor neurone disease, which has taken away her speech and the ability to walk, Ruth has set herself another target. She’s already set up a new charity – The Association for the Independence of Disabled People – and is now determined to help create a Government-backed national Disability Day. Speaking through a voice-enabling computer, Ruth said: “I woke up one day and wondered why I was still here, having long outlasted the initial three year life expectancy given to me by neurologists. “And then the idea came to me – we need a lobbying association and a dedicated Disabled Day to draw much more attention to people’s needs.” For the past 22 years Warrington’s annual Disability Awareness Day has been firmly in the calendar of North West. But Ruth wants similar events taking place all over the UK – and all on the SAME day.

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“I want to see a day in the calendarr where people in every town and village take part in activities to recognise the needs of the disabled and hopefully to bring changes.” Ruth contracted MND six years ago. Now requiring round the clock care, she fought to retain as much independence as possible, but experienced first-hand the lack of facilities available to the disabled in hotels, restaurants and on transport. “I found easy access to be a major problem,” she says. “My family and I have had issues with hotel websites offering ‘disabled bathrooms’ which are entirely unsuitable for a disabled person requiring two carers. “There needs to be enforcement of proper standards for disabled bathrooms and toilets in hotels and public buildings. “A few misplaced handles or an emergency pull cord shouldn’t constitute a disabled bathroom. “If our new charity makes just a small difference initially it will be worth it. However, with the right level of support we believe it will grow quickly, helping to greatly improve the quality of life of those who are currently confined to their home because facilities elsewhere are woefully inadequate.”

n Contact Paul Adorian, tel 015394 48459 n www.disabledday.org

MAN ON A MISSION: Dave Thompson, foun

ONAL ‘Disability Day’

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August/September 2014

nder of Warrington Disability Partnership and their annual Disability Awareness Day

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It’s getting better all the time . . .

RGANISERS of the North West’s biggest annual disability event have already set the wheels in motion for next year’s show!

“This year’s Disability Awareness Day was another huge success,” said Dave Thompson, founder and chairman of Warrington Disability Partnership. “We’re now determined to make next year’s DAD even bigger and better. More than 24,000 people from all over the country turned up at Walton Hall Gardens to find out about all the widerange of services and products available to help people with their independence. “Our influence continues to grow,” said Dave. “On the same day as our event Milton Keynes staged its first DAD and our friends over in Cameroon were holding their second. “I can honestly say it’s all just getting better and better – and it’s thanks to so many people.” Brian Cronin, chief executive Your Housing Group, principal sponsors, said:

“Disability Awareness Day continues to go from strength to strength and is a fantastic event that showcases the achievements and talents of people with disabilities. “As an organisation we have a strong commitment to people with disabilities both as a housing provider and as an equal opportunities employer.” Special guests included former Coronation Street actor Steven Arnold, Warrington mayor, Councillor Ted Finnegan, Warrington Wolves star Ryan Atkins and Elizabeth Harrison, from Gibraltar’s Ministry for Equality. The date for next year’s DAD is Sunday, July 12. n WINNERS of this year’s Positive Action Awards - which recognise exemplary practice in the North West - were The A.L.E.X. Project, Lawrence Smith, Knowsley Parents and Adult Carers (KPAC) and Penny O’Hare. n WDP, tel 01925 240064 n www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk

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SHOPMOBILITY n ALTRINCHAM. Tel 0161 929 1714 n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. Tel 0161 339 9500 n BARROW. Tel 01229 434039 n BIRKENHEAD. Tel 0151 647 6162 n BLACKBURN AND DARWEN. Tel 01254 690566 or 07757 502217 n BLACKPOOL. Tel 01253 349 427 n BOLTON. Tel 01204 392946 n BURY. Tel 0161 764 9966 n CARLISLE. Tel 01228 631564 n CHESTER. Tel 01244 312626 n CHORLEY. Tel 01257 260 888 n COLWYN BAY. Tel 01492 533822 n CREWE. Tel 01270 580 031 n ELLESMERE PORT. Tel 0151 355 1420 n KENDAL. Tel 01539 740 933 n LEIGH, Wigan. Tel 01942 777 985 n LIVERPOOL. Tel 0151 707 0877 n MANCHESTER Trafford Centre. Tel 0161 747 2684 n MANCHESTER Arndale Centre. Tel 0161 839 4060 n NELSON. Tel 01282 692 502 n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal Tel 01606 288820 n OSWESTRY. Tel 01691 656882 n PENRITH. Tel 01768 895 438 n PRESTON. Tel 01772 204 667 n RHYL. Tel 01745 350665 n ROCHDALE. Tel 01706 865 986 n RUNCORN, Halton Lea Tel 01928 716971 n SHREWSBURY. Tel 01743 236900 SKELMERSDALE. Tel 01695 550066 n ST HELENS. Tel 01744 613 388 n STOCKPORT. Tel 0161 666 1100 n WARRINGTON. Tel 01925 240064 n WARRINGTON. Birchwood Tel 01925 822 411 n WIGAN. Tel 01942 776 070 n WINSFORD. Tel 01606 557550 n WREXHAM. Tel 01978 312390 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM. Snow Hill Railway Station. Tel 0121 236 8980. Level 2, Centre Car Park, Bullring. Tel 0121 616 2942 n STAFFORD. Tel 01785 619456 n STOKE ON TRENT. Tel 01782 233333 n SUTTON COLDFIELD. Tel 0121 355 1112 n TAMWORTH. Tel, 01827 709392 n WALSALL. Tel 01922 650781 n WEST BROMWICH: Sandwell. Tel 0121 553 1943 n WOLVERHAMPTON. Tel 01902 556021

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Are YOU one of our winners? WINNERS of our recent gardening competition were: Laura Goodwin, Sylvan Avenue, Timperley (Picked up her copy at Wythenshawe Hospital) Susan Cannon, The Copse, Liverpool (Broadgreen Hospital) Tony Nuttall, Canberra Avenue, St Helens (St Helens Central Library) Ann Brown, South Avenue, Prescot (Royal Liverpool Dental Hospital Ms Kapa, Caldicot Way, Poulton-Le-Fylde (Wilkinson’s, Blackpool) Sarah Jane Jones, Chapel Close, Comberbach, Northwich (entered online) All winners will receive a super pack of four new varieties of streptocarpus – launched this year – PLUS two beautiful, longer-established kinds. The plants come from Dibleys Nurseries, the leading breeder and grower of streptocarpus and other indoor plants, based at Llanelidan, Ruthin, North Wales, who have won no fewer than 24 gold medals at the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show.

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE n ANGLESEY:

TARAN Tel 01407 721933 n BLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support. Tel 01253 472 202. Textphone 01253 476 450 n CHESHIRE CIL Tel 01606 331853 n CHESTER Dial House Tel 01244 345655 n DENBIGHSHIRE Tel 01745 354445 n ELLESMERE PORT DICE Tel 0151 355 1420 n HALTON Disability Service Tel 01928 717222 n KNOWSLEY DISABILITY CONCERN. 0151 480 4090 n LANCASTER DISC Tel 01524 34411 n LIVERPOOL Association of Disabled People. Tel 0151 263 8366. Text 0151 260 4076 n MERSEYSIDE Coalition of Inclusive Living. Tel 0151 260 4001 n NEUROSUPPORT Centre Tel 0151 298 2999 n MANCHESTER (GTR) Coalition of Disabled People Tel 0161-273 5154 n MOLD Flintshire Disability Tel 01352 755546 n NELSON: Pendle Pakistan Welfare Association. Tel 01282 603 616 n PRESTON DISC: Tel 01772 558 863. Textphone 01772 204 787 n RHYL Tel 01745 350665 n STOCKPORT: Disability Stockport. 0161 480 7248 n WARRINGTON Disability

Partnership. 01925 240064 WIRED Tel 0151 670 1500 n WEST LANCS HELPLINE Freefone 0800 220676 n ST HELENS DASH Tel 01744 453053 n WREXHAM Tel 01978 262955 MIDLANDS BIRMINGHAM Disability Resource Centre Tel 0121 789 7365 Disabled People’s Network Solihull Tel 0121 788 1544 STOKE: Disability Solutions Tel 01782 683800 WOLVERHAMPTON Elder and Disabled Group Tel 01902 448552 n WIRRAL

ORGANISATIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 233332 n BARROW Tel 01229 820698 n BIRMINGHAM Action for Blind Tel 0121 665 4200 n BLACKBURN Tel 0125 554143 n BLACKPOOL: N-Vision Tel 01253 362696 n BURY Tel 0161 763 7014 n BURNLEY Tel 01282 438507 n CARLISLE: Action for Blind People Tel 01228 595121 CHESHIRE & N WALES: Vision Support. Tel 01244 381515 n CUMBRIA (West) Tel 01946 592474 n CUMBRIA (Sth Lakeland) Tel 01539 726613 n GUIDE DOGS Tel 0118 983

5555 n HENSHAW’S 0161 872 1234 Tel 0151 708 7055 n LIVERPOOL: Bradbury Fields.Tel 0151 221 0888: Action for Bind Tel 0151 298 3222 n MANCHESTER: Action for Blind Tel 0161 787 9252 n PRESTON: Action for Blind People Tel 01772 320550 n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682 8019 n ROSSENDALE Tel 01706 873256 n SIGHTLINE (North West) Tel 0800 587 2252 n WIGAN Tel 01942 242891 n WIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877 ORGANISATIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF n BIRMINGHAM Institute for Deaf Tel 0121 246 6101 n CHESHIRE Deaf Society Tel 01606 47831 n CUMBRIA Deaf Society Tel 01228 606434 n LANCASHIRE (EAST) Deaf Society Tel 01282 839180 n MANCHESTER Deaf Centre Tel 0161 273 3415 Genie Networks. Tel 0161 941 4549. Text 18001 0161 941 4549 n MERSEYSIDE Society for Deaf Tel 0151 228 0888 n ST HELENS: Deafness Resource Centre Tel 01744 23887 n WOLVERHAMPTON Centre for Deaf Tel 01902 420904 n N WALES Deaf Association, Tel 01492 542235

CARERS’ CENTRES

n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 n CUMBRIA Carlisle. Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith. Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness. Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal. Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE Helpline: 0800 085 0307 n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412 n LANCASTER Tel 01524 66475 n LIVERPOOL Tel 0151 705 2307 n MANCHESTER Tel 0161 835 2995 n MORECAMBE Tel 01524 833456 n PRESTON Tel 01772 200173 n RUNCORN Tel 01928 580182 n WIDNES Tel 0151 257 9673 n SALFORD Tel 0161 833 0217 n SEFTON Tel 0151 288 6060 n ST HELENS Tel 01744 675 615 n STOCKPORT Tel 0161 456 2808 n WARRINGTON Tel 01925 644 212 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243 n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 683711 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Tel 0121 675 8000 n SOLIHULL Tel 0121 788 1143 n WALSALL Tel 01922 610 810 NORTH WALES n ANGLESEY Tel 01248 722828 n BANGOR Tel 01248 370 797 n CONWY Tel 01492 533714 n DENBIGHSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 0845 603 3187 n DOLGELLAU Tel 01341 421167 n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436 n WREXHAM CARERS SERVICE Tel: 0800 276 1070

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August/September 2014

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WHAT THE PATIENTS SAY

Hospital reading easing the pain

Novel a day keeps the doctor away! PAINBUSTERS: Kate McDonnell from the Reader Organisation (far left) with patients (left to right) Sally Woodall, Pauline Jones, Alexander Parry and Helen Cook

EVER mind paracetamol – the power of reading great literature to ease chronic pain is being put to the test in a pilot study.

Research is already showing a positive link between attending a weekly reading group and the relief of severe pain. The results are so encouraging that The Reader Organisation – a charity dedicated to changing lives through literature – has been commissioned to run the weekly reading sessions on Merseyside for the next three years. Dr Andrew Jones, a pain specialist at Liverpool Broadgreen Hospital, which is involved in the research, said: “Early indications show the reading group is making a difference to people in our hospital. But there is something intangible,

a deeper impact beyond that, which we can’t measure using existing research methods. “People with chronic pain have three times the average risk of developing psychiatric symptoms such as mood or anxiety disorders. “And depressed patients have three times the average risk of developing chronic pain. “While there is already evidence of the mental health benefits of shared reading, little is known about the benefits for physical health, but the link between chronic pain and psychiatric symptoms indicate it could help.” The success of the project so far means it could be expanded into dialysis wards and other areas of physical health at Broadgreen and the city’s Royal Hospital. During the sessions, stories and poems are

Brain power gets cyclists to the top

AS Tour de France stars prepared for their sortie to the UK, seven North-West cyclists were suffering through one of the grimmest challenges the famous French race has ever thrown up. But the pain of riding over 600 miles through France, and then up Mont Ventoux – considered the hardest of all Tour de France climbs – brought a major gain for The Walton Centre, a leading brain hospital on Merseyside. The keen amateur cyclists raised £30,000 for the Liverpool hospital’s Home from Home Appeal after completing one of the world’s most gruelling routes.

One of the riders, solicitor Rob Fletcher, said: “We averaged 110 miles per day which is extremely good going. Although I have climbed in Europe before I have never experienced anything like Mont Ventoux “It is completely unremitting pushing you hard all the way up with absolutely no place to rest. By the end you have to dig very deep indeed.” The team endured pouring rain and scorching sunshine on their six-day cycle to the infamous Tour de France stage but, despite a few falls, no one was seriously injured.

read aloud by a trained facilitator and patients are free to take a turn reading, respond to the work, or just sit back and enjoy it. The group is currently reading The Pearl by John Steinbeck, led by Kate McDonnell from The Reader Organisation. Kate said: “Everyone in the group has a different pain story to tell, but in the session the focus is on the book or story we share together and on the wider lives and experience of the people who come, rather than just the pain. “Group members say that the sessions give them something new and interesting to talk about to people who know them. “They’re also able to forget their pain while we’re reading,” she added. “It gives them a weekly lift.”

HELEN COOK, 35, from Tuebrook, has a tumour in her pelvic bone and pain in her pelvis, legs and back. Diagnosed two years ago, Helen had to give up her job as a supply teacher in Widnes. She said: “You can feel isolated with your condition so it’s nice to be with people who are in pain but don’t talk about it. If we didn’t have the reading and just met and talked, it could become very negative – we could all bring each other down.” RETIRED civil servant Alexander Parry, 72, of Bowring Park has had pain in his feet and hands for 24 years. It forced him to take early retirement and often stops him sleeping. He said: “One of the problems of having chronic pain is you tend to get depressed, when you’re up all night and can’t sleep. Coming to the reading group is like therapy. When I go home from here I have a spring in my step. I feel much better mentally.” PAULINE JONES, 58, from Everton, has cerebral palsy and suffers from severe back pain. Dr Jones recommended she go to the group and she hasn’t looked back. She said: “I enjoy coming here – it keeps us occupied and takes away the pain away.” SALLY WOODALL, 57, from Woolton, had a stroke on the bus to work in 2008. Since then, she has had two mini strokes. She now has neuralgia in her back and is no longer able to drive or work full time. Sally, who works weekends as a nurse at the Royal in the outof-hours service, said: “When I first came I was in a right state. Within six to eight months I was back in work again. The reading group certainly played a part in my recovery.”

SUMMIT MEETING: The team pictured at the top of Mont Ventoux

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MEDICAL NOTES So, just how much sleep do you need? OLDER people who have trouble sleeping have a worse memory. Researchers analysed sleep and brain function data from over 8,500 men and women. The study showed a link between both the quality and length of sleep and brain function - which changes with age. In adults aged between 50 and 64, short sleep – fewer than six hours a night -– and long sleep – more than eight hours a night – were associated with poorer brain function. By contrast, in older adults, aged 65 to 89, worse brain function was only observed in the long sleepers. Dr Michelle Miller, at the University of Warwick, said: “Six to eight hours of sleep per night is particularly important for optimum brain function, in younger adults.” The results of the research back up previous research, which showed that six to eight hours of sleep per night was ideal for physical health, including the lowest risk of developing obesity, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. “Interestingly, in the younger preretirement aged adults, sleep quality did not have any significant association with brain function scores, whereas in the older adults (over 65), there was a significant relationship between sleep quality and the observed scores.” “Sleep is important for good health and mental wellbeing,” added Professor Francesco Cappuccio. “Optimising sleep at an older age may help to delay the decline in brain function seen with age, or indeed may slow or prevent the rapid decline that leads to dementia.”

Why we love this paper All Together NOW! is a brilliant idea. Older and disabled people can’t always use a computer to get news and advice. They need all the help they can get. Jeanette Davison, Wedgewood Crescent, Ketley, Telford THIS paper is encouraging, informative and NEVER lets you down. Ken Gallop,Woolston, Warrington

Dementia know-how DEMENTIA training will be available to all NHS staff by 2018, according to the Health Education England body. The training will support staff to spot the early symptoms of dementia, understand how to interact with people with the condition and signpost the most appropriate care and support. As well as extending training for NHS staff, HEE has agreed to work with professional bodies to ensure that all NHS undergraduate courses include training in dementia by September 2015.

August/September 2014

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Sensory room is plain good sense HOSPITALS are no fun for children but there is one room at Wirral Women and Children’s Hospital that 10-year-old Joseph Francis always enjoys visiting. Joseph’s mum Chrissie, who helped create the hopsital’s sensory room, said: “Joseph has no awareness of danger and it is difficult to keep him entertained. “This new sensory room means he can take his mind off being in a hospital. It also helps with any pain he is feeling because of the sensory interaction this facility creates. “I can already see the difference it is making.” Equipment in the room includes an LED projector which casts colour onto the walls, floor and ceiling, a fibre optic light and curtain which shines beautiful colours around the ceiling, and a special floor and

wall cube which is used to change the colour of a large tube of bubbles. A sensory music system plays soothing sounds, and there are stimulating and reflective toys and padded safety mats throughout. The hospital’s play specialist Emma Deakin said: “The environment we’ve created gives children and young people, many with different sensory needs, the opportunity to relax and escape from some of the worries and anxieties that a stay in hospital can bring. “Not only is the new sensory room relaxing for our younger patients, it also helps them to enjoy their time while they are staying with us and receiving treatment.”

FUN TIME: Joseph and mum, Chrissie

Retail therapy Check-ups at the check-out as health hits the high street

EVICES that give you a check-up without the need to call a doctor and phones that reward you for behaving in way that’s good for you will be available on the high street in future.

Retailers and charities will be among the main providers of digital healthcare technology, according to a new study. The current system’s inability to cope with our ageing population and increasing lifestyleinduced illness will mean that some services – particularly those relating to the elderly, mental health and obesity - may become over-subscribed or lose priority, it says. Tthat will in turn create opportunities for retailers and organisations such as charities and housing associations to bridge the gap. “Most of us have heard about apps that reward people for performing beneficial behaviours, web portals that enable patients to book appointments or order prescriptions and devices that track and monitor patients remotely,” said Dr Steven Dodsworth, head of D Health, who carried out the research. “Despite the potential of such technology to reduce costs, increase efficiency and empower patients, success has largely been limited to short-term pilots and sparse availability depending on your financial position or postcode. Dr Dodsworth added: “Chronic disease, mental health, obesity and isolation are already significant issues for many citizens and their prevalence will increase markedly over the next 20 years.”

Kimberley backs children’s charity FORMER Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh, left, is heading a campaign to tackle a chief cause of birth defects in UK children. The killer CMV virus affects one in 1,000 newborn babies in the UK each year but simply washing your hands can prevent its spread, especially among pregnant women. Now Kimberley has launched the “Wash Away CMV” campaign. She is asking people to post pictures of their hands with the words Wash Away CMV written on them. “For me, it’s personal, especially now being pregnant myself. The CMV virus affected my friend’s son, which means he has permanent disabilities.” n CMV Action: Tel. 0800 467 9590, cmvaction.org.uk

As demand for health and care services grows, people will be increasingly willing to adopt new, unconventional approaches to meet their needs, he believes. “Our new research shows that leadership in the digital healthcare marketplace will come from unlikely sources such as the third sector, the high street and even the general public. “Until now, the healthcare industry expected state providers to lead innovation and adoption in digital healthcare technology, but it’s clear that new players will enter this space and take the lead. “The third sector will adopt a greater role in the provision of health, care and wellbeing within the communities it serves.” This is already starting to happen, he says.

An organisation in the north of Scotland is developing a smart phone app that will enable elderly and vulnerable people to access basic support services, helping them to maintain an independent home life. Supermarkets and high street pharmacies across the UK have started to introduce dropin facilities and self-help kiosks. “We anticipate that a new wave of low cost, effective and digitally-enabled products and services will become available to the general public,” said Dr Dodsworth. “Innovations such as this show that new ways of delivering health and care are possible and can support the move towards sustainable models for the future that have the users at their heart.”

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August/September 2014

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Strictly for the staff who go the extra mile

TAFF at Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust were honoured for their hard work over the last year at the trust’s 5th annual Staff Awards ceremony.

Almost 300 staff and special guests attended the ‘Strictly LCH’ themed evening at the city’s Anglican Cathedral – and were entertained with a dazzling display of wheelchair ballroom dancing from Paula Molton and Gary Lyness, and local dance company Movema. BBC Radio Merseyside presenter and community figure head Roger Phillips led the celebrations which recognised the achievements of staff across a variety of award categories including the trust’s five organisation values: Care, Community, Courage, Collaboration and Commitment. Twenty-three staff – each with more than 40 years service to the NHS – received Long Service Awards. The Trust’s deputy chief executive Gary Andrews said: “We are incredibly proud of our staff and the roles they provide in supporting patients and communities across Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley. “Despite the backdrop of an increasingly challenging NHS environment, they show great determination and commitment to their roles, and I’m delighted to be

OH WHAT A TEAM!

TEAM OF THE YEAR: The Practice Nurse Development team and Gary Andrews, LCH deputy chief executive

Roll of honour: Award for Care: Community Intermediate Care Team, Sefton Award for Community: Naamah Wilson, Smoking Cessation Support Worker Award for Courage: Bed Based Intermediate Care Service Award for Collaboration (joint winners): The Anticoagulation Service; Collette O’Loughlin, Out of Hospital Lead for North Liverpool and Sefton Award for Commitment: District Nursing Service Learner of the Year: Rebecca McLean and Laura Maclean Award for Creativity and Innovation: Community Equipment Nurse Specialists Team Employee of the Year: Sarah Gibson, Integrated Care Clinical Facilitator, Virtual Ward Leader of the Year: Veronica Bellis, Manager for Bed Based Intermediate Care Chair’s Award for Health and Wellbeing: Children’s Speech and Language Team Volunteer of the Year: Rob Otten, Liveability Service Award for Equality and Diversity: Beverley Nwosu, Community Matron and Chair of BME Network Award for Quality: Jo Nash, Clinical Nurse Manager Team of the Year: Practice Nurse Development Team for Sefton and Liverpool Members Choice Award: Rob Otten, Liveability Service

HELPING HAND from Andrea Friday, left, at the Liveability sports day

Having a ball at Liveability

THERE was plenty of fun for the over 50s at the annual Liveability Sports Day. Diane Singleton, Liveability Service Lead, said: “It was great to see so many older people taking part in activities on the day, and maintaining healthy active lifestyles later in life.” Activities and games were designed to improve coordination, balance, strength, and flexibility. Liveability’s oldest volunteer, Joyce Prince, who celebrated her 88th birthday in June, opened the event. n Liveability Team tel 0151 234 1660 or email: liveability.service@liverpoolch.nhs.uk

National recognition for speech service

LCH’s Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Service are in line for a second award of the year. Having been recognised in the LCH Staf Awards, the service has been shortlisted in the HSJ Value in Healthcare Awards 2014 for its use of mobile devices and technology. The regional hearing impairment speech and language therapy network, which is part of the service, undertook a pilot study with Liverpool John Moores University, loaning tablet computer devices to children and families to enable them to have ‘virtual sessions’ with therapists via Skype. n Winners will be announcedy on 23 September at the Grosvenor Hotel, London. CONGRATULATIONS, too, to Pauline Jelliman, Specialist HIV Nurse for LCH, who has just received the National HIV Nurses Association (NHIVNA) and Gilead Nursing Award.

At your service A NEW city-wide service to help people with blood clots has been set up in Liverpool. The anticoagulation service lets patients get treatment from 21 different GP practices and clinic locations across Liverpool. Anticoagulation services monitor patients who take a drug to slow the rate at which their blood clots and reduce the risk of strokes in patients with irregular heartbeats or replacement heart valves. LCH medical director Craig Gradden said: “This new service offers patients far more flexibility, convenience and choice about when and where they can access anticoagulation services. We hope it will make a significant difference to thousands of people’s lives.”

To find out more, visit . . .

www.liverpoolcommunityhealth.nhs.uk

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August/September 2014

Liverpool leads the way

Beatrice Fraenkel chair, Mersey Care NHS

ONNECTION to nature, skies and outdoor spaces is an essential part of our physical and mental health and wellbeing all the year round. However this time of year, with longer days, is our opportunity to make the most of good weather and connect with nature and the outdoors. We don’t have to live in the countryside either to enjoy nature, as there are many beautiful parks and public open spaces as well as access to so much glorious countryside and seaside close by. It’s really about finding an oasis personal to us where we can take time out, let us feel and smell the air, sun and rain and notice the seasons. The size of the space is less important than having it available, so it can be a garden or a small back yard with a window box. How we use our spaces is up to us, but having something that connects us to nature and help us take notice is important. I use the terms ‘connect’ and ‘take notice’ deliberately as these are two of the core values of the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ scientifically recognised principles that contribute to our feeling better and living longer. In my home city of Liverpool the greening of the city is regarded as highly important. Fields of poppies and wild flowers have emerged in Toxteth on so-called ‘waste land’ and small spaces previously left to collect litter along main roads are now planted up, thanks to community support. This makes everyone feel better and is an investment in our health. A BRILLIAN example of using space for wellbeing is The Mersey Forest, which is a growing network of woodlands and green spaces across Merseyside and Cheshire. Mersey Care is supportive of its recent moves to practise mindfulness in forests, particularly beneficial because of the welldocumented health benefits associated with our spending time in woodlands and forests. (Mindfulness refers to the heightened awareness of what is going on within and around you, in the present moment, in a non-judgmental way.) I’m also passionate about the value of allotments and growing things and pleased that many garden and allotment projects exist across Mersey Care’s services. It’s wonderful that Ashworth Hospital staff and patients won a bronze medal for their show garden at the latest RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park. Open space, and access to it, is integral in the design for our new Clock View Hospital due to open next year in Walton, Liverpool, and our service users and staff have been totally involved with the design to ensure it is the best. I hope you have the chance to enjoy the summer and the outdoors in a way that works best for you.

A NEW league table shows Liverpool hospitals are helping lead the way in the drive for better treatments for all NHS patients. The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust increased their number of clinical research studies from 140 in 2012/13 to 160 in 2013/14. Evidence shows that patients do better in hospitals and surgeries that do research. Dr Richard Fitzgerald, director of the Royal’s clinical research unit, said: “We have over 400 clinical trials running in the hospital at

any one time, in 40 different departments. We’re always looking for more volunteers to take part in clinical trials to help improve the future of healthcare.” Over half the NHS Trusts in England increased the number of clinical research studies they are carrying out. Clinical research is a vital part of the work of the NHS, and provides evidence about what works so that treatments for patients can be improved.

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Statins make men static! THE downside of older men taking medication to reduce cholesterol levels has been revealed. One of the longest studies of its type has found that using statins results in older men doing less physical exercise. The research did not identify why men who took statins exercised less – only that they did. But possible causes could include the muscle pain that can be a side effect of statin use, and the disruption of the mitochondrial function in cells,

which may contribute to fatigue and muscle weakness. “Physical activity in older adults helps to maintain a proper weight, prevent cardiovascular disease and helps to maintain physical strength and function,” said David Lee, who led the US study. “It’s a fairly serious concern if use of statins makes people less likely to exercise.” Muscle pain is found in five to 30% of people who take statins, Lee said, and some people also report feeling less energetic, weak or tired.

Sobering thoughts n www.nhsresearch.org, www.crn.nihr.ac.uk/annualstats

RITAIN’S methods for cutting heavy drinking among the most vulnerable are all wrong, according to a scathing new report.

Advertising bans, licensing restrictions and higher taxes not only fail to help problem drinkers, but punish the majority of responsible consumers, says the Institute of Economic Affairs. These policies are blunt instruments which just don’t work for the complex problem of dealing with heavy drinkers, says the report, Punishing the Majority, by John Duffy and Christopher Snowdon. The report examines how a relatively small number of drinkers consume a disproportionately large amount of alcohol, with close to 70% of alcohol drank by one fifth of the population. The report calls for politicians and campaigners to wake up to the complex reasons behind problem drinking. Instead of favouring political interventions on price, availability and advertising, the health lobby should pursue harm-reduction and rehabilitation, it says. Among other findings were: n Heavy drinkers are less price sensitive than moderate drinkers and restrictions on availability and advertising have very little effect on anybody. n A lack of complexity in current policies – in the UK the poorest socio-economic groups have the lowest average consumption, yet have the highest rates of alcohol-related mortality, while the richest groups drink the most and suffer the least harm. n Between 1980 and 2000 alcohol consumption rose only slightly in the UK (9.6 -10.4 litres per person) while liver cirrhosis mortality nearly doubled. In Sweden, liver cirrhosis more than halved while drinking fell by just 15%. So it all depends on which drinkers are increasing or reducing their intake. Snowdon said: “The UK’s alcohol policy fails to help the most vulnerable. It’s high time campaigners recognised that the real reasons why some people drink to dangerous excess are complex and varied.”

BRAINWORK: Paul May, left, with students Avani Soin, Alex Fleet, Dishi Sihdar, Rachael Phillips, Lydia Seed and India Seavor

Getting to the fruit of the problem BRAIN surgeons of the future have been “operating” on water melons. Pupils from secondary schools across the North-West went to The Walton Centre to find out what goes on at the leading brain hospital. Clinical director Paul May, said: “Neurosurgery is a highly skilled occupation which some may think is beyond their reach as a possible profession. “We wanted to show young people that it is not as mysterious or unattainable as they might think– and perhaps they should aim to join the next generation of neurosurgeons.” Hundreds of visitors from across the

The perfect tonic . . .

North West attended the event to meet staff and see behind the scenes of the UK’s only neuroscience trust. Chief executive Chris Harrop said: “We take a huge amount of pride in what we do here and we wanted to give people a glimpse of the work our wonderful staff do day to day.” The event also marked the centenary of the First World War and Armed Forces Day by offering a rare chance to see the priceless Captain Noel Chavasse collection, kindly loaned by Liverpool’s Army Reserves 208 Field Hospital, featuring the sword, letters and other personal effects of the only soldier to win two Victoria Crosses in World War I.

HALF A MILLION

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August/September2014

Paul the porter’s proud day at the palace HE MIGHT have some way to go to match the Queen’s time in the job. But hospital porter Paul Yates’ 40-plus years of service were more than enough to earn him a special date at Buckingham Palace. One of the longest serving members of staff at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust on Merseyside, Paul was invited to join the Queen at a Palace Garden Party. Paul, from Whiston, works as a porter at Whiston Hospital and received his invite in recognition of, and to celebrate, his loyal service to the NHS. While there he shoulders with HM the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and numerous other members of the Royal Family. Paul said: “It was a fantastic honour to represent the Trust at such a prestigious event and I feel privileged to have been chosen. I have truly enjoyed helping patients and staff each and every day.”

PROUD MOMENTS: Paul Yates at Buckingham Palace

Metal magic! How copper may lengthen lives of MND sufferers...

...and its vital role in battle with disease

AN’S oldest metal, copper, was first used more than 10,000 years ago.

CIENTISTS believe they may be close to a new treatment to improve and extend the lives of motor neurone disease suffereres.

And they are hopeful that experiments with a copper compound that’s been known for decades will also help people with Parkinson’s Disease. Human trials will now be carried out but, in tests, the compound has already been shown to imporove the locomotor function – or body movement – of mice. They also lived longer. So far, no treatment has been found that will help extend the lives of people with motor neurone disease by more than a few months. But researchers from the UK, Australia, and the United States say the copper compound has the potential to change this. “We believe that with further improvements, and following necessary human clinical trials for safety and efficacy, this could provide a valuable new therapy for ALS and perhaps Parkinson’s disease,” said Joseph Beckman, a distinguished professor of biochemistry and biophysics Oregon State University. MND was first identified as a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease in the late 1800s and gained international recognition in 1939 when it was diagnosed in American baseball legend Lou Gehrig. In the US it is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s known to be caused by motor neurons in the spinal cord deteriorating and dying, and has been traced to mutations in copper, zinc superoxide dismutase, or SOD1. “The damage is happening primarily in the spinal cord and that’s also one of the most difficult places in the body to absorb copper,” Professor Beckman said.

“Copper itself is necessary but can be toxic, so its levels are tightly controlled in the body. The therapy we’re working toward delivers copper selectively into the cells in the spinal cord that actually need it. Otherwise, the compound keeps copper inert. “This is a safe way to deliver a micronutrient like copper exactly where it is needed,” added Professor Beckman. The procedure has already extended the lifespan of affected mice by 26%. The study has been published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

But is it also the metal of the future - and set to play a vital role in keeping people well. As health experts warn of the “major global threat” from diseases becoming resistant to antibiotics, copper’s value in fighting infection has already been proven. Now the biggest ever trial of its kind could produce a major leap forward in the fight against bacteria. Copper is inherently antimicrobial – which means it kills the tiny organisms that cause disease – and shares this benefit with many copper alloys including brass and bronze. MRSA, Influenza A and the highly-infectious “sickness bug” norovirus, outbreaks of which frequently shut down hospital wards and care homes, are just a few of the diseases that copper can destroy. The trial, involving 600 nursing home residents in France, will involve 1,000 door handles and 1,000 metres of hand rail being replaced with antimicrobial copper versions. Dr Vincent Stoeckel, who is leading the study, said: “According to the World Health Organisation, we are heading towards a postantibiotic era, where common infections could become increasingly dangerous to at-risk populations, such as the sick or elderly. “Copper is a proven solution, and if this experiment gives positive results, it could pave the way for a significant advance in the fight against bacteria in health facilities.” In the UK, copper’s ability to reduce contamination by 80% is acknowledged in the latest NHS guidance on infection control. Copper surfaces are already being installed in hospitals across the world to improve patient safety, and can also be found in care homes, schools, train stations and airports.

people are reading these pages . . .

MEDICAL NOTES Parkinson’s and the Jewish connection RESEARCHERS seeking a cure for Parkinson’s Disease are looking for volunteers – but not just anyone! UK experts are appealing very specifically for people of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish descent to help with a study sponsored by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. A team at Imperial College London will be studying individuals with genetic mutations that are associated with Parkinson’s disease. Previous research has shown that people of Ashkenazi Jewish background, who have a particular genetic mutation are more likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease. The same applies to people of Basque and North African Berber descent. Nicola Pavese, who is helping to lead the study, said: “Although known genetic mutations currently account for only five to 10% of all Parkinson’s cases, this population can provide invaluable information about the intricacies of the disease for all patients.” n Anyone interested in helping with the study can visit www.michaeljfox.org/ppmi/genetics or call 020 3311 1714

Why we love this paper I ALWAYS pick up All Together NOW! from Sainsbury’s Cheshiore Oaks. I love it. It has lots of interesting information and always picks me up. N Davies, Upton, Chester THE All Together NOW! e-newsletter and website are a great resource for disabled people and their families. My Dad uses a wheelchair and has asphasia, following a stroke. It’s so hard to find information and services that are relevant. Debbie Mulloy, Whatley

Check YOUR health RON Morris reckons he would not be around now if he hadn’t undergone an NHS Health Check. The “midlife MOT” showed Ron, 48, had dangerously high blood pressure He recalls: “The nurse looked at me and said: ‘You’re a walking heart attack or stroke. You’re not going to work today – you’re going to hospital’.” Ron, of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, is now urging others to take advantage of the free Health Check available to over-40s. A new improved guide to the Health Check features advice for the elderly on how to improve and maintain quality of life and encourages users (men in particular) to have a Health Check. Launched in 2009, the scheme is now delivered by all 152 local authorities across the country. n www.nhs.uk/nhshealthcheck

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books

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ARIES March 21st - April 20th

One in a Million, by Steve Prescott and Mike Critcley, Vertical Editions, £17.99 THE life story of Rugby League legend Steve Prescott is emotional, powerful and inspirational. The ex-St Helens, Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Lancashire, England and Ireland full-back began writing his autobiography in 2007 while battling cancer and completed the manuscript a few weeks before he died in November after complications from a multi-organ transplant. His wife Linzi has written the final two heart-rending chapters of a book which, for the first time, will tell the whole story of Steve’s brave battle with cancer. In the book Steve describes growing up in St Helens, dealing with early rejection before signing for his home town team and the highs and lows of top level Rugby League. Although Steve writes colourfully about the ups and the downs of his career in the game, One in a Million is much more than a sports book, with much space devoted to the way he tested himself and inspired others with a series of gruelling challenges. Linzi said: “At first Stephen just wanted to tell his story after being diagnosed with cancer, but in the end it became so personal to him that he decided to tell the people what he was really going through behind closed doors, and that it wasn’t all about endurance challenges and smiling. “He is very open and honest about what he went through. He really enjoyed writing it and he put a lot of time and effort into it. “During his last course of chemotherapy at The Christie, he used the treatment time to work on his book, edit it and make sure he was getting it right – and it helped him take his mind off what he was going through at that time. “He worked on the book from 2007 and was extremely passionate about it in the end; he really wanted to tell his own story and wanted to make sure people got it from him. “It is certainly not a normal sporting book, it is the whole picture. As well as his rugby career, it will tell the readers in detail what he has been through from the diagnosis in 2006 through to the pioneering transplant in 2013..” All proceeds from the book go to the SP Fund which has been set up for Steve’s family. n The book is being officially launched at the Tetley’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley on August 23. TAKE ME HOME!

August/September 2014

a difficult family matter. You’ll be angry when things don’t go your way, but that can’t be helped. Keep a creative project under wraps during the opening days of September; you don’t need to hear any petty criticisms. The Full Moon on the 9th marks an exciting turning point in a romantic relationship. Use your influence to help a friend mid-month.

You won’t get much sympathy from family members as July turns to August. The first half of August is ideal for having fun in the sun. Head off to a festive city by the sea. The Full Moon on the 10th puts strain on an intimate relationship. The third week of August will turn out to be very productive. Negotiations go smoothly in September. The Full Moon on the 9th prompts you to retreat from public view, enjoying the company of a close friend or lover. Watch your temper when dealing with a muddled government official near the 22nd. The New Moon on the 24th is ideal for launching a business partnership or taking a romance to the next level.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st Resist the urge to borrow money from a friend in early August. The Full Moon on the 10th will force you to choose between spending time on a relationship or your career. Domestic pursuits will be especially fulfilling throughout the second half of August. Beware of taking a budding romance too far, too fast and don’t let your relatives interfere with your private life as August turns to September. The New Moon on the 24th brings a job offer, along with improved health. You may be inspired to move to a bigger place as September turns to October.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st Beware of venting your anger on a colleague in the early days of August. The Full Moon on the 10th could bring disappointing news. Give yourself a period to mourn and then move on to greener pastures. You’re too intelligent to let disappointment poison your heart. Overcoming a creative block will put a spring in your step during early September. You’ll see pleasing results from a strict health regimen during the third week of September. News of an engagement, a birth or even a new romance will reach your ears around the 24th, setting off a chain of parties.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd An exciting moneymaking opportunity will arrive during the first week of the month; be prepared to negotiate for a better rate than you are initially offered. The Full Moon on the 10th forces you to dig deep to pay a debt. A powerful business or romantic partner will get good news in the second half of August, triggering a marvellous celebration. Communicating with relatives becomes easier as August turns to September. A serious conversation with your business or romantic partner proves empowering. It’s time to make your wants and wishes known.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd Beware of keeping secrets from a lover, or you could be in for an embarrassing encounter. You’ll make a great impression on everyone you meet during the first week of the month. The New Moon on the 25th will force you to adopt a more realistic attitude toward work. You’ll be in high demand during the opening days of September. Keep your mobile charged and check your messages frequently. A manipulative relative might ask for a loan

RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . . when they hear about some good fortune that’s about to come your way; be prepared to refuse. Put this money toward a long-term investment instead. The New Moon on the 24th brings good news concerning a creative project.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd A friend may fall back on a promise, which is difficult to take. The second week of the month brings fantastic news about a business or romantic partner. It looks like you’ll enjoy a share of their success. Spending time on your own throughout the second half of August will prove therapeutic. You’ll start getting the recognition you deserve in the third week of the month. Financial discussions should bring good results in the early days of September. Be realistic about your best friend’s strengths and weaknesses; embrace the good and overlook their exasperating qualities.

LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd Who you know will be more important than what you know during the first half of August. Don’t be afraid to call in a few favours. A friend will invite you on a luxurious vacation on or around the 18th; be sure to accept. The New Moon on the 25th may prompt you to isolate yourself from the crowd. Try not to alienate a colleague. Trust your instincts throughout the first half of September, especially with regard to family matters. The New Moon on the 24th is perfect for getting a new hairstyle or cosmetic procedure. Your best friend or lover will have some exciting news.

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd Your expertise attracts plenty of romantic attraction. Resist the urge to come on strong with an attractive newcomer; you’re better off playing hard to get with this superstar. The Full Moon on the 10th brings an end to

The Full Moon on the 10th brings an end to a stressful contractual agreement; you’ll finally be able to move on to greener pastures. Schedule a glamorous vacation during the second half of the month. A colleague will confide some juicy secrets during the third week of August. Working with a large group proves fulfilling as August turns to September. The Full Moon on the 9th reminds you of the importance of family. Schedule some quality time with your nearest and dearest. The New Moon on the 24th is perfect for attending a social event. You’re sure to make some dynamic friends at this gathering.

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th Don’t let your family have any input into your love life in early August. You’ve got to stand in defence of your partner, even if it means enforcing a temporary separation from a meddling relative. Good news from a friend will result in a fun party on or around the 8th. Expect some money from an inheritance, refund, or dividend. You’ll get lots of fame and acclaim after promoting a brilliant idea in early September. You won’t be able to help someone who is disorganised and scatterbrained, so don’t even try. The New Moon on the 24th is perfect for applying for a high-powered position or going on a job interview.

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th Check and double check your work, or you could make an embarrassing mistake. A thoughtful business or romantic partner will be eager to take some of the burdens from your shoulders. A difficult conversation will go more smoothly than you expected on or around the 9th. The Full Moon on the 10th forces you to come to terms with your anger. You can no longer use childhood disappointments as an excuse for your shortcomings. Entering a competition will be a good use of your time during the second half of September.

PISCES February 20th - March 20th Buying a lover or child an expensive gift won’t win their affection. The Full Moon on the 10th will bring an embarrassing secret to light. Beware of jealous former lovers bearing grudges. Stand firm against peer pressure in the opening days of September. Going against the grain has always been your style. A Lunar Eclipse on the 8th brings an abrupt end to a source of income. In a strange way, this will be liberating. A Solar Eclipse on the 23rd allows you to make money from your expertise. Putting your creative talent to work will be stimulating. It looks like you’ll be working alongside some extremely accomplished people, too. .

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Sweet peas, buddleia, poinsettia – and Holloween pumpkins

I have a large trough filled with sweet peas growing up a fence and flowering well. They are well watered and fed. However, one plant has begun to die. The leaves are turning brown from the bottom and moving up the plant. A trough is not ideal for sweet peas, which like a deep root run. In any case, sweet peas, which were grown fairly early in the year, will start to die now, with leaves fading from the ground up. In future, try growing sweet peas in the ground or deeper containers, sowing twice: late winter/early spring for early to midsummer flowering, and late spring for late summer flowering.

We have decided to attempt growing pumpkins in readiness for Halloween and have reached the stage where about 12 flowers are emerging, some with what look to be the pumpkin growing behind the flower. What is the difference from those without a pumpkin-like growth? Do I remove flowers in order for the others to grow? Or is there some pollinating to be done?

SWEET PEAS for all-summer displays: BUTTERFLY BUSH – the blue variety Buzz Buddleia, the butterfly bush, is best cut back to about 30cm (12in) from the ground in early to mid-April. It will then grow strong new shoots, which will flower the same year. If the shoots do not appear, root damage may be the cause.

The best time to repot a poinsettia is in summer just when the leaves are starting to regrow. But it may not be too late. Knock the rootball out of the pot and if the roots are filling the pot, replant in a pot about 5cm (2in) wider and deeper. To turn the bracts scarlet, put the plant in complete darkness for 14 hours every day for eight weeks during October and November.

The flowers with mini-pumpkins behind them are females, those with a thin stem the males. Hand pollination is sometimes necessary in poor weather, otherwise bees and other insects will do the job. Hand-pollinate by removing a male flower, stripping the petals and brushing the centre gently across the centre of the female. Use two or three males per female. Allow only two female pumpkins to grow per plant for the best results. Once fruits start to swell, feed with a tomato-type fertiliser weekly.

MALLOW MOMENTS W Q

In spring we cut back some of the branches of an overgrown buddleia but there was no regrowth on the lower parts. The branches we did not cut grew a few flowers. Would it be better to cut it all back?

I have a large poinsettia plant from last Christmas with healthy foliage and in a 5.5in diameter pot. Should I repot ? I hope it survives ‘til Christmas.

HETHER summer brings drought or flood, one kind of shrub can be relied on to produce eye-catching displays of flowers.

The mallow or, to use its posh name, lavatera, has stems that can be 2m (6ft 6in) long and the large, trumpet or funnel-shaped blooms come in vivid pink, subtler shades of red or, less commonly, tones of white or purple. Lavatera tolerates most garden conditions except heavy shade and even thrives on waste ground and railway embankments - self-sown from gardens. Various species grow all round the world, from Australia to Scandinavia and the Azores to Siberia, as well as the British countryside. One kind has been used as a medicinal plant and culinary herb at least since Roman times and, in 16th-century Britain, had the reputation of curing practically anything. Today it is used more sparingly by herbalists and is also eaten by some enthusiasts. Young leaves and shoots are consumed raw in salads or cooked in vegetable dishes. Unripe seed capsules, known as ‘cheeses’ because of their shape, are said to make an unusual addition to salads. I must try them some time! The spectacular lavateras grown in gardens are forms of the tree mallow, a sub-shrub which is generally hardy and often evergreen in England and Wales. They are all free-flowering, producing blooms of five petals, each double-lobed like a butterfly’s

SUMMER SENSATION: Lavatera Barnsley Baby and Lavatera Rosea

wing, and are similar to the flowers of the related plants hibiscus and hollyhock. The sight of a small front garden overflowing with long, straight branches and bright pink flowers has become increasingly familiar. Such displays are mainly produced by a single bush of the varieties Rosea or Kew Rose. For smaller spaces there are less vigorous kinds - and, for those who would like a change from pink,

there are shades of white and purple. Choose from these... Barnsley - white petals turning faintly pink, with a deep rose-pink centre and cream stamen. It is slightly less vigorous than Rosea but can revert to that pink species, from which it sprang as a sport - a freak shoot. If pink flowers appear, the branch bearing them should be pruned out completely. It is not named after the Yorkshire town but the place where the sport arose, Barnsley House garden in Gloucestershire. Burgundy Wine was selected from seedlings of Rosea found on a Hampshire nursery in 1988. Although similar to Rosea in size,

shape and habit, Burgundy Wine has much deeper, purple-red flowers with darker veins. Bredon Springs is also a beautiful introduction, nearly two metres in height and spread. Its flowers, in tightly packed groups, are pale purple with a dusky-pink flush. For smaller spaces, one lavatera is obviously suitable – Shorty. This is one metre tall and wide, like a half-sized Rosea with plentiful pink flowers. Smaller still is Baby Barnsley, like Barnsley but petite enough to grow in a large pot. As well as shrubs, there are hardy annuals. Varieties of Lavatera trimestris include some fine flower forms with deeply cut veins. They include a superb white, Mont Blanc.

CHECKLIST FLOWERS: Plant autumn flowering bulbs such as colchicum and autumn crocus. SHRUBS AND TREES: Clip hedges and topiary, removing all new growth unless it is needed to fill gaps or add height. Take 15cm (6in) cuttings of lavender in August from stems that have not flowered. Trim them below a leafjoint, strip off all leaves except four to six at the top. Make a Vtrench in a shady spot and insert the cuttings to two-thirds of their length. In heavy soil, fill the trench first with a gritty mixture such as cuttings compost. PATIOS: Spend a few minutes every day dead-heading container flowers. Make sure the compost does not dry out and give a liquid feed once a week. LAWNS: Raise the mower blades - grass can take weeks to recover if sheared too short in hot weather. PONDS: Remove dying blooms and leaves of water lilies and other plants. If allowed to rot, they will use up oxygen needed by fish. VEGETABLES: Keep picking courgettes and beans as soon as they are big enough. The more you pick, the more the plants will produce. By mid-August, sow spring cabbages and finish planting leeks for cropping early next year. FRUIT: Peg down strawberry runners to produce new plants. Fix them into small pots of compost buried up to their rims in the ground. This makes the young plants easy to plant out with little disturbance to their roots. If cherry or plum trees need pruning, do it now. GREENHOUSE: Water tomatoes regularly. Splitting and blossomend rot are caused by irregular watering. HOUSEPLANTS: Plant hyacinth bulbs in pots to bloom indoors in winter.

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Until Sept 20: War Horse. Salford Lowry. Stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s wartime epic. CAPTIONED: AUG 23. AUDIO DESCRIBED: SEPT 13. Aug 5-9: Annie Get Your Gun. Liverpool Empire. Irving Berlin’s musical. Aug 7-9: The Wall. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Tribute to Pink Floyd. Aug 7-9: The Wedding Singer. Salford Lowry. Musical comedy. Aug 8: An Evening of Dirty Dancing. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Tribute show. Aug 10: Jimmy Carr. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Standup comedy. Aug 15: An Evening of Dirty Dancing. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Tribute to Dirty Dancing. Aug 15: The Smiths Ltd. St Helens Citadel. Tribute to the Smiths. Aug 15: The Bon Jovi Experience. Rhyl Pavilion. Tribute to Jon Bon Jovi. Aug 16: Bullets and Daffodils. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. The story of wartime poet Wilfred Owens. Aug 16: BNBF Northern Championships. St Helens Theatre Royal. Bodybuilding show. Aug 16: Roy Orbison and Friends. Southport Floral Hall. Tribute to Roy Orbison. Aug 17: The Magic of Motown. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Featuring loads of Motown hits. Aug 20-21: Peppa Pig’s Big Splash. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Kids’ TV show live on stage. Aug 20-31: Blam! Blackpool Grand Theatre. Action-packed comedy. Aug 22: That’ll Be The Day. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Rock and roll variety show. Aug 23: Milkshake! Live. St Helens Theatre Royal. Musical for kids. Aug 23: Ken Dodd. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Stand-up comedy. Aug 23: That’ll Be The Day. Southport Floral Hall. Rock and roll variety show. Aug 23: Collabro. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Musical theatre boy band. Aug 24: In My Life. Liverpool Royal Court. Featuring the music of John Lennon. Aug 25-30: One Man, Two Guvnors. Stoke Regent Theatre. Comedy. Aug 26-28: Jimmy’s Hall. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Celebrating the life of Jimmy Gralton. Aug 26-30: West Side Story. Liverpool Empire. Musical. Aug 27: Cannon and Ball. Rhyl Pavilion. Comedy double act. Aug 28: UB40. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Reggae stars. Aug 28-29: Sense of Sound: Migration Music. Liverpool Everyman. Aug 29: Saturday Night Bee Gees. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Tribute to the Bee Gees. Aug 29-31: Fawlty Towers Dining Experience. Salford Lowry. Tribute to the sitcom. Aug 30: Marty MacDonald’s Farm. St Helens Theatre Royal. Children’s TV show. Sept 1-6: One Man, Two Guvnors. Liverpool Empire. Award-winning comedy. Sept 3: The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Live

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BOX BOX OFFICE OFFICE NUMBERS NUMBERS BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre: 01253 290190. BOLTON Octagon: 01204 520661. LIVERPOOL Empire: 08444 999 999. Everyman & Playhouse: 0151 709 4776. Royal Court: 0870 787 1866. LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru: 01492 872000. MOLD: Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565.

MANCHESTER Library Theatre: SALFORD The Lowry: 0843 208 6000. Opera House: 0870 401 9000. Palace Theatre: 0870 401 3000. NEW BRIGHTON Floral Pavillion: 0151 666 0000. PORT SUNLIGHT: Gladstone Theatre: 0151 643 8757. PRESTON: Charter Theatre: 0845 344 2012. RHYL: Pavilion Theatre:

01745 330 000. RUNCORN The Brindley: 0151 907 8360. SALE: Waterside Arts Centre: 0161 912 5616. STOKE: Regent Theatre: 0844 871 7627. SOUTHPORT: Floral Hall: 0844 847 2380. ST HELENS: Theatre Royal: 01744 756000. Citadel: 01744 735436. WOLVERHAMPTON Grand Theatre: 01902 429212.

Summer nights specials

screening from Stratford-upon-Avon of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. Sept 3: The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Live screening from Stratford-upon-Avon of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. Sept 3: Tig Notaro. Salford Lowry. Stand-up comedy. Sept 3-4. Dawn French. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Stand-up comedy. Sept 3-6: Les Miserables. Runcorn Brindley. Musical. Sept 3-7: What the Ladybird Heard. Salford Lowry. Based on the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. Sept 4-6: April in Paris. Manchester Opera House. Comic masterpiece. Sept 4-6: Oliver! New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Britain’s best-loved musical. Sept 4-Oct 4: Journey’s End. Bolton Octagon. One of the greatest war plays ever written. Sept 4-Oct 4: Jersey Boys. Manchester Palace Theatre. Musical based on Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Sept 5: Steve Knightley. Salford Lowry. Singer-songwriter. Sept 5: Palladium Nights. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Duggie Chapman’s new variety show. Sept 5: Danny Bryant. St Helens Citadel. Blues musician. Sept 5: T-Rextasy. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Tribute to Marc Bolan and TRex. Sept 5-Oct 4: Noises Off. Liverpool Royal Court. Comedy. Sept 6: The Drifters. Preston Charter Theatre. R&B stalwarts. Sept 6: Rhythm of the Dance. Stoke Regent Theatre. Irish dance. Sept 6-7: Tom Stade. Salford Lowry. Stand-up comedy. Sept 7: Surfin’ USA. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Tribute to the Beach Boys. Sept 7: Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. Salford Lowry. Kids’ show. Sept 8-13: The Kite Runner. Liverpool Playhouse. Based on the international bestselling novel. Sept 8-13: Blood Brothers. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Willy Russell’s musical.

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August/September2014

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Laurence of Edinburgh! E

VER bitten a policeman? Made a waiter cry? Laurence Clark has. And in his new one-man show at the Edinburgh Fringe you can watch him squirm and sweat as he attempts to justify these (and other) despicable deeds.

In Moments Of Instant Regret, Laurence turns the spotlight on our natural human instincts and effortless ability to make stupid split second mistakes. The Liverpool stand-up comedian has had his fair share of these moments over the years - largely due to a combination of his personality and his condition (Laurence has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user). In addition to his TV credits, he was also awarded the title of Shortlist magazine’s ‘Funniest New Comedian’, and he frequently performs and writes sketches for Soho Theatre’s resident comedy collective ‘Abnormally Funny People’. In Moments Of Instant Regret, George Square Theatre, Edinburgh, 30 July-24 August. n HOMECOMING SHOWS: 26 Sept: Unity Theatre, Liverpool 5 Dec: Dadafest, Bluecoat Arts Centre, Liverpool.

Lowry’s dementia promise THE LOWRY has pledged to make more of its visual and performing arts programme more accessible to people with dementia. It has joined the Salford Dementia Action Alliance (DAA), the local arm of a national organisation committed to transforming the lives of people with dementia and those that care for them.

Sept 9: An Evening With Tony Jacklin. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Professional golfer. Sept 9-10: Rhythm of the Dance. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Irish dance. Sept 10-11: The Man Jesus. Salford Lowry. Featuring Simon Callow. Sept 10-12: Jesus Christ Superstar. St Helens Theatre Royal. Musical. Sept 10-13: Lord of the Flies. Liverpool Empire. Dance production of William Golding’s novel. Sept 11: The Bohemians. Preston Charter Theatre. Tribute to Queen. Sept 11: Ha Ha Hood. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Comic retelling of Robin Hood. Sept 11: Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes. Sale Waterside Arts Centre. Award-winning musician. Sept 11: Over the Rainbow. Llandudno Venue Cymru. The Eva Cassidy story. Sept 11: Stand up & Rock! Rhyl Pavilion. Combining stand-up comedy with rock and roll. Sept 11-13: Double Death. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Thrilling play. Sept 11-20: The Full Monty. Manchester Opera House. Play based on the film of the same name. Sept 12: The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Tribute to the Rat Pack.

Plans include ‘dementia friendly’ visiting productions - which will take a number of factors into consideration, such as lighting, sound effects and seat allocation. Tailored tours of the Lowry Favourites exhibition are also being created for gallery visitors with the condition. n www.thelowry.com/access

Sept 12: A Night of Queen. Runcorn Brindley. Tribute to Queen. Sept 12: Bob Blakely. Salford Lowry. Singer. Sept 12: Bob Paisley - Reluctant Genius. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. The remarkable story of Liverpool FC’s most successful manager. Sept 13: Pete Firman. Salford Lowry. Comedy magician. Sept 13: Funeral for a Friend. St Helens Citadel. British heavy metal band. Sept 13: John Bishop. Stoke Regent Theatre. Stand-up comedy. Sept 13: The Real Thing. Runcorn Brindley. UK’s number 1 soul band. Sept 13: Pandora’s Box. Salford Lowry. Powerful drama. Sept 14: Joe Brown. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Rock and roll legend. Sept 14: Chris Martin. Salford Lowry. Stand-up comedy. Sept 14: Flook. Sale Waterside Arts Centre. Distinctive music. Sept 14: Danny Bhoy. Salford Lowry. Stand-up comedy. Sept 14: John Lill. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Classical pianist. Sept 14: Sid’s Show. Salford Lowry. Sid Sloane from Cbeebies. Sept 14: Tosca. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Artists site THE British Council has set up a new website dedicated to creating more international opportunities for deaf and disabled artists. The website allows disabled artists and disabled-led companies from around the world to profile their work and find new international bookings. n www.disabilityartsinternational.org

Puccini’s opera. Sept 15: Joe Brown. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Rock and roll legend. Sept 15-20: Dangerous Corner. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Delve into a mysterious world of murder and conspiracy. Sept 16-20: The Hound of the Baskervilles. Runcorn Brindley. Chilling adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes story. Sept 16-20: Agatha Christie’s Murder on Air. Salford Lowry. Three classic whodunnits from the Queen of Crime. Sept 16-20: Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Stoke Regent Theatre. Musical. Sept 16-Oct 11: Wicked. Liverpool Empire. Sequel to the Wizard of Oz. Sept 17: Ruby Wax: Sane New World. :Liverpool Playhouse. Sept 17: Definitive Bublé. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Michael Bublé tribute act. Sept 17-19: I Hate Shakespeare! Sale Waterside Arts Centre. Hilarious introduction to the Bard. Sept 17-20: Show us your Tips. St Helens Theatre Royal. New comedy. Sept 18: Psychic Sally Morgan. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. An evening of mediumship. Sept 18: Chris Wood. Sale Waterside Arts

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Centre. English folk musician. Sept 18: Paul Sinha. Runcorn Brindley. Standup comedy. Sept 19: Toast. St Helens Citadel. Tribute to Oasis. Sept 19: The Simon & Garfunkel Story. Blackpool Grand Theatre. History of one of folk rock’s greatest ever double acts. Sept 19: The Heart of Everton’s Badge. Runcorn Brindley. History of Everton FC and the surrounding area. Sept 19: Ultimate Eagles. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Tribute to the Eagles. Sept 19: Paul Sinha. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Stand-up comedy. Sept 20: Aynsley Lister. St Helens Citadel. Blues-rock guitarist. Sept 20: Johnny Cash Roadshow. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Tribute to Johnny Cash. Sept 20: Al Murray, The Pub Landlord. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Stand-up comedy. Sept 20: The Fireflys. Runcorn Brindley. British alt-rock band. Sept 21: Forever in Blue Jeans. Preston Charter Theatre. Relive the 50s and 60s. Sept 21: James Acaster. Salford Lowry. Stand-up comedy. Sept 21: Nik Kershaw. Salford Lowry. Intimate session with one of the finest songwriters in the industry. Sept 21: LDN Wrestling. Runcorn Brindley. Spectacular wrestling show. Sept 21: The Osmonds in Concert. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Featuring Merrill, Jay and Jimmy. Sept 23-24: The Man Jesus. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Moving account of Biblical stories featuring Simon Callow. Sept 23-27: Annie Get Your Gun. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Irving Berlin’s musical. Sept 23-27: Not I, Footfalls and Rockaby. Salford Lowry. One-woman Samuel Beckett trilogy. Sept 23-27: Puttin’ on the Ritz. Manchester Opera House. Musical. Sept 24: Vikki Stone. Salford Lowry. Inventive new musical show. Sept 24-27: April in Paris. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Romantic comedy. Sept 24-27: Beauty and the Beast. Salford Lowry. Ballet. Sept 25: The Heart of Everton’s Badge. St Helens Citadel. History of Everton FC and the surrounding area. Sept 25: Oysterband. Runcorn Brindley. English folk band. Sept 25: Iolo Williams. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Wales’s best-known naturalist. Sept 25-Oct 18: Ghosts. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Fascinating and thought-provoking play. Sept 26: The Illegal Eagles. St Helens Theatre Royal. Tribute to the Eagles. Sept 26: Led into Zeppelin. St Helens Citadel. Tribute to Led Zeppelin. Sept 26: An Evening with Sports Personalities. Southport Floral Hall. Featuring Neil Ruddock, Jan Molby and Natalie Sawyer. Sept 26: Patricia Routledge - Facing the Music. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. An evening with one of Britain’s best-kept showbiz secrets. Sept 26: An Evening of Burlesque. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Britain’s biggest burlesque extravaganza. Sept 27: The Christians. Runcorn Brindley. Liverpool soul-pop legends. Sept 27: Just So. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Featuring Robert Powell as Rudyard Kipling. Sept 28: Billy Elliot - the Musical. Runcorn Brindley. Stage version of the hit film. character comedy. Sept 29: Michael Palin Travelling to Work. Manchester Opera House. TAKE ME HOME! An evening with Monty Python’s globetrotter.

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August/September 2014

STARSPOT CROSSWORD Can you find the celebrity name hidden in this Starspot Crossword? Complete the crossword in the normal way then make a note of the letters contained in all the squares which are marked with shaded stars. These letters will make an anagram of the name you are looking for. 1

★

★ 9

10 11

★

21 24

★

★ 23

★

29 31

★

ACROSS

DOWN

1. 5. 9. 10. 11. 12. 15. 17. 19. 22. 24. 26. 27. 30. 32. 33. 34. 35.

1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 13. 14. 16. 18. 20. 21. 23. 25. 28. 29. 31.

Fitting (8) Relaxing exercise (4) Egg white (7) Establish (3,2) Vehicle (3) Hawk, sell (6) Distinctive fragrance (5) Exhort (4) Repaired (6) Assert, maintain (6) Deprivation (4) Rich cake (5) Seraph (anag.) (6) Compete (3) Dodge (5) Bravery (7) Close violently (4) Extremely forceful (8)

Fly high (4) Permeate (5) Having weapons (5) Cavalryman (6) Result (7) Seemed (8) Jewish republic (6) Performed task (3) Board game (4) Suffocates (8) Deep cut (4) Blissful state (7) Cricket team (6) Pasture (3) Coin money (6) Chosen path (5) Shovel (5) Chair (4)

The Accumulator Quiz Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120. QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: On which continent were armadillos originally found? A Asia B South America C Africa D Australia

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: In which range of hills does the River Thames rise?

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: In which London square is the National Gallery situated? A Leicester Square B Berkeley Square C Grosvenor Square D Trafalgar Square

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: Who was christened Richard John Bingham?

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: Which spirit is made from fermented grapes? A Vodka B Whisky C Calvados D Brandy

A B C D

Chilterns Cotswolds Malverns Mendips

Lord Haw-Haw Lord Sutch Lord Lucan Lord Leverhulme

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: The leaves of which plant form the staple diet of the silkworm? A B C D

Footballer Fernando Torres. See Question 9

Bamboo Rice Lychee Mulberry

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: Which world snooker champion was nicknamed ‘Dracula’?

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: How many pieces does a set of dominoes contain? A Sixteen B Twenty-four C Twenty-eight D Thirty-six

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: Which of these crops is attacked by the boll weevil? A Cotton B Maize C Potatoes D Sugar cane

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: Which designer clothing manufacturer has an alligator as its logo? A Lacoste B Benetton C Wrangler D Gap

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which singer married the former Bee Gee Maurice Gibb? A Cilla Black B Sandie Shaw C Lulu D Mary Hopkin

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Which stretch of water separates the north and south islands of New Zealand?

QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: In which of these card games can a player score a grand slam? A Whist B Canasta C Bridge D Poker

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: Chelsea and Spain footballer Fernando Torres played for which club when he first moved to England in 2007? A Aston Villa B Everton C Newcastle United D Liverpool

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: In which children’s TV series did the wooden woodpecker called Professor Yaffle appear?

SUDOKU

A B C D

Ray Reardon Joe Davis John Parrott Cliff Thorburn

Bass Strait Investigate Strait Cook Strait Foveaux Strait

The Clangers Bagpuss Postman Pat Roobarb and Custard

KAKURO

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

EASY

DIFFICULT

7 5 9 4 1 3 2 6 3

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2 5 7

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

4 2 5 3 1

2 9

9 7 1 4 2

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

REACH 450,000 READERS . . .

FILL in the blank squares in the grid with numbers so that each horizontal or vertical line adds up to the total given in the box either to the left or above it. Horizontal totals are given in the top right corners of the shaded boxes; vertical totals in the bottom left corners. You can use the numbers 1 to 9, but may not use the same number more than once in any run. The number may be used again, however, in the same row or column but as part of another run.

TAKE ME HOME!

MEDIUM 7

15 18

34 28

28 8

8 4

10 5 31 4

ADVERTISE HERE 0151 230 0307

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August/September2014

17 26

3 23

12 17

6 24

12 12

16 9

4 1

6 12

1 3

2 16

26 9

4 24

4 4

EACH number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

1 []’–

2 ABC

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

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

4 26

2 19

22 11

1 4

16 12

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE 1

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

1. symbols 946 364 551 292 531 872 451 687 386 172 754 641 968 841 467 835 146 531 268 773 154 448 468 731 742 642 174 831 628 873 173 737 831 427 336

Ordnance

survey

map

2. Soft drinks 273 261 763 212 652 153 666 122 753 919 283 718 662 861 584 231 672 643 177 827 412 437 792 331 446 437 123 371 326 335 466 126 312 873 625

3. Canned foods 758 618 662 863 715 862 436 616 328 174 632 775 312 486 571 793 382 676 128 782 731 225 331 232 671 834 382 253 176 871 627 769 328 173 27

4. Religious roles and titles 328 437 127 242 474 671 227 346 251 244 331 722 241 487 817 743 781 325 241 526 217 383 736 314 626 184 227 168 552 416 665 172 786 713 326

5. African countries 254 374 217 832 614 426 213 497 819 462 229 316 443 742 182 692 642 126 879 262 148 679 126 278 166 926 247 831 736 342 516 676 226 153 692

6. English language poets 921 932 871 436 337 391 242 823 715 646 136 663 194 128 336 125 373 315 673 183 669 766 176 237 812 876 713 645 913 425 467 661 871 354 68

PATHWORDS

SPOT CHECK

Starting from the central shaded letter, move one letter at a time (up, down, right or left, but not diagonally) to find 15 famous sieges.

Can you place the six dominoes (right) into the grid below in such a way that the number of spots in all four rows across and all four rows down totals 10?

M C

A M O

N W O

K W

WORD WIZARD

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

ROSALIA

A M

L MAKE A DATE

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

1. Emperor Hirohito of Japan dies at the age of 87 after a reign of 62 years.

STRANGLE

––––

TIGHT

SHARP

–––

GAME

PACK

–––

PICK

PINK

–––

TRAP

A N N O E TRANSFORMER

SECOND

––––

MADE

SMALL

––––

SHOW

1) A cordial flavoured with sundew juice and various spices;

2) A shrub of the hibiscus family found in eastern areas of India;

2. Television cameras are allowed into the House of Commons to broadcast parliamentary proceedings.

3) A series of repetitions of a musical passage, each a tone higher.

3. Playwright Vaclav Havel becomes the president of Czechoslovakia.

Add the given letter to the first word to make a new word. Clue: Look closely into reproductive body.

WAS IT? a) 1981; b) 1983; c) 1985; d) 1987; e) 1989.

____ +S=S____

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords: Alexandria; Stalingrad; Tripoli; Alamo; Jerusalem; Lucknow; Mafeking; Leningrad; Orléans; Troy; Antioch; Constantinople; Calais; Sevastopol; Yorktown.

7 9 3 6 4 8 2 5 1

8 4 6 1 5 2 3 9 7

5 1 2 3 9 7 8 6 4

1 2 5 4 3 9 7 8 6

SUDOKU EASY

3 6 9 8 7 1 4 2 5

4 8 7 2 6 5 9 1 3

6 3 8 9 1 4 5 7 2

9 5 4 7 2 6 1 3 8

2 7 1 5 8 3 6 4 9

6 8 3 1 2 4 9 5 7

1 2 9 5 7 6 3 8 4

4 5 7 9 3 8 2 6 1

5 7 1 6 8 9 4 2 3

14 1

15 2

16 3

O E 4

18 5

C W K M Q A

19 6

20 7

22 9

G D

CROSS CODE

2 9 8 3 4 7 6 1 5

3 4 6 2 5 1 8 7 9

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

8 1 5 4 6 3 7 9 2

9 6 4 7 1 2 5 3 8

7 3 2 8 9 5 1 4 6

19 8

26 28

3 7

5 10

2 7 9 18 15

2 1 3 8 6 27

KAKURO MEDIUM

4 8

1 7 9 17

7 8 28

3 1 9 13

Accumulator Quiz 1 – B; 2 – D; 3 – D; 4 – C; 5 – A; 6 – C; 7 – A; 8 – C; 9 – D; 10 – B; 11 – C; 12 – D; 13 – A; 14 – C; 15 – B. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Suitable; 5 Yoga; 9 Albumen; 10 Set up; 11 Car; 12 Peddle; 15 Aroma; 17 Urge; 19 Mended; 22 Allege; 24 Loss; 26 Torte; 27 Phrase; 30 Vie; 32 Evade; 33 Courage; 34 Slam; 35 Vehement. Down – 1 Soar; 2 Imbue; 3 Armed; 4 Lancer; 6 Outcome; 7 Appeared; 8 Israel; 13 Did; 14 Ludo; 16 Smothers; 18 Gash; 20 Nirvana; 21 Eleven; 23 Lea; 25 Specie; 28 Route; 29 Spade; 31 Seat. Star Name: CAROL VORDERMAN

Word Wizard No 3 is correct. A rosalia is a repeated musical passage. Dialling Codes 1. windmill; cycle trail; museum; parking; youth hostel; golf course; lighthouse; picnic site; nature reserve; garden. 2. cream soda; cola; lemon barley water; tomato juice; orange squash; cherryade; ginger beer; dandelion and burdock. 3. plum tomatoes; luncheon meat; pineapple chunks; sweetcorn; custard; baked beans; vegetable soup; marrowfat peas. 4. father; archbishop; cardinal; Chief Rabbi; guru; priest; Dalai Lama; reverend; imam; vicar; mullah; monk; pastor; dean.

5. Algeria; Sudan; Ghana; Egypt; Zimbabwe; Nigeria; Tanzania; Botswana; Ivory Coast; Mozambique; Senegal; Morocco; Kenya. 6. WB Yeats; Geoffrey Chaucer; John Donne; WH Auden; Alfred Lord Tennyson; Robert Burns; Emily Dickinson; TS Eliot. Spot Check A = 2; B = 4; C = 1; D = 6; E = 5; F = 3. Missing Link hold; end; ice; gin; hand; talk. Dimension: height. Make a Date The year was 1989. Transformer Pore + S = Spore.

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Top Euro club PUNISHED for discriminating against disabled fans UEFA, the body that controls European football, has imposed a partial stadium closure for one match on Paris SaintGermain, after finding the club guilty of discriminatory conduct towards disabled Chelsea FC fans. This is the first time that UEFA has charged a club with abusing disabled fans. During a UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg, played in April in Paris, disabled Chelsea fans had to sit below a section of home supporters who they alleged abused, threatened and threw bottles and spat at them. Joyce Cook, managing director of CAFÉ, the Centre for Access to European Football, said: “We welcome the determined decision taken by UEFA which sends a clear message to all clubs that abuse of disabled fans will not be tolerated. “It is discriminatory to provide a disabled person with a lesser experience and fans naturally want to sit with their own fans as a part of the match day experience. “When that lesser experience leaves disabled people vulnerable and subject to abuse purely because they are disabled, then it is discrimination. If these fans had been non-disabled fans, they almost certainly wouldn’t have even been allowed into that part of the stadium.”

Everyone for golf A FILM about disabled golf has captured the hearts of BBC bosses who plan to showcase it to a worldwide audience of millions. Filmed by BBC Look East reporter Tom Williams, it focuses on the ISPS Handa PGA Academy programme which is aiming to encourage thousands of disabled people to take up the sport. Screened during the BBC’s British Open coverage from Hoylake, it might also be shown in the Ryder Cup and next year’s Masters coverage. It is also getting a permanent slot on the BBC Get Inspired website. Appearing in the film are one-legged golfer Chris Foster, short-armed golfer Richard Saunders and autistic teenager Lewis Eccles. n Any PGA pros interested in enrolling in the ISPS Handa PGA Academy Programme can contact the PGA Training Academy on 01675 470333. n Check out the film at http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/27701984

August/September 2014

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Bowled over – with style! TWO of cricket’s all-time batsman gave disabled pupils at Wallasey’s Mosslands School a few tips -– and some runs – at the Lord’s Taverners National Table Cricket Finals. Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara were special guests at the event, held at the iconic Nursery Pavilion at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Mosslands was among ten finalists in the annual competition, which attracted more than 500 young people from 82 schools and which was won by Victoria Education and Sports College. Table cricket is played on a table tennis table with side panels and sliding fielders, a ball launcher, weighted plastic ball and a bat.

Paralympic chance

TEST MATCH: Sachin Tendulkar passing on some useful tips to the Mosslands School team

IVERPOOL Paralympic medallists David Devine and Abdi Jama want people to get involved with a special day of activities to celebrate National Paralympic Day.

A range of free activities are planned for Chavasse Park in Liverpool One - and there will be meet some of the Paralympic heroes. David Devine, who claimed two bronze medals on the track at London 2012, said: “In 2012 we saw a huge wave of support for Paralympians during the Games, and I’m really pleased that two years on we can bring an event like this to Liverpool so that more people can get involved as we prepare to support ParalympicsGB when they compete in Rio.” Abdi Jama, member of the Wheelchair Basketball team that claimed bronze at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing and now captain of the GB men’s Wheelchair Basketball team, said: “It’s really exciting that National Paralympic Day is being celebrated in Liverpool this year. “It’s a great opportunity for people to find out more about all of the different Paralympic sports and see what it takes to be a Paralympic athlete, maybe even to test some of their own skills!” The event takes place on Saturday August 30.

DOUBLE ACT: Jamie Burdekin, left, and David Wagner with their trophies

Jamie scoops top tennis title MERSEYSIDE’S Jamie Burdekin and the USA’s world No.1 David Wagner won the quad doubles title at the British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships. Burdekin and Wagner were in scintillating form at the Nottingham Tennis Centre, securing a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Australia’s quad singles champion Dylan Alcott and last year’s quad singles champion Lucas Sithole of South Africa. “It is always important to do well here,” said Burdekin. “This is our backyard, I have family down here supporting me and this is one of the tournaments we all really want to do well at.”

Stay ahead of the game . . .

Shingo Kunieda won his fifth men’s singles title, beating GB’s Gordon Reid for the second time in two years. London 2012 bronze medallists Lucy Shuker and Jordanne Whiley’s bid to add further British success ended with a narrow defeat in the women’s doubles final. Second seeds Shuker and Whiley led in both the first and second sets, but top seeds Yui Kamiji, of Japan, and Aniek van Koot, of the Netherlands, sealed a 7-5, 6-4 victory, with Kamiji ending the tournament as both women’s singles and women’s doubles champion.

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FUN sports scheme that helps disabled people in Liverpool to get fitter, healthier, and make new friends is getting bigger and better. And there’s now £250 up for grabs for the organisation who can motivate the biggest number of disabled people to join in the fun during August and September. “Our Active Me programme has been a resounding success – and we now want even more Liverpool residents to get involved,” says Nicky Yates, Inclusive Sports Manager at Liverpool City Council. “The Active Me sessions are all about bringing people together to become more active in a fun way, especially adults with a learning disability, or sensory impairment. “The best things about the sessions are they are fun and everyone is really

Why Mark is a true champion

friendly.” Coaches from Everton in the Community help people of all ages and abilities to have fun and bring out skills they didn’t think they had. Basketball, handball, tennis and cricket are among the sports on offer at the city council’s Lifestyles Centres across Liverpool. Nicky added: “We realised that it’s quite hard for lots of people to be active, especially if they have different or

additional needs. “People face lots of barriers when they try going to leisure centres or sports clubs and we want to change this.” “Participants are also supported by our team of Activators who encourage people to try other activities. “The great thing is that carers and support workers can join in for free. We are also adding new activities such as zumba, cycling, swimming and yoga.” Sessions cost £2 per person. The three-year Active Me programme has been funded with a £334,000 grant from Sport England. Contributions have also been made by Liverpool Mutual Homes and Your Housing Group.

CALL Nicky Yates to register your interest - 0151 233 3880 Nicky.Yates@liverpool.gov.uk

England’s new stars

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MARK Allen knocked ‘em all for six at the European Heart and Lung Transplant Games in Vilnius, Lithuania. For the sixth year running, Halton council’s media man returned as a European champion. Mark, 42, won table tennis golds in the overall doubles, and in the age group doubles – and took silver in the singles. Mark said the Games were more about raising awareness than the competition. “If you get hundreds of athletes and supporters with their country’s flag and signs up saying they are living with donated hearts/lungs in English and Lithuanian it really has an effect. “It is great to win medals but there are people who train every day, just to be fit enough to attend. “And, sadly, there are people who will die this month on the transplant list.” FIGHTER: Mark Allen at the Heart and Lung Transplant Games

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THEY’VE only been playing a year, but England’s Wheelchair 7s Rugby Union team have already hit the heights! Hosting the Four Nations tournament at IM Marsh LJMU campus, the team produced some scintillating performances, beating Barbarians, Wales and Ireland to take the title. Next on the agenda is the Six Nations in September. “We’re ready for anyone now,” said player-manager Martin Beddis, who also runs the Liverpool Lions 7s.

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Only three clubs have got it right

It’s time football played fair . . .

FOUL PLAY! TOP EURO CLUB PUNISHED page 30

SIT DOWN! Wheelchair fans don’t always get the best seat in the ground . . .

REMIER League football clubs are ignoring equality laws by refusing to improve access to their grounds for disabled supporters.

The Level Playing Field charity which promotes good access for sports fans - spoke out after peers criticised clubs during a short debate in the House of Lords. The disabled peer and retired Paralympian Baroness GreyThompson said that Manchester United was one of the worst offenders. She claimed the club refused to sell season tickets to wheelchairusers and provided only 42 per cent of the number of spaces for wheelchair-users that it should. Guidance suggests that the club should have about 280 wheelchair spaces. Baroness Grey-Thompson said it was “impossible” to buy a season ticket at some other Premier League clubs because of the lack of accessible spaces. The Labour peer Lord Faulkner, a vice-president of Level Playing Field, said the situation was “woefully inadequate” and the time had now come “for equality law to be properly enforced”. Lord Gardiner, the Conservative culture, media and sport spokesman

BEST PERFORMERS

THE BBC survey revealed the following wheelchair spaces provided as a percentage of Accessible Stadia Guide 1. Swansea 121% 11. West Ham 60% 2. Southampton 104% 12. Everton 56% 3. Cardiff 102% 13. Norwich 49% 4. Arsenal 96% 14. Chelsea 47% 5. West Brom 89% 15. Liverpool 45% 6. Hull 89% 16. Manchester United 43% 7. Manchester City 88% 17. Crystal Palace 40% 8. Newcastle 73% 18. Aston Villa 39% 9. Sunderland 70% 19. Tottenham 28% 10. Stoke 68% 20. Fulham 24%

by JOHN PRING in the Lords, said he would not rule out introducing further legislation “if it becomes necessary”, but he added: “Clearly, it is the responsibility of each club to look at how it is dealing with access for disabled people. “We think that is the best way to go because legislation can very often be a blunt instrument.” Joyce Cook, chair of Level Playing Field, said after the debate: “How can it be that the corner shop has to abide by the Equality Act to ensure that disabled people are welcomed and not discriminated against, yet the football club at the end of the

Stay ahead of the game

road seems to ignore disability legislation? “This shouldn’t be left to individual disabled fans to have to challenge on their own - that can’t be right football is our national game.” She said Level Playing Field had been calling for change for more than 10 years, and had a “very straightforward” and “very sensible” plan. It calls for: a short-term football stadium improvement fund to help poorer, lower-league clubs; working examples of good access and expert guidance for clubs; and mandatory access audits. Cook added: “The governing bodies should oversee these actions as a part of their remit to ensure that stadiums are safe and fit-for-

purpose for all fans and to ensure that their member clubs are fulfilling their legal obligations.” A spokesman for the Premier League refused to say whether it accepted that some of its clubs were breaching equality laws. But it said in a statement: “All Premier League clubs have arrangements in place to provide access and facilities for disabled fans. “The highest standards of access are generally at clubs with new grounds but all clubs, even those working within the constraints of older stadia, work hard to make sure that disabled fans can attend matches and enjoy their football.”

n A Manchester United spokesman refused to say how many wheelchair spaces there were in Old Trafford, or to clarify whether the club allowed wheelchair-users to buy season tickets. But he said in a statement that the club provided season tickets for “disabled fans” in its “disabled access stand”, and that those fans have access to the club’s Ability Suite, which “houses the best disabled facilities in the country”. He said: “The club also provides over 280 parking spaces for wheelchair-users or those with other disabilities. “

ONLY three top-flight Premier League stadiums currently provide the required number of wheelchair spaces, according to the BBC. Of the 20 Premier League clubs, Swansea, Southampton and Cardiff tick the box, while eight fail to offer even half of what they should under national guidelines - a situation that has remained largely unchanged for more than five years. Arsenal fan and wheelchair user Anthony Joy said guidelines on disabled facilities were not being adhered to “in any way, shape or form”. “There are not enough spaces,” he said. “Also in terms of where you’re put, it’s sometimes an afterthought. At three Premier League grounds - Upton Park, Villa Park and Anfield - a limited number of wheelchair spaces means Mr Joy is forced to sit with the home fans. “I don’t want special treatment,” he said. “I don’t think any person with a disability wants special treatment, they just want equality. They want a chance to go and see the game, and ideally sit with their friends.” Current guidelines on how UK football clubs should cater for disabled spectators have been in place since 2004 in the form of the Accessible Stadia Guide. Old stadia are not exempt and, just like the local shop or parish church, football clubs must continually make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure everyone can access their services. Since the implementation of the Equality Act in 2010 and legislation dating back to 1995, it has been illegal for service providers, including football clubs, to treat disabled people less favourably than other customers.

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