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Is your boss a real champ?

Celebs singing stroke centre’s praises

THE MORGAN FOUNDATION ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS p9 GETTING ON

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MICHAEL BALL CELEBRITIES Michael Ball, Beverley Knight and Adrian Chiles are backing a £2.2m appeal for the UK’s first Life After Stroke Centre. Michael Ball said: “Strokes can strike at any time, without warning, and leave so many lives shattered. “I’m so proud that the UK’s first Life After Stroke Centre will be in my home town. Stroke survivors and their families will be able to get the support they need and deserve to make the best possible recovery.” Beverley Knight said: “Singing is

BEVERLEY KNIGHT my passion. I’ve heard how The Stroke Association is supporting people who have the condition aphasia, where they can’t speak, after a stroke. “I was totally surprised to hear although they can’t speak, many stroke survivors find singing really helps.” Adrian Chiles said: “It’s great news. Whether you’re recovering from a stroke yourself or caring for someone else, having the right support available can make all the difference.” The new centre will be based in

ADRIAN CHILES

Bromsgrove, West Midlands. Jon Barrick, chief executive of The Stroke Association said: “Every five minutes in the UK someone has a stroke. “It is the leading cause of adult disability. This centre will make a huge impact on the journey of recovery and beyond for stroke survivors. “We will work alongside survivors and their families to provide them with support, training, information and advice.” n Stroke Helpline: 0303 303 3100. www.stroke.org.uk

n All Together NOW! is a registered charity set up to provide a tip top news service for anyone whose life is affected by disability, longterm health condtions or age. n The charity relies entirely on support from its sponsors, advertisers and from general subscriptions and grants. n You can contact us on

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

Advertising/sponsorship Chris Groves email: sales@alltogethernow.org.uk

Teens’ diplomatic triumph

IT Support: Ken Almond Website: Pharos Design

THE SUMMER might have been a washout for many of us, but for a group of 19 deaf teenagers it was a time they will treasure.

NEXT EDITION:

The teenagers, from five European countries, took part in the first International Teens Week for young cochlear implant users, organised by The Ear Foundation. When they arrived at St John’s School for the Deaf in Boston Spa, Wetherby, neither they nor the adults with them knew quite what to expect. It was the first time they had met each other – with a variety of languages and technologies to

Tuesday 29 November 2011 All Together NOW! is published by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Registered Charity No.1106387 Company No. 5096931 Printed by Trinity Mirror NW2, Oldham

manage. Between them the teenagers had seven different types of cochlear implants. But the youngsters were great communicators, spoke to each other and were happy to use signed support. Lorna Lord, family co-ordinator at The Ear Foundation, said: “To see profoundly deaf implant wearing teenagers talking together and having such a great time was inspirational! “The way they bonded was a credit to all the teenagers, their families and everyone involved.”

One teenager from the UK, Heather, said: “I have really enjoyed meeting new people and learning their languages, I can’t describe how much fun it was this week, having a laugh with other friends from Europe without the language barrier.” n The Ear Foundation is a UKbased cochlear implants support charity, providing activities and support to families, carers and volunteers with deaf or hard of hearing children. Tel. 0115 942 1985 www.earfoundation.org.uk

Do you work for an organisation that champions disabled people? If so, their efforts could land them a top national prize. The National Independent Living Awards – being held on the internet for the first time – reward businesses and organisations that champion disabled people. Michele Scattergood, deputy chief executive of Breakthrough UK, who organise the awards, said: “In recognition of the difficult economic times facing all of us, we decided to take an innovative approach to the awards this year by hosting them online saving on both the costs and carbon emissions which occur when staging such an important event.” While this is the first time that the awards have been staged virtually, it will be fourth time that the event has taken place. Awards will be presented to entrants promoting: an ‘overall independent living initiative’; good practice in employing disabled people; accessible public transport initiatives, and public sector engagement with disabled people. Other categories include: peer support among disabled people; disabled entrepreneur of the year; accessible communities, and tackling hate crime. Nominations must be in before October 24. The winners will be officially announced on Saturday, December 3. Winning organisations will feature in a short film to be shown on Breakthrough UK’s website and receive a special trophy. nwww.breakthroughuk

All Together NOW! is exceptionally well received by its readers. 1750,000 readers DO NOT see any other local paper — The Murray Consultancy

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All Together NOW!

October/November 2011

NEWS

TOP OF THE POPS!

DELIVERY TIME: Volunteers Stephen Thompson, James Bramall, Sharon Riley, Terry Owen (Volunteer Manager at University Hospital Aintree), Leanne Gallagher, Denise Wildgoose, and Gayle McGory. Picture: MICHAEL SLUMING

OLUNTEERS at University Hospital Aintree have provided us with massive support since we set up All Together NOW! six years ago.

In that time they’ve helped us to distribute more than 150,000 copies of the paper right across the wards and to outpatients’ departments. WANT A BOX? By circulating 4,000 copies of EVERY edition means they’ve now We’ll be glad to taken Aintree to the top spot in our arrange delivery — and we’ll even hospital distribution charts! regularly drop off “It’s been a labour of love,” says FREE copies! Terry Owen, the Trust’s volunteer Call us NOW on manager. “All Together NOW! is 0151 230 0307 extremely popular at Aintree and is filling a huge social need. “It’s full of vital health messages, fun and easy to read, breaks down barriers, and is free!” Thousands of copies are also regularly being snapped up from our distinctive boxes at the following North West hospitals: Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Tesco we CHESHIRE: Bowmere; Countess now have our “pick-up” boxes in of Chester; Ellesmere A VERY warm welcome to this many of their stores. our BIGGEST and BEST ever Port; Leighton The initial response has been issue. MANCHESTER: staggering – almost 8,000 copies 90,000 copies have rolled off Wythenshawe a week are flying out of the the presses – a massive 50 per MERSEYSIDE: stores! cent increase on our previous Aintree, Liverpool; And we’re hoping that even edition. Royal Liverpool; more stores will soon follow suit. Women’s Hospital, It means that with our average This is all great news. But it Liverpool; Halton; readership of four people per also means that the charity has Ormskirk; Southport copy All Together NOW! is to find even more ways to meet & Formby; St Helens; now one of the best read the extra printing and distribution Warrington; Whiston MAINSTREAM newspapers of costs involved . . . WIRRAL: ANY kind in the North West. While we grapple with that Arrowe Park; And it’s all due to our exciting headache, I hope you enjoy Clatterbridge; and new link-up with the region’s reading this issue as much as Clatterbridge leading supermarkets. we did producing it. Oncology

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Thanks to bosses at Booths,

As you will see it’s another action-packed editon, bursting with all sorts of news and features that you just don’t see anywhere else. We’ve got lots of news stories – good and maybe not so good – and plenty of articles offering help and support for disabled people and carers, especially from two of our sponsors, the Bank Workers Charity and The Morgan Foundation. Happy reading. We’re back in plenty of time for Christmas – Tuesday November 29 to be precise. See you then!

Tom Dowling, editor

Let there be music!

A NATIONAL music charity wants to hear about the barriers disabled people face in relation to formal music education. Drake Music hopes the findings of their new investigation will help some of the 1.7 million children and young people with special needs in England. Doug Bott, the charity’s education manager, said: “Despite the importance of

music to many SEN/Disabled children and young people, very few gain accreditation of any kind in music and formal curriculum pathways remain poorly defined. “We hope the findings will help to to increase access for disabled people to formal music education. DM (North West) tel, 0161 232 6079. www.drakemusic.org

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Disabled protestors to take to the streets

DISABLED people, their families and friends are taking to the streets in cities across the UK protesting against Government cuts to disability benefits and services. Protests are being planned to take place on Saturday October 22 – the first anniversary of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review. Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle are being targeted in the north – and demonstrations are also being arranged in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Nottingham, Brighton, and Bristol. The Hardest Hit campaign, organised jointly by the Disability Benefits Consortium and the UK Disabled People’s Council, want no cuts to services vital to disabled people and the Government to ensure that changes to Disability Living Allowance do not make disabled people worse off. People can support the campaign by writing to their MPs or by visiting www.hardesthit.org.uk

Waterpark success

SANDCASTLE Waterpark, Blackpool, won the Access for All award at this year’s Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards. Also praised were World Horse Welfare Penny Farm, near Blackpool; Meadowcroft Barn B&B, Edgworth; and Ribble Steam Railway, Preston.

Are you a winner?

THE FIVE lucky winners of our Roses competition are: Leah Finch, Rural Cottages, Wattleborough, Shropshire, who entered online. Linda Taffe, Amesbury Road, Blackley, Manchester (picked up her copy at ASDA, Harpurhey) Mrs S Wells, Norbury Drive, Congleton, Cheshire (picked up her copy Stapeley Water Gardens, Nr Nantwich) Mrs Wardle, Eastern Avenue, Speke, Liverpool (picked up her copy at Whiston Hospital) David Williams, Derbyshire Hill Road, St Helens, entered online All winners will receive a prize package of roses worth £30 from Fryers of Knutsford, the renowned Cheshire rose breeder.

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All Together NOW!

October/November 2011

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NEWS

The only way is pup! Manchester pilot could ‘go national’ A GROUND-BREAKING initiative giving disabled adults the chance to shape their own future has been launched in the North West. The Greater Manchester “Right to Control Trailblazer” gives disabled people more choice and control over the social care, housing-related support, as well as the employment assistance and funding they need to live independently. It is now being piloted by the Government across five local authorities in Greater Manchester – and, if successful, it could be rolled out nationwide. The two-year scheme has now been implemented in Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Stockport and Trafford. Tom Raines, project manager for the GMAP Trailblazer, said: “Winning this trial scheme is a massive achievement for Greater Manchester – we will be at the cutting-edge of supporting disabled people to shape their own future. “It is the first time that disabled adults have been able to plan their support according to their aspirations. “And if this initiative proves successful here, it has the potential to improve the lives of disabled adults both across the North West and nationwide.” The Trailblazer project enables disabled people to choose the support that is offered, ask for it to be delivered in another way from another provider, or have the money paid direct to them to arrange their own support – or a combination of any of these.

Why I love this paper All Together NOW! is full of important information for disabled people, like myself. Without it we would probably not get to know anything about what’s going on to help us. It’s also a very enjoyable read. I got my copy from The Brindley Arts Centre - Mr P A Jones, Ivy Street,

Too poor to retire MORE than a third (38%) of people due to retire this year are cancelling their plans and delaying retirement. And a significant proportion (22%) of these are doing so because they can’t afford to stop working. The findings, from Prudential’s Class of 2011 study, revealed that those delaying retirement this year for financial reasons, had, on average, hoped to stop working at age 62 but now expect to be 68 before they can finally take up their pension. Two-fifths (40%) of those delaying retirement due to the financial strain that it will create, believe that they will have to keep working until they are 70 or older, in order to retire with a comfortable income.

THE wags were out in force at a special day organised by the Dogs for the Disabled charity. That’s not the kind of WAGS to be seen hanging on the arm of Premiership footballers. But the wagging tails of 70 pups and assistance dogs – a sure sign that things were going well at the organisation’s first ever Summer Celebration! As well as the dogs, 250 people took part in the event for which The Kennel Club Educational Trust made their building at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire available. Charity chief executive Peter Gorbing said: “We hope this could become a regular event in the Dogs for the Disabled calendar.” n Dogs for the Disabled, The Frances Hay Centre, Blacklocks Hill, Banbury OX17 2BS. Tel. 01295 252600.

Highway robbery! Demand for a rethink over move to axe cut price fares

Aiden’s aboard

HE Government is abolishing half price coach concessions for older and disabled people from November. In the last year 2.9 million concessionary journeys were made on National Express coaches alone. Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director of Age UK said: “Many older people depend on the coach concession to get out and about, see friends and family or travel further afield. “The coach concession is an effective way of preventing loneliness and social isolation. “Age UK is calling on the Government to delay plans to cut the concession to allow enough time to consult properly with concession pass holders and operators.” The end of coach concessions also risks the future of some coach routes, especially in rural areas. On many coach routes in the UK, concessionary pass holders make up a significant proportion of passengers. National Express runs 18 routes where 32-51% of passengers receive concessions. Neil Coyle, Director of Policy at the Disability Alliance said: “A third of disabled people already live in poverty in the UK and discounted travel – especially long distance – has been a significant help to see family or to be able to take a short break. “Many disabled people will be unable to travel at full cost on coaches and train fares can seem out of reach, especially with half of working age disabled adults out of work and disabled people in work earning less than non-disabled colleagues.

NEW ROLE: Cameron Davies teams up with Henshaws

Drivers’ charity links FORMULAR 1000 Junior double champion Cameron Davies has become an ambassador for North West charity, Henshaws Society for Blind People. The 16-year-old Chevrolet UK driver volunteered his services after seeing a TV report about Oscar Hughes, the three-year-old boy from Wythenshawe who has been blind since birth. Cameron said: “When I saw little Oscar I wanted to get involved and help Henshaws promote Oscar’s Appeal.” Meanwhile, up and coming star Nic Hamilton – brother of Formular 1 superstar, Lewis – has become an ambassador for Disabled Motoring UK. Nic, who has cerebral palsy, was part of DMUK team’s Alpine challenge that used a 1932 Argson, two stroke mobility trike to cross the Alps. “This was completely different to anything I have done before – the lack of a steering wheel made the cornering interesting!” DMUK, tel 01508 489449 “No public consultation has been conducted on this issue and disabled and older people have been excluded from the debate and decision-making process – possibly unlawfully. “Legislation requires the Department for Transport to ensure the impact of decisions on disadvantaged groups, like older and disabled people, is fully analysed. “But the assessment for this decision was rushed and we believe is inadequate, failing to take into account the full value of the scheme for health, economic activity and

wellbeing of the people who use it. “The DfT assessment also fails to consider the potential loss of coach services most used by concessionary passengers and the broader communities affected as a result.” Many disabled and older people fear that the decision may be the first stop en route to ending the broader concessionary schemes for bus use. Most political parties pledged to protect free bus travel at the last election despite efforts to cut public spending.

220,000 – two-thirds of All Together NOW! readers – DO NOT see any other disability or health publication — The Murray Consultancy

A FORMER access officer with Chester City Council has been appointed as an Ambassador for Disabled People’s User Led Organisations (DPULOs). Aidan Toomey’s role covers parts of Lancashire, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, Manchester, and Burnley. The programme was launched by the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller, to strengthen DPULOs, improve local services, as well as bid for money for specific projects from a £3 million fund. Aidan said of his appointment: “I know that DPULO’s all over the country are building a strong track record of working alongside disabled people and other key stakeholders to influence and deliver change. “This is a really exciting opportunity for me to promote the important work of disabled people in the North West and to develop effective and successful partnerships which will help shape future policies and service delivery.” n Contact Aidan via email aidan.toomey dpulo@ gmail.com

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All Together NOW!

October/November 2011

ENTER NOW! ALL you have to do to stand a chance of winning your dream hamper is answer these two questions: 1) Who founded Park Group? 2) What is the name of their top of the range hamper? The first correct entry drawn out of the hat on Friday, November 4, will win the hamper. Send your answers on the back of a postcard – telling us where you picked up your copy of All Together NOW! AND what you think of the publication – to: Park Hamper Competition, All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. You can also enter online at

It’s going to be a Christmas to remember!

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HRISTMAS could be about to arrive very early for YOU and your family!.

We’ve teamed up with one of our key sponsors, Park – the UK’s number one for Christmas savings – to give All Together NOW! readers a fantastic chance of winning their top-of-the-range Christmas hamper. The Empire hamper is worth £517.50 – and it will be all yours if you win our super competition. Our previous Park Hamper competitions have been extremely popular – and we

expect this one to be even more so! This monster hamper contains a huge amount of Christmas food and drink goodies to keep even the biggest family fed over the festive period. It’s filled with top brand confectionery, desserts, soft drinks, beers, wines, spirits, pasta, soups, vegetables, freezer foods and the finest quality meat. And, as an extra gift, you will get a fine glass vase – perfect for some beatutiful Christmas flowers. For more than 40 years Park has been providing top quality hampers for hundreds

of thousands of customers across the country. Founder and Park Group chairman, Peter Johnson, said: “We are delighted to offer All Together NOW! readers another chance to win our top-of-the-range Christmas hamper. “Last year’s competition caused plenty of excitement. We are confident our new contest will be even more popular with readers.” n Why not save with Park for a debt-free Christmas? Get your FREE catalogue at www.getpark.co.uk/ATN10

RULES: By entering the competition you confirm that you understand and agree that the information you provide will be held on a Park Group database and that it will be shared by all companies within the Park Group. A full list of those companies is available by writing to the Data Controller, Park Group Plc, Valley Road, Birkenhead, CH41 7ED. Park Group plc shall be the data controller for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998. The information you provide will be used by Park Group and any necessary third parties to provide you with the goods and services you request. Companies within the Park Group may wish to contact you for customer care purposes or to keep you informed about the latest offers, promotions, prize draws, and competitions, using post, telephone, e-mail, SMS and any other appropriate means, including new technology. If you wish to be contacted via email or SMS, please provide us with your e-mail address and/or your mobile telephone number as appropriate.If you do not wish to be contacted by any member of the Park Group for marketing purposes, please indicate this on your entry. The winning entry must agree to having a photograph taken for promotional purposes.

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All Together NOW!

Guide dogs terror

October/November 2011

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NEWS

Plea to police as attacks double in a year Help for

Young film-makers land top US award A SHORT film made by Ability Media students – an initiative by Leonard Cheshire Disability – has won the student film award in this year’s US International Film and Video Festival in Los Angeles. Our Rights to Relationships was produced in collaboration with students from Buckinghamshire University and creative partners Signdance Collective, Europe ‘s only international touring sign dance, theatre and music company. The film looks at the sexual and emotional needs of young people with disabilities. Jane Jutsum, from Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: “Supporting young disabled people to create awardwinning work with such a powerful message can be the catalyst to positively change attitudes both in the creative industries and the wider public.” The Ability Media Centre is a fully accessible and inclusive media hub for disabled and disadvantaged young people in London. People can gain media qualifications and get experience in making their own television, film and radio programmes, equipping them with the skills they need to be successful in the industry.

Guide for parents AS disabled children grow up, dealing with the family finances can suddenly become a major headache. Working out what benefits they - and their parents - are entitled to can be very confusing. A free new guide is now available to make life easier!. From Child to Adult, produced by national charity Working Families is available on the Working Families website at: www.workingfamilies.org.uk

TTACKS on guide dogs by other dogs have more than doubled during the past year.

A new report from Guide Dogs found that an average of seven attacks a month were now being reported. Bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers and pit bull terriers are among the most frequent offenders, with around one in three of the dogs carrying out attacks from this bull breed group. Linda Oliver’s guide dog, Zoe, was attacked at a busy summer event by a Staffordshire bull terrier. Linda, from Stockton-on-Tees, said: “This dog just flew out of nowhere and started biting Zoe. The owner just stood there, watching. He didn’t do anything. “I was hysterical.I was so shocked and so unable to do

‘

phone users

A huge dent to my confidence

anything. Luckily the police were nearby and they escorted the dog and its owner from the park and took our details, but that was it. “They should have done more. I want the owner to understand how the attack has impacted on my life. It has made a huge dent in our confidence, and I want him to pay the vet’s bill.” Richard Leaman, Guide Dogs’ chief executive, said: “We recognise that police forces are under pressure, but these attacks are antisocial and have a devastating effect on vulnerable people. “We want police to recognise the enormous impact that these attacks have on people’s ability to

live independently and respond accordingly.” One guide dog owner reported wanting to move house after his dog was attacked, and others said they were too frightened to go out. In 70% of attacks guide dogs needed treatment and many also often become nervous and lose their confidence. In some cases, guide dogs were so traumatised by their experience that they had to be withdrawn from service. Mr Leaman added: “Locally, we want police forces to take these attacks seriously and send a clear message that they are unacceptable. “We are happy to work with police forces to find a solution. Nationally, we think it’s time that all dogs were microchipped so it’s easy to identify the owners of dangerous dogs.”

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PHONE users with hearing and/or speech impairments stand to benefit from new measures being proposed by the industry regulator Ofcom. By law, phone providers must provide disabled consumers with ‘text relay’ services – which involves an assistant converting typed messages into speech and then back again. But conversations can be slow and sometimes fail to flow naturally. Ofcom’s proposals include a new feature that will allow users to interject during a conversation, instead of having to wait until the end of a message. Plans are also in hand for the introduction of video relay for British Sign Language (BSL) users. Video relay services are currently only available commercially, and mainly funded through the Government’s Access to Work scheme. Because such a service could cost more than £100 million a year – if demand was high – due to the need for trained interpreters, Ofcom has proposed restricting the service to certain times of the day, or giving users a monthly allocation of minutes.

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October/November 2011

Good news for thousands of readers Hello I’M Fred Payne, the chief executive of the Bank Workers Charity. You may remember reading about our work in the last issue of All Together NOW! BWC is a long established charity, providing help and support for current and exbank workers across the country. It’s a really exciting time, having just changed our name to the Bank Workers Charity. This was just the start though – it also marks a new ambition to help even more people than ever before. Our research shows that up to 50,000 people in the UK banking sector – 5,000 in the North West – have to cope with different challenges. Balancing the stresses and strains of work and family pressures, perhaps relating to caring for children or other relatives, might not be easy. Then there are any financial or health problems. So we have expanded our services to be able to offer more practical information, advice, specialist services, as well as financial support, to help get you through these issues.

Positive results We have also been working with experts to bring you many of the services we’re offering, so that help and support is tailored to our client’s needs. Our partnership with the National Autistic Society is bringing lots of positive results and together we might be able to help you or someone you know. Over 500,000 people in the UK have autism and together with their families, they make up over two million people whose lives are touched by autism every day. Despite this, autism is relatively unknown and misunderstood – which means many people don’t get the help they need. Through our partnership with the NAS we aim to help change this for families where a parent or parents have worked for, or are currently working for, a bank.

Family support The NAS helps children, adults and families cope with this serious lifelong disability by providing a range of free support services. These include use of the autism helpline, the Help! programme – a series of workshops designed to provide practical advice to families living with autism – and lots of other support such as publications. So far, we’ve supported 317 families, and 627 children have benefited from our partnership. We were also really pleased that our partnership has been recognised. It was highly commended in the grant-making category at the 2009 Charity Awards, the first time a benevolent charity has been recognised in this way. So, if you or someone you know has worked for, or is currently working for, a bank and could use some support – get in touch. What have you got to lose?

How we are helping families . . .

TEAM WORK: Our support with the National Autistic Society is helping Georgina Bhad and her son, Zak, cope with many daily challenges

NAZIR and Georgina Bhad have three children – Yasmin, Jacob and Zak. Last December, Zak, five, was diagnosed with autism. Georgina said the family didn’t really know what to do or where to turn. But when they found out about our programme with the NAS they immediately felt comforted by it and fully appreciated the support that was available to them. Since joining the programme they have received a personalised Help! seminar from the NAS which was tailored to their specific needs in learning how to deal with Zak’s behaviour and sensory issues. They learnt techniques which come in useful nearly every day as Zak’s behaviour changes and develops. And they have also received a lot of support and advice from the NAS relating to Zak’s education. Georgina said: “Just knowing that we now have the support of NAS whenever we need it has been a huge relief for us.”

Help for all bank workers OUR partnership with the National Autistic Society is a huge success story 57% of families received multiple services

43% had support through life membership to NAS

77% of parents are now more confident

86% of parents believe their family life is now better

70% of parents now feel less isolated

THE Bank Workers Charity exists to help anyone currently working, or who has worked, in the banking industry who has hit hard times. We know there are thousands of All Together NOW! readers who could benefit from our support services – we just need to know who YOU are! Over the next year we will be encouraging readers to register with us so that we can provide the appropriate help – and as fast as possible. We will also keep you regularly informed about the kind of support we are giving to people across the UK, and keep you posted on any new initiatives (ours, or those of other charities) which we think you might benefit from. We’ll even enter you in our special prize draws to win £50 Marks & Spencer gift vouchers. So register now – you have absolutely nothing to lose and maybe lots to gain. This draw runs until November 30. The lucky winner will be notified by mid-December.

NAME: ADDRESS:

POSTCODE:

TEL NO:

EMAIL:

EMPLOYER DETAILS

EMPLOYER: ADDRESS: YEAR(S) OF EMPLOYMENT:

Send this form to: Registration, Bank Workers Charity, Pinners Hall, 105-108 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1EX. You can also register by email at info@bwcharity.org.uk — but please inlcude all details as above.

All Together NOW!

October/November 2011

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NEWS

Proud-est moment for TV star A SOAP star who thought he could never become an actor, has received a special award.

Major study into disability needs HUNDREDS of disabled people and their families and carers have been taking part in an independent review of how the mobility needs of people in state-funded residential care are met. Leading disability charities Mencap and Leonard Cheshire Disability asked Lord Low of Dalston to conduct the 12-week review, which aims to gather evidence from individuals living in state-funded residential care, their families and carers, local authorities and care providers. The findings from the review are expected this sutumn, enabling peers to consider the evidence and the review’s recommendations as they debate the Welfare Reform Bill. The Bill, as it stands, would give the Government the power to stop paying the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment, which is set to replace Disability Living Allowance, to thousands of people living in residential care. There is a widespread fear that removal of the benefit could leave 80,000 disabled people without the funds to meet extra transport costs such as maintaining a powered wheelchair or paying for accessible transport, leaving them trapped at home. nTo find out more about the review visit: www.lowreview.org.uk

My inspiration . . . I MOVED to Devon but still read every issue of All Together NOW! – thanks to my family who send it to me. I have heart problems, a severe anxiety disorder and am also physically disabled and your efforts have always been greatly appreciated. I only wish the paper could go nationwide. All Together NOW! is my source of information and inspiration. Carry on the good work! Suzanna Gentle, Rothesay Gardens, Plymouth

New help for MPs A NEW equality group has been launched to help MPs and Parliamentary staff who are disabled or who are interested in helping disabled people. ‘ParliAble’ was formally launched in Speaker’s House by its two champions Speaker John Bercow and former Paralympian, Baroness GreyThompson. The network aims to provide a number of wide-reaching initiatives including a sign-post service to anyone who requires support and advice, a range of campaigns that raise awareness and communicate views within Parliament.

Ex-EastEnders star David Proud, who has spina bifida and only began acting in his 20s after previously believing it would be impossible, has been awarded the Freedom of London. David, 28, is patron of the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAH), and received the honour at a special ceremony at London’s Guildhall. His first professional acting role was as a

wheelchair basketball player in the children’s TV series Desperados. Explaining the special regard he holds for ASBAH, David said: “‘I have spent a lot of time working with ASBAH both here and in Ireland and Northern Ireland meeting people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. “The staff do such a vital job and support the lives of so many families. It has, and always will be, a great honour to be their patron.” Spina bifida occurs very early in pregnancy when the spine and brain are being formed. It is a fault in the development of the spine, which fails to close properly. Spina Bifida often results in paralysis below the fault resulting in severe disability. A major secondary complication of spina bifida is hydrocephalus – excess fluid pressure in the brain, which can cause brain damage if not treated promptly. Hydrocephalus can also occur at any time for other reasons, including meningitis, premature birth, stroke or tumour. nASBAH: 01733 555988. www.asbah.org

Last chance to get WW2 cash

Don’t miss £1m veterans offer

FORMER prisoner of war is urging his WW2 comrades to take part in one final mission – by claiming their share of a £1 million Lotto fund while they still have the chance.

170 mile bike ride - in a day

WITH the pain and exhaustion of the Tour de France still fresh in his mind, Olympic gold medallist Geraint Thomas was back in the saddle for a gruelling ONE DAY 170-mile charity cycle ride with girlfriend Sara. Geraint swapped his racing bike for a tandem and the couple raised over £5,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK and The Stroke Association. Their marathon trip from Cardiff to Denbigh was also in memory of Sara’s grandad (taid) who died earlier this year. Geraint, 25, said: “It was a brilliant day! Lots of people joined us for the ride and encouraged us along the way. The tandem took a bit of getting used to but it was fun once we mastered it. “We wanted to do something positive to help these charities as Sara’s taid suffered a series of mini strokes which then led to dementia.”

The lottery cash has been earmarked to pay for veterans and widows of veterans to visit the battlefields and areas they or their loved ones served in during the 1939 to 1945 conflict. But they only have until the end of the year to claim the money. Now Ted Cachart, a former POW and Lancaster bomber crew member, is on a mission to spread the word about the Lotto cash to the estimated 100,000 WW2 veterans alive in the UK today. Ted, 86, said: “There are still many veterans or their widows who are unaware this money is available and they only have until the end of the year to lodge their claim. “And it’s not just the Army, Air force and Navy who can apply: Merchant Navy, Auxiliary Territorial Service, Navy Wrens and in some cases members of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force may also be eligible. “Many ex-servicemen want to revisit their theatre of war to rekindle memories or friendships or visit graves. For widows it’s a chance to see where their husbands fought.” Ted, whose crew were downed on a bombing TWO’S COMPANY: Geraint and Sara mission to Berlin, has already used the fund to visit two of his wartime bases in Avignon and Nice. He has also been to Germany. Five levels of grants are available from the Big Lotto Fund. Veterans and widows can claim from £150 for travelling in Britain, up to £5,500 for those who served in the Far East. Those who have funded their own travel may also be able to reclaim some of the costs. nAny WW2 veterans wanting free FANS of a brilliant Chester choir are gearing up for this year’s Jersey advice on how to claim can call Eisteddfod in Novemer. Dee Sign Choir are defending their crown after winning the Signing Choirs Class at the 2010 Eisteddfod. The 66-strong Ted on 01773 853181 choir funds itself to attend the contest and has received a £450 grant from email:ted@49squadron.co.uk Friends Of Muir Group – the charity arm of Muir Group Housing Association. Big Lottery Fund: 0845 4102030.

In the past year All Together NOW! has increased its readership by 20% due to its availability in MAINSTREAM outlets — The Murray Consultancy

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All Together NOW!

October/November 2011

On the happy trail . . . MILLSTEAD Primary School is one of Liverpool’s shining examples, helping pupils with special needs, and from different cultures, to mix, have fun – and learn. The Morgan Foundation donated £7,200 for the installation of a sensory trail which runs along the walls of the school corridors and shared areas. The trail helps pupils, particularly those with visual impairment and or/autistic

spectrum disorder, to make sense of the space in which they move. Special information stations are sited along the trail where pupils can press a switch and hear a recording telling them where they are. There is also a tactile surface and a picture or symbol. Pictured at the ribbon-cutting opening of the trail is Jane Harris, administrator of the Morgan Foundation, and some of the pupils.

Are you making difference? a H

APPLY NOW!

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 £8.5 million. And this year we are INCREASING the amount of cash we will be giving away to good causes to a whopping £1.5 MILLION! 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

What we fund GRANTS may be considered for a range of purposes and could include: Single awards for capital projects. Start-up and/or ongoing running costs for specific projects. Multi-year revenue grants for core funding. The type, size and time period of the award is decided on the basis of the perceived ‘difference’ that our support will make to the organisation, to the project,and to the targeted beneficiaries. It is important that you tell us in your application the full extent of the funding you really need to achieve your aims and objectives, in order for us to assess how best we can contribute.

How to apply FIRST, please ensure that you are eligible under our policy:

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.

Our Wolves’ link

the organsiation, its aims and regular activities, the number of paid staff and voilunteers, latest audited accounts, and details of the project for which you are seeking funding. All applications will be acknowledged and we will contact you for any further information we require. All charities and projects will be visited before a grant is approved.

WOLVES Community Trust is the official charity of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club. Via Wolves Aid, which is supported by The Morgan Foundation, it helps community groups in the Wolverhampton area. Wolves Aid has the same remit as The Morgan Foundation and, according to the Football League Trust, is the biggest club charity of its type in football. Organisations within Wolverhampton wanting to find out more about Wolves Aid should contact Laura Saunders on 01902 n www.wolves-aid.co.uk 828366.

What we don’t fund (exclusions)

Check that your organisation or project is based within our geographic area (see map, above) Also please check that your organisation/project is not listed in our exclusions. We ask all potential applicants to call us first for an informal chat. This helps us to ascertain whether

IN LINE with our funding policy and to ensure the most efficient use of resources, we do not fund the following areas of work: Animal Welfare; Arts/Heritage; Conservation/Environment; Expeditions and Overseas Travel; General Fundraising Appeals; Individual and Sports Sponsorship; Large National Charities; Mainstream Education; Promotion of Specific Religions

or not your project is likely to be successful with a funding bid and will save you both time and effort.

Application procedure ONCE you have called us we will send you details of the information we will need in order to proceed with an application. We will require a background to

www.morganfoundation.co.uk

THE FINALISTS have been selected for this year’s Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards. Winners will be announced at the Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards gala evening to be held at Carden Park Hotel, Cheshire, on Thursday November 10. Best New Business (first prize £20,00, two runners-up prizes £5,000 each): Easy MCS Ltd, Saltney; Eco Environments Ltd, Bootle; Jolly Good Rental Vehicles, Wrexham; Labelline UK Ltd, St Helens; Navigate IT, Bretton Best Business providing an Economic or Social Contribution to the Region (first prize £12,500, two runners-up prizes £5,000 each): Comtek Network Systems UK Ltd, Deeside; Eco Environments Ltd, Liverpool; Galeri Caernarfon, Caernarfon; Imagematch Social Enterprise, Shrewsbury; Lewis Psychology CIC, Wolverhampton Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise (first prize £12,500, two runners-up prizes £5,000 each): The Brink, Liverpool; Crest Co-operative, Llandudno Junction; Dee-Tex Project, Saltney; Kindness in Mind, Mold; Little League Sports, Belle Vale, Liverpool Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise in Liverpool Sponsored by Liverpool Vision (one prize of £5,000): The Brink; Merseyside Domestic Violence Services; Little League Sports; Squash Nutrition Best Young Entrepreneur (first prize £10,000, two runners-up prizes £2,500 each): Thomas Farquhar, Easy MCS Ltd, Saltney; Mark Gleave, Healthbox CIC, Chester; Simon Roberts, Roberts Recycling, Liverpool; Richard Rees, North Wales Hydro Power Ltd, Abergele; Eva Zych, Flavory Nature, Liverpool Best New Business Idea by a Young Entrepreneur (first prize £5,000, two runners-up prizes £2,500 each): Craig Churm,Textbooks-4-Students, Shifnal; Kelsey Donlevy, Just Dance, Liverpool; Toni Marie Hynes, UK Visits, Liverpool; Iman Espeut-Mills, Elite Enterprise, Wolverhampton; Tina Lee, Creative Craft Jewellery, Liverpool Against All Odds (one prize £10,000): Jane Davis & Niall Gibney, The Reader Organisation, Liverpool; Kerrie Griffin-Rogers, The Interior Company, Whitchurch; Brian McManus, Dee-Tex Project, Saltney; Jean Taylor, Families Fighting for Justice, Liverpool MAIN SPONSOR

Tel. 01829 782800

GETTING ON . . .

All Together NOW!

WISE WINNIE . . . helps to solve some of the problems faced by older people

I count myself lucky in that I have become friends with a very nice lady after four lonely years following the death of my wife. She has introduced me to ballroom dancing and jazz concerts, and I feel so much brighter for her company. She is now suggesting that I should learn to swim but I have told her I am too old at 73 to even contemplate this. The truth is I have a horror of being in deep water as I nearly drowned as a child when a boat, rowed by my older brother, capsized in the sea. Fortunately, he was a good swimmer and he managed to get me back to the shore safely. It was a nightmare experience which I find myself reliving sometimes. Do you think I should take the plunge and try to overcome these feelings by booking swimming lessons? My friend is a firm believer in swimming to keep fit. She is very proud of the fact that she did 30 lengths on her 70th birthday! It would be nice to be able to limber up in this way.

I should go cautiously with this. Not because you are too old to learn to swim but because the fear of water can be crippling and if your go-go girl friend has high expectations the situation may be more than you can cope with. Hopefully she will understand your fears if you explain. How about trying aqua-aerobics? This is one of the safest and pleasantest ways to strengthen and tone up the body as exercises are performed standing in warmish water and to music. There’s a bonus for older people, too the support of the water means that those with joint problems or poor balance can take part without suffering pain or injury. The heart and lungs also benefit as calories are burned off, and it’s a sociable atmosphere. Inquire at local pools and leisure clubs, but make sure you work under an experienced instructor and at your level of fitness. As you gain confidence, maybe your fear of water will evaporate and swimming lessons could be a real possibility.

October/November 2011

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Life is fragile, handle with care . . .

So what’s wrong with having a stairlift in the home? IN TODAY’S modern world mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs have become commonplace. Thirty years ago, disabled people would have been pushed by willing helpers or relatives with strong muscles, or by costly council support staff. The ability to access the community maintains independence and dignity, and the benefits to health and well-being are immeasurable. If only the same foresight and vision could be applied to the installation of stairlifts in the home. Sadly, there is still a stigma about having a stairlift fitted when, in fact, they enable

SOUNDING OFF! anyone with disabilities or difficulties in climbing stairs access to the whole of their home without the necessity to move lock, stock and barrel to an apartment away from the community they enjoy living in. Rather than move, we’ve just had a stairlift fitted but our experience highlights that we still have a long way to go to get rid of the stigma that comes with it. The technician from a reputable company, although excellent at his job, asked me in an embarrassed whisper: “Is the stairlift for your husband?”

If all homes were fitted with stairlifts as part of the design it would help everyone with relatives and friends with disabilities visiting their homes to enjoy a safe visit while maintaining their dignity. Perhaps tomorrow’s architects may have the vision and foresight to include a method for getting up stairs for all new properties. Even young married couples will eventually age and perhaps suffer the effects of ageing and they will then discover that moving isn’t always an option they may wish to take at that time in their lives.

Mrs. P. M. Shiels, Willis Street, Warrington

It’s time to get switched on A

RE YOU one of the six in 10 people over 65 in the UK who aren’t yet switched on to computers and the Internet?

Maybe it’s because you think it’s all too confusing. Well, it’s just got a whole lot easier, thanks to the launch of an updated version of a computer that’s specially designed to bridge to digital divide and encourage older users to get connected. Launching the new computer, called the SimplicITy Envelope,

TV legend and former Blue Peter presenter, Valerie Singleton, said: “One of the biggest barriers to older people entering the digital age is the complexity of computers which makes them feel afraid to try. “SimplicITy has re-written the rule book and assumed, from the start, that users will be nervous and unsure of what to do next.” Nigel Houghton, SimplicITy’s MD, said: “Technology has moved on a lot in two years, and we’ve also learned a lot from our customers. “We’ve been able to integrate

SENIOR MOMENTS

a raft of new features which makes this computer even easier to use – and allows it to grow with you.” The computer has a twospeed control so that, as you gain confidence, you can change the settings from ‘beginner’ to ‘advanced’, where it operates far more like a conventional PC – with a huge range of different programmes available. Mr Houghton added: “All our research has shown that the vast majority of people initially only want a computer to send emails, Skype their family,

FEAR NOT! Valerie Singleton says this new style computer is great for older users

browse the web and write documents, so we start off with a computer that does just that. “But, equally importantly, we don’t want to patronise older users. Once they grasp the basics, many want to do far more, and this is the only computer in the world that allows them to do so.” The new computer has a touchscreen, which allows users to control all the key functions without using a mouse (many older users find this one of the trickiest elements to master when they first come to using a computer). You can also choose between seven different text sizes – enabling those with poor eyesight to view content easily. The new SimplicITy Envelope comes in three hardware versions, including a laptop, and two screen size options: 20 and 24 inch. The largest screen also has DVD functions, so that the user needs only one screen to watch television videos and use the Internet. nFor more details visit www.simplicitycomputers .co.uk

. . . with FRANK HARRIS

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

October/November 2011

Tap into your water account anytime!

United Utilities has launched a free new service to let you take control of your water account. If you have access to the internet, My Account gives you the opportunity to quickly manage your water account online, leaving you with the freedom to get on with the things you enjoy doing. The service allows you to perform a number of tasks quickly and easily, plus all your details are on tap twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. With My Account, you can: • view your statement and set up paperless billing • update your details when you move home • make payments and set up a Direct Debit

The online nature of My Account is particularly helpful for customers with mobility issues or if you have difficulties using the telephone. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home and can access your account anytime via your home computer. My Account is simple to use and detailed instructions will guide you along every step of the way. No one wants to spend any longer than they absolutely have to dealing with bills, so My Account is great for people who want to log on, and be on their way in just a few clicks. Best of all, because everything is online, you can access the service whenever it suits you. To register for My Account log on to unitedutilities.com/ myaccount. Register now and we’ll enter you into a free prize draw to win £1,000.

Need a little ExtraCare? We offer a range of free services to help customers who: • • • •

are older have a disability have a serious illness have sight, hearing or learning difficulties

Our services include: • •

personal notification of water shut-offs large print, Braille and talking bills

We also offer a free password scheme for all our customers to help protect against bogus callers. So join today and keep that bogus caller away!

To find out more call 0845 746 1100 or textphone 0808 143 1195 09/11/SD/4814

All Together NOW!

Cheque this out CHEQUES are particularly important to older people – with 73% of them using them as a means of payment. And 63% of cheque users of all ages agree that they would find it a problem if they were no longer available, according to research. Only 43% said that using a cash machine in the street was their preferred method of drawing cash. The report says changes in the way we access payments and cash (for example ATMs, reduction in bank branches and increase in internet banking) are excluding many older people. Age UK believes that unless an acceptable alternative can be found, many older people will have to revert to cash payments and reliance on other people. Michelle Mitchell, charity director at Age UK said: “We are calling on the Government to recognise payment systems as an essential utility like electricity or water, so that everybody has a safe, accessible and affordable way to pay without relying on cash.”

October/November 2011

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

20,000 ways to help you stay independent

A home for life!

DID YOU know there are over 20,000 products on the market designed to assist disabled and older people? If you need equipment to help you stay independent, how do you make the right choice? Disabled Living Centres provide independent information and advice and the opportunity to see and try a

vast range of products with the aid of expert advisors From beds to bath aids, showers to stair lifts, local Disabled Living Centres provide equipment info helplines. So for information on equipment and how to get it contact your local Disabled Living Centre. Many

products can be provided free on loan through local Community Equipment Services. All Together Now! has teamed up with Liverpool Disabled Living Centre to help readers of all ages and abilities stay independent. If you have a question contact the team on 0151 296 7742. Minicom: 0151 296 7748.

Intelligent loos and floor alarms all part of future

ITH life expectancy rising, people will spend more of their lives in their own homes. Thus, they need the best in design and technology to help them maintain their independence, lifestyle and dignity.

Lifehouse is a new approach to providing services for disabled and older people in Liverpool.

InAll the summer of 2007 the under following moved together to Lifehouse: these teams are now oneservices roof, working to provide the information and advice people need toDock. be as safe and an accessible, newly renovated building at Brunswick independent as possible .

Wheelchair Service 0151 296 7765 Fax:0151 0151296 296 7764 Wheelchair Service Tel: 7765 Assessment for and provision of wheelchairs for people who live in Liverpool. Disabled Living Centre 0151 296 7742 Fax: 0151 296 7743 7748 Disabled Living Centre 0151 296 7742 Minicom: 0151 296 7744 Moving and Handling Team Tel: 0151 296 7750 Fax: 0151 296 7749 Independent information, assessment and advice on choosing daily living equipment and how to get it.

Communication Aids 0151 296 7408 Fax: 0151 296 7764 Moving and Handling Team Tel: 0151 296 7750 Practical advice for disabled people and their carers on moving and handling people. Adaptations Team 0151 296 7757 Fax: 0151 296 7758 Communication Aids Falls Team

0151 296 7769

Tel: 0151 296 7408

Assessment and provision of communication aids for people who live in Liverpool.

Lifehouse is a newTeam approach to providing services for disabled Adaptations Tel: and 0151older 296 7757 Installation of adaptations to safely people in managing in their ownroof home.will improve people in Liverpool. Having allassist these services under one accessibility. Falls Team Tel: 0151 296 7769 A multidisciplinary team providing practical advice and assessment for people who have fallen. Services will be able to work together to provide the independent information, advice and practical assessment people need to make the rightTel: choices 0151 about 296 7782 Telecare service 7733 Advice, assessment and installation of Telecare equipment. equipment. The existing services will be joined by others which will greatly increase theinformation range of information and available. For further call thethe service youadvice require or contact main reception forDay a further information call service you require or visitour a Lifehouse Open list ofifehouse Lifehouse Open Days.

Lifehouse Lifehouse Lifehouse ifehouse Units 4–5 Dempster Building Units 4–5 Dempster Building Summers Road, Brunswick Business Park Summers Road, Brunswick Business Park Liverpool 4BL Liverpool L3L3 4BL Main Reception: 0151 296 7733 Main Reception: 0151 296 7733 www.liverpoollifehouse.org www.liverpoollifehouse.org

Home alterations like widening doorways and providing space to manouvre a wheelchair or zimmer frame are standard – but what does the future of designing for the elderly and vulnerable hold? And how should the individual needs of a client be assessed? The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the BRE have published new guidance for architects and others involved in building projects. The guide details key design requirements such as: nEasy access and entry to the home through distinctive visual landmarks like trees, coloured or scented plants, and the use of contrasting materials and colours on the entrance door. nIronmongery that is comfortable and effortless in operation, particularly door handles and locks which should be consistent throughout the property. nSmooth, even and non-slip surfaces throughout the home. nEasily accessible plug sockets and light switches, particularly those at the top and bottom of stairs. New and future technologies are highlighted, like: nFlooring sensors that raise an alarm when movement is not detected or if a person has fallen. nIntelligent toilets that can analyse waste materials and send data reports directly to an individual’s doctor.

The document also says the following aspects could be considered: nCan the occupant see who is at the front door when the bell rings? nIs it possible to turn on a pivot screen television whilst lying in bed? nCan a laptop be used in bed comfortably? nCan the person open and close the windows? nIs it possible to eat comfortably in bed? nCan the lighting be adapted to the occupant’s reading habits? RIBA president Ruth Reed said: “Good design has a vital role to play in helping elderly and vulnerable people live dignified and independent lives, and supporting the capacity and effectiveness of professional care providers to meet the needs of those they are looking after. “The UK ‘s population is ageing rapidly; one third of Britons are expected to reach age 60 or over in 20 years’ time and this will demand a new way of delivering care efficiently. “If people are to be supported to remain in their homes for as long as possible, then adapting the physical environment and the way in which it is designed to meet the needs of people with different levels of mobility and capability throughout their life is essential.” Paul Warner, research director of the Urban Regeneration Group at 3D Reid, said: “It is important for the elderly to be connected with the outside world. “As technology merges the virtual world with the real world ways of encouraging older people to softly engage with this world should be

Help on the line n BLACKBURN Independent Living Centre, Mill Hill St, Mill Hill, Blackburn. Tel. 01254 269 220. n ELLESMERE PORT Pool Independent Living Centre, New Grosvenor Road. Tel. 0151 337 6399. n HALTON Collier Street, Runcorn. Tel. 01928 582 920. n HANDFORTH East Cheshire Independent Living Centre, Redesmere Road, Handforth Tel. 01625 374080. n HARTFORD Hartford Independent Living Centre, Hartford Business Park, Chester Road, Hartford, Northwich. Tel. 01606 881980. n KNOWSLEY Knowsley Independent Living Centre, Unit 11, Brickfields, Huyton Business Park, Huyton Tel. 0151 244 4070 n LIVERPOOL Disabled Living Centre, Lifehouse, Summers Road, Brunswick Business Park, Liverpool. Tel. 0151 296 7742. Minicom 0151 296 7748. n MANCHESTER Assist UK, 4 St Chads Street, Manchester. Tel. 0161 834 1044. n NORTHWICH Cheshire CIL Iakwood Lane, Barnton, Northwich Tel. 01606 782760 n SOUTHPORT Community Service Station, Scarisbrick Avenue, Southport. Tel. 0151 288 6890 n STOCKPORT St Thomas’s Hospital, Shawheath, Stockport. Tel. 0161 419 4476. n WARRINGTON Beaufort Street, Warrington. Tel. 01925 240064. n WILMSLOW Redesmere Road. Tel. 01625 374080. n WIRRAL St Catherine’s Hospital, Birkenhead. Tel. 0151 678 7272.

MIDLANDS n SHREWSBURY The Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive. Tel. 01743 210820. n WOLVERHAMPTON Bell Street. Tel. 01902 553 648.

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A BREATH OF FRESH AIR . . .

All Together NOW!

October/November 2011

Reaching NEW heights 350,000

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In the ten years we have been conducting newspaper surveys nothing comes anywhere near to the standards being set by All Together NOW! The results are hugely impressive

220,000 readers right across the North West

175,000

DO NOT see any other disability publication

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Murray Consultancy winners, 2006BIG European Market Reaserch Award

DO NOT see any local newspaper!

The perfect way to spread 0151 230 0307 your messages sales@alltogethernow.org.uk

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October/November 2011

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TRAVEL

Tree cheers for easy forest trails TWO forest trails within the All Together NOW! distribution area have made it into the Forestry Commission’s Top Ten Easy Access trails. The Route to Health trail at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire has been placed eigth, while the Revelin Moss Trail at Whinlatter Forest has squeezed in at 10th place. Some forests, such as Haldon Forest Park near Exeter and Westonbirt Arboretum, have extra facilities for people with limited mobility such as trampers and wheelchairs that can be hired out. Top Ten Easy Access Trails: 1. The Discovery Trail at Haldon Forest Park, near Exeter. 2. The Challenge Trail at Discover Wistlandpound, near Barnstaple. 3. Easy Access paths around the whole of Westonbirt Arboretum. 4. Blackwater Sensory Trail, New Forest. 5. Easy Access Discovery Trail at Alice Holt, near Farnham. 6. The Pinetum Trail and Play Trail at Bedgebury Pinetum, near Etchingham. 7. Easy Access Trail, St Helens at Thetford Forest in East Anglia. 8. Route to Health trail at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. 9. White Trail at Sherwood Pines Forest in the East Midlands. 10. Revelin Moss Trail at Whinlatter Forest in Cumbria. n www.forestry.gov.uk

IRTON HOUSE FARM

Holiday Breaks in the Lakes near Keswick Self catering apartments for 2-6 people. Specially designed with the wheelchair in mind. No steps. Beautiful views in a superb location. Friendly owners in residence. Open all year.

For a colour brochure

Tel: 01768 776380 www.disabled-holiday.net email: joan@irtonhousefarm.co.uk

Book now!

WE’RE happy to pass on some very positive comments about the facilities for wheelchair users at the Marriott Harbour Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Gordon Viner, a trustee of the All Together NOW! charity, says: “They certainly seem to have got things right. We spoke to several wheelchair users and all were hugely impressed with the facilities.” www.marriottharborbeach.com Tell us your favourite holiday spots – and remember to include details of any special facilities. Write to us at: All Together NOW! The Bradury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. Email: news@alltogethernow.org.uk

Take the plane with no strain T

HINGS are on the up and up at Manchester Airport. A new online access guide has been launched to help disabled passengers – and there’s good news for wheelchair users who need help transferring to aircraft seats.

The guide was developed in partnership with DisabledGo who have over 10 years’ experience providing access information to disabled people. Information is included about fixtures and fittings in accessible toilets, to hearing assistance systems, lighting levels and the dimensions of parking bays. Meanwhile, the airport has introduced the new ‘Promove Sling’ to make life easier for severely disabled passengers. OCS customer care agents, who provide services for airport passengers with reduced mobility, can now – where appropriate – slip the sling underneath the passenger without lifting them under their arms from an aisle chair into the aircraft seat. The Promove sling has been used extensively by the fire services, schools and colleges as an evacuation device. It was invented by Dr Huw Martin Thomas, who has worked in scientific research for 34 years and has been a wheelchair user for over 30 years. He said: “I understand how important it is to feel safe and dignified when transferring into my seat on the aeroplane. “The design of the travel sling means that the handlers

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Sling heads better airport access

Foreign help at push of a button THE first personal emergency service for British travellers has been launched. Holidaymakers and others abroad will have the power to summon help at the press of a button if they find themselves in trouble, following the start of a service from Emergency response specialist Skyguard International. Those with recognised medical problems are among the groups set to benefit from the breakthrough. The launch comes after the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s British Behaviour Abroad report, which revealed 19,228 Brits have needed assistance overseas during the past 12 months, with Spain producing the most incidents. Travellers can activate the service using a device the size of a keyfob and the smallest GPS alarm of its kind, which can be discreetly attached to keys, a belt or worn on a lanyard.

BlackBerry

at the front and back can lift me using two handles each without having to hold on to me.” nThe online guide can be accessed at: www.disabledgo.com

Seaside treat offer CARERS from all over the UK are being offered the chance to take a well-earned break beside the sea. A three-bedroom house at lovely Caister-on-Sea in Norfolk is available to people or families who care for a relative and are in need of a break – wherever they live. Stuart Bennett, from mental health charity Great Yarmouth and Waveney Mind, who run the home, said: “We hope people from across the country will appreciate a holiday on the Norfolk coastline for some summer sunshine or a quiet winter break.” Week-long stays cost from £250. nContact Lisa Leech on 01493 842129 or visit

Skyguard’s service also runs as an app on a BlackBerry. Alarms containing the user’s location and identity go directly to Skyguard’s Incident Management Centre in the UK, where trained controllers can call the national emergency services of the country in question, and contact the victim’s relatives or employers. James Murray, Skyguard chief executive, said: “We anticipate customers with recognised medical problems will be among those taking our service because of the extra layer of reassurance it will give them when they head abroad. We’re also anticipating a strong response from across the health sector.”

http://www.gywmind.org.uk/respite-holiday-home.asp

All Together NOW! inspires and motivates those with support needs AND reduces isolation — The Murray Consultancy

E! E HOM TAKE M

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October/November 2011

Diabetes shocker!

All Together NOW!

Million drivers could lose their licences under new European rules

LMOST one million people with diabetes could lose their driving licences because of new European rules.

People with diabetes who have two “severe hypos” in a year – even when asleep – will have their licences revoked, under a new EU directive. Experts claim the ‘unnecessarily strict’ changes will affect hundreds of thousands who have been driving for decades without problems. Hypoglycaemia attacks, commonly called hypos, occur when blood sugars suddenly drop and can cause blackouts if not countered with a sugary snack. National charity Diabetes UK has told officials at the Department for Transport that there is no evidence that drivers with diabetes pose a greater risk than others. Simon O’Neill of Diabetes UK, said: People can often experience hypos when asleep, and we believe night-time hypos have no medical basis of relevance to driving. “The word ‘severe’ in referring to hypos is also open to misinterpretation. We believe a ‘severe’ hypo is one that actually requires

third-party treatment, as many hypos can be quickly and easily treated with an appropriate snack. Receiving assistance is not the same as needing assistance. “We are also concerned about the way that people are asked about their hypoglycaemic awareness. “People may not have complete

awareness, but still be sufficiently aware to be able to drive safely. “The intention of the DVLA is to revoke licences only for those who have a total lack of awareness, but it is difficult to word questions to assess this. “We have expressed these concerns to the DVLA and the Minister for Transport, and we

are working with the DVLA to try to ensure the process for applying and re-applying for licences is fair, consistent, transparent and safe.” A DVLA spokesman said: “We aim to strike the right balance – making sure that only those who are safe to drive are allowed on our roads, while at the same time avoiding placing unnecessary restrictions on people’s independence. “We must apply European medical standards but we consider every case individually and refuse licences only where absolutely necessary.” THERE is some good news, however, for people with Type 1 diabetes who can now apply for a Group 2 licence, which includes large lorries and buses providing they meet strict medical criteria, and can demonstrate they have adequate control of the condition by regular blood glucose monitoring. People with Group 2 vehicle licences who are treated with insulin will also have to undergo an annual independent medical assessment.

All Together NOW!

October/November 2011

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CLUNK CLICK: Constables are proud of their high safety standards

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SAFETY is a top priority at Constables Mobility as this behind-the-scenes glimpse of their purpose-built production facility shows. Every Constables’ wheelchair accessible car is developed to meet strict design criteria and converted at the East Sussex facility, above, giving customers the assurance that comes with quality British engineering. Before any vehicle is sold, Constables build prototypes

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and fully test them to prove their engineering and design principles. Constables has already completed testing on all their vehicles to meet and exceed European Special Purpose Vehicle Type Approval ahead of April 2012 European Legislation. nTo book a free no-obligation demonstration at your home, work, business or school, call 0844 88 00 218 or visit www.constablesmobility.com

Constables show why customers are in very safe hands

Impulse you can rely on!

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vehicles previously, John was looking for a HEELCHAIR accessible vehicles car that would allow his wife, who uses a are changing. From the threepower chair, to sit upfront beside him. wheeler mobility cars of The couple, from Tain near Inverness, also yesteryear we have developed to modern, wanted a vehicle that didn’t require the use stylish wheelchair accessible cars of wheelchair restraints when securing Ruth’s offering convenient access, comfort and power chair. safety. “It was our son, Iain, who suggested we Now there’s even the option for wheelchair contact Allied Mobility,” recalls John. “Iain passengers to travel up-front. was in a wheelchair for a few years after an John and Ruth Ross recently took delivery accident at work and had heard of Allied of the very first new Peugeot Impulse vehicle through Motability. from Allied Mobility – the sixth addition to “We gave them a call to discuss our options Allied’s range of wheelchair accessible l together now_Sept11_Half:Layout 1 15/09/2011 11:47 Page 1 and from there we arranged a demo of the models. Peugeot Impulse. After the demonstration it Having owned two wheelchair accessible

didn’t take long for us to decide this was the car for us!” Introduced this year, the Impulse is different from Allied Mobility’s other cars in that it allows the wheelchair user to either drive in their wheelchair or sit in the up-front passenger position. Based on the Peugeot Bipper, the new Impulse has been fully converted to allow wheelchair users maximum independence. With an automatic tailgate and wheelchair ramp, together with a completely flat floor, this stylish and nippy vehicle enables powered wheelchair users to enter the vehicle and secure their power chair without

the need for assistance. “The Impulse is ideal because the locking station removes the need for restraints,” says John. “The automatic tailgate and flat floor also give Ruth more independence when getting in and out of the car, which is great for us.” The Peugeot Impulse upfront wheelchair passenger car is available to buy direct or for lease through the Motability Cars Scheme. n For more information or to arrange a free home demonstration anywhere in the UK call Allied Mobility free on 0800 916 3018, email info@alliedmobility.com or visit www.alliedmobility.com ON PAR F AL KIN RE LN GS E EW EN VE SOR HI S CL ES

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MERSEYTRAVEL

Walrus set to make travel easier

ERSEYTRAVEL is launching a smarter way to travel the region - the Walrus card, making it quicker and easier to get about the public transport network. Walrus is the name of a new Smartcard which will allow public transport users, as well as day trippers to the city, to use a single card for all their journeys. Neil Scales, chief executive of Merseytravel, said: “This launch signals a revolution in the way people pay for and use public

transport. “I believe Walrus will play a fundamental role in encouraging and inspiring local people and visitors to fully enjoy the economic, cultural, heritage and leisure experience this area has to offer, and in time become an important part of the identity of the region. “Walrus will see the widest range of uses of any Smartcard in the country being fully integrated into all our varied forms of transport and ticketing, ultimately

TRAVEL CARD: Merseytravel chairman Cllr Mark Dowd, left, and Neil Scales, chief executive of Merseytravel, at the launch of the Walrus card

saving our customers time and money. “We are aiming towards a network where people pass seamlessly through our stations and ferry terminals, while also being able to board buses and even buy a coffee. “In London less than 2% of public transport journeys are paid for in cash, and while cash will always be an option, Walrus will be a far more convenient option for customers, drivers and operators alike.”

Cllr Mark Dowd, chairman of Merseytravel, added: “Walrus is a fun, playful brand name which we hope people take into their hearts, while at the same time embracing the benefits. “I am incredibly proud of Walrus and the hard work that has gone into developing not only a fantastic brand, but more importantly a brilliant product that will benefit the travelling public of this region. “This is the first card of its type in the UK, encompassing both

transport AND non-transport related products, and I believe this will revolutionise the way we travel in and enjoy this fantastic region and all it has to offer.” Passengers who renew their annual all-zone Trios can receive the Walrus card instead of the paper version previously issued. From Spring 2012 further products will be converted, with the full “pay as you go” card available from Summer 2013.

We care about the accessibility of our buildings, vehicles and information. All of our staff are trained to be courteous and considerate, particularly when our customers have special requirements.

Merseytravel is making sure that Public Transport on Merseyside is easy for everyone to use

Whether it be automatic door openers in our head office, availability of textphones for main points of contact, or producing timetables in large print, we want to make public transport easier for everyone to use. Among our services and facilities are: U Àii V ViÃÃ >ÀÞ ÌÀ>Ûi v À ÛiÀ {n]äää «i « iÊ with disabilities U ìÀ ] Ü y À] >VViÃÃ L i LÕÃiÃ Ü V >ÀiÊ developed in partnership with our local authorities and bus companies U v À >Ì > Û>À iÌÞ v v À >ÌÃ V Õ` } Ì iÊ iÀÃiÞÌÀ>Ûi VViÃÃ Õ ì q V Ì> } >VViÃÃÊ ÊÊÊìÌ> ÃÊv ÀÊ> ÊLÕÃÊ> `ÊÀ> ÊÃÌ>Ì ÃÊ Ê iÀÃiÞÃ ì Textphone users can dial 18001 then 0871 200 22 33 for a text relay assisted call

0871 200 22 33 Calls costs 10p per minute from land lines, mobiles may vary

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October/November 2011

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RIGHTS . . . BUSINESS . . .TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . .R

Jobs’ boost for cancer patients T

ENS of thousands of cancer patients could be helped to find – or stay in – jobs if an award-winning pilot project is rolled out nationally.

Already, a third of patients using the programme, based at the Christie Cancer Centre is Manchester, have returned to work after receiving advice and support. And up to 36,000 patients could be helped into work if the seven pilot projects funded by Macmillan Cancer Support are extended nationwide, says employment charity Shaw Trust. The charity says the economy would also benefit as it has been estimated that people dropping out of work due to cancer costs up to £5.3billion. Demand for the pilot is over twice the

initial target, with more than 230 referrals in a year, demonstrating the urgent need for vocational rehabilitation services across the UK. Sixty per cent of cancer patients who are in work when diagnosed are currently not advised by health professionals about the impact cancer might have on their job The pilot’s success has resulted in an award for innovation in the Vocational Rehabilitation Awards and the project has been extended to next April.

Social contact Sally Burton, chief executive of Shaw Trust, said: “For people with cancer, being able to return to work is an important part of mental and physical recovery but for it to be successful it

must be managed properly.” Ciarán Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We are extremely pleased with how many people diagnosed with cancer have been helped back to work through the vocational rehabilitation pilot at The Christie. “We know many people with cancer are keen to get back to work to restore normality, stability, and social contact but often don’t get the help they need. “Providing effective back-to-work support not only benefits patients but also saves the Government money and increases the productivity of businesses. “We want to ensure everyone diagnosed with cancer can access the support they need to stay in, or get back to, work if that is what they want.”

Now get set for action! OLYMPIC gold medallist Henry Cejudo paid tribute to students and staff at Liverpool Community College for its commitment to the Oympic and Paralympic Values. America’s freestyle wrestling champion said: “The students are excellent examples of how London 2012 is helping to spark young people’s imagination and inspiring them to get involved and make a difference.”

Now a member of the London 2012 Get Set network, the college will receive exclusive access to competitions, and 2012 Games related Principal Elaine Bowker said: “It is fantastic to be part of the Get Set network and the celebrations leading up to the London 2012 Games. The Olympic and Paralympic Values fit so well with our college values and ethos and we are delighted to be a part of them. “

"After I lost my central vision to Macular Degeneration, I ceased to be able to read print or see my monitor …. pretty well by accident I came across the advice and support I needed … we all know that if something sounds too good to be true it generally is …. UCanDoIT is the exception to the rule… thank you" Dorothy

Home based computer training for people with disabilities, at minimal cost UCanDoIT is a charity providing home based Computer and Internet training for people with sensory or physical disabilities. Our friendly trainers will visit you in your own home and provide a course of lessons to suit your needs and interests. The UCanDoIT course consists of 13 sessions starting with an assessment of your needs, 11 lessons and 1 follow up lesson nine months after the course is completed. With the appropriate training it is amazing what you can do - from

reading a daily newspaper, to ordering your weekly shopping, chatting to friends and relatives around the world, booking train tickets and checking out the weather. The Internet is an amazing place. The cost of training is based on your weekly income and is free to those receiving £100 or less a week. We currently have tutors based in Southport, Wirral, Prescot, Liverpool, Rochdale and Central Manchester who are prepared to travel to surrounding areas - with more areas to be covered soon.

If you would like to know more please call email

020 7730 7766

enquiries@ucandoit.org.uk or return the form opposite

UCanDoIT are also seeking tutors with knowledge of British Sign Language. For any enquiries, please email lisa.oram@ucandoit.org.uk

"I liked the flexibility of this course and was able to contact my tutor to arrange times that were suitable to the both of us. I am now selling on eBay and use PayPal as well. Online banking and online shopping have also become a part of my day to day life." Haroon

"Before I started the course with UCanDoIT I was very nervous, I did not want to touch the computer in case I made it crash and it scared me. Now that I have finished the course I find myself shopping onlinesomething that I thought I would never do" Nadine

Please send me an application form: UCanDoIT, Highfield House, 4 Woodfall Street, London, SW3 4DJ Name: _______________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Ref: ATN

All Together NOW!

October/November 2011

Liverpool Community College

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . .

‘Working with Business’

Programmes for better prospects... Thinking about...

Will I get help finding work?

Can I start right away?

Where can I go to retrain or gain skills?

Victims lead a fightback! MAKING AN IMPACT: Katrina Dubber, Gerard Woodward and Clare Lloyd

CHARITY has found the perfect people to combat the bullying of those with learning disabilities – the victims themselves.

Let Liverpool Community College equip you with the skills employers want If you are unemployed, recently made redundant or ready to start work we can improve your chances of success in the current job market Let us prepare you for work with relevant training and help match your skills to current vacancies in security, hospitality, business administration, care, retail, and many more. We also provide training in how to set up your own business For further information contact:

0845 013 1515 www.liv-coll.ac.uk

Our future.

It’s in our hands

United Response are keen to raise awareness of the bullying and harassment often experienced by people with learning disabilities on public transport. As a result, they set up UR Consultants of Liverpool, employing adults with learning disabilities to take the antibullying message into schools, colleges and other bodies. Feedback from the disability awareness training sessions has been remarkably positive. One teacher said: “The students benefited hugely and I feel the session genuinely challenged and changed the pupils’ perception of people with learning disabilities.” And one pupil said: “They should be proud of what they are doing. It would be great if they could come in again and if other groups had the

Tell

Anti-bullying drive pays off

opportunity to experience what we did.” National learning disability charity United Response founded UR Consultants to tackle the widespread bullying of adults with learning disabilities, funded by Liverpool City Council and then Merseytravel. Veronica Astor, from United Response, said: “The reason the training has made such an impact is that the trainers are themselves people with learning disabilities and have experienced first hand the issues that they discuss with their audiences.” For many of the trainers, it has been an opportunity to gain paid work, often for the first time. Training in learning disability awareness has now been delivered successfully to over 30 schools across Merseyside, and to police and

witness protection units. A member of the Transport Police said: “I found the consultants informative and feel the course was delivered well. Using their own experiences made awareness greater.” And after a session at Liverpool Community College, three students undertook training and now present sessions themselves. They will soon be going back to the college to talk about their experiences in paid work to encourage other students to think about employment opportunities. Clare, Gerard and Katrina say they have grown in confidence since joining the consultants and know that they have helped to stop bullying. One of the consultants said: “UR Consultants is important as you are doing a job, getting paid and being valued. I’m not here to change the world but I’m here to make a difference.” Contact Veronica Astor, tel 0151 263 8644

350,000 readers about your

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

October/November 2011

Tom wins place at Fame school

All Together NOW!

. . . EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . . EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . .

TEENAGE guitarist Tom Stockdale has got plenty of pluck! Tom, who has dyslexia, has been chosen to take up one of 20 coveted positions at Paul McCartney’s Fame school. Before joining the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, the 18-year-old spent two years studying arts and design at Mid-Cheshire College. With the help of tutor Gill Snowball, from the learning support team, Tom achieved GCSE maths and English as well as completing his art studies at the Hartford Campus.

He said: “”Gill was very helpful, particularly with annotation of my course work. I wanted to get a wide experience of the arts in areas such as visual communication, art history and textiles before focusing on singing and playing the guitar. “The facilities at the college are the best in the area and there is a great atmosphere on the campus. The course has given me a great start and the confidence to move forward in the performance world. “My future is definitely in performance. I would love to perform in musical theatre.”

TAKE ME HOME!

Wouldn’t you like SUCCESS: Musician Tom Stockdale

An eye on a new career F

ANCY studying to become an optician? New guidance for students, and potential students, with disabilities has been published by the General Optical Council.

The Council is keen to stress that disabilities and health conditions should not prevent people from considering careers in optics. And now the GOC, which regulates optometrists and dispensing opticians, has provided information on what students can expect during

their application and studies, the role and responsibilities of their training institution and the role of the GOC. GOC head of education and standards, Linda Kennaugh, said: “We hope this guidance will prove useful for all students, and potential students, with a disability or health condition. “We know from our recent equality and diversity survey that many of our registrants have disabilities and it should not deter anyone who wishes to become an optometrist or dispensing optician. “There is no list of

conditions that automatically render someone unfit to practise the professions and adjustments can often be made to help people with disabilities, both in education and the workplace. “Anyone considering a career in optics who has a disability or health condition should consult our new guidance and then get in touch if they have any further queries.” n The guidance can be downloaded from the GOC website at www.optical.org For paper copies, call 020 7580 3898.

Matches made in heaven . . . A NEW website designed to match employers and disabled job candidates has been launched by businesswoman Jane Hatton. Jane, who herself is disabled, came up with idea through her understanding of the difficulties that disabled people encounter in the employment market and through talking to ethical, forwardthinking employers. “Though my work as managing director

of Public Sector Providers, a wellestablished training company specialising in delivering diversity training to the public sector, employers were telling me that they found it difficult to attract disabled applicants. “In contrast, disabled people were telling us that when applying for jobs, as soon as they declared their disability the employer seemed to run a mile!” n www.evenbreak.co.uk

equality programmes:

Hair’s to the future of unique salon A NEW hairdressing salon in Runcorn has opened – the first in the country to be run by people with learning disabilities. Altered Image Hair & Beauty Salon can accommodate wheelchairs users and offers the latest styles and beauty treatments to men, women and children. Cllr Marie Wright, Halton’s executive member for health and adults, said: “We know that families of people with learning and or physical disabilities often shy away from visiting a salon as they feel a home appointment will be easier. “We want Altered Image to change that by offering people the ‘pampering’ they may miss out on by staying at home.” Altered Image Hair & Beauty Salon is located at: 1 Granville Street, Runcorn. Tel. 01928 578088.

call 0151 230 0307

YOUR

to see college or uni promoted here? CALL 0151 230 0307

All Together NOW!

October/November 2011

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Pauline gets serious ACTRESS and comedian Pauline Daniels launched a fitness campaign inspired by the 2012 Olympic Games. A Treating Yourself Well Day at Wirral University Teaching Hospital’s Clatterbridge site in Bebington was the starting point for the hospital’s Fitter for HealthTM campaign. The campaign – awarded a prestigious London 2012 Inspire Mark – has already established a 2,012 metre track permanently in place for staff of the hospital trust to make use of. Pauline officially opened the track and more than 100 members of staff and their families ran, jogged, walked and pushed prams in an inaugural race around it.

EASING THE PRESSURE: Professor Bryan Williams, centre, with Health Secretary Andrew Lansley using the new blood pressure equipment

Pressure point THE WAY blood pressure is diagnosed and treated is set to be revolutionised by new guidelines for the medical profession. It will mark the first time in over a century that the method GPs use to routinely monitor blood pressure has been changed. A major feature of the new guidelines is the recommendation that high blood pressure should be diagnosed using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, a technique in which the patient wears a monitor for 24 hours to gauge how high their blood pressure is. Professor Bryan Williams, at the University of Leicester, believes this new approach will mean that as many as 25% of people diagnosed as having high blood pressure using the current method of diagnosis may not be hypertensive and may not need treatment. He said: “This new guideline is going to change the way blood pressure is diagnosed and treated for millions of people in the UK and around the world.”

Men can do more A NEW report suggests high level of premature illness and death among men is preventable. The report, led by Professor Alan White at Leeds Metropolitan University, sets out to inform policy makers, health professionals, academics and the wider population of the health challenges men face across Europe. Poor lifestyles and preventable risk factors account for a high share of premature death and illness in men, illustrating that their health disadvantage is not necessarily written in the genes but can be remedied in part by targeted policies and actions. Key findings from the report include: n Over 50% of premature deaths among men are avoidable. n Men are less likely than women to engage in routine or preventative health checks. n Cardio-vascular disease is still one of the biggest risks to health and the principle cause of death in the older population. n Prostate cancer has become the most diagnosed cancer in Europe. n Testicular cancer remains the first cause of cancer death among young males (20-35 years). n Depression and other mental health problems are under detected and under treated in all European countries.

Walking back Let our mum’s story help others DEVOTED mother Sheila Brooks hid signs of cancer from her family for around two years. Now daughter Sue hopes other women will benefit from the experience of her mother, who died of breast cancer this year, aged 68. Sue said: “Mum had known about a lump in her breast for a couple of years but kept it to herself. Unfortunately by the time she sought treatment, the cancer had spread. “If mum’s story can encourage other women to be aware of breast cancer and the need to get checked out, then she wouldn’t have died in vain.” Mrs Brooks, who lived in Runcorn, Cheshire, was treated at the Burney Breast Unit at St Helens Hospital. Her dying wish was that family and friends make a donation to the unit. Accordingly, Sue and sister Karen handed over a cheque for £745. Sue added: “Mum received wonderful care from all the STEP TO IT: James Whittall with Kyrie nursing staff at Whiston Yarwood and Kylee Jones from Total Fitness Hospital.”

Staff are urged to ditch their cars and leg it to work

HOSPITAL is hoping to show that its latest idea to keep workers healthy really has got legs!

The new ‘Walk to Work’ scheme calls on staff to leave their cars at home and stretch their legs – all the way to work at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust As part of the Trust’s Health and Wellbeing strategy, staff receive a complimentary fitness kit from Total Fitness, including gym passes and a free health check. And Unison, Britain’s largest public sector trade union, is showing its support by providing 700 water bottles to staff who take part in any of the Trust’s Wellbeing initiatives. Trust spokesman James Whittall said: “Staff will be provided with a variety of route options and an indication of how many calories will be used during each journey.” The ‘Walk to Work’ scheme is just one of the options available to MCHFT staff as part of its Travel plan. The plan promotes green alternatives for employees and visitors currently travelling to its sites in single-occupancy cars, and includes provisions for cycling to work, public transport, personalised travel plans and car sharing.

Calendar girls heading for stardom A GLAMOROUS new calendar features a group of bold – and bald – women. The stars of the ‘Bald is Beautiful’ calendar are all cancer patients who were determined to prove that you can lose your hair and still look stunning. December’s picture shows the women celebrating, in party clothes, with their hair re-grown. Priced £5.99, the calendar aims to convey a positive message of recovery from cancer treatment and help raise funds for the award-winning Lilac

Centre at St Helens Hospital. After posing for the pictures, patient model Jenny Laughton said: “Today felt like ‘my day’. I’m just an ordinary mum, working part-time, but today, instead of feeling sick, I felt special.” The calendars will be on sale at the following locations: The Lilac Centre, St Helens Hospital, Marshall Cross Road; General Offices and Costa Coffee shops at St Helens Hospital, Marshall Cross Road and Whiston Hospital, Warrington Road, Prescot; St Helens Rugby League Store, Brownlow

Arcade, St Mary’s Centre, St Helens; Absolute Hair & Beauty, Baldwin Street, St Helens; Renaissance Hair & Beauty, College Street, St Helens and Leyland Street, Prescot; Tyrers Hairdressers, Bridge St, St Helens; Unique Hairdressers, Warrington Road, Rainhill. PICTURED: Pat Maddox appearing as January in the Bald is Beautiful calendar

350,000 people are reading these pages . . .

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All Together NOW!

October/November 2011

Bid to win go-ahead for cancer drug A DRUG widely used in the United States in a bid to stop women developing breast cancer, could become available in the UK – if North West researchers get their way. A team in Manchester hopes to compile enough evidence to persuade the authorities that tamoxifen should be available as a preventative drug to high risk women in this country. Currently, tamoxifen is only used in the UK to treat some women who already have breast cancer. The UK’s first study to predict which women with a high risk of breast cancer will benefit from taking tamoxifen is taking place over the

next year at University Hospital South Manchester. Researchers are inviting 200 premenopausal women between the ages of 33 and 46 who attend a family history clinic to join the study. The Tamoxifen Prevention (TAM-Prev) study will look at the benefits and cost-effectiveness of using the drug as a preventative measure. The team hopes its work will lead to the drug being used by family history clinics UKwide. The £250,000 research is being funded in a project under the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) programme.

by Beatrice Fraenkel chair, Mersey Care NHS

to happiness!

Awards show how much people care

CIENTISTS are planning to use technology from the games and movie industries to help people with walking difficulties.

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The team at the University of Salford have been given £300,000 from the European Union to develop an MSc in Clinical Gait Analysis. The new Masters degree will train physiotherapists and clinical scientists to use gait analysis equipment to provide more effective treatments. Though originally developed almost 30 years ago for healthcare, the gait analysis technology struggled to become widely adopted. Instead, it was seized upon as a quick way of creating animations – notably in computer games and movies – and has become much more advanced and widely re-adopted for medicine. Despite this, there is no specialised training in the use of the equipment. The new course, which will be available for 2013 admissions, will sit alongside a large portfolio of gait analysis at the university, headed by Professor Richard Baker. Salford university’s facilities are already used by local surgeons and professional sports teams to treat walking problems and improve an athlete’s speed. The course will be developed alongside two other leading centres in gait analysis - VU University, Amsterdam and the Catholic University, Leuven, Belgium.

I LOVE All Together NOW! because it brings awareness of all kinds of disabilities to the public attention, which for me is really important. I work in the mental health sector and I know only too well the stigma the service users I help to support face everyday in the community. If the general public get to understand that people with a physical or mental health need are just as you or I the world would be a much happier place to be. Thanks a lot! I picked up my copy from Asda Anfield – Elizabeth Worgan (by email).

All Together NOW! is far more informative than other papers on medical issues - and there are also lots of different articles on all kinds of topics for everyone – Matthew Cottington, Hamblet Crescent, St Helens I FOUND All Together NOW! at Asda North City. Very impressed! Lots of help and advice for disabled people and carers. An excellent publication, filled with so much variety. Congratulations – Mrs M McLelland, Rochdale Road, Manchester

All Together NOW! is full of information and does a lot to help people better understand health issues. It appeals to all – Mrs Susan J Cannon, The Copse, Liverpool

Plants could be the key to stopping a killer TROPICAL plants may contain the basis of new and effective treatments for ovarian cancer. Scientists are developing a programme for testing plant extracts for the ability to stop cells from ovarian tumours growing. In initial tests, several plant extracts killed the tumour samples taken from cancer patients. The extracts are complex mixtures of many different chemicals but ingredients in the plants could be used as starting points for new medicines to tackle the disease.

The scientists at the Universities of Strathclyde and Portsmouth are now planning further investigation of the most promising compounds. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women, affecting more than 6,500 in the UK alone each year. It is also one of the most deadly, killing more than 4,000 women in the UK annually, despite survival rates nearly doubling in 30 years. Alan Harvey, Professor of Pharmacology at Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, said: “Ovarian cancer’s

inherent danger to women’s health is compounded by the fact that it is notoriously difficult to detect. The disease’s high death rates urgently need to be dealt with through safe and potent new treatments. “Our collection of natural plant samples gives us a broad range of possibilities for treatment and we have had good results from many plants. “The high throughput screening in the method we have used has produced a high return and we are hoping that more tests will bring new treatments a step closer.”

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WAS privileged to meet many of the caring individuals and teams who remain at the heart of mental health, addiction and learning disability services across Merseyside at our latest Positive Achievement Awards evening. It was a special occasion made even more memorable by its celebration of Mersey Care’s tenth anniversary year. One thing that shines out from such an awards ceremony and remains a beacon over the decade we have been providing those services, is the commitment that has been given and continues to be shown by many caring people. I have seen many small but significant examples of this on my visits across our services in unexpected ways. To many of our staff it’s just ‘doing their job’ but to the service user or family it’s much more than that. And sometimes it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference to the way someone feels. Perhaps this can be summed up as the quality of relationship that exists between service users, carers and staff that defines who we are and what makes for a special element that can improve mental health and wellbeing, over and above treatments and therapies. It’s fair to say those individual qualities also help benchmark Mersey Care in the bigger picture of things as we pursue an organisational objective where quality of care is paramount and where a caring approach should be the norm. So to all those health and social care staff, partner organisations, volunteers, service users and carers who received an award, or were nominated, for their dedication to helping improve the lives of others, I would like to say a big thank-you on behalf of us all.

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October/November 2011

E! E HOM TAKE M

BOX OFFICE SENSATION!

Sept 30-Oct 29: You’ll Never Walk Alone. Liverpool Royal Court Theatre. History of Liverpool Football Club. Oct 6: The Boy with Tape on his Face & Tony Law. Theatr Clwyd. Stand-up comedy with no talking. Oct 6-Oct 8: Night Must Fall. Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre. A thriller by Emlyn Williams. Oct 7: That’ll Be The Day. Liverpool Empire. Rock and roll pandemonium. Oct 8: From Here to Absurdity. Rhyl Pavilion. 90 minutes of original comedy sketches and songs. Oct 9: Ken Dodd. Blackpool Grand Theatre. The country’s longest stand-up routine returns to Blackpool. Oct 9: Sarah Millican. Liverpool Empire. Stand-up comedy. Oct 10-Oct 15: Blood Brothers. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. The hit musical from Willy Russell. Oct 11-15: Guys and Dolls. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. The hit musical on the stage. Oct 12: West End Showcase. The Brindley. A magical evening celebrating musical theatre. Oct 12: Paul Daniels. Rhyl Pavilion. New show from the magician. Oct 12: Don Giovanni - Welsh National Opera. Liverpool Empire. Opera about the womanising villain. Oct 12-Oct 15: Lady Windermere’s Fan. Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre. Oscar Wilde’s play. Oct 12-Oct 15: Strictly Gershwen. Palace Theatre, Manchester. Ballet with live orchestra. Oct 13: Magical Extravaganza on Ice. Rhyl Pavilion. Unique combination of figure skating and magic. Oct 13, Oct 15: The Barber of Seville - Welsh National Opera. Liverpool Empire. Rossini’s popular opera. Oct 13-Nov 5: Animal Farm - The Musical. Theatr Clwyd. George Orwell’s allegory on the stage as a musical. Oct 14: Katya Kabanova - Welsh National Opera. Liverpool Empire. Heart-breaking tragedy from Janacek. Oct 14: In Love With the Dance. The Brindley. Irish dance sensation. Oct 14: Hamelt (Young Person’s Shakespeare). Liverpool Playhouse. An edited version of the tragedy specifically for young people and families. Oct 15: Songs from the movie Sister Act. Rhyl Pavilion. Gospel choir recreating the movie magic. Oct 15: Heidi Talbot. The Brindley. Solo show with the former ‘Cherish the Ladies’ lead. Oct 11-Oct 15: One Man, Two Guvnors. The Lowry. Comedy starring James Corden. Oct 16: Time to Shine. The Brindley. Show by the Karina Burns School of Dance. Oct 16: An Audience with Rafa Benitez. Liverpool Empire. ExLiverpool manager talking about life behind the scenes at Anfield. Oct 16: Psychic Sally on the Road. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

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BOX OFFICE 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:

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.

WHAT’S ON STAGE THIS AUTUMN . . .

Britain’s favourite medium on stage. Oct 16: Ken Dodd. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Oct 17: Bullseye. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Live tour of the nation’s favourite darts game show. Oct 18: Joe Longthorne. St Helens Theatre Royal. One of the finest entertainers in the country. Oct 18-Oct 29: Legally Blonde. Opera House, Manchester. Oct 19: Colin Fry. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. The people’s medium returns. Oct 19-Oct 23: Mr. Stink Live on Stage. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Scratch ‘n’ sniff musical. Oct 20: Colin Fry. Rhyl Pavilion. The People’s Medium is back. Oct 20-Oct 29: The Swallowing Dark. Liverpool Playhouse. Story of refugees from Mugabe’s Zimbabwe. Oct 20-Nov 12: (except Sundays): Habeas Corpus. Bolton Octagon. Alan Benntt’s classic comedy. Oct 21: Rockin’ on Heaven’s Door. Rhyl Pavilion. Spookily convincing portrayals of musical giants Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran and Jerry Lee Lewis. Oct 21: Madam Butterfly. New

Brighton Floral Pavilion. Opera translated to English. Oct 21: Dave Gorman. Liverpool Empire. Stand-up comedy featuring PowerPoint Presentation. Oct 21: Godspell. Palace Theatre, Manchester. 40th anniversary of the smash-hit musical. Oct 21-Oct 22: The Elves and the Shoemaker. The Brindley. Modern adaptation of the classic. Oct 22: Music with Laughter 2. Liverpool Empire. Back by popular demand. Billy Butler hosts and evening of music with some of the region’s best-loved acts. Oct 22: Voices of the Valley. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. The worldfamous Fron choir, featuring Irish soprano Margaret Keys. Oct 22: Charlie Landsborough. Rhyl Pavilion. An evening of music and anecdotes. Oct 22: Dons of Comedy. Palace Theatre, Manchester. Black History month special. Oct 23: Billy and Wally’s Big Bumper Variety Show. Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre. Variety show featuring the stars of Radio Merseyside.

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October/November 2011

All Together NOW!

DEON cinemas are to start staging monthly autism friendly screenings of top films.

The move comes after the hugely successful summer pilot which saw more than 3,000 people affected by autism attend special morning screenings of Mr Popper’s Penguins at 40 venues across the UK. Sensory friendly screenings will now be taking place monthly in 55 cinemas. ODEON and learning disability organisation Dimensions have teamed up to put on the screenings which will mean that people affected by autism will have better access and improved choice to watch films in an environment more conducive with their needs. Lights are left on low, the volume is turned down, trailers are omitted and people can move around the cinema - and make noise. Roger Harris, chief executive of ODEON & UCI Cinemas Group, said: “We’ve been delighted with the success of our autism friendly screening of Mr Popper’s Penguins and are delighted to extend our partnership with Dimensions having received some great feedback from our guests and as part of our commitment to providing the best cinema experience for all our guests.” Lisa Hopkins, Director of Specialist Development at Dimensions, said: “We are very excited that ODEON will continue to offer this service and hope that it will get other businesses and people talking and thinking about new ways that our society can become more inclusive to individuals that experience autism and or learning disabilities.” The next screening will be of Johnny English Reborn (PG) during week commencing October 14, followed by Arthur Christmas (w.c November 18). North West venues include Blackpool, Huddersfield, Liverpool, Preston, and Wrexham. You can find your closest participating cinema and the date of the autism friendly screening at www.dimensions-uk.org/autismfriendly

Oct 23: The Music of John Denver. Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre. A must-see for all John Denver fans. Oct 23: Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain. Blackpool Grand Theatre. The accomplished orchestra playing all of your favourite hits. Oct 23: That’ll Be The Day. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Rock ‘n’ roll variety show. Oct 24-Oct 29: Calendar Girls. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. The hugely popular stage show. Oct 24: Psychic Sally on the Road. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Britain’s favourite medium on stage. Oct 25: Over the Rainbow. Liverpool Empire. The Eva Cassidy Story. Oct 25: Against All Odds. Rhyl Pavilion. Inspirational show featuring Simon Weston and Pam Warren. Oct 25-Nov 5: South Pacific. Palace Theatre, Manchester. Oct 26: In The Dust. Rhyl Pavilion. Darkly explosive contemporary dance. Oct 27: Micky Flanagan. Liverpool Empire. Stand-up comedian. Oct 27-Oct 29: Carousel. New

Cinema cheers Above: Liz Harvey (left) and Dimensions Support Worker Emma Denning. Below, Rowan Atkinson in the new Johnny English film

Curtains rise for monthly autism friendly shows

Brighton Floral Pavilion. Popular musical from Rodgers and Hammerstein. Oct 28: Eva Cassidy - Over the Rainbow. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Award-winning musical about the life of the Canadian singer. Oct 28: Freddie Starr. Liverpool Empire. Oct 30: Scousers on the Rampage. St Helens theatre Royal. All singing, all dancing variety show. Oct 30: Ken Dodd. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Oct 30: Psychic Sally on the Road. Liverpool Empire. One of Britain’s favourite mediums back on the road. Nov 1-Nov 5: English National Ballet - Strictly Gershwin. Liverpool Empire. George Gershwin’s music with spectacular ballet dance. Nov 1-Nov 5: Annie. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Everyone’s favourite orphan is back in a brand new production. Nov 1-Nov 5: Horrible Histories. Opera House, Manchester. Nov 1-Nov 12: The 5th Beatle. Liverpool Royal Court Theatre. Follows the fictional character of Anna on a journey of discovery.

Nov 3: Henning Wehn and Stephen Carlin. Theatr Clwyd. Stand-up comedy. Nov 3: Justin Moorhouse. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Stand-up comedy. Nov 3-Nov 19: The Ladykillers. Liverpool Playhouse. Exciting new adaptation of the classic Ealing comedy. Nov 4: Masters of the House. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Featuring showtunes from hit musicals. Nov 5: Jason Manford. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Stand-up comedy. Nov 5: Joe McElderry. Rhyl Pavilion. X Factor star in his own show. Nov 6: Jennifer Pike. Theatr Clwyd. BBC’s 2002 Young musician of the year. Nov 6: Will Young. Liverpool Empire. The talent show winner live on stage. Nov 6: The Nutcracker. St Helens Theatre Royal. The acclaimed ballet. Nov 7: The Ventriloquist. St Helens Theatre Royal. Adult-themed show from The Circus of Horrors.

Nov 7-Nov 12: Star Quality. Theatr Clwyd. Noel Coward’s comedy. Nov 8: The Nutcracker. Rhyl Pavilion. Classic Ballet performed by the State Ballet Academy of Minsk. Nov 8: Verdi’s La Traviata. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century. Nov 8-Nov 12: A Christmas Carol The Musical. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Dickens’s classic in musical form. Nov 8-Nov 12: Annie. Palace Theatre, Manchester. Nov 8-Nov 19: Grease. Liverpool Empire. The hit musical returns to Liverpool. Nov 9: Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Blackpool Grand Theatre. The heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant - with dramatic results. Nov 9: The Snow Queen. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Nov 9-Nov 12: Rock’n’Roll Heaven. Opera House, Manchester. Nov 10: Vampires Rock. Blackpool

Grand Theatre. The country’s only musical rock theatre spectacular returns for another phenomenal tour. Nov 11: Milton Jones. Rhyl Pavilion. Stand-up comedy. Nov 11: Michael Morpurgo’s Friend or Foe. Blackpool Grand Theatre. From the master storyteller comes a thrilling tale of extraordinary friendship. Nov 12: Mike Harding - Me, a guitar and some daft stuff. Blackpool Grand Theatre. An evening of songs, stories and entertainment from the Grandfather of Alternative Comedy. Nov 13: Glenn Miller Tribute Orchestra. Rhyl Pavilion. All his greatest hits in a two hour show. Nov 15: Gilbert O’Sullivan. Opera House, Manchester. Nov 16: Paul Carrack in Concert. Rhyl Pavilion. Legendary Sheffieldborn singer and former frontman of Squeeze, Ace and Mike and the Mechanics in a solo show. Nov 16: The Vagina Monologues. Palace Theatre, Manchester. Nov 16: Vampires Rock. Opera House, Manchester. Nov 16-Nov 17: African Music Night. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Blackpool welcomes back the African music showcase from Wedzi and the World Muzik Makers. Nov 16-Nov 19: The 39 Steps. Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre. Hilarious adaptation of the classic thriller. Nov 16-Nov 19: Sweeney Todd. Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre. Laughter and horror combine in the classic bogeyman tale. Nov 17: Halfway to Paradise; The Billy Fury Story. Opera House, Manchester. Nov 17-Nov 19: Christmas with The Rat Pack. Palace Theatre, Manchester. Nov 18: Jerry Sadowitz. Opera House, Manchester. Magician/comedian. Nov 18 onwards: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Bolton Octagon. Classic children’s tale in pantomime. Nov 19: 80s Mania. Opera House, Manchester. Nov 21-Nov 22: The Wizard, The Goat and the Man Who Won the War. Theatr Clwyd. Bioplay of David Lloyd George. Nov 21-Nov 26: Calendar Girls. Liverpool Empire. The hugely popular stage show. Nov 22: Ed Byrne. Rhyl Pavilion. Stand-up comedy. Nov 22-Nov 26: The Nutcracker. Opera House, Manchester. Nov 22-Jan 7: Dirty Dancing. Palace Theatre, Manchester. Nov 25: Gary Murphy’s Guitar Legends. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Gary Murphy presents the music of guitar heroes.

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October/November 2011

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ARIES March 21st - April 20th Don’t get October off to a downbeat start by trying to buy someone’s love and affection, you know it won’t work and time will tell their true feelings. A self-improvement program threatens your best friend or lover around the 12th. A magnetic authority figure will make a few flirtatious remarks in the middle of the month, gives your ego a much-needed shot in the arm. Keep your personal information under lock and key at the end of October or you could become the victim of identity theft that will spell delays for all official and financial matters. Don’t lend or borrow money at the start of November, or a friendship could easily fall by the wayside. Go ahead and splash out on a gym membership or personal trainer during the middle of the month, but don’t make try to turn a platonic relationship into a romance around the 20th.

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st Beware of falling prey to a relative’s manipulative machinations as September welcomes October because their intrigues will spell trouble for you. You’ll be asked to undertake some serious work responsibilities on or around the 6th. You will have to break a promise to a female friend on the 14th, causing a rift in your relationship. The middle of October is good for sharing your expertise with people who admire your knowledge and know how. The very end of the month is probably one of the worst times you could think of to try pulling the wool over anyone’s eyes. You won’t be able to talk sense to someone who has got hold of the wrong end of the stick in early November. You finally reach a personal goal on the 10th, enabling you to move on to bigger and better things. Don’t push personal obligations aside for the sake of work on the 20th. A teaching or writing role helps show off your expertise as October gives way to November.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st Angry words will be exchanged between you and someone who just can’t get on your wavelength over the first few days of October. Beware of overindulging in food and drink in the days surrounding the 9th. Money from an inheritance or legal settlement is coming your way during the middle of the month allowing you to branch out into pastures new. A fitness regimen will start paying off towards the end of October, but you will have to stick with it and not give up. Don’t push your luck by showing off your superior knowledge and know how in the first few days of November, it could backfire badly. Breaking a bad habit on the 10th strengthens an intimate bond. Channel any frustrations into a creative project on at the middle of November. The 24th is good for signing a contract or forming a business alliance. News of a sudden engagement or marriage on the 25th is music to your ears. A friend will try to make you feel guilty about a personal indulgence.

CAPRICORN Dec 22nd - Jan 20th

What the stars have in store for YOU . . . by RUSSELL GRANT CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd

VIRGO Aug 24th - Sep 23rd

SCORPIO Oct 24th - Nov 22nd

Resist the urge to go on a spending spree during the opening days of October and make time to have a serious discussion with a male relative about your finances a day or two later. You need to make some difficult family decisions around the 13th. Let an attentive friend or partner relieve you of chores or responsibilities mid-month. The 28th helps you realise a cherished dream, with a little help from a friend or lover. Don’t let money get in the way of a friendship during the closing days of October. Be realistic before making expensive plans for the festive season at the start of November. Working from home proves productive on the 22nd. Your best friend, lover, or business partner means you can go back to school in the days surrounding the 23rd. A job involving art, luxury goods, or cosmetics could be coming your way as November makes space for December.

Don’t let an expert intimidate you from trying something new as the curtain lifts on October. Donate your time, money or both to a charitable cause on the 7th. Arrange to put a set percentage of your income into savings on or around the 13th. A youngster shows great progress midmonth giving you and your family a cause for celebration. A toxic work environment needs to be dealt with root and branch as October makes way for November. Be aggressive about pursuing a teaching or writing position in mid-November. If you’re not happy with the results of a medical consultation around the 20th, get a second opinion. The last week of November could see your thoughts turning to putting down more permanent roots either socially, professionally or even in a relationship. You’ll have a chance to develop your creative talent at the end of the month so make the most of it.

You may not get much sympathy from your friends and family in early October especially where career matters are concerned. Keep business talks a secret in the days surrounding the 6th. A little mid-month encouragement from you goes a long way for a close relative in need of a boost. Your best friend or lover will break a promise on the 17th, causing you to doubt the strength of your relationship. News of an engagement or marriage lifts your spirits around the 28th. Your heart and head will be vying for supremacy as October welcomes November; wait a few days before making an important decision. Working as part of a team proves productive in the days surrounding the 11th. The 23rd is perfect for solitary pleasures like reading, writing, and nature walks.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd October gets off to a temper testing start when you will be itching to give someone a piece of your mind and yet you’ll know it will be a big mistake. Acquiring valuable skills around the 6th will make you a hot commodity on the job market. The middle of the month prompts you to add some leisure time to your daily schedule, but a request for time off could well be refused near the 17th. The 29th is ideal for taking on a new responsibility or commitment while a little white lie to a lover right at the very end of October will come back to haunt you. Don’t discuss the details of your personal life with family members at the start of the month. Go on an adventurous outing with friends around the middle of November. Intense jealousy is misguided on the 20th; don’t accuse anyone of betrayal on this day. Treat yourself to some fashionable new clothes near the 26th. You’ll be the centre of attention at a party at the end of the month and you’ll love it!

LIBRA Sep 24th - Oct 23rd Don’t give friends any say when it comes to how you manage your love life in early October. More money for luxuries becomes available in the days surrounding the 9th. Strong feelings prompt you to speak your mind to people in power in the middle of October. The end of the month is perfect for launching a business from home. A special treat or one off extravagance could cost more than you think as November gets up and running. Don’t impose your dreams on a young child near the 7th; let this kid march to the beat of his own drummer. A stalled romance roars back to life around the 9th. The middle of the month was made for a romantic rendezvous, but don’t spend your money on people or pleasures you can’t afford on the 20th. Recommend a friend for a job around the 22nd. An unusual alliance prompts you to get involved with a humanitarian effort on the 23rd. The chance to learn a special skill or brush up an old childhood talent will be coming your way as December looms large.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23rd - Dec 21st Work won’t be very rewarding or enjoyable as September makes space for October and you’ll have to get to grips with a long list of mundane jobs. A male friend gives valuable career advice on the 13th; you’d be wise to take it. A big pay cheque gives you the wherewithal to rest and relax in the days surrounding the middle of the month. A competitive workmate will steal your thunder around the 26th so prepare for a disappointment. Beware of betraying a female friend’s confidence at the end of October. Resist the urge to swap gossip at the start of November because it could lead to a very awkward situation. A work assignment comes to a successful conclusion around the 10th, allowing you to get a raise or increase your rates. Your willingness to perform a difficult task in the middle of the month wins the approval of friends and workmates. Launching a self improvement programme on the 25th will yield astonishingly good results. A generous friend will give you an expensive early Christmas present right at the end of November.

A passionate argument with a romantic partner could break out in the early days of October. Take control of a group project during the middle of the month and you’ll lead the team to success and win their respect and admiration. October draws to a loving and romantic close that’s great for a first date or for treating your beloved to a very special night out just for two. Don’t feel pressured at the start of November to join an expensive group outing towards the end of the year. Move forward with a charitable effort around the 9th. You’ll have to work hard on the 11th to acquire expert knowledge, but your efforts will pay off. Let a dynamic intellectual whisk you away on a journey of discovery in midNovember. Your magnetic personality attracts plenty of romantic attention near the 23rd.

AQUARIUS Jan 21st - Feb19th Don’t let loved ones make decisions concerning your personal life in the early days of October. Applying to a school, club, or professional organisation is favoured for the 6th. You won’t be able to get time off from your job on the 14th, so don’t even ask. Trust your instincts regarding a relative in mid-October they need your support and you’ll be happy to give it. It’s best to listen more than you speak at a work meeting on the 17th. Take a female relative’s story with a pinch of salt at the end of the month. Unfortunately your visionary ideas won’t get a good reception from the people who count at the start of the month. Don’t underestimate the competition at work in the days surrounding the 7th. A friend will introduce you to a respected expert on or around the 22nd.

PISCES Feb 20th - Mar 20th Don’t put your faith in a smooth talking friend as October gets up and running. Make some firm plans to pay off any debts on the 6th. An influential friend will write you a letter of recommendation in the days surrounding the middle of the month but you must keep a careful eye on your bank balance around the 17th, or you could become overdrawn. Don’t let any self-doubts or feelings of inadequacy stop you planning to boost your future prospects by applying for promotion or adding to your technical qualifications in November. You’ll be able to spend more time on solitary pleasures on or around the 9th. A friend, lover, or business partner recommends a book or movie at the middle of the month: follow their advice and you won’t be disappointed. A money making opportunity to earn extra for your creative talents comes your way right at the end of November and you must make it pay for you. TAKE ME HOME!

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October/November 2011

WIN A SUPER MINI GREENHOUSE HERE’S your chance to give your plants a flying start next spring with this superb minigreenhouse. The Thermal Gro-House, worth £120, from garden specialists Mr Fothergill’s is waiting to be won by one lucky All Together NOW! reader. The gro-house is ideal for use on a patio or balcony where it provides protection from severe weather and pests. Plants grown in pots and trays can remain snugly inside until the weather is suitable for planting out and will mature earlier. Those which benefit most include vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes,

courgettes and beans and flowers like sweet peas and summer bedding. The gro-house combines a rigid aluminium frame with twin wall polycarbonate safety glazing - six times stronger than glass - to provide doubleglazed protection for plants or seedlings. It comes with nine seed trays which fit on three easily adjustable levels. The trays can be removed to make space for taller pot plants or even a small growing bag. There are twin doors for easy access and a removable hinged lid. Overall size is 99cm high, 76cm wide and 39cm deep (39in x 30in x 15in).

Don’t let these rogues con you!

To enter, answer this question: How many seed trays come with the Thermal Gro-house? Send your entry with your name and address on a postcard or sealed envelope, stating where you picked up your copy of All Together NOW! (and what you think of it) to Thermal Gro-house Competition, All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive by Friday November 18, or enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk For the full range of Mr Fothergill’s seeds, plants and products, go to www.mr-fothergills.co.uk

Dahlia mania!

OST gardens boast brilliant spring bulbs and glorious summer roses. But, after that dazzling start, too many displays nose-dive with only a few tints to catch the eye.

By autumn the scene can be distinctly dismal. Dahlias are a spectacular exception. As brilliant and fresh as any spring bulbs, they transform the garden at this time of year. Their colours range from delicate tones of lemon and lilac to fierce shades of orange, purple and crimson. There are kinds to suit many garden purposes - free-flowering plants a few inches tall for bedding or pots, giants for the back of the border and different sized varieties for cutting. They flower for many weeks, from summer until the first frosts, can be grown from seeds or cuttings, and there are numerous flower shapes to choose from. Their blooms appear from summer until the sharp frosts, varying from huge Cactus types 1.5m (5ft) tall with twisted, spiky petals on 20cm (8in) blooms and Giant Decoratives with 30cm (12in) flowers to little Pompon, Mignon and Topmix varieties. Dahlias were discovered by botanists who accompanied the Spanish conquistadors to Mexico, although it was to be 200 years before they were given their modern name in honour of a Swedish botanist, Andreas Dahl. The Aztecs called the plant accotli, meaning ‘hollow pipe’ because the hollow stems of 9m (30ft) species were used to build aqueducts.

HELPING HANDS

In Europe, the dahlia’s ability to develop different colours and shapes was seized on by plant breeders and seedlings changed hands for vast sums in wild trading to compare with the Dutch ‘tulipomania’ of the 17th century. We are lucky - they are now a wonderful bargain when bought as tubers and even cheaper when propagated from cuttings or seeds. However, dahlias are best grown from tubers. Plant them out in early May and,

once strong shoots and leaves have appeared, spray and water with a liquid feed once or twice a week. For bushy plants with many flowers, pinch out the leading bud as soon as it forms. For specimen blooms of the larger varieties, particularly for cutting, nip off the side shoots. To increase your stock of a favoured dahlia, wait until frost blackens the plants in autumn, then dig them up immediately, cut off the stems, upend them for a few hours

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to drain off excess moisture, and store in moist compost in a cool, frost-free place. In February or March place tubers in trays of compost in a greenhouse or porch at a constant 10C-15C (50F-60F). When shoots are 7.5cm (3in) tall, slice them off with a sharp knife or razor blade just above the base. Discard hollow shoots - others will grow. Trim off the lower leaves first and insert the cuttings, four to a 7.5cm diameter pot filled with cuttings compost, to a depth of 2cm (0.75in). Shade them from direct sun. Rooting takes only two to three weeks. For a dahlia adventure, buy a packet of seeds. No two plants from seed will be identical and, although some might be disappointing, you might produce a real beauty. Sow seeds in trays under glass with heat and, when the seedlings have four leaves, plant them individually into 7.5cm pots. The treatment then for seed-sown plants and rooted cuttings is the same - move them to progressively larger pots, increasing their liquid feed, and plant them out in late May. Plants grown by either of these methods - or whole tubers bought in - will flower in the first year. Among many classifications, some of the loveliest are: Cactus - Dana Iris, red; Waterlily Finchcocks, salmon-orange; Peony-flowered Fascination, mauve; Decorative Tomo, purple with white tips; Collerette - Chimborozo, dark red with a central yellow ruff. But there are many sizes and

Disabled and need advice on gardening? Contact national charity THRIVE. Tel. 0118 988 5688. www.thrive.org.uk or www.carryongardening.org.uk

A NEW warning about rogue traders offering gardening and landscape services to vulnerable householders has been issued by Consumer Direct, the Governmentfunded consumer advice service. More than 13,000 complaints about uninvited traders were received by Consumer Direct last year, almost half relating to home maintenance and gardening work. These peaked in the key gardening and landscaping season running through to autumn. The Office of Fair Trading has launched a campaign warning about doorstep sellers and tradesmen, advising: You are not obliged to purchase anything; reputable traders will always carry and present a valid form of identification; before commissioning work, get a second opinion from a person you trust and other quotes for comparison; research the landscaper fully before agreeing to anything, asking, for instance, whether a subcontractor will actually be doing the work; and do not hand over any cash without seeing that the job is completed satisfactorily. It might be worth getting a quote from a member of the Association of Professional Landscapers, whose members are registered with the Government-endorsed TrustMark Scheme. Association chairman Mark Gregory warns: “The public often think that these traders offer value for money. “In my experience, they rarely do. The work is mainly rushed, botched and not thought through. “The public also do not realise that they are responsible if the tradesmen have accidents on their property resulting in their injury and can be sued even after the job has been finished and paid for.” TAKE ME HOME!

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October/November 2011

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

★

★ 8

★

15 16

★ 20

★

★ 19

★

★ ★

★

ACROSS

DOWN

1. 5. 7. 9. 10. 11. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 22. 24. 26. 27. 28.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 11. 12. 13. 14. 20. 21. 23. 24. 25.

Unit of weight (8) Strike with foot (4) Edge of pavement (9) Eager (4) Door handle (4) Cutting instrument (5) East African country (5) South African antelope (5) Raising agent (5) River mouth (5) Stiff (5) Pool of money (5) Onion-like vegetable (4) Be aware of (4) Requesting (9) Orient (4) Therapeutic (8)

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: According to the popular song, which folk hero was ‘born on a mountain top in Tennessee’? A The Lone Ranger B Jesse James C Davy Crockett D Wild Bill Hickok

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: At what fighting weight did Chris Eubank defeat Nigel Benn to become the world boxing champion in 1990? A Middleweight B Super middleweight C Light heavyweight D Heavyweight

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: Which organisation publishes the magazine The War Cry? A The Special Air Service B The British Legion C The Salvation Army D The Territorial Army

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: Where in the human body is the maxilla bone? A Head B Neck C Spine D Leg

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: In pre-decimal coinage how many farthings were in one penny? A Two B Four C Six D Eight QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: In which county is Wensleydale cheese made? A Cheshire B Lancashire C Derbyshire D Yorkshire

Scottish church (4) Stove (4) Red-breasted bird (5) Repeated theme (5) Sharp twist (4) Part of a piano (8) Kept in the doghouse (9) Magnifying (9) Eskimo canoe (5) Paint (anag.) (5) Access (5) Delicate, tactful (3-5) Father of Jacob (5) Royal house (5) Garden of England (4) Tangle (4) Spouse (4)

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: In which country is the city of Casablanca? A Italy B Morocco C Algeria D Malta QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: What is the female equivalent of an earl? A Duchess B Countess C Lady D Marchioness

SUDOKU

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: What name is given to triangles with no equal sides or angles? A Scalene B Isosceles C Equilateral D Obtuse QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which car manufacturer made the Midget? A Morgan B Morris C MG D Marsh QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: Which building is the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury? A Fulham Palace B Lambeth Palace C Richmond Palace D St James’s Palace

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: Which British naval vessel was trapped in the Yangtze River by communist forces in 1949? A HMS Sapphire B HMS Cornwall C HMS Amethyst D HMS Norfolk QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Which bird has the Latin name Pica pica? A Magpie B Jay C Raven D Jackdaw QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: What can be tolerated by plants known as halophytes? A High temperatures B Frost C Salt water D Drought

KAKURO

DIFFICULT

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

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Which state in the USA is known as the Pine Tree State? A Maine B New England C Wisconsin D Vermont

Boxer Chris Eubank. See Question 10

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

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3 2

2 3

9 1 4

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

YOU may think we in Britain need to do more to improve our health. But Americans are even worse! Despite spending over twice the amount on healthcare per person per year, rates of diabetes in middleaged Americans are 200% higher than in Britain. Rates of heart disease and other diseases are also significantly higher.

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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.

MEDIUM 23

19 13 13 16 18

8 7

9 27 10 24

NATURAL products can be very good for treating minor skin ailments and maintaining healthy skin. Rose hip oi is good for mature or sunburnt skin, as well as acne and eczema. Witch hazel is god for insect bites and varicose veins; tea tree oil is an effective antisceptic; and chamomile oil and aloe vera are good for mild irritations.

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12 3

17 15

12 26

24 4

10 21

26 1

24 22

15 10

16 1

9 10

4 4

24 4

5 10

18 25

1 17

16 5

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.

2 ABC

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

1. Explorers 627 261 765 615 665 132 843 154 663 133 686 314 123 245 174 633 122 268 176 253 736

263 846 455 715 126

4. Alternative therapies 633 482 846 612 766 372 791 627 724 312 862 887 315 463 746 914 663 672 849 124 772 284 219 642 173 965 649

712 478 279 646 863

2. Sporting activities 522 767 731 724 526 464 122 364 686 618 461 269 546 413 724 246 418 655 392 255 487 317 528 464 167 833 746 4

284 287 564 476 353

5. Stage musicals 691 324 715 239 628 153 716 473 122 227 381 654 287 179 336 391 616 616 263 883 662

SPOT CHECK

Starting from the central shaded letter, move one letter at a time (up, down, right or left, but not diagonally) to find 18 saints.

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 15?

E M R

S M A

M E W T

O M H

KEEPER

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 musical instrument.

692 537 112 316 524

6. Fictional detectives 467 732 867 125 687 134 251 227 866 156 738 371 946 739 164 627 753 123 743 722 843 712 769 617 437 514 656 37

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

E D

DULCAMARA 1) An extract of woody nightshade used in homeopathy;

E MAKE A DATE

E M E

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

A M

1. Aviator Bert Hinkler makes the first solo flight from England to Australia.

–––

WEST

––––––

CLUB

GIVE

––––––

TIED

RED

–––

ROD

G W A R F TRANSFORMER

PLAIN

–––––––

MAN

Add the given letter to the first word to make a new word.

HAM

––––

2) A keyboard instrument, similar to a celesta, in which steel tuning forks are struck by hammers;

2. British women are given the same voting rights as men.

3) An Italian dessert made using Madeira cake soaked in Marsala wine.

3. Walt Disney’s character Mickey Mouse makes his first screen appearance.

Clue: Make instrument without using fertilisers.

WAS IT? a) 1924; b) 1926; c) 1928; d) 1930; e) 1932.

_____ +IC=_____IC

328 731 771 132 562

WORD WIZARD

PRIVATE

OVER

273 367 172 134 436

3. North American tribes 243 765 331 664 295 127 691 628 256 125 225 366 817 468 916 724 316 652 831 272 243 124 628 291 325 682 124 393 663 166 442 26

174 722 837 863 165

PATHWORDS

W M A

1 []’–

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?

18 13

25 22

24 8

10 12

11 17

10 22

16 21

5 15

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE 7

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October/November 2011

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords: Bartholomew; Peter; Margaret; Patrick; Valentine; James; George; Bernard; Paul; Francis; Matthew; Gregory; Michael; Mary; Sebastian; Joseph; Andrew; Martha.

3 7 1 8 2 5 4 6 9

2 5 4 7 9 6 1 3 8

6 2 7 5 3 4 9 8 1

1 3 8 9 7 2 6 5 4

9 4 5 1 6 8 2 7 3

7 9 3 6 5 1 8 4 2

5 8 6 2 4 9 3 1 7

4 1 2 3 8 7 5 9 6

7 3 5 1 6 9 4 8 2

8 6 9 3 4 2 1 7 5

2 1 4 5 8 7 6 3 9

4 9 1 7 5 6 3 2 8

15 2

16 3

W U

17 4

18 5

19 6

23 10

CROSS CODE

3 2 8 4 9 1 5 6 7

5 7 6 2 3 8 9 1 4

9 8 2 6 1 5 7 4 3

1 4 7 9 2 3 8 5 6

6 5 3 8 7 4 2 9 1

4 9

1 4 24

7 10 27

18 13

4 13 19

9 23

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

8 1

7 33

KAKURO MEDIUM

8 4

9 8

7 16

ADVERTISE HERE 0151 230 0307

SUDOKU EASY

K M N

7 16

7 1 25

2 7

Accumulator Quiz 1 – C; 2 – C; 3 – B; 4 – D; 5 – B; 6 – B; 7 – A; 8 – C; 9 – B; 10 – A; 11 – A; 12 – A; 13 – C; 14 – A; 15 – C. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Kilogram; 5 Kick; 7 Kerbstone; 9 Keen; 10 Knob; 11 Knife; 14 Kenya; 15 Nyala; 16 Yeast; 17 Delta; 18 Rigid; 19 Kitty; 22 Leek; 24 Know; 26 Demanding; 27 East; 28 Curative. Down – 1 Kirk; 2 Oven; 3 Robin; 4 Motif; 5 Kink; 6 Keyboard; 7 Kennelled; 8 Enlarging; 11 Kayak; 12 Inapt; 13 Entry; 14 Kid-glove; 20 Isaac; 21 Tudor; 23 Kent; 24 Knot; 25 Wife. Star Name: KIRI TE KANAWA

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8 6 9 4 1 3 7 2 5

Word Wizard No 1 is correct. Dulcamara is a homeopathic substance from the plant bittersweet. Dialling Codes 1. Marco Polo; James Cook; David Livingstone; Edmund Hillary; Cecil Rhodes; John Cabot; Roald Amundsen. 2. lacrosse; sailboarding; badminton; tenpin bowling; drag racing; volleyball; figure skating; orienteering. 3. Cherokee; Mohawk; Crow; Navajo; Blackfoot; Sioux; Osage; Mojave; Apache; Choctaw; Dakota; Cheyenne; Mohican. 4. meditation; aromatherapy; massage; acupuncture; kinesiology;

homeopathy; chiropractic; yoga; reflexology. 5. My Fair Lady; Showboat; Les Misérables; Cabaret; Oliver!; Cats; Sweeney Todd; No, No, Nanette; Oklahoma. 6. Inspector Clouseau; Dick Barton; Lord Peter Wimsey; Miss Marple; Bergerac; Father Brown; Sherlock Holmes. Spot Check A = 5; B = 4; C = 1; D = 3; E = 2; F = 6. Missing Link zoo; Indian; tongue; hot; English; roll. Instrument: zither. Make a Date The year was 1928. Transformer Organ + IC = Organic.

MANY people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder – feeling sad when water draws in and the nights get longer. But there are some easy ways to keep away those blues. Up to two coffees a day has been found to have a mild anti-depressant effect. St John’s Wort may also help – but check with your GP if on other medication!

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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 625950 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 8046 n MANCHESTER Arndale Centre. Tel 0161 839 4060 n NELSON. Tel 01282 692 502 n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal Tel 01606 353525 n ORMSKIRK, West Lancashire Tel 01695 570055 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 n SOUTHPORT. Tel 0151 288 6885 n ST HELENS. Tel 01744 613 388 n STOCKPORT. Tel 0161 666 1100 n WARRINGTON. Tel 01925 231941 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

October/November 2011

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CARERS’ CENTRES

FAB news from Chester PHAB club . . . Committee members Sarah Jones (treasurer), Janette Marsland (secretary) and Lynda Hesketh (chairperson) received Paul Hope Awards in recognition of outstanding work. The awards are presented to those deemed to have excelled in fulfilling PHAB’s aim – “to promote and encourage people of all abilities to come together on equal terms, to achieve complete inclusion within the wider community.” n Chester PHAB, tel 01244 678809 n www.chester.phabclub.org

PICTURED RIGHT: Lynda, seated, and Janette, right, with former Ed Stewart (PHAB president) and Lord Morris of Manchester (PHAB vice president)

Second mobility store for city centre A SECOND Shopmobility store has opened in Liverpool. Riverside MP Louise Ellman opened the service in St Johns shopping centre, run by Local Solutions. Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday 10am-3pm. Contact, tel 0151 707 0877 PICTURED LEFT: Louise Ellman MP at the new Shopmobility store with Ged Gibbons, Liverpool City Central Chief Executive, Lord Mayor Frank Prendergast and Ian Ward, Centre Director St Johns Shopping Centre.

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 782760 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 n WIRRAL 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 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 Tel 01253 792600 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 227 1226 n LIVERPOOL: Bradbury Fields.Tel 0151 221 0888: Action for Bind Tel 0151 708 9008 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 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

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 7767 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: NEWCIS, Tel: 01978 310414.

Email your news to us at news@allltogethernow.org .uk

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October/November 2011

Brits ready to knock ‘em for six

Press Officer Mark grabs the headlines HALTON council’s ‘globetrotting’ press officer Mark Allen returned from his latest trip with a handful of medals from the Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Belfast. Born with cystic fibrosis, Mark, 39, received a double lung transplant five years ago - and is only able to use 25 per cent of his lungs. He said: “I am really pleased with my performances, but I have to admit I did get very breathless and ached all over! “I train all year just to be fit enough to take part in these games. Medals are a bonus.” Mark’s medals came in the table tennis tournament (gold), and bronze in the 200m, javelin and ball throwing events. Despite living with CF and diabetes, Mark has always been a keen sportsman – cricket, badminton and football among his favourites. Travelling is also in his blood. “After stints with the Stafford Newsletter and Express and Star I spent three years wandering around Australia and Asia.” He’s also lived in America, and studied politics in Holland and journalism in Sheffield. He said: “I really enjoy the transplant games. It is all about raising awareness. Some people take the games very seriously, but that is not what they are about. “For example, I cannot run, but I did the 200m in a slow jog, just to take part and I got a medal, too! “Naturally, I really miss not being able to play cricket and badminton and run like I used to. But for these few days at the transplant games I feel like an athlete again. Sports like table tennis and javelin I can take part on a more even footing.” Last year he won a gold, a silver and a bronze in the European Heart and Lung Games in Sweden.

Ollie’s new goal WARRINGTON Town FC hope to be flying high after their latest signing!

The Wire have swooped to sign Ollie the Owl as their mascot for the 2011-12 season to help promote the good work of Warrington Disability Partnership. Ollie has been the mascot for a number of years and agreed to fly in as a replacement for the club’s previous mascot The Legend, who went missing after being lent out

to a former sponsor! Club Chairman Gary Skentelbery, who is also a trustee at the WDP charity, said: “Rather than go to the expense of having a new mascot created it made sense to sign Ollie for this season. “It gives the club a mascot while at the same time helps raise the profile of a local charity.” WDP Chairman Dave Thompson said: “Hopefully Ollie will help the club fly up the league table!”

GB rugby team ‘warm up’ for Paralympics

BATTLESTATIONS: Aaron Phipps, Steve Brown and David Anthony warming up in the grounds of Cardiff Castle before the tournament

GREAT Britain’s wheelchair rugby team took second place in the 2011 GB Cup at Cardiff. Australia won the title with maximum points, with Japan, Belgium and Sweden finishing behind Britain. GBWR boss David Pond said: “I am immensely proud of the squad’s success. All of the teams at Cardiff are at the top of the international rankings and GBWR has beaten not only the current European champions but the number three in the World - Japan. “The result shows we’re certainly in a position to challenge for Paralympic gold.”

Great Great Britain Britain Wheelchair Wheelchair Basketball Basketball .. .. .. www.gbwba.org.uk www.gbwba.org.uk 15/16 15/16 29/30 29/30 12/13 12/13 26/27 26/27

Super League Oct: Capital City v Steelers Oct: Rhinos v Owls Oct: Owls v Steelers Oct: Rhinos v Capital City Nov: Owls v Capital City Nov: Steelers v Rhinos Nov: Steelers v Capital City Nov: Owls v Rhinos

1st Division North 8/9 Oct: Spiders v Mavericks 15/16 Oct: Spiders v Knights 15/16 Oct: Steelers 2 v Knights

15/16 Oct: Percy Hedley v Lothian 29/30 Oct: Owls 2 v Percy Hedley 29/30 Oct: Mavericks v Percy Hedley 12/13 Nov: Steelers 2 v Lothian 12/13 Nov: Spiders v Lothian 19/20 Nov: Spiders v Steelers 2 19/20 Nov: Knights v Mavericks 26/27 Nov: Owls 2 v Spiders 2nd Division North 8/9 Oct: Vikings v Wheelblazers 15/16 Oct: Percy Hedley 2 v Warriors

15/16 Oct: West of Scotland v Warriors 29/30 Oct: Percy Hedley 2 v Bulls 29/30 Oct: West of Scotland v Bulls 29/30 Oct: Greenbank v Vikings 12/13 Nov: Bulls v Warriors 19/20 Nov: Warriors v Percy Hedley 2 19/20 Nov: Greenbank v Percy Hedley 2 26/27 Nov: West of Scotland v Wheelblazers 26/27 Nov: Percy Hedley 2 v Wheelblazers

3rd Division North 8/9 Oct: Mavericks 2 v Spiders 2 8/9 Oct: Whirlwinds v Steelers 4 15/16 Oct: Spiders 2 v Panthers 15/16 Oct: Cardinals v Panthers 29/30 Oct: Mavericks 2 v Whirlwinds 29/30 Oct: Maulers v Spiders 2 12/13 Nov: Spiders 2 v Lothian 2 12/13 Nov: Cardinals v Lothian 2 12/13 Nov: Panthers v Mavericks 2 19/20 Nov: Whirlwinds v Cardinals 19/20 Nov: Spiders 2 v Maulers 26/27 Nov: Whirlwinds v Maulers 26/27 Nov: Spiders 2 v Steelers 4

SIX British players on the Tennis Foundation’s Wheelchair Tennis Performance Programme have qualified for November’s traditional season-ending tournaments for the world’s leading wheelchair tennis players, writes MARSHALL THOMAS. Peter Norfolk and Andrew Lapthorne are among the elite field of four quad players confirmed by the ITF for the NEC Singles Masters, with world No. 2 Norfolk going into this year’s event as the defending champion. Current world No. 4 Lapthorne will make his Singles Masters debut, having remained among the world’s top four quad players since reaching his first British Open semi-final in July. Lapthorne and Norfolk will then pair up to travel to the Doubles Masters as defending champions, having beaten reigning Paralympic champions Nick Taylor and David Wagner in the final of last year’s event in Italy. Since then Lapthorne and Norfolk have picked up the Australian Open Grand Slam and USTA Wheelchair Tennis Championships Super Series titles. The field for this year’s Invacare Doubles Masters also sees allBritish pairings in both the men’s and women’s events. Marc McCarroll and Gordon Reid take their place in the field of eight partnerships for the men’s doubles, having both played in the corresponding event with different partners in the last two years. Lucy Shuker and Jordanne Whiley are among the four teams named for the women’s doubles. The duo reached the women’s final in 2010, with Shuker having been a finalist three times in the last six years. Geoff Newton, executive director of the Tennis Foundation, said: “With less than a year to go until the London 2012 Paralympic Games, it is very encouraging to have British players occupying half of the qualification slots for the quad division at the Singles Masters.” The Invacare Doubles Masters takes place from November 2-6 in Amsterdam, while the NEC Singles Masters will be held in Belgium, from TAKE ME HOME! November 8-12.

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All Together NOW!

October/November 2011

BATTLE STATIONS! p31

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

The kids who gave Man U a lesson

Wayne Rooney, centre, with team mates and Special Olympics athletes at the Seattle football skillbuilding clinic

First blind coach

25 year-old man has become Rugby League’s first blind coach. Ben Noble works with his sighted guide, Stacy Darby, herself a qualified Level 1 coach, to deliver training sessions to Sheffield Eagles Academy side. “It has been very hard work,” said Ben, “but in the end it all paid off and it was well worth it. “I enjoyed every minute of it and I would like to say a big

thank you to the Sheffield Eagles and the RFL for all the help and support that they have given me.” Stacy said: “Ben has worked his socks off throughout this course. His knowledge of coaching is astounding.” Sarah Williams, the RFL’s equality and diversity manager, said: “Ben has achieved so much and is an inspiration to both disabled and non-disabled people alike.”

FAIR PLAY: Ben, centre, with Mark Aston (Sheffield CEO) left, Darren Higgins (development coach), Stacy Darby, and Sarah Williams

THE SECRET’S out . . . no wonder Manchester United are off to a flying start. During their pre-season tour of the USA, Wayne Rooney and pals gave a few coaching lessons to some of America’s disabled players – and were given lots of inspiration in return! The club teamed up with Special Olympics – the world’s largest sports training and competition programme for children and adults with learning disabilities – and staged a series of coaching workshops in Seattle, Chicago, New York, Boston, and Washington. Karen Wallin, Special Olympics Great Britain chief executive, said: “We are thrilled that Manchester United is embracing Special Olympics not just in Great Britain, but worldwide. “I know that the players will gain as much inspiration from our athletes as our athletes get from the players!”

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Try a triathlon

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Almost 200 people took part in the Tri Together triathlon at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. The day started at 11am with an indoor 400m swim, followed by a 15km cycle through the leafy surrounds of Crystal Palace Park and a 5k run finishing in the iconic Jubilee Stadium. Sarah Ball, events manager at Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: “We are delighted with the support and would like to thank all who raised funds for Leonard Cheshire Disability.”

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THE UK’s first triathlon for disabled and nondisabled competitors was such a success that plans are in hand for a second event next summer.