All Together NOW! Dec-jan 2013 by All Together Now

MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR: THE VOICE OF DISABLED PEOPLE! COMMENDED, Niche Newspaper of the Year , Newspaper Awards 2012

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

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December/January 2013

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New Shopmobility set to work wonders SHOPPING in one Cheshire town just got easier for people with mobility problems. A new Shopmobility service at Widnes Market provides scooters and wheelchairs to help people access the town centre. The service is also creating work opportunities for disabled people. Halton Borough Council already provides similar work experiences, with a successful café, restaurant and brewery at Norton Priory, a hair salon in Runcorn Old Town and the Shopmobility service in Halton Lea. Shopmobility Widnes Market is open Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri 9-4pm, Sat 9-2pm, and closed Tues and Sun. Tel. 0151 511 8833 or Halton Community Services on 01928 716 971. RIGHT: The Mayor and Mayoress of Halton, Cllr Tom and Angela McInerney, torch bearers Mark Allen and Jack Hunter Spivey, and Motobility worker Martin Fletcher

Something to sing about!

ROYAL APPROVAL: Anne Hesketh, centre, celebrates with members of the Dee-Sign Choir

MOTHER and daughter who head two different charities in the same city are celebrating winning the same award from the Queen – on the same day!

Anne Hesketh is director of Dee-Sign Choir, in Chester, which performs music using British Sign language. Meanwhile, daughter Lynda is chair of Chester Adult Phab, which provides social activities for people with and without disabilities.

Both charities received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2012 – the MBE for volunteer groups – during a special ceremony at Chester Town Hall attended by the Duchess of Gloucester. The Duchess presented volunteers of both charities with a commemorative crystal and a signed certificate from The Queen. The ceremony was also attended by David Briggs, the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire and

Chester Lord Mayor Pam Booher. The Queen’s Award is presented to community groups recognised for their excellence in social, economic, or environmental voluntary work carried out within the local community.

n Chester Adult Phab: Tel. 01244 678809, www.chester.phabclub.org n Dee-sign Choir: Tel. 01244 375392, www.deesignchoir.co.uk

Chris Groves email: sales@alltogethernow.org.uk IT Support: Ken Almond Website: Pharos Design

NEXT EDITION: Tuesday 5 February, 2013 All Together NOW! is published by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Registered Charity No.1106387

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QUEEN’S AWARD: Lynda Hesketh, left, and the Chester Adult Phab club members

Rules to make phoning easier JUST being able to interrupt a pal on the phone is something people with hearing and speech problems CAN’T do. But that’s set to change as all phone providers – land or mobile – are obliged to make new and improved text relay services available. Text relay enables communication through telephone or textphone equipment. Under the current relay system, an assistant acts as an intermediary to convert speech to text and vice versa for the two parties. Research by Ofcom, the communications industry’s regulator, found callers were frustrated by the inability to interrupt, have ‘“real time” conversations or express and detect emotion. Speed of conversation is generally slow, as callers must take turns to speak or type. The new service, which will be in place within 18 months, will include new features including parallel two-way speech, which makes use of an internet connection to allow users to interject, instead of having to wait until the end of a message; and a wider range of equipment for accessing the service. Ofcom is also exploring the impact of speech recognition technology on the accuracy and speeds of current and future relay services. And it is working with Government and disability groups to encourage the provision of video relay services. Joff McGill, of the deafblind charity Sense, said: “Deafblind people have been waiting a long time for 21st century telecommunications services, so this is a welcome step in the right direction.” “But work is needed if deafblind people are to enjoy conversations most of us take for TAKE ME HOME! granted.”

All Together NOW! is exceptionally well liked by its readers. 225,000 readers DO NOT see any other local paper — The Murray Consultancy

WHAT A FAB YEAR!

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December/January 2013

450,000 READERS!

GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME . . . Pictured below: Steve Morgan, chairman of The Morgan Foundation with Barbara Richmond, financial director at Redrow, Tom Dowling, editor of All Together NOW! and Gordon Viner, trustee

The Morgan Foundation

Hello! WHAT a fantastic year it’s been for your FREE and favourite All Together NOW! charity paper – a year in which we DOUBLED our readership to nearly half a million, and a year in which we were recognised in FOUR prestigious awards. Our most recent triumphs came at The Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards (runner-up in the Small Charity making the Best Social Contribution category) and at the UK Public Sector Communication Awards (Publication of the Year). All Together NOW! was up there with the big boys from county councils, NHS Trusts and other public sector bodies in the Publication of the Year category, and though we didn’t win, our unique disability-focused paper certainly left a favourable impression. “It’s absolutely perfect for North West

The Newspaper Awards

public sector bodies to work with,” one very impressed communications boss from the south told us. “The paper is clearly reaching hundreds of thousands of people who are affected by ill-health and disability – a notoriously difficult to reach sector of the community.” We’ve more big plans for 2013. But how far we get depends entirely on securing new partnerships, attracting more advertising, and hopefully receiving a few more cash donations. All we want is to get even more copies into more and more communities. If you can help help, please get in touch. I’d be delighted to hear from you. Meanwhile, I hope you like our bumper festive issue. A very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you all. See you in the New Year. Tuesday February 5 to be precise!

Tom Dowling, editor

THANKS to our partners . . . without their support we would not be here!

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23m people in UK still not web savvy ALMOST half of the UK’s 49 million adults are not making the best use of the internet, according to new figures from UK Online Centres. There are still an estimated 7.8 million people in the UK who aren’t online – half of whom have a disability – with a further 14.5 million ‘lapsed’ or ‘little’ users who still don’t have the basic skills to make the most of technology. The figures were release during the sixth annual Get Online week, which saw 50,000 people logging onto the web for the first time.

Why I love this paper All Together NOW! is a very interesting varied and useful paper – particularly for the elderly and disabled people. Not to be missed! And thanks for recognising that many older people are not "online." — Mrs Goodship, Broadway East, Newton, Chester

Telling it like it is DISABLED people from across the North West talk about their good and bad experiences with the NHS in a new DVD that’s being shown at a national equality event organised by NHS North West. The film, made in conjunction with Breakthrough UK, is launched on December 3 – International Day of Disabled People at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall – and will be seen by NHS staff from across the country. The event celebrates five years of achievements in equality work in the North West NHS.

Euro access city CHESTER and Derby were among the 34 cities originally shortlisted for the European Access Cities Award, which recognises exemplary initiatives to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Judges have now reduced the number to seven – Berlin, Bilbao, Gdynia, Nantes, Pamplona, Stockholm, Tallaght. The winning city will be announced in Brussels on December 3.

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Stem cells bring hope of a cure for deafness A CURE for deafness is a step closer after scientists used human embryonic stem cells to treat a common form of hearing loss. Experts from the University of Sheffield have developed a method of turning human embryo stem cells into ear cells, in research funded by the Medical Research Council and leading UK research charity Action on Hearing Loss. They transplanted them into deaf gerbils, which then recovered, on average, 46% of their hearing loss. The improvement was evident about four weeks after administering the cells. As well as proving that stem cells can be used to repair damaged hearing, it is hoped the breakthrough – published in the journal Nature – will lead to new treatments and therapies in the future. Dr Ralph Holme, head of Biomedical Research for Action on Hearing Loss, said: “The research is tremendously encouraging and gives us real hope that it will be possible to fix the actual cause of some types of hearing loss in the future. “For the millions of people for whom hearing loss is eroding their quality of life, this can’t come soon enough.” n www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk

Why I love this paper All Together NOW! is very positive and encourages everybody from the young to the more mature. I think the title is perfect. The paper is informative and inspirational for disabled ad non-disabled people. I just wish that even more people would read and see the possibilities that exist. — Suzanne Bate, Ewden Close, Liverpool

First aiders in school FIRST Aid training in schools should be made compulsory, says health and safety training company, Aid Training. According to St John’s Ambulance, 140,000 people in the UK die each year in situations where first aid could have saved them. Paul Hosking, managing director at Aid Training, said: “There aren’t enough first aiders in the UK. Only seven per cent of the UK population can recall first aid advice. “If children are taught first aid from an early age they could one day be able to save a life.” In a survey where more than 1,500 school children took part, 70% said they would not know how to help in an emergency and 80% said that they would feel safer if they had some first aid knowledge. First aid is a mandatory subject for Welsh and Northern Ireland pupils, but only an option in England and Scotland. The British Red Cross estimates that of the 5.5 million people who visit A&E each year due to an accident, about three million would have benefited from some form of first aid treatment.

December/January 2013

NORTH WEST MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

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Needy ‘being left to suffer’

Fireman Richard aims high for kids

BABIES born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in the last century were expected to die before they became adults.

PEAK PEFORMANCE: Richard, Debrorah and Phoebe

IREFIGHTER Richard Lord has a very serious New Year resolution – to help deaf children hear for the first time.

Richard, whose eight-year-old daughter, Phoebe, was born deaf, aims to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in January and raise funds for the deaf charities The Ear Foundation and Destiny of a Child. They support cochlear implantation for profoundly deaf and physically disabled children, and Aids orphans in the UK, France and Tanzania.

Richard said: “Phoebe was born on Christmas Day 2004 and we found out that she was deaf at six weeks. “She had her first cochlear implant at just 15 months old. “We had no experience of deafness when Phoebe was born and we are on a long journey of learning and adapting. “Phoebe is doing amazingly well. She attends mainstream school and has great speech but we never forget that she does not have natural hearing and she still struggles in many environments.

“As she goes through school and beyond there are always going to be challenges for her. “The work that The Ear Foundation does is so valuable in supporting deaf children and their families and providing education for professionals that work with children like Phoebe so that they can make the most out of this amazing technology.” Joining Richard on the Kilimanjaro climb is Deborah Hall, director at the National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit.

Mr Sandman

ARATHON man Jamie Flanagan is preparing for the biggest challenge of his life – a 160 mile desert run across one of the world’s most beautiful and unusual landscapes.

And once that’s out of the way Jamie has another four gruelling marathons in mind for the rest of the year. Previously a musician, Jamie lost his hearing 12 years ago to Wengeners Granulomatosis, an auto-immune disease that also caused partial facial paralysis. Now his goal is to demonstrate that those with hearing loss can still undertake great sporting achievements. Jamie completed his first marathon three years ago. He now runs 100 miles and trains almost 20 hours a week in his bid to compete in the Ocean Floor Race, a non-stop race taking place across Egypt’s Western Desert in February. It will also the first time the Edinburgh runner has run with a hearing aid. Until now, Jamie has feared that sweat could damage the electronics. But a new and unique

Jamie’s 160-mile desert trial . . .

waterproof, dust-proof and sweat-proof digital aid from Siemens is making life a lot easier. Since he was fitted with the Aquaris aid, Jamie’s entire running experience has changed. For the first time he is able to hear traffic, other runners, and bikes. “My boring tedious, miles have become interesting with sound and my hearing instruments enrich my running,” said Jamie. “For the first time in my life I am able to run with friends and it makes the world of difference over the long distances. “The sound quality is brilliant..” Jamie will be running his marathons as part of a fundraising effort for the Vasculitis UK and Lauren Currie DESERT RUNNER: Jamie Flanagan Twilight foundation charities.

Thousands of those babies did grow up and many are now in their 50s. Advances in healthcare, and developments like the shunt, which helps manage hydrocephalus, mean people can now expect normal lifespans. But a national charity claims the first generation of people to grow old with these disabilities are being sold short “because they lived too long”. To mark the first World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day, Shine – which represents 10,000 people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus – urged governments to acknowledge their existence. Jackie Bland, Shine chief executive, presented a paper for the European Parliament met there, calling on governments to research and plan for the needs of this group, whose numbers will swell in the next two decades. “Many people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus now in their 50s are very concerned about the future,” she said. “But no-one knows what to expect. Few people live from birth and into old age with such severe disability, and yet the specialist needs of people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus are not being acknowledged. “As the bulge of people who were born in the 1960s enter older age we are approaching a crisis to which health planners seem oblivious.” www.shinecharity.org.uk

340,000 people – two-thirds of All Together NOW! readers – DO NOT read any other disability or health publication — The Murray Consultancy

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NORTH WEST MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

New help at work

Food glorious food . . .

DISABLED entrepreneurs and small businesses are to get more support to pay for specialised equipment and other costs faced by disabled people in work. Esther McVey, Minister for Disabled People, said: “Opening up the Access to Work programme will give disabled people more opportunities to have the same choice of jobs as everyone else, in every sector from hairdressing to engineering, and at every level.” The changes include: Businesses with up to 49 employees will no longer pay a contribution towards the extra costs faced by disabled people in work, saving them up to £2,300 IT’S GOING to be a fun and yummy-packed per employee who uses the Christmas for the Clark family from West fund; Kirby. Disabled jobseekers who Ruth, a part-time teaching assistant in the special want to set up their own needs department at Wallasey School, was the business through the New lucky winner in our fabulous Christmas competition. Enterprise Allowance will Her prize – a fantastic, top of the range Empire now be eligible for funding food hamper – worth £540 – courtesy of from day one of receiving Birkenhead-based Park, one of the sponsors of Job Seekers Allowance; and All Together NOW! Advisers will be given more “I’m still in shock,” said Ruth, mum to Reece, 8, flexibility in deciding which and Florence, 1. “I’ve never seen so much food – equipment is funded PREP73C13-AllTogeterNow2-262x165-Dec_Layout 1 29/10/2012 15:06 Page 1 through the scheme.

100,000 motorists may lose vehicles

A REAL

CRACKER!

it’s taken over the kitchen! The children can’t believe their eyes. It’s like a scene from a Disney movie!” There’s so much food that Ruth and her mum Joan and dad Alec are going to share it with the local foodbank – and with the children at school. “I’m a massive fan of All Together NOW!,” said Ruth. “It’s a charity paper, and it’s absolutely packed with information and inspiration that you just don’t find anywhere else. It’s also a big help to me in my job. We have something that non-one else in the country has – and it’s FREE! Everyone should read the paper and everyone should support it.”

MOTABILITY, the charity that helps disabled people get mobile, says that up to 100,000 motorists might have to hand back the vehicles they lease under its car scheme, because of the Government’s cuts and reforms to disability living allowance (DLA). Motability currently has about 600,000 customers, who all use their higher rate mobility component of DLA to lease a vehicle. But the Government’s reform of working-age DLA, which will see it replaced by a new personal independence payment (PIP), will involve cuts of 20 per cent to spending by 201516, with an estimated 500,000 working-age disabled people losing their right to DLA/PIP. Disabled people will only continue to be eligible to lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme if they are awarded the PIP enhanced mobility element. Motability admitted at a conference organised by Disability Rights UK that an estimated 100,000 of its customers could lose their eligibility for the scheme over the three years to 2016. Neil Coyle, at Disability Rights UK, said: “For Motability to be raising concerns clearly means disabled people need to be ready for significant change. Many will lose the ability to get around.”

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All Together NOW!

Paralympics’ impact may be short-lived THE Prime Minister’s hopes that the Paralympics have achieved a more positive attitude towards disabled people may be short-lived, a survey reveals. The survey – from national disability charity Vitalise – casts doubt on whether any great change in the public’s understanding of disability has occurred. Although 82% of people with disabilities and carers surveyed felt the public was more aware and openminded towards them as a result of the Paralympics, 40% were worried that any positive change would not last. The survey was conducted among the people with disabilities and carers who have taken much-needed respite breaks with Vitalise. Vitalise chief executive Chris Simmonds said: “We agree that the Paralympics has helped society view disability in a much more positive light. “But the feel-good factor may not last forever, and our survey highlights the concerns of people with disabilities that they will fade from public view and become invisible to society once again. “We must not let that happen.”

‘Half a million will suffer . . .’ December/January 2013

FOCUS: BATTLE OVER BENEFITS

LMOST half a million disabled people and their families – including children and disabled adults living on their own – will be worse off under the Government’s proposed Universal Credit.

That’s the grim finding of an inquiry, led by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, which also warns that 100,000 households with children could have incomes reduced by up to £28 a week if the Coalition’s current plans go ahead. A rethink, particularly on help for future claimants, is being urged by the inquiry, held by the Children’s Society, Citizens Advice and Disability Rights UK. “The findings of this report do not make easy reading,” said Baroness Grey-Thompson. “The clear message is that many households with disabled people are already struggling to keep their heads above water. “Reducing support for families with disabled children, disabled people who are living alone, families with young carers and disabled people in work, risks driving many over the

Universal Credit – Government urged to rethink

edge in future.” But Prime Minister David Cameron said greater support was being targeted at the most disabled and that overall funding was going up. The Universal Credit will replace Jobseeker’s allowance, tax credits, income support, employment and support allowance – formerly known as incapacity benefit – and housing benefits with a single payment. The system will be “piloted” in parts of northeast England in April and will come into force across Britain for new claimants from October 2013. Existing claimants will be transferred to the new system in stages until 2017, while

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BARONESS GREY-THOMPSON

Universal Credit will be capped at £26,000 per household. The report, Holes in the Safety Net: the impact of universal credit on disabled people and their families’ argues that the changes will mean 230,000 severely disabled people who do not have another adult to assist them will receive between £28 and £58 less in benefits every week. It also states that around 116,000 disabled people who work will be at risk of losing around £40 per week. Other findings include: n One in 10 families with disabled children affected by the changes feared losing their homes. n 83% of disabled adults living alone or with a young carer said they would cut back on food. n 80% said they would cut back on the amount they spend on heating. The findings also point to a greatly increased burden on young carers as a result of the changes to the Severe Disability Premium. SOUNDING OFF – Page 20

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December/January 2013

All Together NOW!

FUEL POVERTY – you can get HELP! THE AIM of the Acting on Fuel Poverty campaign is to highlight the issue and let people know there is help out there. The campaign kicked off with some research of people on low incomes. It found that they are not aware of the potential support available to help with their fuel bills, here’s some statistics from the research:

T BWC our clients from the banking industry come to us with all sorts of worries and issues. We help with everything from illness, disabilities and mental health to financial problems, family and relationship issues. Many clients come to us with money problems but at this time of year and particularly for those with low incomes having to pay high fuel bills can be a big worry. That’s why this winter we are supporting Acting on Fuel Poverty, a campaign run by one of our partners, Turn2us, part of national charity Elizabeth Finn Care. The official definition of fuel poverty is where a household has to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel to be relatively warm. At the moment there are an estimated 4.75 million households in fuel poverty in the UK, around three-quarters of which are on low incomes (gross household incomes of under £20,000 per year).

37% of people have never checked their eligibility for welfare benefits 70% are unaware that they can get social tariffs from energy suppliers 43% are unaware of the Warm Front scheme 64% are not sure if they can pay their bills this winter without being hard-up

What can you do to get the help you so desperately need? Not only can this help with paying for fuel bills but it can help trigger whether you are eligible for various fuel poverty programmes.

OR MANY, last winter’s fuel bills caused many people to feel stressed or get ill and some fell behind in their bill payments. Many feel the need to switch off their heating altogether or cut back on essentials like food. There is help out there, though. So, what can you do if you are worried that you won’t be able to pay your fuel bills this winter?

1. Take a look at the campaign microsite where you can do the survey to find out if you are in fuel poverty www.fuelpovertymap.org.uk

3. 2.

The website will give you sources of help, including checking your eligibility for welfare and tax benefits.

If you are from the banking community, get in touch with us. We can help with information, advice and financial support if you are struggling with a number of issues.

We help with information, advice and financial support. Find out more, visit www.bwcharity.org.uk or call our FREE helpline: 0800 0234 834

FAMILIES

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December/January 2013

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A little more flexibility would give parents a chance to work

INE out of 10 unemployed parents of disabled children are denied the chance of a job because of inflexible work conditions, says a new report.

And more than six out of 10 parents who are employed had declined promotion or accepted demotion to balance care and work. Sarah Jackson, chief executive of national charity Working Families, said: “Our research shows there is

a lack of suitable childcare, flexible working options, and financial incentives to work. “These factors, together with the higher costs of childcare, all conspire to force parents of disabled children to reduce their hours, accept less well paid work or opt out of the labour market altogether.” Flexibility around the time of diagnosis and at other crisis points, together with affordable childcare, could prevent many parents from opting out of the labour market, the

We’re all at BREAKING POINT . . .

AMILIES with disabled children are at breaking point due to a chronic shortage of support and services, say the UK’s leading disability bodies.

The biggest shake-up of support for disabled children or those with Special Educational Needs for 30 years is being prepared by the Government. And charities including Scope, The National Autistic Society, Sense, 4Children and The Family and Parenting Institute claim changes in the Children and Families Bill could fail to improve the lives of families with disabled children. Scope warns the Bill will not plug the shortage of local services, which leaves many families struggling to gain crucial support for their disabled child. The charity’s new report, Keep Us Close, brings together the experiences of 600 parents of disabled children. It reveals that almost two thirds (62%) of families with disabled children are not getting critical support such as childcare or nursery places, appropriate schools, essential therapies or even healthcare in their local area. Sixty per cent of families Scope spoke to describe the process of getting their child the services they need as a “battle”. Of the families who could not access services locally, 80% said it caused them stress and anxiety. Over half (51%) of those questioned said it

report says. Of the 73% who were in paid work: n Only 38% worked for 30 hours or more. n 61% had changed or tried to change their pattern of work while 56% had reduced or tried to reduce their hours, in order to manage their caring responsibilities. n 64% had refrained from seeking promotion, declined promotion or accepted demotion in order to balance caring and paid work. Of the 27% of respondents not in

Shake-up in kids’ services ‘MUST be for the better’

paid work: n 82% had given up work in order to care for their disabled children. 83% felt that finding suitable childcare was the main barrier to paid work. n Over 50% had been unemployed for at least six years and were thus unlikely to get back into work. n 91% would like to undertake paid work at some level. The charity is now calling for action by the Government, employers and service providers to acknowledge that parents of

disabled children can and do want to work alongside caring for their children. n The Working Families Freephone legal helpline for parents, carers and their advisers gives advice on employment rights and benefits. The helpline is run by a team of solicitors: 0300 012 0312, text 07800 00 4722 or e-mail advice@workingfamilies.org.uk

www.workingfamilies.org.u

Supermums scoop prizes

ABOVE: Denise and her son Harry. Below, Jane, left, and Denise receive their award from Jean Thompson of Together Housing

had a negative impact on their ability to work and meant they missed out on family activities like birthdays and playing together. The draft Children and Families Bill, published in September, proposes to replace statements with new joint education, health and care plans, and to force councils to list what services are available for disabled children in the local area. But the charities and family and parenting groups argue that this does not go far enough. Richard Hawkes, chief executive of Scope, said: “More than 500,000 families have a

A PAIR of determined mums who set up a successful disabled children’s charity – despite no previous experience – have picked up two awards. Jane Halpin and Denise Armer formed Unique Kidz and Co in response to the lack of suitable childcare for disabled children which prevented them, and parents like them, from returning to work. The charity, based in Carnforth, is the first in Lancashire to offer after school and holiday childcare specifically for disabled children. Now Jane, from Bolton le Sands, and Denise, from Warton, have had their work recognised by winning the ‘Small Social Enterprise of the Year’ title at the Lancashire Enterprise in Society Awards. In the summer the charity was also awarded an Enterprise Vision Award (EVA) for New Business. Jane said: “Our aim is to give disabled children the opportunity to play and socialise after school and in school holidays in a safe yet stimulating environment. “And for parents it’s an opportunity to pursue a career or training, spend time with other children, do household chores or just take a well-earned break.” n Unique Kidz and Co operates from the Loyne School in Lancaster. n www.uniquekidzandco.org.uk

disabled child. Life is tough for all families at the moment but the pressures and struggles placed on families with disabled children are pushing them to breaking point.” Nicola Clark, disability campaigner and mum of two disabled girls, said: “The challenges of raising disabled children cannot be underestimated. “Every step of every day can be fraught with the harsh reality of not living in an accessible, inclusive or accepting society and not being able to get the support that you desperately need. “Just recently we had to take the heartbreakingly difficult decision of sending

our youngest daughter to a residential school because she has spent the last 18 months refusing to leave the house. “Appropriate local services would make an inconceivable difference to the lives of thousands of families like mine but only if politicians grab this opportunity and make it happen. “Anything less would send a message that they are turning their backs on families that desperately TAKE ME HOME! need their help, at the time when we need it most.”

We are reaching families that other papers aren’t...

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December/January 2013

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Roll of Honour Best New Business Cooper’s Gourmet Sausage Rolls, Shrewsbury (£20,000) Joint Runners-up Love Frocks, Runcorn (£5,000) Silky Bouquets Ltd, Liverpool (£5,000) Highly Commended Navigate IT Ltd, Bretton, Chester Jungle HR Ltd, Shropshire Engage Web, Ellesmere Port

Amy and Nick steal the hearts

EVERYONE A WINNER at the Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards 2012

HE WINNERS of the 2012 Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards were revealed at a glittering gala awards ceremony held at Carden Park Hotel, Cheshire.

A total of £117,500 – and a package of professional services – was handed to the winners and runners-up in the prestigious awards scheme, which attracted record entries from charities, social enterprises, businesses and entrepreneurs from Merseyside, Cheshire, Shropshire, North Wales and the Wolverhampton area. Steve Morgan, founder of the Morgan Foundation, said: “The Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards are all about targeting inspiration – from young entrepreneurs with great ideas to established charities changing lives across the region. “At a time of economic uncertainty, stories of entrepreneurial success and social enterprise are even more meaningful and our aim is to give them the recognition they so deserve.” The Against All Odds category was the emotional climax of the evening, with a prize of £10,000 awarded to Amy Garton-Hughes, 21. Amy has struggled from birth with undiagnosed symptoms that were eventually identified, when she was 14, as Cockayne Syndrome – a premature ageing disorder that leads to shortened life expectancy. With the help of her family and friends Amy, from Wallasey, Wirral, set up Amy and Friends in 2007 to help families affected by CS from all over the world. Despite battling her own debilitating illness, Amy and her organisation have raised and given money to medical research, resulting in the ground-breaking identification of the carrier. The Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise prize went to the Longmynd Adventure Camp, in Church Stretton, Shropshire. There were joint winners of the Charity or Social Enterprise making Best Social Contribution (turnover under £150k)

FIGHTING SPIRIT: Amy Garton-Hughes with husband Nick, mum Jayne, and Steve Morgan

– main sponsors of The Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards 2012. Co-sponsors Deloitte and Brabners Chaffe Street. Event partners included DRP Group, Insider Media, World Merit and NMC Design+Print.

category, with prizes going to Knowsley Cancer Support Centre and Birkenhead-based Women’s Enterprising Breakthrough, which supports women with complex needs. The Charity or Social Enterprise making Best Social Contribution (turnover over £150k) went to The Brink Café, Liverpool, which provides an alcohol counselling service and a ‘Brink of Change’ programme that prepares people for longer term treatment options. A new category for this year, Best Individual Entrepreneur working in a Social Enterprise or Charity was awarded to

Lawrence Santangeli of Eldonian Group Ltd, Liverpool. The £20,000 first prize in the Best New Business category was won by Cooper’s Gourmet Sausage Rolls, from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, founded by Ivan Watkiss. Dogan Dogan, who established Hellofoto Booths in Walsall, won the Best Young Entrepreneur award and received a surprise prize from Chris Arnold, founder of Smaller Earth Group and World Merit – the chance to participate in the World Merit programme, which will provide 500 entrepreneurs from all over the world with life-changing opportunities.

Best Young Entrepreneur Dogan Dogan, Hellofoto Booths, Booths, Walsall (£10,000) Runners-up Liam Payne, LP Equestrian, Dudley (£2,500) Danielle Walton, Coco Hair, Wolverhampton (£2,500) Highly Commended Laura Green, Serendipity, Runcorn Anna Jenkins - Silky Bouquets, Liverpool Best Individual Entrepreneur working in a Social Enterprise or Charity Lawrence Santangeli, of Eldonian Group Ltd, Liverpool (£5,000) Runner-up Jacquie Johnston-Lynch, The Brink Café, Liverpool (£2,500) Kim March, Longmynd Adventure Camp, Church Stretton (£2,500) Highly Commended Dawn Roberts, Empowering Youth Foundation, Wrexham Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise Longmynd Adventure Camp in Church Stretton, Shropshire (£10,000) Runners-up: Harlech & Ardudwy Leisure, Harlech (£5,000) Diverse Road Safety, Liverpool (£5,000) Highly Commended: Can Cook, Liverpool Gourmet Meals, Kingswinford Small Charity or Social Enterprise making Best Social Contribution Knowsley Cancer Support Centre and Birkenhead-based Women’s Enterprising Breakthrough (£5,000 each) Runner-up: All Together NOW!, Liverpool (£2,500) Highly Commended Rural Community Services, Tarporley, Cheshire Power Pleas Trust, Wolverhampton Large Charity or Social Enterprise making Best Social Contribution The Brink Café, Liverpool (£10,000) Runners-up Multiple Sclerosis Support Centre, Saltney, Flintshire (£5,000) YKids, Bootle (£5,000) Highly Commended Active Community Enterprise, Prescot, Merseyside FRC Group, Liverpool Against All Odds Amy Garton-Hughes, Wallasey (£10,000) Highly Commended Rachel Cooper, BNR, Brierley Hill Jayne Fletcher, Signsong, Walsall Dave Kelly, Daisy Inclusive UK, Liverpool Hayley Wright, Romantic Eccentric Jewellery, Wolverhampton

www.morganfoundation.co.uk Tel. 01829 782800

GETTING ON . . .

All Together NOW!

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

For the past couple of years my friend and I have been very appreciative of the weekly lifts that an 80-year-old gentleman has given us to the supermarket. All of us have been in the habit of doing our shopping then having a coffee, and it has been very nice. However, over recent months, his driving seems to have deteriorated and there have been one or two close shaves. He has a habit of waiting indecisively at junctions and then abruptly driving out when an oncoming car is very near, much to the annoyance of the driver. When a big roundabout has to be negotiated we are holding our breath. He has quite a struggle reversing when his shoulder is bad, and he says himself that his eyes aren’t what they were. When he gets hoots and gestures from other drivers he becomes quite angry and drives even worse. It’s all become a nerve-wracking experience and we want out – but how can we tell him this when he has looked after us for so long?

I can well understand that you hesitate to puncture this gentleman’s pride when he has been so helpful, but he is obviously a danger on the road. If he has family I think you should tell them about the deterioration in his driving as they may not have noticed it if they drive their own cars. They may be able to persuade him to have his eyes and his responses checked and if he really shouldn’t be driving they may be glad of your support when they tell him he should be handing over his car keys. Just think how you would feel if he caused an accident? Giving up driving is inconvenient and a blow to one’s independence but, who knows, your friend might have a sense of relief that you have given him an escape hatch from a situation that was proving too much for him. You all seem to have enjoyed your shopping mornings so keep things going. The three of you could share a taxi to the supermarket and back –

December/January 2013

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Life is fragile, handle with care . . .

This B&B’s not my idea of a holiday! FOR MANY years I have been treated by the NHS for IBS and am now under a B and B consultant, which has nothing to do with holidays because IBS is irritable bowel syndrome and B and B is bowels and bladder. IBS is a condition that swings from diarrhoea to constipation and can develop into colitis as in my case. This brings a constant feeling that you need a toilet but just can’t go – except once in a while. Any misjudgement can lead to disastrous and, sometimes, extremely embarrassing results. It is no respecter of persons. One sufferer is Sir Steve Redgrave the Olympic rower – imagine being in a small boat under those circumstances! The first time IBS occurs can be quite frightening, because we just don’t talk about such matters enough. In our case, we had also been warned by a kindly neighbour that this was “how things began” with his wife. He is a widower.

by WALTER HUNTLEY

My GP told me that 75% of people over 70 suffer from IBS. I might assume that he thought it would cheer me up to think I was in good company, but I suspect it was rather that he was annoyed at being called out for what he regarded as a minor ailment – which it is across the whole gambit of disability. But it is still a disability because it “grounds” its victims in their own homes. It can also be a symptom of something far more serious like the big C, as in my neighbour’s wife’s case. My treatment from my GP consists of two pills – Calofac M R and Docusate Sodium. I am taking two Calofac a day and, on alternate days, one Docusate and then two. As my consultant and GP both say: “You know your own body.” In other words every individual is different and it is up to you to

work out what combination brings you the best results. Calofac is taken to calm the bowels and Docusate helps thin the stools. Old age brings many such minor disabilities. Do you suffer from IBS? If so, what has been your experience and have you any tips for others? Do you have any other experiences due to the passing years that you would like to share with other olduns? If so, here’s the place to swap information. Now Christmas is almost here – and am I going to enjoy it? You bet your life I am! The family will be here. It won’t be quite like the old days because they’re all grown up now and scattered. But we’ll all be together again – seven of us – and we’ll play the old games just like we used to do with me joining in from a chair and I’ll have a wee dram. Not as many as times past, and consumed more slowly, but each one enjoyed all the more for being so. Life can still be good at 92!

Take steps now

ERE’s some sobering news for the New Year . . . scientists reckon by 2018, seven million older people in the UK will not be able to walk up a single flight of stairs without rest!

So, how will you be celebrating your twilight years? Will you be dancing the night away or will you be living with chronic illness because of the unhealthy lifestyle choices you made in your youth? While we can’t do anything about growing old, we can do things to reduce our chances of developing heart disease. Keeping control of our weight and waistline, cutting down on alcohol, fat and salt, stopping smoking and taking regular

The price of living longer THE average UK pensioner household faces a £111,400 tax bill in retirement. Increasing longevity means pensioners are living on average up to 19 years past the age of 65, new analysis from MetLife shows. Less well-off households proportionally pay out the most in direct and indirect tax – 42% of their gross household income. The top 10% of pensioner households, with gross income of £47,992, see 29% of their income going in direct and indirect tax.

exercise could all increase our chances of living a happier, longer life. Do what you enjoy and start small. Ten-minute bursts of activity are all we need to kick-

start our active lifestyle. Make your 10-minute sessions add up to 30 minutes a day at least five days per week to make a real difference to your heart health. Exercise can be anything that

makes your heart beat faster; short walks, a blitz of spring cleaning, playing on the Wi with the grandchildren or dancing. You may even want to polish your bicycle and take it for a spin around the block like the good old days. Golf can be a great benefit to your health in later years and can add some serious foot mileage into your week. You may find other benefits of regular golf, too, such as a reduced waist size, weight loss and improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Gardening also offers many opportunities for exercise. A vegetable patch creation could mean your arteries get a regular antioxidant boost, courtesy of all that home-grown produce, at a fraction of the cost at the shops. So dig away those weeds and replace them with an array of flowers and fruit to help burn away excess calories and trim your waistline. After all that activity you deserve a good rest. Relaxation is essential for heart health and your busy lifestyle will aid a good night’s sleep. So add years to your life and life to your golden years with recreation that is fun and heart healthy and enjoy an old age filled with good health and vitality.

SENIOR MOMENTS . . . with FRANK HARRIS

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2013

All Together NOW!

Dreaming of a wet Christmas? Get r e t n i W Wise

Act now to beat the bursts! As temperatures plunge and the nights draw in, United Utilities is making final preparations to beat the bursts this winter - and is urging homeowners to do the same. Christmas is such a busy time, but in-between all the rushing about, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a few simple things you can do to make sure your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready for winter. As the weather turns cold it makes sense to reach for your woolly jumpers, hats and coats - and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also important not to forget about your pipes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really easy to make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re prepared for winter to avoid problems like frozen pipes and flooded homes when they thaw and burst.

Rose Francis from United Utilities said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every year thousands of people get caught out and fall victim to the misery of frozen and burst pipes. Not only can this be expensive to fix, but it can mean you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any water until the pipe has been repaired. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The good news is that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cost a lot to lag pipes, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the best ways to protect pipes during a cold spell.â&#x20AC;?

Here are some simple tips to beat bursts this winter: q -BH ZPVS QJQFT TP UIFZ BSF NVDI MFTT MJLFMZ UP GSFF[F 1BZ QBSUJDVMBS attention to pipes located in draughty places such as lofts and garages q ,FFQ ZPVS IFBUJOH PO MPX XIFO UIFSFnT B GSPTU q 'JOE BOE MBCFM ZPVS TUPQ UBQ TP ZPV LOPX XIFSF UP UVSO UIF XBUFS off if you get a burst q .BLF TVSF ZPV LOPX UIF OVNCFS PG B HPPE QMVNCFS UP DBMM TIPVME the worst happen. If you have access to the internet you can find full details about getting winterwise by visiting www.unitedutilities.com /winterwise

Need a little ExtraCare? We offer a range of free services to help customers who: q BSF PMEFS q IBWF B EJTBCJMJUZ q IBWF B TFSJPVT JMMOFTT q IBWF TJHIU IFBSJOH PS MFBSOJOH EJGÄ DVMUJFT 0VS TFSWJDFT JODMVEF q QFSTPOBM OPUJÄ DBUJPO PG XBUFS TIVU PGGT q MBSHF QSJOU #SBJMMF BOE UBMLJOH CJMMT 8F BMTP PGGFS B GSFF QBTTXPSE TDIFNF GPS BMM PVS DVTUPNFST

To register please visit unitedutilities.com/extracare or call 0845 746 1100 *G ZPV IBWF TQFFDI PS IFBSJOH EJGÄ DVMUJFT BOE VTF B UFYUQIPOF QMFBTF EJBM GPMMPXFE CZ UIF OVNCFS ZPV SFRVJSF

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December/January 2013

The amplicomms NL100 NeckL NL200 is £69.99 Visit: www.O2

Escape hatched NEW ways to evacuate disabled people from public buildings are being introduced by Wirral Council. Cllr Chris Meaden, the council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Leisure, said: “Over the last 16 years, Wirral council has spent around £10 million making its buildings easier for disabled people to use. “It’s fantastic that more disabled people are using our leisure centres, but we have to ensure that if an emergency happens, we have the capacity to get people out safely and quickly.” Cllr Anne McArdle, the council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “Most existing techniques rely on specialist equipment, such as evacuation chairs. “One of the reasons this programme is different, and so effective, is that it doesn’t rely on either of these being available. The evacuation is designed around what the disabled individual is able to do for themselves and what assistance they will require.” There are plans to roll out the new system to other public bodies across the country. n Contact Ged Smyth on

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Inventors tackle life’s annoying little problems

INVENTORS are being invited to come up with new solutions to everyday problems. And it’s older and disabled people whose lives will benefit from the results of the “If Only” competition. The contest challenges designers of all levels to create practical product design solutions to the sort of problems people experience around the home while going about their everyday lives. Bath Research & Development – part of the city’s university – asked older people and those with disabilities to make videos showing some of the challenges they encounter. Designers who want to enter the competition can view the videos on the If Only website to help them develop an original and unique product that could be used to solve any of the issues shown. Sarah Rook, from the University’s department for health, said: “This competition focuses on the challenges faced by older and disabled people, but we encourage applicants to allow for the widest possible range of ability when considering their product.

End this shame

paralysed by a spinal cord injury and told that they will never walk again – 20% of these people will be discharged from hospital in to a care home, regardless of their age, because there is And living in wholly unsuitable no housing in the community that meets circumstances has a devastating their new needs. impact on them. One participant in the report said: Lives are put at risk by unsuitable care “Staff tried transferring me with a and facilities, and by suicidal feelings 0151 691 8217 or email slideboard, but they didn’t do it properly. due to a poor quality of life. gerardsmyth@wirral.gov.uk Bang. I ended on the floor, my arm Spinal injuries charity Aspire broken. They mean well often, but they don’t know how to look after people with a spinal injury. High Quality Mobility Products at Affordable Prices “And this is just the half of it. I’ve even been given wrong High Quality Mobility Products at Affordable PricesSupporting: medication. I could have died.” Equipment Sales (New and Used) Supporting: People also reported that WalkingEquipment Stick MOTSales Service (New and Used) care home staff were regularly Continence Products Walking Stick MOT Service not able to help them out of Continence Products bed until midday. In some Additional services also available: cases people were left in bed services also available: BatteryAdditional Testing Service all day. Registered Company Ltd No: 07491504 Battery Testing Service Registered Company Ltd No: 4726639 Mobility Workshop & Service Centre Brian Carlin, chief executive VAT No: 104 8436 30 Registered Charity No: 1113597 Registered Company Ltd No: 07491504 Registered Company Ltd No: 4726639 Mobility Workshop & Service Centre of Aspire, said: “All too often, VAT No: 104 8436 30 Registered Charity No: 1113597 people with spinal cord injury find themselves discharged to & somewhere totally unsuitable. www.disabilitytradingcompany.co.uk & www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk Care homes are often the very www.disabilitytradingcompany.co.uk www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk worst option for someone recovering from a traumatic spinal injury. “We are still celebrating the fantastic success of GB’s Paralympians. How many of them would have had the opportunity to compete if they’d spent months or years confined to a room in a care home? Thousands of people are being robbed of the ability to ervices available in Warrington at the Centre for Independent Living, Warrington Market, Golden Square & Shopmobility get on with their lives. It’s vitally Services available in Warrington at the Centre for Independent Living, Warrington Market, Golden Square & Shopmobility nd new service fromavailable the Liverpool Disabled Living Centre fromCentre 2nd April. important that public policy be andavailable new service from the Liverpool Disabled Living from 2nd April. reviewed on this issue.”

PINE injury victims are being shut away in care homes for years, a shock new report reveals.

commissioned new research with Loughborough University to examine the effect of the common practice of forcing people paralysed by spinal cord injury to live in care homes for the elderly. And the research has highlighted the risks to physical health such as pressure sores, infections and broken bones, while psychological risks include chronic depression and self harm. Every eight hours someone is

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“We are looking for a universal design which can be used by people with a wide range of functional and cognitive abilities. “It needs to be affordable and while it has to be functional, the design should also be unique and imaginative,” she added. The winning designer will be awarded £5,000, will maintain intellectual property rights over the design of the product, and will be entitled to a share of any royalties resulting from sales. Entries must include a visual representation of the design, which can be hand-drawn or created by computer software, and written documentation describing the design and how it will improve lives, within 500 words. n The competition deadline is January 14. It is open to anyone in the UK aged over 18. Applicants are asked to send their designs to the University of Bath, If Only Competition, 1 West, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, or submit them electronically to ifonly@bath.ac.uk

Little helpers HAVING someone around to change a light-bulb or do a bit of shopping could make all the difference to you keeping your independence. Now a flagship scheme has been launched in Cumbria to support those who need help with those small jobs. Cumbria County Council has earmarked £867,000 for grants to community groups over the next three years, starting in April.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2013

Flu jabs with a smile . . .

All Together NOW!

Cycling Santas saddle up for hospital kids

TAKING A BREATHER: The Liveability team in between activities at the Austin Rawlinson Centre, Speke

Liveability service set for Finland? LIVERPOOL Community Health’s multi awardwinning Liveability fitness service for older people received high praise from the head of Finland’s leading sports associations. Mr Jorma Savola, Secretary General of the Finnish Sport for All Association, said: “In Finland, we are facing a rapidly ageing population, so I was very interested to visit Liveability and to see how these issues are being effectively addressed in Liverpool.” He added: “It is clear that the Liveability service meets a real need among older people and makes a big difference to the health, fitness and wellbeing of all those who attend. It was very inspiring.” As the only NHS initiative of its type, the Liveability service provides instructorled exercise classes and gym sessions at the Lifestyles Austin Rawlinson Centre in Speke to increase strength, fitness and balance among over-50s, as well as providing home assessments to help reduce the risk of falls. Diane Singleton, Liveability Service Lead for Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust, said: “We were delighted to welcome Jorma Savola to see some of our Liveability classes in action and to talk to some of our regular service users, staff members and community volunteers, in order to understand a bit more about what we do, and why.”

LCH’s Cycle for Health initiative is organising a Christmas bike ride to support Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Organised in partnership with Liverpool Football Club, Merseyside Police and Breckfield North Everton Neighbourhood Council, the event takes place on Sunday December 16 and will see hundreds of cyclists biking a several mile route from the Liver Buildings to Alder Hey, dressed in full Santa suits. Once the cycling Santas arrive at their destination, they will also be delivering Christmas presents to all of the children at Alder Hey. Rather than raising money for the event, potential Santas are asked to donate a wrapped gift for a child at Alder Hey, labelled for a boy or girl and with the appropriate age. Contact Gavin McLaughlin on 0151 285 4986.

FLU CAMPAIGN with a difference is encouraging staff at Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust to get a vaccination this winter. The humorous 1950s style campaign is based around a series of ‘spoof’ scenarios each featuring real Trust employees and Board members, accompanied by a comic caption about why they don’t want to have a flu jab. All of the Trust’s directors were photographed getting their flu jabs on the first morning of the campaign, and all of the Trust’s 3,500 staff are being urged to follow in their footsteps. Bernie Cuthel, chief executive of Liverpool Community Health, said: “Although our flu campaign is designed to make our staff and patients laugh this year, there’s also a much more serious message behind it, too. “We want to challenge some of the common excuses we hear for not having a flu vaccination and encourage as many people as possible to have a vaccination to help protect themselves, their colleagues, their family and friends from flu this winter.”

To find out more, visit . . .

www.liverpoolcommunityhealth.nhs.uk

All Together NOW!

MERSEYTRAVEL

December/January 2013

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

GOOD PLANNING: Pictured from left – Phil Halewood, Merseytravel head of integrated transport; John Horan, Merseytravel chair; Liam Robinson; Ged Brown; and Paulette Lappin, Merseytravel community partnerships manager

Journey Planner to take the toil out of travelling

Trip advisor! L

IFE’S going to get easier for anyone anxious about using public transport on Merseyside.

Merseytravel has announced new support for people who need a little help on the region’s trains and buses. They have launched the Journey Planner – designed to address all the key aspects of a journey. Developed in partnership with St Helens People’s Choice, Coalition for the Disabled and St Helens Council, the Journey Planner covers areas like identifying the bus or train number/destination in advance, and using familiar landmarks as reminders of where to get on and off.

Merseytravel has also funded travel training for members of the local community, helping them to access the network, and ‘Train the Trainer’ courses that provide specialist training to the voluntary sector that will enable them to offer advice to their clients. Merseytravel is also involved in a UK-wide first – the Walrus Community Card, which offers various transport alternatives to the present local authority door-to-door service. They are trialling the card, intended to replace or enhance the current arrangements, in cooperation with St Helens Council, the voluntary sector

and the local community. The Walrus card is a unique scheme allowing users and carers/guardians to plan their own journeys, offering them choice and independence to manage their own budgets and way of life. Speaking at the Journey Planner launch, Councillor Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel, said: “We hope it will help people who might usually find travelling on public transport quite daunting, to use the network more easily.” Councillor Marlene Quinn, Merseytravel vice-chair and St Helens councillor, added: “Getting about on public transport can

sometimes be difficult for people with learning difficulties or physical disabilities, so it’s great to see the work that this partnership has done in helping to make things easier.” Merseytravel’s Community Partnership team work extensively in the community, promoting access to public transport and making it easier for people with learning disabilities to travel independently. There are a number of free resources, including the nationally recognised ‘Here to there’ packs that help teachers in schools and colleges when preparing students to travel by public transport during Independence in the Community training.

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

Christmas service . . . MERSEYTRAVEL will be operating free bus services on Christmas Day, designed to help people visit their loved ones in hospital or spend time with their friends and family. Full timetable details will be available in early December from www.merseytravel.gov.uk or call Traveline 0871 200 22 33. Meantime, here’s a roundup of services that will operate on Christmas Day: Service 201X Queen Square Speke serving Royal & Women’s Service 10X Queen Square St Helens serving Royal & Whiston Service 12X Huyton - Queen Square serving Royal Service 20X Kirkby Liverpool One serving Fazakerley & Royal Service 44X Formby Crossens serving Southport Hospital Service 62X Lower Lane Crosby serving Fazakerley Hospital Service 102X Walton Hospital - Broadgreen Hospital serving Broadgreen, Alder Hey & Fazakerley Service 110X New Brighton Clatterbride serving Clatterbridge Service 118X New Brighton Mill Park serving Arrowe Park Service 194X/195X St Helens Circular serving Whiston& St Helens

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December/January 2013

All Together NOW!

Lessons to be won!

Pupilsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; chance to drive . . .

UNDREDS of disabled pupils aged from just 11 to 17 are learning to drive adapted cars, thanks to the brilliant nationwide Young Driver safety scheme. More than 57,000 lessons have already been given to young people, including those with

disabilities such as autism, Aspergerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Syndrome, profound deafness and visual impairment. And now THREE young disabled readers of All Together NOW! can WIN a course of lessons in our new super MOTORZONE competition. (Turn to Pages 16-17)

YOUNG DRIVERS: Are you ready to get behind the wheel?

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December/January 2013

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Check those tyres!

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WINTER’S arrived and roads are slippery so make to check your tyres. “Cold and damp conditions mean roads can easily become slippery and dangerous so it’s essential that your tyres are in the best possible state to cope with this,” said Stuart Jackson, chairman of the safety organisation, TyreSafe. Pressures should be checked to ensure they are inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended levels. The condition of tyres should be inspected to ensure they are free from cuts, lumps or bulges. Tread depth should be checked to ensure it is well above the legal minimum of 1.6mm around the entire circumference of the tyre. Drivers found to be driving on illegal tyres face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points on their licence for each illegal tyre. www.tyresafe.org

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E’VE teamed Young Driver organisation t disabled pupils – aged 11 to 17 – the chance winning a series of dr lessons. The lessons, run by Government-approved d instructors, take place a road centres across the including venues at Ben Crewe and Manchester Centre and Lancashire The centres offer a rea environment, using traff roundabouts and parkin The cars are all autom have been fitted with ha controls, courtesy of Au Research has shown t driving experience when teens, means that they involved in road traffic a behind the wheel of a c TV presenter Sophie M

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December/January 2013

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Pupils’ chance to WIN a series of driving driving at 15 offe country – lessons! ntley Motors,

up with th safety to offer d from of riving

r’s Trafford Cricket Club. alistic driving fic signs, junctions, ng zones. matic SEAT Ibizas, which and controls and dual utoadapt. that giving youngsters n they are in their mid are less likely to be accidents when they get car at 17. Morgan, 26, was

paralysed in a car accident at the age of 18. She said: “Having had a road accident shortly after passing my driving test, which left me paralysed for life, I wholeheartedly encourage any initiative aiming to help young drivers be better prepared for the road and, accordingly, lower the chance of accidents. “I also support and actively encourage the enabling of other young disabled people to drive. “The independence and empowerment of having a driving licence cannot be underestimated.” Kim Stanton, marketing director at Young Driver, said: “There is overwhelming evidence that early driving experience cuts accidents among young drivers by 40%, and it is great fun for youngsters. “Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors SEAT and Admiral – we are not only the first young driver programme with a network of nationwide venues but, now, the first to accommodate wheelchair users.”

Three prizes up for grabs WE HAVE three prizes on offer for young people aged 11-17. 1st prize: Eight 30 minute lessons 2nd prize: Five 30 minute lessons 3rd prize: Two 30 minute lessons All you have to do to be entered in the draw is answer

this question: What type of cars are used on the Young Driver programme? Send your entries on the back of a postcard to Young Driver Competition, All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. Please tell us the nature of your disability and include your

telephone number and email address. Please also tell us what you think of All Together NOW! You can also enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk Parents can also enter on behalf of their children. Closing date for all entries is Friday January 25.

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December/January 2013

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

TAKE ME HOME!

Teens’ top tips H

UNDREDS of young people with disabilities and learning difficulties picked up some valuable advice to help them plan their future.

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Wirral’s fifth annual ‘Your Future Your Choice’ event gave students information on further education, training, employment, health, housing, adult services, and benefits. Activities ranged from mini construction projects and mechanics to cake-making, health and beauty demonstrations, and dance sessions. Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral, Cllr Dave Mitchell and Mrs Sue Mitchell, attended the event at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion along with Wirral Council leader, Cllr Phil Davies. Cllr Davies said: “The ‘Your Future Your Choice’ event is a superb example of different agencies working together for the benefit of our local young people. “There was lots of information and advice available for young people, carers and parents that will assist them in making the right choices for the future. “Opportunities are there but often you need help and advice on knowing where to look.” n Young people with learning difficulties and disabilities are twice as likely to drop out of education or become unemployed after school.

YOUR CHOICE: Kay Geary, who works at Wirral Youth Theatre, with Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral Cllr Dave Mitchell and Mrs Sue Mitchell

Young to get job coaches M MID CHESHIRE IS A FULLY INCLUSIVE COLLEGE

Don’t miss out Come along to our Advice and Guidance Evenings Thursdays December 6th or January 10th or 24th 7.00 – 8.00pm at Hartford Campus, Northwich

ID CHESHIRE College is pioneering a pilot project aimed at helping thousands of young people with educational needs to get into long-term paid work.

Supported Internships are being trialled at colleges for young people aged between 16 and 25 who have complex learning difficulties or disabilities. If successful the Government programme – being tried out at 14 colleges across England – could be adopted by all further education colleges from September 2013. Principal John Reilly said: “We are really pleased to be involved in one of the small number of Supported Internship pilots being trialled

across England. “We hope to build on our track record of delivering high-quality programmes for people with disabilities by helping up to 15 young people to successfully secure jobs within their communities.” Supported Internships provide a structured study programme within further education. Each programme will be individually tailored to the needs of the young person, and students will be equipped with the skills they need for the workplace. “Giving these young people experience of work allows them to boost their confidence and empowers them to become more independent,” Mr Reilly added. Many local retailers,

supermarkets, garages and garden centres are supporting the scheme. Course tutor Zena Eaton said: “Students come to the college one day each week and gain an award in skills for employment and a functional skill in either English, maths or ICT. “The remainder of the time will be spent within the workplace on an internship, matching the skills the student is learning in the college. “The student will have a job coach who will stay with them for the duration of their internship, which will lead to a paid job at the end of the year within the company.” n Contact Zena Eaton on 01606 720715 or 720642 or email zeaton@midchesh.ac.uk

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December/January 2013

Breaking through the job barriers

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

REAKTHROUGH UK, the North West body helping hundreds of disabled people to be more independent, is celebrating 10 years of its Liverpool office.

Over the past decade, the employment and training organisation has helped 229 disabled adults find full-time paid work and 276 people to secure voluntarybased placements. They have also worked with 464 disabled people to find training or educational opportunities. Acting chief executive Michele Scattergood said: “This is a landmark anniversary for our Liverpool team which provides an outstanding service to disabled adults across Merseyside. “The team is achieving some superb results in promoting employment in the face of some the toughest economic conditions ever experienced. “But their enthusiasm and knowledge of Merseyside is ensuring that disabled people across that region can make their own decisions about how they live their lives.” Since April, the Liverpool office has already assisted eight disabled adults into full-time employment – while also enabling 32 people to find voluntary placements and a further 34 find job-related training. A celebration event in Liverpool HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: Stephen Twigg MP with was attended by Shadow Education Michele Scattergood, from Breakthrough UK Secretary Stephen Twigg, MP for Liverpool West Derby, and were presented with certificates at the event. Liverpool’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Thesy included: Wilkinson’s, the FRC Group, Gary Millar. FareShare Merseyside, Liverpool Quakers, Mr Twigg said: “Disabled people face Broadgreen Hospital WRVS, Liverpool barriers to employment and independence on Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, and Scope. a daily basis. The work of Breakthrough UK’s During the event, Mr Twigg also presented Liverpool team is proving an invaluable way of Breakthrough UK with both the Silver Award overcoming this and their work is making a and the Health and Wellbeing Award from real difference where it matters the most. Investors in People. “We now need more employers to commit Breakthrough UK also has offices in themselves to delivering change by assisting Manchester. disabled people to overcome the obstacles n Liverpool: they face in the workplace on a daily basis.” Tel. 0151 236 1030, Some of the Merseyside-based employers text 0161 273 5727. who have worked with Breakthrough UK’s Manchester: TAKE ME HOME! team to provide both full-time employment Tel. 0161 273 5412, and work placements over the past decade text 0161 273 5727

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LETTERS A plea to all bus drivers

FOR those with sight loss, buses are often the only affordable way to travel independently. However, the difficulties blind and partially sighted people face in making journeys that other people often take for granted, are unacceptable and often unnecessary. To help overcome problems such as trying to flag down, board and get off buses, we want operators to remember one simple principle: Stop for me, Speak to me. Nine in 10 blind and partially sighted people cannot see to hail the bus they want and eight in 10 miss their bus because it doesn’t stop. The Royal National Institute of Blind People’s bus campaign wants bus operators to change their policy and get drivers to stop for blind and partially sighted customers. We’re also calling for bus operators to ensure their drivers tell blind and partially sighted passengers the bus number and when to get off. It’s vital for bus drivers to speak to passengers with sight loss so they can plan their journey. Join our campaign. If you think blind or partially sighted people shouldn’t be left behind at bus stops visit www.rnib.org.uk/bus Hugh Huddy, RNIB’s Campaigns Officer for Inclusive Society, 105 Judd Street, Kings Cross, London

Why I love this paper I THOROUGHLY enjoy reading my All Together NOW! It has a nicely balanced mix of editorials, useful advertisements and news updates, plus a few leisure time pursuits like the puzzles! Thank you for all your hard work in bringing out each issue just for me! (That's what it feels like – personalised!) — Mrs Karen McDonald, Bulford Avenue, Woodhouse Park, Manchester

My wonderful e-reader I HAVE just discovered how life changing e-readers have been for me – and I think they could be for other people, too. I was told by a doctor that because I was reading less it could be a sign that I was depressed. But once I brought an e-reader I realised that this was not the case, I just hadn’t had the equipment to read in an accessible and much less pain free way. I no longer have difficulty holding a book and turning the pages. I can make the print and the spaces between the lines larger. After being unable to read for 20 years, my friend’s mum, who is in her 80s and partially sighted, has also rediscovered the joys of reading. I love All Together NOW! I appreciate the news, but also appreciate the fact that it’s not all doom and gloom. It’s quite a scary time to be a disabled person at the moment, and I think you have the balance right. Bev Higgins (by email)

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

December/January 2013

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OPINION

Dementia Friends can make such a difference IN ENGLAND around 650,000 people have dementia with about 62% of these having Alzhiemer’s Disease. Dementia mostly affects older people, and those aged over 84 have a one-in-six chance of developing the disease. Around 2% of people with dementia develop it before the age of 65. What people with dementia need is

understanding and support and a new scheme announced by the Government and Alzhiemer’s Society should go a long way to meeting that need. They are seeking to recruit one million volunteers over the next three years to be Dementia Friends. Each Dementia Friend will receive free awareness training and be given the know-

how to help people affected by dementia feel understood and included in their communities. This understanding across society could lead to a massive improvement in the lives of people with dementia and is an initiative well worth supporting. Alzheimer’s Society helpline 0300 222 11 22 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk

Unhappy New Year? A

NEW Year beckons. It’s out with the old, in with the new as we all hope and pray for things to get better. But I wonder how many disabled people will have their hopes shattered over the next few months when the biggest shake-up of a much-valued disability benefit starts to take effect. From spring onwards disabled people who are under the age of 65 and in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will start getting letters from the Department of Works and Pensions informing them that DLA is to be replaced by the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This will also affect people who have previously been told they have DLA for life. People over 65 on April 1, 2013 will not be affected. So, if you’ve been getting DLA you will have to apply for PIP. Failure to do so will result in DLA being cancelled and no replacement benefit given. The Government wants to reduce the amount of money spent on disability benefits and the introduction of PIP is intended to reduce the number of people entitled to it.

‘So many face having hopes shattered over the next few months’

SOUNDING OFF! with Sir Bert Massie

Qualifying criteria will be harsher than for DLA and some people currently in receipt of DLA will not quality for the new allowance. If you fail to qualify for the enhanced rate for mobility and currently have a car from Motability then you will have to OR MANY years return the car, although Motability disability organisations is currently considering ways in have campaigned to which people can be helped with ensure that all new homes the transition. are designed to be Unlike DLA, people will need to accessible to disabled undergo an assessment to people. qualify for PIP. The assessment The concept of Lifetime will be undertaken by Atos, the Homes was developed and same company that has received required all new houses to significant criticism for its contain basic access assessments of whether disabled features such as no step at people are able to work. the front door and light However, an inaccurate switches and sockets at assessment will cause huge heights people could easily difficulties for users of the reach. Motability Scheme as once the These standards were benefit is withdrawn so too is below that normally regarded their entitlement to a Motability as housing suitable for vehicle. wheelchair users, but they There will, of course, be an did ensure that a wheelchair appeal mechanism and the DWP user could at least get into plans to ensure that their own the house. staff review Atos decisions. Unfortunately, shortly after But the worry is that an its election the Government expected avalanch of appeals weakened these regulations could result in long delays. And and it is now for local will mean even more suffering for councils to decide on what thousands of disabled people basis they grant planning and their families.

Backward step for homes F permission to housing developers. In the North West one local authority granted planning permission for a development – provided the houses were built to Lifetime Homes standards. But when the homes were built and quickly sold, it was discovered that there was a step at the front door of every house!

Lost opportunity It is, of course, impractical to require the houses to be demolished and rebuilt so it seems the local authority will have little choice but to offer retrospective planning permission. While the builders scurry away, rubbing their coins in their pockets, the rest of us can but regret an opportunity lost to build for the future. Unfortunately, Government policy is beginning to favour the builders.

In the belief that it is only regulations, such as those requiring access to disabled people, that are holding back the building industry, the Government has announced a review of building rules. That could result in the requirement for new buildings to be designed to meet the needs of disabled people being scrapped or weakened. It must be hoped that they will think through carefully the consequences of such a policy. There is little point urging disabled people to get jobs if they cannot get into buildings where the jobs are based. Accessible buildings are not just better for disabled people but are better for everybody. Important as the building industry is to the country’s economy, buildings are for people and must be designed with all our needs in mind.

450,000 readers . . . and GROWING FAST . . .

Get the jab – get flu safe!

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HE FLU jab is the best way to protect yourself from flu – but last winter almost half the population deemed to be at most risk DIDN’T get the jab.

The NHS in Liverpool is urging more people with a health condition, such as severe asthma, diabetes or a chest or heart complaint, to get flu safe with a free jab. Dr Fiona Lemmens, urgent care lead for Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “People with health conditions are used to managing their health and taking precautions. However, many do not understand the risk flu poses to them. “Flu can knock even the healthiest people off their feet for a couple of weeks, but getting flu when you already have a health condition can lead to serious complications. It can even be a killer. “Unlike other medication for long-term health conditions, the flu jab is an annual one-off vaccine. “The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had a jab last winter you need another one this year to stay flu safe. “Please don’t underestimate flu – make an appointment with your local GP surgery and get your jab now to protect yourself all winter long. It’s completely safe and doesn’t carry the live flu virus so it can’t give you flu.” Dr Lemmens added: “Getting flu when you already have a health condition can be devastating to both your health and your family life. “Unlike people with no underlying health condition who can treat themselves at home, often people suffering from flu with a long-term condition will need transporting into hospital for treatment. “Not only is that upsetting for themselves and their loved ones, but it’s impossible for them to work or look after children when they’re being treated in hospital. “I urge anyone with a health condition to get the jab to help them stay out of hospital, and have a happy, healthy winter.” n Simply contact your GP to arrange a convenient appointment and get your jab. It’s quick, safe and free for those with a health condition.

December/January 2013

All Together NOW!

‘Have a happy, healthy winter . . . ’

FLU JABS are so vital for people with health conditions, says Dr Fiona Lemmens

FREE flu vaccinations are currently offered to the following ‘at risk’ groups: n People aged 65 or over (including those becoming 65 by March 31, 2013). n All pregnant women (including those women who become pregnant during the flu season). n People with a serious medical condition such as: n Chronic (long-term) respiratory

disease, such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis. n Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure. n Chronic kidney disease at stage 3, 4 or 5. n Chronic liver disease. n Chronic neurological disease, such as Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease. n Diabetes. n A weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or

treatment (such as cancer treatment). n People living in long stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities where rapid spread is likely to follow introduction of infection and cause high morbidity and mortality. This does not include, for instance, prisons, young offender institutions, or university halls of residence. n People who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.

We’re here to help – 24/7 GP Out of Hours Service is there just for YOU!

ANY WINTER ailments, like colds, coughs and flu, can be effectively treated by your pharmacist, saving an unnecessary trip to the GP in the busy winter months.

Most pharmacists now have extended opening hours and patients can be seen without any appointment or waiting time – with private consultation rooms for those requiring more privacy. Similarly, minor injuries can be treated at walk-in centres or the NHS Treatment Centre in South Liverpool. But if you do require medical attention then the next port of call should be your GP – you can access medical care from a GP 24 hours a day.

EXPERT ADVICE: Pharmacists can provide so much help DR JIM CUTHBERT

Local GP practices are generally open 8am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, but if the condition cannot wait until the surgery is open, then the Out of Hours Service is there to help. The service can be accessed, simply by calling your local practice number – you will be diverted straight through, or there will be details available on the answer machine on how to contact the service. Liverpool GP Dr Jim Cuthbert is Urgent Care lead for Liverpool CCG, the NHS organisation that will be responsible for commissioning community and hospital services from April.

He says: “The Out of Hours Service is run by local GPs, most of whom work in practices across Liverpool. “Although they may not be your regular GP, in the majority of cases, following patient consent, they can access a summary of your medical records and be aware of your main medical history. “The GP Out of Hours Service is one of top-rated services in the country and can provide advice over the phone and face to face appointments. We want to make it clear to patients across Liverpool that local GPs are accessible 24 hours a day – even out of hours and on Christmas Day. “So don’t be worried about calling the Service. It is there if you need it.”

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December/January 2013

Big new Alzheimer’s study

lot has been said about the legacy of this year’s Olympics and Paralympics in terms of economic and environmental regeneration, increasing uptake of sports and the overall feel good factor the games had on the nation. My two young granddaughters, who live in London, spent a week at the Paralympics and the two things that stuck in their minds was the incredible individual achievement of competitors and the way athletes connected with the crowd. It’s no coincidence that being active through exercise and connecting with people around you are two of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, which are fundamental to how mental health services like my own can build wellbeing principles into what it does. Evidence suggests that a small improvement in wellbeing can help to diminish some mental health problems and also help people flourish. As for my grandchildren, the Paralympics’ experience certainly boosted their confidence. In terms of a wider outlook, Andy Reed, chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, acknowledged the importance of a good experience when disabled people take up sport because they may lack confidence and self-belief at first. The same holds for people with mental

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HALTING the onset of Alzheimer’s disease is the aim of a major new two-year trial.

Beatrice Fraenkel chair, Mersey Care NHS health problems needing encouragement and support. I am delighted to see organisations like my own take a holistic view and support inpatient and community-based activities such as keep-fit, dance, cycling, walking groups, football and more. A new Everton in The Community joint Mersey Care pilot exercise programme for the over-40s called “Healthy Blues” is already bringing good feedback from service users about how they feel it has boosted confidence and forged new friendships. If we can take just a few learning points from the glories of the Olympics and Paralympics it would be my wish that confidence and self-esteem rank high among those honours.

The ground-breaking study signals a move away from treating the symtoms of Alzheimer’s to stopping the symptoms occurring in the first place. With a long list of failed attempts at finding a cure for Alzheimer’s, much interest is now being placed on preventive measures for this memory-robbing condition affecting 19 million people worldwide. There have been only three drug approvals for Alzheimer’s in over 100 attempts since 1998 and there remains an enormous unmet need in the treatment of the disease as the

medication currently on the market provides only a moderate improvement in a patient’s functionality. If successful, the research at Washington University School of Medicine could lead to a big breakthrough in the approach to treatment. But experts are warning that there are significant obstacles to be overcome if the study is not to result in simply another false dawn for Alzheimer’s treatment. The landmark Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network (DIAN) study involves a head-to-head comparison of various Alzheimer’s drug candidates on 160 individuals with inherited gene mutations that typically lead to early disease onset.

Veg it up! S

PROUT haters take note – those little green vegetables may save your life. Eating cruciferous vegetables at least once a week could cut the risk of developing mouth cancer, according to a review study. Mouth cancer campaigners the British Dental Health Foundation believe the study is further evidence of the link between the disease and poor diet. Cruciferous vegetables are from the vegetable family Brassicaceae and include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, sprouts, watercress and radish. The research revealed that compared to men and women who ate no cruciferous vegetables, those who ate their greens at least once a week cut their risk of mouth cancer by almost a fifth (17%). And the benefits of cruciferous vegetables didn’t stop there. Results also showed the vegetables cut the risk of oesophageal cancer by more than a quarter (28%), colorectal and breast cancer by almost a fifth (17%) and kidney cancer by almost a third (32%). Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: “Around a third of all cases of oral cancer are thought to be linked to an unhealthy diet. “There is also increasing evidence that suggests HOLLYOAKS stars Nick Pickard (pictured) and Omega 3, found in fish and Tamaryn Payne were joined by more than 135 charity eggs, can help lower risks of fundraisers in the annual Big Drop abseil from the top oral cancer, as can foods high of Royal Liverpool Hospital. in fibre. But it was pensioner Patricia Crane who stole the “The number of people show! being diagnosed with mouth, Patricia was celebrating her 80th birthday in throat and food pipe cancer is dramatic style – complete in her SpiderNan costume – continually rising. and raised £1,200 for the Linda McCartney Breast “Researchers believe this is Cancer Centre in the process. due to excessive smoking, Patricia’s heroics came as no surprise to her drinking and an unhealthy diet granddaughter Kate Moran. among the young, while new She said: “She is a very young 80-year-old and just research shows a dramatic saw it as a bit of fun. rise in oral cancer as a result “The name SpiderNan just seemed appropriate!” of the human papilloma virus and oral sex.”

SpiderNAN to the rescue

The perfect tonic - these pages

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December/January 2013

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One heck of a trek.. A TEAM of trekkers completed a tough five-day expedition through Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest to raise funds for Liverpool’s Marie Curie Hospice. Volunteers are now being sought for the next Hospice Trek, to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, in June 2014. n To receive a brochure for the trek, call 0151 801 1412.

Loving touch

Hand in hand – thanks to dad Mike’s bionic limb

HEN Mike Swainger woke up, aged 13, in a hospital bed in 1992, it

was to be told he had lost a leg and a hand after being hit by a train. The horrifying acccident had happened the day before while he and friends played on a railway line in Hull. Almost exactly 20 years later Mike has become the first person to be fitted with a bionic hand on the NHS. Mike has been talking at the official launch of bebionic3, the next generation of leading-edge, multiarticulating, myo-electric hand, which has revolutionised his life. The innovative hand – made by RSLSteeper, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of prosthetics – is a significant improvement on the existing bebionic, with a revolutionary new design, and advanced new materials that make it more durable, while also improving the grip, strength and accuracy. Mike said: “Having a bebionic hand is a complete life-changer. I’ve tried many new sports and got used to performing the everyday tasks I never thought would be possible. “The best thing was when my youngest child, Jodie, held the bionic hand in the street without batting an eyelid,” he said. “My family are over the moon.” The prosthetic also features significant

spokesman for RSLSteeper suggested: “Individuals could approach their local centre and discuss the possibility with their rehabilitation team.” The cost of fitting the bebionic system privately would vary depending on the individual case, amputation level and components required, but is typically between £20,000 and £35,000. The spokesman added: “The cost includes the initial assessment of the patient, custom fabrication of the limb, training and occupational therapy services to ensure that the user can fully benefit from the wide range of functions the hand has to offer.” Paul Steeper, of RSLSteeper, said: “bebionic3 is the culmination of many years of development, and has the potential to revolutionise the lives of amputees across the world . “We have been able to make significant improvements to the design of what was already the world’s most advanced myo-electric hand, making it more precise, easier to programme and more robust. “The new hand has been designed to help amputees tackle real-life, everyday situations, and provides the perfect balance between advanced technology, functionality and aesthetics. bebionic3 features customisable grip speed, patterns and strength that can be wirelessly programmed and tailored to suit individual requirements. The original bebionic hand was launched at the Orthopadie Technik world congress in Germany, in 2010. With a lifelike appearance, and industry-leading functionality, bebionic hands are designed to offer amputees a lighter, quicker, more accurate and affordable alternative to other myo-electric hands. n For more information about bebionic, visit www.bebionic.com

‘A complete life-changer’

aesthetic improvements, smart electronics, and all-new software that enhances both the functionality and ease of use. Whether the NHS will fund bebionic hand for other amputees is as yet unknown but a

are read by 450,000 readers . . .

MEDICAL NOTES Cutting the risk of a terrifying attack THE facts make stark reading – asthma kills three people in the UK every day, and someone is admitted to hospital with a potentially fatal asthma attack every seven minutes. Yet asthma attacks and hospital admissions can be prevented by spotting and treating early signs. Now stars including presenter, actor and author Stephen Fry and actress Barbara Windsor have backed the new online Triple A Test, aimed at reducing the risk of having a terrifying attack. Ex-Everton and now Sunderland footballer Louis Saha, who also did the test, said: “Football is a tough sport to be involved in for someone with asthma. “I’ve had to find a way to control my asthma because of the work I do. I have always behaved well with my medicine.” n To take the Triple A: Avoid Asthma Attacks Test, go to asthma.org.uk/TripleA n Asthma UK Adviceline, weekdays 9am5pm, 0800 121 62 44.

Why I love this paper I PICKED up my copy of All Together NOW! for the first time at Arrowe Park hospital and I could not believe how informative it is. There is something in it for everyone – it’s absolutely packed with information. I showed it to my grandson, who is fair skinned and does not use sun cream as much as he should, and he was shocked to read that skin cancer is the second most common cancer in young adults. That article did far more than I could to make him realise how important it is to protect his skin from the sun. A friend of mine has back problems so Richard Brennan’s book will be on my Christmas list. Another friend’s daughter is disabled and is looking for work. He was unaware about the Government’s Access to Work scheme. Thank you so much. — Mrs Linda Muat, Bridle Road, Bromborough, Wirral

Cannabis helps CANNABIS can help relieve muscle stiffness in multiple sclerosis patients, researchers say. Pills using cannabis extract also reduced pain and spasms, and improved sleep quality in people with MS, a new study found. The MS Trust study, carried out at 22 specialist centres across the UK, involved 279 people taking the cannabis-based pill or a placebo. The rate of relief from muscle stiffness after 12 weeks was almost twice as high with the TAKE ME HOME! cannabis extract than the placebo.

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December/January 2013

E! E HOM TAKE M

BOX OFFICE SENSATION!

Nov 16-Jan 12: Peter Pan. Bolton Octagon. Pantomime version of JM Barrie’s timeless story. AUDIO DESCRIBED, Jan 4 Nov 20-Jan 18: War Horse. Powerful and uplifting story of young Albert, his beloved horse Joey, and the unimaginable obstacles they overcome both individually and together. AUDIO DESCRIBED, Dec 7; CAPTIONED, Dec 11. Nov 23-Jan 12: A Nightmare on Lime Street. Liverpool Royal Court. New comedy musical starring David Gest. Nov 23-Jan 26: Dick Whittington: The Rock and Roll Panto. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Pantomime fun for the whole family, featuring 10 multitalented actor/musicians and over 20 hit songs. CAPTIONED, Jan12. Nov 30-Jan 5: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. The Lowry. Spectacular stage musical of Bing Crosby’s classic movie. CAPTIONED, Jan 2; AUDIO DESCRIBED, Jan 3. Nov 30-Jan 12: Arabian Nights. The Lowry. Adapted from the legendary folk tales, Dominic Cooke’s Arabian Nights promises a richly imaginative, enthralling and funny delight for Christmas that will keep both children and adults spellbound. CAPTIONED, Dec 7 & 22; AUDIO DESCRIBED, Dec12, 14, 28, Jan 8; BSL, Dec 12, 15, Jan 2, 8. Nov 30-Jan 19: Jack and the Beanstalk – The Rock and Roll Panto. Liverpool Playhouse. Music, mayhem and a sprinkling of water. Fun for all ages. BSL, January 8. RELAXED AUTISM PERFORMANCE, Jan 15; CAPTIONED, Jan 12; AUDIO DESCRIBED, Jan 17. Nov 30-Mar 31: The Lion King. Manchester Palace Theatre. Beloved family musical. Dec 6-31: Cinderella. Southport Floral Hall. Traditional panto starring ex-Atomic Kitten Natasha Hamilton. Dec 7-Jan 13: Cinderella. St Helens Royal Theatre. Panto with a starstudded cast. Dec 8-31: Peter Pan. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Swashbuckling pantomime adventure with top children’s TV star Barney Harwood. BSL, December 15, 2.15pm. AUDIO DESCRIBED, Dec 16. Dec 8-Jan 13: Peter Pan. Manchester Opera House. David Hasselhoff stars in the traditional pantomime. Dec 8-Jan 20: Jack and the Beanstalk. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Pantomime with an all-star cast. Dec 10-13: Desperate Scousewives II: A Christmas Cracker. Hysterical new show. Dec 11: Houghton Weavers. Southport Floral Hall. Comedy and folk group. Dec 13: Showaddywaddy. Llandudno Venue Cymru. ‘The greatest rock and roll band in the world’ back in action. Dec 13-Jan 5: Cinderella. Stoke Regent Theatre. Traditional

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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.

It’s panto time – oh yes it is! pantomime starring Jonathan Wilkes. Dec 14-Jan 5: Charlotte’s Web The Musical! Sale Waterside Arts Centre. Beloved kids’ book by EB White adapted as a musical. Dec 14-Jan 6: Cinderella. Liverpool Empire. Pantomime featuring Coleen Nolan, Liz McClaron, Pete Price and Pauline Daniels. AUDIO DESCRIBED, Dec19; BSL, Dec20. Dec 14-Jan 12: Sleeping Beauty. Rhyl Pavilion. Traditional pantomime starring Margi Clark of Coronation Street and Benidorm. Dec 14-Jan 13: Jack and the Beanstalk. Runcorn Brindley. Classic pantomime. Dec 16: The Christians. Liverpool Royal Court. Soulful, chart-topping band. Dec 22: Aloud at Christmas. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Men’s choir. Dec 22-Jan 5: Aladdin. Theatr Colwyn. Classic pantomime adapted by Stuart and Jayne Loughland. Dec 23: Houghton Weavers. St Helens Theatre Royal. Comedy and folk act.

Dec 27-Jan 5: Knick Knack and Doo Dad. The Lowry. New show. Fun for all the family. Jan 2-5: One Man, Two Guvnors. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Described by one reviewer as “the funniest show on the planet”, Richard Bean’s adaptation of The Servant Of Two Masters with songs by Grant Olding. CAPTIONED, Jan 4; AUDIO DESCRIBED, Jan 5. Jan 7: Nicholas Nickleby. Preston Charter Theatre. Dickens’s classic performed by his great great grandson... who plays every role in a stunning virtuoso performance. Jan 8-19: One Man, Two Guvnors. The Lowry. Described by one reviewer as “the funniest show on the planet”, Richard Bean’s adaptation of The Servant Of Two Masters, with songs by Grant Olding. AUDIO DESCRIBED, Jan 19. Jan 11-20: Jack and the Beanstalk. Sale Waterside Arts Centre. Traditional family pantomime. Jan 13: The Johnny Cash Story. The Lowry. Johnny Cash tribute.

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December/January 2013

All Together NOW!

Exhibition

MARKET FORCES: The Brindley cast of Jack and The Beanstalk at Widnes market TV SOAP fans are in for a special panto treat at The Brindley. Bruno Langley, who played Coronation Street’s first gay character, Todd Grimshaw, takes the title role in Jack and the Beanstalk. And joining him are ex-Brookside actresses Sarah White (Fairy Starlight) and Paula Bell (Queen Blunderbore). Since leaving Corrie, Bruno has appeared in Doctor Who with Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper, and in the feature film The League of Gentlemen’s Apocalypse.

Jan 14-19: Dolly Parton – 9 to 5: The Musical. Liverpool Empire. Comic story of friendship, gossip and revenge. Jan 15-17: Moscow City Ballet presents Swan Lake. Manchester Opera House. World’s best-known ballet with music by Tchaikovsky. Jan 17-Feb 16: Of Mice and Men. Bolton Octagon. Steinbeck’s own stage version of the classic novel. AUDIO DESCRIBED, Feb 7. Jan 18-19: Moscow City Ballet present Romeo and Juliet & Swan Lake. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Set to music by Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky. Jan 19: Signatures. The Lowry. Youth dance. Jan 19: The Circus of Horrors. Manchester Opera House. Featuring bizarre, weird and wonderful performers.

He said: “I studied drama in Cheshire and can’t wait to be back as Jack!” Camille Mesnart, from TV’s talent search Over The Rainbow, plays Jill. Born in France, Camille 24, moved to Merseyside to train at the Liverpool Theatre School. Liverpool actor Jamie Greer takes on the role of Dame Trott, while Joshua Mumby is ready to be at his nastiest best as Fleshcreep. The show runs from December 14 to January 13. Brindley box office, 0151 907 8360 or online at www.thebrindley.org.uk

Jan 20: The Wit Tank. The Lowry. New comedy act. Jan 20: The Circus of Horrors. Liverpool Empire. Featuring bizarre, unusual and unbelievable performers. Jan 23: The Tempest. The Lowry. Shakespeare’s classic re-written for children. Jan 24: An evening with...Cowboy Junkies. Sale Waterside Arts Centre. Melancholic mix of blues, country, folk and rock. Jan 24-26: Maurice’s Jubilee. Manchester Opera House. Smash hit from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Jan 24-27: The Moscow State Circus. The Lowry. New show featuring Russia’s greatest and most talented circus performers. Jan 24-Feb 2: High Society. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Cole Porter’s feel-good musical. Jan 26-27: U:Dance. The Lowry. Exciting and diverse

dance performance, celebrating some of the finest youth dance companies across the region. Jan 27: The Drifters. Liverpool Empire. Featuring their classic hits and some new material. Jan 29-30: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. The Lowry. All male ballet. Jan 29-Feb 2: Goodnight, Mister Tom. Manchester Opera House. Beloved drama set during World War II. Jan 30-Feb 2: Fetish Knights. The Lowry. Smash-hit comedy. Jan 30-Feb 2: The Ladykillers. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Celebrated Ealing black comedy. Jan 31: Lee Hurst. Runcorn Brindley. Standup comedy. Jan 31: Brendan Cole. The Lowry. Extravagant ballroom dancing.

readers – Call us NOW! . . .

Medics on the frontline

Saving Lives: Frontline Medicine in a Century of Conflict (Imperial War Museum, Manchester - until Sept 2013)

TOLD through the words and objects of people who have faced extraordinary situations, this FREE exhibition is IWM’s first to look at war and medicine and explores what makes the difference between life and death on the front line. It reveals the life-changing decisions made every day by the medics and soldiers currently in Afghanistan, as well as remarkable stories of people caught in harm’s way over the last 100 years of conflict. Unique objects range from the Xray print of a soldier who almost literally came back from the dead during World War I, to the heroic story of a British soldier in Afghanistan in 2007, who continued to command his men in battle despite being shot.

Hear the thunder of rotor blades as you enter the exhibition, walking through a life-size recreation of the rear of a Chinook helicopter, widely used to evacuate casualties from the front line in Afghanistan. Discover what it is like trying to treat casualties on the battlefield, in field hospitals and rehabilitation centres in the UK. Glimpse into the past, present and future of frontline medicine. See what it is like when your own body becomes the enemy, through the tragic story of Charles Frampton, who died of infection in World War I but would probably have survived the same wound during World War II. And browse through the rarely seen medical chest of Noel Chavasse – the incredible British World War I medical officer who is one of only three people ever to be awarded the TAKE ME HOME! Victoria Cross twice.

0151 230 0307

All Together NOW!

Books

December/January 2013

What’s in the stars for YOU?

by RUSSELL GRANT

ARIES March 21st - April 20th

A Mum’s story DANA’S Walk (£10.99 Ecademy Press) by Sera Johnston, is a personal story of what it’s like to bring up a child with a disability; a story of frustration, despair and, ultimately, joy. Sera’s 14-year-old daughter, who lives with spastic cerebal palsy, found it increasingly difficult to stand, sit and walk but her mother never gave up hope of improving her life. Sera said: “She excelled academically at school but her walking ability continually deteriorated. By the time she entered high school, she was mostly in a wheelchair. “In 2010, I heard about a neurosurgical procedure called selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) that was offered to children with spastic cerebral palsy.” Sera launched an appeal and numerous fundraising events raised the money to pay for Dana’s surgery in America. “The operation has changed Dana’s life and it now seemed the right time to write this,” she said. She hoped the book would allow her to release and express the build-up of feelings which result from “going through the system”, as well as providing hope and support to parents in a similar situation. “I want to raise awareness of the barriers, negativity and emotions I faced when raising a child with a disability and would love to be able to raise awareness of the operation that has completely changed Dana’s life.”

IRTON HOUSE FARM

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a lucrative business. Changing your daily routine helps you to start 2013 on a positive note. A career opportunity presents itself as January draws to a close. Your hours will be pretty unorthodox, but that will work to your benefit.

Don’t pretend to know more than you do as you’ll be embarrassed. Distractions can prevent you from mastering an important skill on the 11th. You may find it easier and more productive to join forces with unconventional types in mid-December. A very exciting opening or opportunity comes your way as 2013 comes into view. Beware of being too competitive or a terrible power struggle will erupt and divert your skills and energies. You will need to make a serious commitment to a person or project during the first half of January. Give it plenty of thought and don’t enter into anything lightly. TAURUS April 21st - May 21st Don’t misinterpret a flirt’s signals; this clown is just playing with your heart. Resist the urge to make a pass at a friend on or around the 11th. Someone will confide a juicy secret but don’t discuss the details to anyone. A deep seated fear may prevent you from taking an important risk on the 26th. Your reputation gets a big boost in the early stages of 2013; an ardent fan has been working behind the scenes to promote your talent. Whether you’re in line for a highpowered job or civic leadership position is immaterial. The important thing is your talent is finally being recognised. The final days of January are good for property transactions of all kinds! GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st Don’t bend over backwards to accommodate a best friend, lover, or business partner you’ll be disappointed. The New Moon on the 13th forces you to make a choice between your happiness and that of a partner. The New Year opens with an exciting educational opportunity; if you’ve been thinking about going back to school, now is the time to do it. A friend will invite you along on a trip toward the end of the month. This is your big chance to explore a glamorous city. Be sure to pack a bathing suit, as it looks like you’ll be basking in the sun a lot. CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd Hidden enemies could sabotage a work project. You won’t be able to talk sense to a delusional do-gooder on the 11th. The New Moon on the 13th warns against accepting an offer that seems too good to be true. A powerful attraction between you and an executive type develops in early days of January. It seems as though the two of you can read each other’s minds. If you play your cards right, you can use this alliance to improve your social status and professional prospects. An engagement or marriage will be announced on or around the 11th. LEO July 24th - Aug 23rd Friends are jealous of a romance; they resent all the time you spend with your amour. Don’t let an attractive newcomer slip

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through your fingers in the opening days of 2013. Your relentless pursuit will pay off. If you’re already in a relationship, you’ll have the upper hand during this electric phase. Use your influence to get a favour or gift you’ve wanted for a long time. A health regimen will yield impressive results around the middle of the month. VIRGO Aug 24th - Sept 23rd You’ll have to choose between personal happiness and professional success. The Full Moon on the 28th warns against lending money or property to an irresponsible friend. The New Year gets off to a romantic start when someone summons up their courage and makes the first move in the overture of amour. Their attention gives your ego a much-needed boost. Be sure to attend a business conference, political rally, or civic institution. You’ll feel an instant connection with an executive type. Help from a government agency becomes available at the end of the month, providing you with a sizable financial cushion. LIBRA Sept 24th - Oct 23rd You’ll get positive feedback from your best friend, lover, or business partner in the days surrounding the 14th. Long-term financial security can be yours if you take advantage of a financial offer on the 27th. You’ll have to make a decision between your personal and professional lives as the year comes to a close. 2013 prompts you to make a fresh start. The first half of the month is ideal for finding a house or flat. Romance will meet you at every turn in the second half of the month. Keep your eyes open for a mischievous rebel who likes to cause a commotion. A surprising wedding or birth announcement arrives at the end of January. SCORPIO Oct 24th - Nov 22nd Don’t spend beyond your means in the opening days of December. The New Moon on the 13th warns against taking a job that pays on a commission only basis. An unorthodox health treatment on the 19th could bring some exciting results. Good news about a youngster is music to your ears around the 22nd. The final days of the year should be spent developing an idea for

SAGITTARIUS Nov23rd - Dec 21st Beware of giving too much of your power away to a friend or lover. Your love life gets a big boost in mid-month, when an admirer follows your every move. Don’t be too soft on a manipulative family member around the 16th. A fabulous money-making opportunity turns your financial situation around on the 30th. Enrolling for a class in early January will put you in the path of romance. Another money-making opportunity comes your way during January. If you’re looking for work, explore opportunities related to the technology, air travel, and research markets. CAPRICORN Dec 22nd - Jan 20th Don’t blurt out a secret to a neighbour or relative. The New Moon on the 13th warns against challenging an irritable colleague. The New Year arrives with an exciting array of money-making opportunities. During the first half of the month, who you know is more important than what you know. Working behind the scenes works well for you in the second half of the month. You’re able to be much more creative when the spotlight is trained on somebody else. Sign a contract or form a business partnership at the end of January. AQUARIUS Jan 21st - Feb 19th Don’t push a friendship into romantic waters around the 16th - and don’t blurt out a secret on or around Boxing Day. Push yourself to learn something new in the opening days of 2013. Learning how to use a complicated piece of equipment or mastering a software program will make you a hot commodity on the job market. It will also boost your creative output. Writing music, shooting a film, or designing a website will lead to an impressive teaching opportunity. The final days of January lend heat to an intimate relationship. PISCES Feb 20th - Mar 20th Let your family pamper you for a change but resist the urge to over-indulge at a party on the 16th, or you’ll be embarrassed. The Full Moon on the 28th prompts you to make more time for creative pursuits; stop filling your schedule with thankless chores. The New Year opens with an exciting money-making opportunity. The more tech-savvy you are the easier it will be to land a well-paid job. Be sure to attend a big party on or around the 11th. It could lead to greater things. If you play your cards right, you’ll be able to work from home on a regular basis.

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

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450,000 people are reading these pages

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December/January 2013

All Together NOW!

Two raised bed systems to be won – complete with netting cages! CHECKLIST GOOD news for people who have trouble bending low enough to cultivate their garden beds comfortably: a new double-height raised bed system is available and we are offering TWO sets from GardenSkill in this competition. What’s more, each prize includes a GardenSkill pop-up netting cage which fits on top of the bed perfectly. The raised bed set is worth £62.99 and the cage £16.90, making the total value of each prize £79.89. The beds are one metre square and start at 25cm (10in) high but our prizes come at double height, making them 50cm (1ft 8in), ideal for growing many fruit and vegetables, especially deep-rooted kinds including carrots, beetroots, potatoes and leeks. The pop-up cage is a quick way to protect strawberries, salads, cabbages and early seedlings from attack by birds, butterflies and

other large garden pests. The 75cm (2ft 6in) high cage is made of 4mm woven polypropylene netting and a steel frame that springs into shape instantly. It folds away easily and comes with ground pegs and a storage bag. Both beds and cages are sturdily made and need no maintenance but come with a 12-month warranty anyway. To enter the competition, answer this question: How high is the GardenSkill pop-up cage? 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!, to: GardenSkill Competition, All Together Now!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive by Friday January 25, or enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk Please also tell us what you think about All Together Now! n For the full GardenSkill range, go to www.GardenSkill.com or call 01902-725055.

Wild Christmas! WILD BEAUTY: A natural Christmas decoration

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: Pyracantha berries will add to a display

HERE are two ways of adorning the house for Christmas – either spend a small fortune on artificial bits and pieces like fake flowers, plastic baubles and paper frills. Or gather nature’s decorations from garden, fields and even urban wasteland. And I know which way I prefer. I am no expert in floral art but I’m puzzled every Christmas at the way even experienced gardeners miss opportunities for natural indoor decorations. Throughout the autumn, flower arranging enthusiasts gather seedheads and treat them by drying or using glycerine to make long-lasting displays. But it is not too late for us less knowledgeable types to gather a few for table and other arrangements. The obvious candidates are in the garden. There are crisp seedheads of hydrangea, honesty and hebe; soft, fluffy seedheads of clematis and pampas grass; berries and

HELPING HANDS

PRIZE: Great crops from the raised bed

evergreen leaves of skimmia or cotoneaster (scarlet), privet (purple-black) or firethorn (crimson, orange or yellow); red foliage of Virginia creeper and shrubs like photinia or the ‘burning bush’ euonymus; marble-white snowberries on stark twigs; gold-and green leaves of eleagnus; and the long-lasting orangeseeded pods of Iris foetidissima. To add a little more colour, cut a few flowers of late chrysanthemums or twigs of Decemberflowering shrubs like winter jasmine with star-like yellow blooms. For scent as well, use glossy-leaved, pinkbudded sprigs of Viburnum tinus or mahonia with a fabulous lily-of-the-valley perfume, or buy blooms of early daffodils. Don’t overlook the contribution evergreen leaves can make. Plants that look relatively drab

outside all appear brighter indoors – common ivy, laurel and Garrya elliptica with its long, green catkins. If golden-variegated kinds are available, your floral artistry becomes all the brighter. People without much in the garden can gather wild material from town and country without disrupting the natural cycle from plants which have shed their seeds, leaving the interesting casings which once held them. Look along roadside verges and footpaths for fallen pine cones and the empty seedheads of grasses, teasel, sorrel and cow parsley. An experienced flower arranger can make a breathtaking display with material from just a few of the plants mentioned. If, like me, you make no claim to special talent, take a leaf from the experts’ book and never try to mix too many different kinds of flowers, twigs and berries at first. Then add a candle and a ribbon or two and you might be impressed by your new-found skill. So could your family and friends. And look at the money you’ll save!

FLOWERS: Snip off the dead flower heads of winter pansies regularly to encourage more blooms. Pinch out the tips of long shoots on wallflower plants to help them grow bushy and produce more flowers in spring. SHRUBS AND TREES: Avoid wind damage to tall plants and climbers by supporting and tying them. Inspect existing ties to ensure they are not too tight. PATIOS: Stand patio pots on bricks or ‘pot feet’ to keep the roots above puddles and stop them becoming waterlogged. If the pots are made of terracotta, this also reduces the risk of cracking or flaking caused by frost. PONDS: Keep the water free of debris by cutting back dead foliage of aquatic plants, removing any blanketweed and clearing leaves with a net. Float a ball on the surface to discourage complete freezing. If a pond does ice over, allow the gases to escape by filling a saucepan with boiling water and standing it on the ice to melt a hole. Never use a heavy tool to break the ice as the shock waves can harm fish. VEGETABLES: Order next year’s vegetable seeds, potato tubers and onion sets as soon as possible. FRUIT: Prepare for the first fruit of next year – rhubarb. It is a vegetable, strictly speaking, but ideal for stewing and making tarts and crumbles. Sprinkle a handful of blood, fish and bonemeal or National Growmore round each crown and apply a generous layer of manure or garden compost. HERBS: Pot up parsley and chives, and grow them on an indoor windowsill. Pot up roots of mint in 22cm (9in) pots and keep them under glass to provide early shoots early next spring. HOUSEPLANTS: Most houseplants should be watered less now but potted azaleas are different. They need a thorough drenching every few days. Sink the pots up to the rim in a basin of tepid water, leave for 20 minutes, and drain off any excess water afterwards. Mistspray the leaves TAKE ME HOME! regularly.

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

All Together NOW!

December/January 2013

The Accumulator Quiz

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 9

★

18 20

★ 15

★ 24 24

★

29 30

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Amended (7) 8. Pasta squares (7) 9. Sporting event held on a specific date (7) 10. Speech (7) 11. Word having the same meaning (7) 14. Scottish resort (3) 16. Halt (4) 18. Awaken (4) 19. Lazily (4) 20. Home of Goliath (4) 21. Pinch (3) 23. City in Tennessee (7) 26. Tomato sauce (7) 28. Canadian province (7) 29. Flourish (7) 30. Ceremonially seated (7)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 12. 13. 15. 16. 17. 18. 22. 24. 25. 26. 27.

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 10 – for 10 points: On which golf course are Hell’s Bunker and The Valley of Sin?

QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: What is the home of a badger called? A Sett B Drey C Burrow D Lodge QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: Who was the girlfriend of Popeye the Sailor? A Sunflower B Peanut C Sesame D Olive

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: Who set up the first successful frozen food company? A Alfred Ross B Clarence Birdseye C Marty Lyons D Wilbur Walls II

Saying no (8) Female fox (5) Scorn (5) Pleasantly distracting (6) Keenly interested (4) Truthfulness (7) Avoid (4) Solemn promise (4) Thread (4) Mature (4) Smack (4) Secret phrase (8) Position (7) Bring into the country (6) Car (5) Wading bird (5) Retained (4) Aspiration (4)

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: Who wrote the best-selling novel Lolita? A B C D

J.P. Donleavy D.H. Lawrence Harold Robbins Vladimir Nabokov

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Dennis Waterman has sung the theme tunes for three of these series in which he has starred. Which is the odd one out? A B C D

Actor Dennis Waterman. See Question 12

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: Which word describes an animal that has hooves?

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: In which sport was Mary Peters an Olympic gold medallist? A B C D

Minder New Tricks The Sweeney On The Up

A B C D

Pentathlon Putting the shot Javelin 100 metres hurdles

Ungulate Bovine Ruminant Herbivore

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which country has as express train system known as the Bullet?

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: The Boys From Syracuse is a musical based on which of Shakespeare’s plays? A B C D

QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: Who replaced Bamber Gascoigne as presenter of University Challenge? A Melvyn Bragg B Robert Robinson C Jeremy Paxman D Magnus Magnusson

A B C D

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: Which day of the week is Ladies’ Day at the Royal Ascot race meeting?

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: What did astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discover in 1930?

A B C D

France Japan China Germany

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

As You Like It All’s Well That Ends Well The Winter’s Tale The Comedy Of Errors

Neptune Pluto The Crab nebula The asteroid belt

KAKURO

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

EASY

1 3 9

Turnberry Wentworth Sunningdale St Andrews

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: Sacramento is the capital of which US state? A California B Texas C New Mexico D Utah

SUDOKU

6 2

A B C D

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: Oritsé Williams was a founder member of a boyband called UFO, later to become famous under which name? A JLS B McFly C The Wanted D Westlife

★ 28

★

22 23

★

★ 10

★

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DIFFICULT

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

6 8 4 3

5 9 1 6 2 8

2 8 6 1 3 4

5 9

9 6 9 5 8

3 2

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 7

21 22

26 17 15

6 14

11 21 21

17 14

SAY THAT AGAIN . . .

‘

Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans — John Lennon

‘

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has — Epictetus (AD55-135)

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Use well the time. Be part of something good. Leave something good behind —Glenn Fry, Jack Tempchin, The Eagles

‘

The best gift of all is an All Together NOW! subscription. See back page for details

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December/January 2013

12 3

8 22

1 26

6 21

4 6

25 26

25 19

6 8

6 23

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 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.

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?

20 24

23 18

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE 26

All Together NOW!

2 ABC

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

2. Mathematical terms 737 688 284 661 685 531 367 685 217 828 846 612 823 177 638 827 422 531 378 284 267 463 173 247 762 778 273 172 846

4. Musical forms 737 362 331 246 677 667 881 268 372 176 636 179 167 286 746 178 224 283 553 166 222 82

5. Breeds of dog 269 371 465 336 173 383 717 663 531 733 883 717 481 285 518 437 123 442 614 686 623 762 614 739 468 772 643 5

725 436 674 278 838

PATHWORDS

SPOT CHECK

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

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

874 173 377 313 631

6. Means of transport 478 372 723 812 429 156 779 166 733 187 226 631 872 461 826 767 526 313 464 491 672 925 317 425 742 543 371 227

253 261 123 668 914

WORD WIZARD

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

E M

A M C

E M S

A MAKE A DATE

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

SKIN

1. The General Certificate of Secondary Education replaces GCEs and CSEs.

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 the name of a composer.

FAST

––––

RIGHT

–––

BAND

–––––

AWAY

TYRE

–––––

WATER

M U S C R TRANSFORMER

SOME

–––

WAY

––––

178 912 617 716 478

OVER

314 167 669 381 186

847 722 281 661 251

3. Male first names 373 337 425 132 843 374 361 263 739 176 684 669 162 751 564 285 127 426 184 662 288 439 125 261 247 674 37

1 []’–

1. TV property programmes 735 622 846 611 735 622 846 614 726 313 374 467 186 128 916 716 681 861 389 146 637 186 337 184 314 266 371 217 522 314 618 431 786

JOY

E D

GOFFER 1) A game akin to backgammon but played on a board of 256 squares using fifty counters;

2) To pleat, crimp or make wavy either fabric or paper;

2. Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated by one of her Sikh bodyguards.

3) An eighteenth century word for a simpleton or dunderhead.

3. The National Union of Mineworkers begins a national strike which is to last for 51 weeks.

Add the given letter to the first word to make a new word. Clue: Arrive with a heavenly body.

WAS IT? a) 1978; b) 1980; c) 1982; d) 1984; e) 1986.

____ +T=____T

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords: Liebfraumilch; Fitou; Chablis; Merlot; Soave; Chardonnay; Lambrusco; Rioja; Valpolicella; Muscadet; Burgundy; Niersteiner; Sauternes; Riesling; Médoc.

4 3 1 2 9 7 8 6 5

5 7 9 6 4 8 1 2 3

9 4 8 7 5 6 3 1 2

3 2 6 9 8 1 4 5 7

1 5 7 4 3 2 6 8 9

2 1 3 8 7 9 5 4 6

7 9 5 1 6 4 2 3 8

6 8 4 3 2 5 7 9 1

7 5 6 2 9 3 4 8 1

4 9 2 5 8 1 7 6 3

8 1 3 7 6 4 2 9 5

2 6 4 3 1 7 9 5 8

15 2

16 3

17 4

18 5

19 6

S M K

U H W L

SUDOKU EASY

23 10

24 11

CROSS CODE

5 8 1 9 4 2 6 3 7

9 3 7 6 5 8 1 4 2

1 2 8 4 3 6 5 7 9

3 4 5 1 7 9 8 2 6

6 7 9 8 2 5 3 1 4

17 26

21 11

3 22 21

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

14 6

4 7

KAKURO MEDIUM

5 17

5 7

9 14

ADVERTISE HERE 0151 230 0307

8 6 2 5 1 3 9 7 4

X G

Q O C

2 9 8 20

7 1 8 2 4 6 28

2 9 3 14

Accumulator Quiz 1 – A; 2 – D; 3 – A; 4 – B; 5 – A; 6 – C; 7 – A; 8 – B; 9 – C; 10 – D; 11 – D; 12 – C; 13 – A; 14 – D; 15 – B. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Revised; 8 Ravioli; 9 Fixture; 10 Address; 11 Synonym; 14 Ayr; 16 Stop; 18 Stir; 19 Idly; 20 Gath; 21 Nip; 23 Memphis; 26 Ketchup; 28 Ontario; 29 Prosper; 30 Throned. Down – 1 Refusing; 2 Vixen; 3 Spurn; 4 Dreamy; 5 Avid; 6 Honesty; 7 Miss; 12 Oath; 13 Yarn; 15 Ripe; 16 Slap; 17 Password; 18 Station; 22 Import; 24 Motor; 25 Heron; 26 Kept; 27 Hope. Star Name: SIENNA MILLER

Word Wizard No 2 is correct. To goffer is to pleat or crimp. Dialling Codes 1. Relocation, Relocation; Grand Designs; To Buy Or Not To Buy; Homes Under The Hammer, A Place In The Sun. 2. permutation; multiple; formula; subtraction; cube; product; variable; equation; cosine; reciprocal; square; ratio. 3. Frederick; David; Stephen; Andrew; Roy; Anthony; Mark; John; Paul; Brian; Thomas; Matthew; Alan; Christopher. 4. serenade; chorale; impromptu; anthem; opera; rondo; symphony; oratorio; quartet; bagatelle; motet;

toccata. 5. boxer; golden retriever; poodle; red setter; pit bull terrier; Afghan hound; Doberman; greyhound; spaniel. 6. hovercraft; bicycle; lorry; moped; tram; canoe; train; van; aeroplane; dinghy; motorcycle; rickshaw; glider; car. Spot Check A = 6; B = 4; C = 2; D = 5; E = 3; F = 1. Missing Link buck; arm; right; tread; one; kill. Composer: Bartók. Make a Date The year was 1984. Transformer Come + T = Comet.

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Were YOU one our lucky winners?

ONGRATULATIONS to the FIVE lucky winners of our recent gardening competition. All five will each reveive a pair of Yeoman’s lightweight telescopic loppers, worth £29.99. Mrs A Goodship, Broadway East, Newton, Chester (Picked up paper in Chester Library): “All Together NOW! is a very interesting, varied and useful paper for all, but particularly helpful for elderly and disabled people. Thank you for also recognising that many older people are not online. Not to be missed.” Mrs Angela Fletcher, Whitsundale, Westhoughton, Bolton (ASDA): “All Together NOW! shows disability in a new light and helps disabled people to have a more positive outlook on possible difficult situations.” Mr C Whiteside, Pitville Road, Mossley Hill, Liverpool (Aintree University Hospital): “I read the paper from cover to cover. It is so interesting. I don’t have a computer so the newspaper gives me access to a whole range of topics and information. Thank you “magazine of the year” Mr Graham Holroyd, Mythop Road, Lytham St Annes (Booths Lytham): “I just love the variety of articles. All Together NOW! breaks down barriers.” Mrs Linda Muat, Bridle Road, Bromborough, Wirral (Arrowe Park Hospital): “There is something in it for everyone, it’s absolutely packed with information.” Check out Yeoman’s full range, which includes telescopic hedge shears and lawn shears, at www.yeomangarden.co.uk

HARTFORD Independent Living Centre, Cheshire, are having an open day on Wednesday December 19 (10am-2pm). Tel, 01606 881980

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: N-Vision Tel 01253 362696 n BURY Tel 0161 763 7014 n BURNLEY Tel 01282 438507 n CARLISLE: Action for Blind People Tel 01228 595121 CHESHIRE & N WALES: Vision Support. Tel 01244 381515 n CUMBRIA (West) Tel 01946 592474 n CUMBRIA (Sth Lakeland)

Tel 01539 726613 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 298 3222 n MANCHESTER: Action for Blind Tel 0161 787 9252 n PRESTON: Action for Blind People Tel 01772 320550 n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682 8019 n ROSSENDALE Tel 01706 873256 n SIGHTLINE (North West) Tel 0800 587 2252 n WIGAN Tel 01942 242891 n WIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877 n GUIDE

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

CARERS’ CENTRES

n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 n CUMBRIA Carlisle. Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith. Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness. Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal. Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE Helpline: 0800 085 0307 n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412 n LANCASTER Tel 01524 66475 n LIVERPOOL Tel 0151 705 2307 n MANCHESTER Tel 0161 835 2995 n MORECAMBE Tel 01524 833456 n PRESTON Tel 01772 200173 n RUNCORN Tel 01928 580182 n WIDNES Tel 0151 257 9673 n SALFORD Tel 0161 833 0217 n SEFTON Tel 0151 288 6060 n ST HELENS Tel 01744 675 615 n STOCKPORT Tel 0161 456 2808 n WARRINGTON Tel 01925 644 212 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243 n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 683711 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Tel 0121 675 8000 n SOLIHULL Tel 0121 788 1143 n WALSALL Tel 01922 610 810 NORTH WALES n ANGLESEY Tel 01248 722828 n BANGOR Tel 01248 370 797 n CONWY Tel 01492 533714 n DENBIGHSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 0845 603 3187 n DOLGELLAU Tel 01341 421167 n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436 n WREXHAM: NEWCIS, Tel: 01978 310414.

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

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December/January 2013

All Together NOW!

Scheffers’ double at Nottinhgam WORLD No.2 Maikel Scheffers made it a double as he lifted the men’s singles and doubles titles at the Nottingham Indoor Wheelchair Tennis Tournament. The Dutchman got the better of defending champion Gordon Reid in a repeat of last year’s final as he won in straight sets 6-2, 64 to collect his third Nottingham Indoor title following wins in 2007 and 2009. But British No.1 Reid finished the tournament on a high, teaming up with Scheffers in the men’s doubles final where the top seeds took the title against Brits Marc McCarroll and David Phillipson 6-1, 6-1. Scheffers, who narrowly missed out on a medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games after reaching the semi-finals, said: “After last year I was expecting another

By MARSHALL THOMAS tough match. Gordon has a game that I find pretty tough to play against, but today I started well and even when he came back in the second set I kept my composure.” Meanwhile, world No.5 Jiske Griffioen got the better of world No.3 Sabine Ellerbrock from Germany as the Dutchwoman battled from a set down to take the women’s singles title 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. In the quad singles round-robin event Andy Lapthorne won the title with an unbeaten record, securing his fourth win out of four with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Antony Cotterill. The quad doubles crown was won by Cotterill and Adam Field, the pair defeating fellow Brits Richard Green and Ian Payne 6-2, 6-2.

CHAMPIONS: Scheffers, right, and Reid

Why I love this paper AS a Dad to a pair of children (aged 8 and 10) with cerebral palsy I think All Together NOW! is the best way of helping families affected by disability. Where else can we get so much relevant news (and inspiration!). We can’t afford the Internet so this FREE paper is an absolute godsend. More power to your elbow! – John Lavery, Harpurhey, Manchester

‘

Tennis boost

Learn to run like superman Johnnie

GREAT Britain will host its highest status of tournaments yet on the ITF’s 2013 NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour.

The Tennis Foundation announced that the Nottingham Indoor tournament has been upgraded to ITF 1 Series status for the first time. The 2013 NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour features seven British-based tournaments with July’s British Open, also held in Nottingham and organised by the Tennis Foundation, retaining its Super Series status as one of the top six standalone wheelchair tennis tournaments in the world outside of those held at the Grand Slams. There was more good news as February’s North East Wheelchair Tennis Tournament in Sunderland and North West Challenge in South Ribble have been upgraded to ITF 2 Series and ITF 3 Series respectively, while Sheffield will host its first NEC Tour event, an ITF Futures Series tournament, in March. Elsewhere, the Cardiff Wheelchair Tennis Tournament retains its ITF Futures Series status. Geoff Newton, executive director of the Tennis Foundation, said: “With wheelchair tennis having been exceedingly popular with fans at Wimbledon for many years and wheelchair tennis at London 2012 having proved so successful, the new roster of tournaments in 2013 enhances Britain‘s reputation as a leading wheelchair tennis nation.”

And there’s one workshop taking place in Manchester’s Sportcity on January 13. The free clinics offer practical and theory workshops for coaches and leg amputees including information on how to start running, sporting prosthetics, funding and coaching. The sessions are open to all amputees aged 11+, who want to learn to run, whether it’s just for fun, to get fit or with dreams of lining up against Team GB’s world record holder Johnnie Peacock in Rio 2016. LimbPower, which runs the Amputee Games, is holding the clinics after teaming up with UK Athletics and England Athletics to help them find talented track athletes who can help build on the Paralympic success forged in London. So if you think you’ve got what it takes to make it all the way to the Rio Paralympics, or if you would just like to learn a little more about running techniques and see how it feels for yourself contact Shelly Holroyd, tel 07912 070625 email sholroyd@englandathletrics.org

Stay ahead of the game

SERIES of Learn to Run clinics are being held with the aim of creating Britain’s future paralympians.

The Amputee Games take place May 18/19 at Stoke Mandeville.

GOLDEN BOY: Left, Johnnie Peacock, who ran the fastest 100 metres in Paralympic Games

PICTURE: James Jordan

On your marks in Cheshire! A PIONEERING project has been set up by council leaders across Cheshire and Warrington to improve opportunities for nearly 60,000 people with disabilities to take part in sport and physical activity. Independent charity Sport Cheshire will begin by consulting with a wide range of key local stakeholders, disabled athletes, support agencies, governing bodies of sport and others to identify the obstacles to people getting involved in the region and the measures needed to overcome them. Only one in 15 people with a disability regularly plays sport in England. While this has increased in the past five years it still trails behind participation rates for non-disabled people, with nearly one in five taking part. Councillor Steve Wilkinson, a cabinet support member for communities on Cheshire East Council, said: “This new initiative is excellent news and will hopefully capitalise on the high profile that sport for people with disabilities gained during the summer. “By speaking with a wide range of organisations, I hope we can formulate an effective plan to move things forward.” Cheshire Paralympian Sarah Storey said: “We hope the success of Paralympics has started a momentum that will benefit everyone in society and look forward to seeing more and more people getting involved in sport and physical activity.” Anne Ibrahim, chief executive of Sport Cheshire, said: “We are proud to lead such a valuable piece of work on behalf of our key stakeholders to improve opportunities for the 59,300 disabled people locally. “Sport has the unique power to build confidence and self-esteem and has been proven to have a direct impact on physical and mental health.” n Contact Matt Parker, tel. 01606 330212.

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December/January 2013

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POWER GLORY!

Big deal for wheelchair footy

FLYING THE FLAG: Omar Haddad, Tracey Jones, Jane Whetnall (head of delegation) Felicity Martin, and Billy Tew

THE D N A

HE fast-growing sport of powerchair football has been given another boost with the announcement of a big new sponsorship deal.

Constables Mobility, one of the UK’s leading providers of wheelchair accessible cars, is sponsoring the North-West Powerchair Football League – the UK’s largest regional league. The deal includes the cost of venue hire, balls, referees’ fees, medals and trophies. Thirteen teams from around the region play monthly tournaments in Bolton, Lancashire. Competitiors in the only sport for people who use powerchairs are hopeful it will be accepted into the 2020 Paralympic games. Last year, £250,000 was invested in powerchair football, with over half the money coming from the Football Foundation. Mark Clayton, Chairman of the North-West Powerchair Football League, said: “My son Jamie started

playing in 2007 and there was a lack of competitive opportunities, so I started the league in 2009 with funding from my own business. “Since then the interest has grown along with the need for funding. “We’re very grateful to Constables Mobility for sponsoring the league. I believe the company is the perfect choice of sponsor as they do so much to help wheelchair users and their families lead easier lives.” Powerchair football, also known as wheelchair football, involves teams of four players using powerchairs equipped with footguards which attack, defend and spin-kick a 330mm football . David Constable, managing director of Constables Mobility, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this league. It’s a fantastic sport giving many disabled youngsters a chance to play competitive sport for the first time and provides them with so much joy and satisfaction. “It’s also important for the families

Gymnasts strike Spanish gold FOUR gymnasts from the Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sport and Arts returned with seven golds, one silver and a bronze medal from the Spanish Special Olympic national games in. The Barcelona games celebrated the 20th anniversary of Spain’s Special to be able to go to events where they can meet, share information and support each other.” n Powerchair Football was first played in France in the 1970s. It then spread around Europe and to America. n The North-West league’s 13 teams are split into a premiership

Olympics. Felicity Martin won gold on beam and floor and collected a 4th place on the vault. Fellow team mate Tracey Jones won gold on the vault, silver on the beam and bronze on the floor. Billy Tew, 13, the youngest member of Special Olympics

and championship, with the season running from September to May. n The Wheelchair Football Association governs the sport and The North-West Powerchair Football league is run entirely by volunteers and affiliated to Manchester Football Association.

Help us to keep spreading the news – subscribe NOW All Together NOW! is helping and inspiring tens of thousands of people whose lives are affected by disability. But the charity needs to find ways to balance the books. You can help in a big way by becoming one of our loyal subscribers. For a suggested £12 donation (or more, if you can afford it!) we will send you the next SIX editions.

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Stay ahead of the game

GB, was in outstanding form, winning gold on the vault and the floor in spite of a knee injury. Omar Haddad also won gold on vault and floor at the advanced Level 3 competition. n Cheshire Academy, tel 01270 255355 n www.disabilitysport.com

CONTACTS Wheelchair Football Association Contact Sam Bull. Tel. 07885 408 440. www.thewfa.org.uk Bolton Bullets PFC Training Venue: Smithills Sports Centre, Smithills Dean Road. Bolton Contact Claire Calow. Tel. 07801 169784. www.boltonbullets.com Everton PFC Training Venue: Croxteth Sports Centre Contact Andrew Brady. Tel. 07805 707879. www.evertonfc.com/community Oakwood Eagles PFC Training Venue: Oakwood Acdemy, Chatsworth Road, Eccles, Salford Contact Elliott McKinnell. Tel. 01619 212898. www.oakwoodyouthclub.co.uk Oldham Wheelies Training Venue: New Bridge School, Roman Road, Oldham Contact Ross Smith. Tel. 07977 532492. Sale United PFC Training Venue: Moss Side Powerhouse Centre, Manchester Contact John Gilmore. Tel. 07973 522204 www.saleunitedfc.co.uk

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