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opening doors . . . broadening minds

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December/January 2015

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Disabled graduate scheme a winner

TOP JOB: Iain Fryatt and the trike he credits with getting him to the summit of Kilimanjaro

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

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Kilimanjaro in a wheelchair

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AIN Fryatt has amazed supporters – and himself – by reaching the top of Kilimanjaro in a wheelchair!

Iain, 27, completed the climb using his Mountain Trike, a unique all-terrain wheelchair, created in Nantwich, Cheshire.

Londoner Iain has Friedreich’s Ataxia, which was diagnosed at the age of nine.

“This affects my balance, speech, swallowing and my spine,” said Iain. “It often leads to heart muscle disease and diabetes.”

Despite his disability Iain was determined to get to the top of Africa’s highest mountain to raise funds for research into a possible new treatment, which may stop the condition progressing and may even turn it around.

With his dad, partner Karen, brothers Callum and Craig, cousin Billy and team medic Nick, Iain followed the Rongai Route, taking eight days to reach the top and two days to descend.

Iain said: “Although there was a variety of landscapes the trike went through, they all had one

BUSINESSES across the UK are being urged to take on more disabled graduates.

Leading employers, including Barclays, Standard Life and SABMiller, are calling for more companies to join Change100, a programme that provides three-months’ paid work placements for talented disabled students from leading universities.

Research from the Department for Work and Pensions shows that just over half (54%) of workingage disabled people are currently not in work, compared to 24% of workingage non-disabled people.

By launching the Change100 programme Leonard Cheshire Disability aims to address the underrepresentation of disabled people in the workplace.

Gemma Bull at Leonard Cheshire Disability said: “Change100 gives employers the opportunity to harness the skills of high-flying disabled students. They could be our future leaders or entrepreneurs if they are given the chance.” n www.leonardcheshire.org/ change100

Autism: police in need of help WE DID IT! Iain with his brother Callum and dad, Graham thing in common – rocks!

“At times these sorely tested the mettle of the Mountain Trike, at other times they meant that I had to be pulled, pushed or lifted to get round them. But despite these obstacles the trike survived the trek, having only sustained a broken steering cable.

“Without the Trike it would not have been possible for me to take part in this adventure which a few years ago I couldn’t dream of.”

Tim Morgan, managing director

and inventor of the Mountain Trike, said: “It is an amazing achievement for Iain to have made it to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

“The Mountain Trike has been used to ascend mountains in the UK such as Snowden and Ben Nevis but has never been used before to climb the extremely challenging mountain of Mt Kilimanjaro.” n Mountain Trike Company: 01270 842616. n www.mountaintrike.com

Braille still so vital, parliament told A TRAILBLAZING politician has been championing the continued importance of Braille in everyday life.

“Braille’s still a very important medium. For me, braille is still there because it helps me identify things, for instance medicines from the medicine cupboard, and packaging as well,” said Dennis Robertson, Scotland’s first blind elected MSP “In some supermarkets it’s great because when I go into the freezer at least I can identify some foods – it’s not always a surprise,” Mr Robertston told the Scottish

Parliament. “But also things like my CDs and basic filing. It’s still a very important part of my life.”

Mr Robertson also highlighted the importance of raising awareness of Braille: “Having devoted my career to helping those with visual impairments, I am extremely passionate about National Braille Week’s mission to promote widespread awareness of Braille.

“I am continually impressed with the talents, efforts, and work of blind and partially sighted people and our supporters; it is both an inspiring and empowering week.”

THE police are badly equipped to handle people who have autism, a new study shows.

Police offcers revealed they find interviewing and interacting with witnesses and suspects with the condition a real challenge.

Researchers are now calling for better training of police and criminal justice professionals in the UK. At present in the UK, they have no standard compulsory training about autism.

Over 600,000 UK people have autism.

Dr Katie Maras said: “We heard of many cases where problems have arisen because police and other criminal justice professionals know very little about autism.”

Officers reported finding it hard to build rapport with people with autism, which usually plays an important part in interviews. They also described difficulties in arranging a suitable environment for interviews.

SIMPLY THE BEST!

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December/January 2015

All Together NOW! is the essential newspaper for ANYONE with – or without – a disability . . .

‘ A

BIG thanks to everyone who is making this fantastic FREE CHARITY newspaper such a soaraway success.

Our latest good news came at the prestigious O2 North West Media Awards where judges said some very nice things about us (See centre page pull-out) It’s a great tribute to our

— JUDGES, O2 NORTH WEST MEDIA AWARDS 2014

All Together NOW! editor Tom Dowling, left, with BBC Breakfast Time presenter Louise Minchin and O2 winners magnificent band of partners and advertisers, without which we just wouldn’t be around. Their donations and commercial support are helping us through some extremely difficult times.

I can’t thank them enough. n You can also play a key role in keeping All Together NOW! alive by becoming one of our special FRIENDS – see centre pages.

TOM DOWLING, editor

A very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year – from all of us at All Together NOW! and from all of our partners

SPECIAL CENTRE

All Together NOW!

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Springtime boost coming for carers THE earnings limit for Carers’ Allowance is going up to £110 a week from April – an £8 rise which will allow more people to work part-time and still be eligible for the full £61.35 a week.

Carer’s Allowance is a non-contributory benefit available to people who have given up the chance of a full-time to provide substantial care, of at least 35 hours a week, to a severely disabled person.

The net earnings figure is calculated net of income tax, National Insurance contributions, half of any contributions to an occupational or personal pension, plus a number of other allowable expenses.

In addition, half the net earnings figure calculated as above can be allowed towards the cost of alternative care for the disabled person, or for a child aged under 16, while the carer is at work.

Why I love this paper All Together NOW! is an invaluable resource for my adult son who is a permanent wheelchair user. There is so much useful information for anyone with a disability and all in one place.

Excellent reading and advice.

Cecelia Allen (email)

Santa’s in town SANTA will be at the Disability Information Point – situated in the Rear Hall of Warrington Market – during December (Friday 12 and 19 and Saturday 6, 13 and 20) between 10am and 4pm. He will also be at the grotto during Christmas week – Monday and Tuesday (10am-4pm); and on Christmas Eve (10am-2pm). Entrance, £4.

Talking bus plea ALMOST 10,000 people have backed Guide Dogs’ Talking Buses campaign by signing a petition asking the Government to ensure all new buses have audio-visual announcements.

James White, Guide Dogs’ Campaigns Manager, said: “For someone who is blind or partially sighted, missing their bus stop can be a truly terrifying experience.” All Aboard – Page 6

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All Together NOW!

NEWS

December/January 2015

Making a splash

‘The world’s most accessible city’ A MASTER plan is in place to make London the world’s most accessible city for disabled people.

The guide, launched by London Mayor Boris Johnson, is aimed at ensuring all new developments in the capital are built to the highest levels of accessibility.

Detailed planning advice builds on lessons learned from hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and is directed at planners and developers.

London is already one of the most accessible cities in the world and the Mayor has promised £75m to make the London Underground more accessible for disabled passengers.

The Mayor said he was committed to “helping to change perceptions of disability and enabling disabled people to be part of our economy and fully contribute to our great city”.

Why I love this paper All Together NOW! is a brilliant charity.

It’s good to know that there is someone out there helping people who are disabled or eldery to keep up to date with all the news they need. Miss Lauren Sarah Gorst, Bryanston Road, Aigburth, Liverpool

Normal service..

THE Shopmobility network has come under the management of the British Healthcare Trades Association.

The new arrangements will bring together the BHTA, which represents around 500 member companies making or selling assistive technology products, with the National Federation of Shopmobility UK. Shopmobility schemes across the UK, Channel Islands and Republic of Ireland will continue to operate as normal, and users will not need to change their current membership cards.

Lords ‘inacessible’ THE House of Lords’ debating chamber is so inaccessible that sometimes only three wheelchair-users can speak in the same debate.

Baroness Sally Brinton says there are at least six peers who usually or always use a wheelchair, but only three microphones that can be used by wheelchair-users.

Space is so cramped in the chamber that there is often not enough room for them to make way for fresh speakers.

A House of Lords spokesman said that the Restoration and Renewal Programme for the Palace of Westminster would bring significant benefits, among them a more open, inclusive and accessible parliament, including numerous improvements to disabled access.

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FEAR IN THE WORKPLACE FREEDOM: Sue Austin in her powered wheelchair. Copyright: wearefreewheeling.org.uk

UNDERWATER performance artist Sue Austin is set to create a splash in her new role with Plymouth University Marine Institute.

Sue, who wowed worldwide You Tube audiences with her deep sea dance in a powered wheelchair, is the institute’s new artist-in-residence.

Sue, who contracted Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in 1996, completeded a Masters degree this year in Contemporary Art Practice at the University.

She said: “My experience as an underwater diver has given me a unique perspective on the marine conservation challenges currently facing the planet.

“By combining fields of art and marine science, I believe we can bring an enhanced appreciation of those challenges to a whole new audience.”

One in two afraid to admit disability

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NE IN FIVE workers with a disability thinks they are discriminated against and left without support in their jobs.

And one in two people would not feel comfortable disclosing a disability when applying for a new post.

Three-quarters of those questioned in the Purple Workforce survey gave their reason for being reluctant to reveal details of a disability as a fear of discrimination rather than embarrassment.

Research by employment law experts Leigh Day also revealed that fewer than half had asked for adjustments to accommodate their disability as they did not want to draw attention to themselves.

Of those who did make a request, almost one third said they received little or no help as a result.

Leigh Day says it highlights that, despite progress in legislation and social attitudes, discrimination is still stopping disabled people from participating fully in the workforce.

Emma Satyamurti, employment and discrimination law expert at Leigh Day, said: “The findings of this report ultimately suggest that there is still significant discrimination in the workplace.

“We will be holding a roundtable discussion in the spring to bring key individuals in the field of employment and disability together, to start to form a plan of action in time for a new Government.” n There are over 6.9 million people with disabilities of working age in Great Britain.

Less than half (46.5%) are employed in comparison to 76.4% of people who do not have a disability.

HIGH FLIERS: Ben and Sir Stelios, inset

Ben’s £50K from Stelios

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31-year-old man who was told he wouldn’t live past 30 has won a £50,000 cash prize to help grow his business.

Ben Wolfenden won the prestigious Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs 2014 run by EasyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and Leonard Cheshire Disability.

Ben suffers from cystic fibrosis and diabetes. He started his digital marketing agency Visibilis in 2010 to help businesses grow online.

Despite a gruelling regime of medication and five hours of physiotherapy every day, Ben and his team have grown Visibilis by over 1,000% in the

year from 2012 to 2013, with 2014 exceeding expectations.

“My disability has meant I’ve never been able to have a ‘conventional’ job,” said Ben, from Leeds.

“Winning the Stelios Award is great recognition of what Visibilis has achieved over the last few years.”.”

Sir Stelios said: “I am passionate about encouraging entrepreneurship.

“The previous winners of this award offer proof that there are many highly talented disabled entrepreneurs out there.

“Removing the barriers disabled people face in business is essential”

We want to cast our vote as well PEOPLE with a learning disability want to vote, but many are excluded from doing so, say Mencap.

70% of people with a learning disability said that they want to vote, bucking the trend of a somewhat apathetic general public, of which 55% say they are not very, or at all, interested in politics.

But 17% said they have been turned away at the polling station because they had a learning disability.

60% said that registering to vote was too hard - and 56% said they didn’t want to vote for any of the political parties Rossanna Trudgian, head of campaigns for Mencap, said: “It is really important for people with a learning disability to have a voice in politics.

“They have the same right to vote as anybody else, yet our survey shows that people with a learning disability are clearly being denied this right by a system that excludes them.

“Not only is the system inaccessible, but politics is also plagued with discriminatory attitudes. In the recent local elections, it was reported that a Councillor in Manchester said that people with a learning disability shouldn’t be voting.”

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Christmas hamper winner Barbara shares her prize

I

T’S NOT often that someone wins a fantastic prize – and then decides to give most of it away!

But that’s exactly what Barbara Williams said when we called to say she was the lucky winner of our sensational Park hamper Christmas competition.

Mrs Williams’ name was first out of the hat to win Park’s top of the range hamper worth £550.

She said: “I saw the competition in All Together NOW! while waiting for an appointment at the Countess of Chester hospital and I immediately knew what I would do if I won the hamper – I’d break it down into small food parcels and give it away to all the families I know who are living on the breadline. “We are a very caring family and though far from being rich ourselves, we know there are many people out there who are considerably worse off and who are really struggling to even pay for the basics in life. “My husband, John, died earlier this year and I am absolutely certain that

he would have wanted me to share this super hamper with others who are struggling to pay their bills. So that’s what I am going to do — and I can’t thank the kind, caring people at Park enough. It’s fantastic that they support this great publication.�

Mrs Williams, from Helsby, Cheshire, has her fair share of health problems. She has rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and is in constant pain, but says “you’ve just got to get on with life and make the most of it�.

She’s also a massive fan of All Together NOW! “No other publication – including the paid-for ones – comes close to All Together NOW! “The paper gives me so much information and highlights so many acts of kindness towards others. “All Together NOW! is unique in every respect. It’s informative, supportive, warm-hearted and we all love it!�

Barbara and grandchildren Louisa and Aaron

Picture: KEN ALMOND

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Park gives me the help and support I need to stay focussed on planning the most expensive time of the year.

Not only can I give my family everything they need for Christmas, but I get the added peace of mind, knowing it’s all been paid for in advance!

“Thanks to Park, I don’t have to worry about how I’ll pay for Christmas�

Here’s how you can have YOUR debt free Christmas with Park: 1. Order online from a fantastic range of gifts, hampers, gift cards and vouchers 2. Pay in small regular amounts throughout the year 3. Have everything delivered to your door in time for Christmas, with no big bills in the New Year!

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Mark’s swimathon for Macmillan and Nanna

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ONGRATULATIONS to 15-yearold Mark Pattie who completed an 80-length sponsored swim raising almost £400 to date for the Macmillan cancer charity.

Mark, who has cerebral palsy, took on the swimming challenge in memory of his grandmother, who died of cancer in September.

“I wanted to do something special for Nanna,” said Mark, from Rainhill, Merseyside. “It was my way of thanking Macmillan for the great support they

Tip toeing her way to the top

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YOUNG dancer is celebrating success despite major physical problems that involved more than 20 operations, numerous setbacks and learning how to walk again.

Brooke Taylor, 13, was born with a sacrococcygeal teratoma, a large and very rare pelvic tumour attached to her spine.

She first underwent life-saving surgery at 11 days old to remove the tumour, but due to its position and the complexity of the operation she was left with nerve damage to her pelvic region and legs.

On the long road to recovery, Brooke found the ballet dancing she loves strengthened her legs and core muscles and improved her posture.

So much so that Brooke, from Bolton has now gained a high merit in her exam for the new Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Grade 3 syllabus.

Former ballet star and RAD President Darcey Bussell presented Brooke with a signed photograph to mark her achievement.

In 2013 her teacher Elizabeth Collier noticed a change in Brooke’s posture, which resulted in a diagnosis of a condition which meant one of Brooke’s vertebras had slipped out of place.

Yet she carried on taking classes and was recently able to take her RAD Grade 4 presentation.

Brooke hopes to perform as a ballerina but says she would love to be involved in choreography if performance proves impossible.

She said: “Dancing has given me strength for my surgeries and it has enabled me to express !

TAKE ME HOME myself with confidence.”

gave my family over the last year.”

Mark was inspired to become a better swimmer after a trip to the Paralympics in 2012.

When recovering from a successful operation at Alder Hey to improve his balance and mobility, Mark couldn’t wait to get back in the pool.

“He started using a self-propelled wheelchair which built up his upper body strength and now he swims straighter, further and faster than before.

All aboard!

MOVING WITH THE TIMES: Transport minister Baroness Susan Kramer and students at the launch of the new competition

ALLING all school teachers . . . here’s a great way to stretch students’ minds – and help bus commuters who are blind or deaf.

£1,000 up for grabs

A new competition is aimed at using new ideas and technology to make buses more accessible to people who are visually or hearing impaired.

The Department for Transport contest was officially launched by Minister of State for Transport Baroness Susan Kramer.

The “All Aboard” accessible buses competition is open to UK students aged between 14 and 18.

There are almost two million people living with a visual impairment in the UK, including 360,000 who are registered as being blind or partially sighted.

More than 10 million people have some form of hearing loss, with over 800,000 of those being severely or profoundly deaf.

While buses in some areas, most notably London, provide audio-visual information to

assist passengers with details on the next stop or final destination of a service, the perceived high cost of existing technology has been cited as an obstacle by bus operators in other parts of the country.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister said she had come up with the idea for the competition while looking to see how accessibility to transport could be improved on a nationwide basis.

“Audio and visual announcements on buses are especially helpful for those who are visually or hearing impaired,” Baroness Kramer said.

“We want to tap into the creativity we

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in new accessible bus competition

know is alive and kicking in our classrooms to find ways in which we can make local transport more accessible.

“Disabled people have the same rights as anyone else to access public transport, but there remain obstacles. I am open to any ideas that could make buses more userfriendly, for the many passengers who rely on them.”

Competition entries need to be submitted

by February 13, 2015, after which a number of shortlisted entrants will be invited to present their ideas to a judging panel. The winner is due to be announced in March 2015 at the “Big Bang” fair for young scientists and engineers.

As well as receiving a cash prize worth £1,000, the competition winner will have the chance to see his or her idea turned into a product, as well as going on a tour of the Houses of Parliament with Baroness Kramer.

n www.theallaboardcompetition.co.uk

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Standing frame joy for R-Jay

December/January 2015

All Together NOW!

Special buggy eases eases the the pain for Oscar

A

SIMPLE piece of specialist equipment will mean positive health benefits for two-year-old R-Jay Lovell.

R-Jay, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, will be able to improve his posture and spinal alignment through use of a standing frame – thanks to the charity partnership between The Morgan Foundation and Newlife.

Mum Leanne Bullock, from Chester, said: “He is not able to weightbear, which is affecting his posture, bone density, the condition of his muscles and his digestion. Being able to stand, safely supported, in the frame regularly will help with all this as well as developing his head control.”

FOR R-Jay has been able to trial a standing frame, full details of Newlife’s recommended by his physiotherapist.

Leanne said: “He was really happy in it – he range of free practical support didn’t want to come out.” services, call the Newlife Nurse With the standing frame costing £1,774 – and Helpline 0800 902 0095 (free from no local authority funding available – Leanne turned to Newlife for help. Thanks to Newlife’s UK landlines) – or go to: current partnership with The Morgan Foundation, www.newlifecharity.co.uk the equipment was promptly placed on order.

A Morgan Foundation fundraising golf day and gala STANDING TIME FOR R-JAY . . . dinner in support of Newlife raised £450,000 to provide vital specialist equipment specifically for families across North Wales, Merseyside, West Cheshire, North Shropshire and parts of the West Midlands.

Newlife CEO Sheila Brown said: “Having the support of The Morgan Foundation is an enormous boost for Newlife. We look forward to helping to transform more lives across The Morgan Foundation catchment area.

CONTACT US

ONE-year-old Oscar Whiteley has complex medical needs which had left him virtually housebound, except for hospital and clinic appointments.

Provision of a specialist buggy changed all that.

Oscar, from Colne in Lancashire, has cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

Mum Natasha said: “Oscar has poor head and trunk control and the standard buggy we were using to get him out and about just wasn’t working for him.

“He suffers from reflux and every bump in the ground made him sick. It got to the stage where he hated being in the buggy so we hardly went out.

“However, Oscar has quite a few medical appointments each week – so we had to use it – and he would be distressed every time.”

Desperate for help when she really needed it, Natasha turned to Newlife. Through our emergency equipment loan service ‘Just Can’t Wait’ – which supports families of terminally ill and life-limited children – a £3,000 buggy was delivered to their home within days.

The Whiteleys are one of 107 families around the UK currently being supported by Newlife through our emergency equipment loan services.

Natasha said: “The Newlife buggy has made a huge difference. Oscar isn’t being sick as much and he is happier about going out.”

“Anyone struggling to access equipment through their statutory services should call our Newlife Nurse Helpline to discuss their individual situation.”

Autism support NEWLIFE Foundation community relations officer Heather Campbell attended the Cheshire Autism Practical Support conference in Widnes.

The event provided an opportunity for parents to find out more about support available in their area.

Heather said: “It was good to meet families and tell them how we can help. Parents were very interested in accessing Newlife services, in particular our Play Therapy Pods. I received applications there and then.”

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Papers snapped up

Pods are pure fun, says Santa!

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ARENTS across the UK have been busy buying up this year’s must-have toys for Christmas -– but for families with a disabled child it can be difficult to know where to look and what to look for.

To give families the opportunity to ‘try before they buy’, Newlife offers a Play Therapy Pod service – and we have recently issued our 1,000th pod loan!

Newlife started loaning out boxes full of specialist sensory toys in response to queries from families of disabled and terminally ill children – and kicked off with just four ‘pods’. Now we have more than 320 in circulation.

www.newlifecharity.co.uk Tel: 01543 462 777

Chester mum Sara Harvey said: “A lot of thought has gone into putting the pods together, because my son, Frank, latched on to particular toys and loves them. He especially likes a shapes puzzle.

Within about five days he was echoing parts of the words. Now, he can almost say ‘circle’ and’ triangle’.”

Each pod contains around £400 of sensory and developmental toys; they are available on threemonth loans and delivered direct to families’ homes.

Play Therapy Pods fall into two age categories – under and over-fives – with equipment for tactile, visual, interactive and auditory needs.

newlifefoundation newlifefoundation

@newlifecharity @newlifecharity

All Together NOW! is reaching new audiences, with distribution of the newspaper through Newlife retail stores in Staffordshire.

More than 15,000 people a week pass through the two stores in Cannock and Market Drayton that have been stocking the newspaper – and all 1,100 of our copies of the last edition have been snapped up by eager readers.

Newlife Foundation CEO Sheila Brown, OBE, said: “This is the first time we have offered the newspaper to our customers and it has been very popular. We are delighted to be supporting All Together NOW! in raising awareness of disability issues and bringing new information to a new readership."

NewlifeFoundation NewlifeFoundation

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Blowing us all away All Together NOW!

December/January 2015

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Teen puffs her way 440 miles in a boat then scales a mountain!

Natasha proves everyone wrong again

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ATASHA Lambert just loves proving people wrong. She’s been doing it for as long as she remembers.

And now she’s done it again . . .

Despite having to deal with cerebral palsy, Natasha, 17, sailed a boat 440 miles by blowing through a straw – and then scaled the highest peak in south Wales using a walking frame.

She successfully scaled 2,907ft Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons to complete her phenomenal Sea and Summit Challenge, before summing up her achievement as “not bad”.

The teenager from Cowes, Isle of Wight, known as “Miss-Isle”, was motivated by being told throughout her life that she wouldn’t be able to do things because of her disability.

Accompanied by a 17-strong support team, including four members of the Central

Future’s bright LARRY WALLER has joined the Together Trust from Barnardo’s as head of business development.

“In my new role,” said Larry, “I’ll be implementing plans to broaden the Together Trust’s reach nationally while ensuring we remain an effective provider of special educational needs and disability services across the North West.

“Growing business potential, developing service opportunities and driving quality in service delivery are my priorities to improve the outcomes of the lives of the families, young people and adults we serve.

“The future for our service users is bright, and the Together Trust is committed to providing the very best support the UK has to offer.”

Beacons Mountain Rescue team, four military personnel, parents Gary and Amanda, eight-year-old sister Rachel and sailing coach Phil Devereux, Natasha started the ascent at 6.45am before standing atop the summit three-and-a-half hours later and exclaiming: “Wow, wow, wow!”

Throughout the 12 stages of the journey around England’s South West coast to Wales, including the longest, most testing leg of 60 miles around Land’s End, Natasha sailed her 21ft boat, Miss Isle Too, by breathing through a straw in a specially-engineered bicycle helmet designed by her dad.

Low cloud and cool temperatures then greeted the party as they began the climb up Pen Y Fan and on the way to the top they overcame rugged terrain, perilous gullies and uneven camber.

Amanda said: “Hopefully people will see that Tash can achieve things and that other

Happy new learning!

A

NEW Year ahead and some new and exciting times at the Together Trust . . .

From January we will be bolstering our special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) training offer, with a new, specialist speech and language training programme for teaching and support staff in the North West.

Elklan training is designed for those working in educational environments and our initial course will focus on working with children aged 5 - 11 years.

The scheme will be delivered by licensed Elklan tutors from the Together Trust over ten weekly, two-hour sessions, at the charity’s offices in Cheadle.

Launching on 12 January, the cost is £320 per participant and

includes the accreditation fee and learning materials.

After successful completion of a final portfolio, participants can receive a Level 3 or Level 2 award in Knowledge and Practice to Support the Communication Skills of 5-11s, which may be applied directly in learning environments across North West schools and educational facilities.

Sue Whitehead, head of outreach therapy services at the Together Trust, explained: “Our aim is to ensure the region’s young people are given the very best services to enable them to reach their full potential in the classroom and at home.” n To register your interest, contact Sue Whitehead on 0161 283 4766/4848 or swhitehead@togethertrust.org

people can as well. No matter what ability you have there’s always that little bit extra you can achieve.”

Through Sea and Summit Natasha has been raising money for the RNLI, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and the RYA Foundation, as well as the profile of sailing for people with disabilities. She has a target of £15,000 and has already passed the £11,000 mark.

Dad Gary, voice cracking, said: “I’ve always been proud of her, I know what she can do and this is just the icing on the cake.”

Coach Phil, who masterminded much of the

logistics of the challenge, said: “It has been a true journey with highs and lows and some real tough moments.

“It’s been a pleasure and a joy to have been a part of this, to have watched her grow as a person and overcome so much.”

Natasha started sailing at home and spent two years sailing with the Even Keel Project and her local RYA Sailability. n Sailability is the national programme providing people with disabilities opportunities to learn to sail and sail regularly. n www.rya.org.uk/sailability

n TOGETHER Trust supporter and Coronation Street star Sue Nicholls has launched the charity’s Christmas Appeal.

When festive shopping, the charity asks if you could buy an extra gift for one of Together Trust’s young people. n Please make deliveries to the Together Trust Centre, Cheadle, or contact 0161 283 4822 to arrange a delivery.

Makaton courses for families COMMUNICATION experts from the Together Trust’s specialist education college, Bridge College, are offering a range of Makaton courses in December to enable families and carers to interact more effectively with young people who have communication difficulties.

Makaton is a language system used alongside speech that uses symbols and

signs to support communication. When family members and carers are also able to use Makaton, it can significantly increase the communication successes young people are able to have, inside and outside of education environments. n To register your interest contact Kate Duggan on 0161 487 4293 or email kduggan@bridgecollege.ac.uk

www.togethertrust.org.uk tel 0161 283 4848 email: enquiries@togethertrust.org.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2015

All Together NOW!

How we can help . . .

H

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

Difference.

Over the past decade we have helped hundreds of organisations across the region, committing over £14 million.

This year we will be giving away a whopping £2 MILLION to good causes.

Created in 2001 by

businessman Steve Morgan OBE, founder and chairman of Redrow plc, chairman of the Bridgemere Group of Companies and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, the Morgan Foundation supports charities across North Wales, Merseyside, West Cheshire and North Shropshire.

Our aim is to provide funding for small to medium-sized organisations who are addressing specific needs in these regions.

We are particularly keen to support those who have already begun to make an impact, but need a helping hand to expand their work and increase their effectiveness.

We focus our help mainly on those who work directly with children and families but we recognise that many wider issues may also affect their welfare, so we are interested in any project which contributes to the quality of life in our region.

Happy 2015!

A

S THE festive season draws near, while many of us are finishing off our Christmas shopping and planning family gatherings, others will approach it with dread.

Over the past year we’ve seen a huge increase in the funding we are giving to foodbanks and charities helping with debt advice.

The UK may be out of recession, but many people are still struggling financially.

The help these organisations give is vital, but it is a sticking plaster unless we also tackle some of the root causes. Helping our children and young people gain education, aspiration and life-skills has got to be a part of this and is one reason why The Morgan Foundation is supporting The Way,

THE Morgan Foundation has awarded a three-year grant totalling £31,200 to support the post of the Operations Co-ordinator at West Cheshire Foodbank. Pictured is Morgan Foundation Administrator Jane Harris, right, with West Cheshire Foodbank trustee Rose Uitterdijk and volunteers Janette Stowell, Susanne Evans, Lynn Taylor and Sue Cox

Wolverhampton’s planned new Youth Zone.

There is a real need in Wolverhampton, and across the country, for young people to have somewhere to go, something to do, and someone to talk to in their leisure time.

The Youth Zone, one of a growing network across the north west, is helping to lead the way by investing heavily in the city’s young people.

Everybody associated with the Youth Zone is thrilled to get the building work started and we’re all incredibly excited about what this fantastic facility will mean for the future of Wolverhampton.

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a more prosperous New Yea

— STEVE MORGAN, chairman, THE MORGAN FOUNDATION

n THINGS may not be going too well on the playing field for Liverpool FC, but there’s plenty to smile about at Liverpool Homeless Football Club, who are the latest to benefit from funding from The Morgan Foundation. n For the past seven years the club have organised a league that brings together 22 homelessness organisations across Merseyside. n They recognise the power of football to bring people together. As well as improving fitness, LHFC help players into training, employment, healthy living and long-term accommodation.

www.morganfoundation.co.uk Tel. 01829 782800

The Morgan Foundation

@Morganfound

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YOUNG AT HEART

10

All Together NOW!

December/January 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Life is fragile, handle with care MONEY MATTERS

Are YOU getting grumpier?

W

HO says the older we get, the grumpier we get? The age at which we are most content is 58, says a new study.

That’s when the majority of people say they have achieved a winning work/life balance.

Lifestyles of 2,000 Brits were examined to discover the age at which we are happiest, as well as when we are most stressed.

Results reveal the Top 10 key factors that affect our happiness, as well as our top stressors.

The age of contentment is 58, with 79% of people in this age group stating they feel satisfied with their current work/life balance and 72% rating their lifestyle as good or very good.

Those aged 58 were the most likely to take a proper lunch hour, suggesting that they feel the most secure at work.

They were also the most likely to work their contracted hours, with 45% saying they don’t work any unpaid overtime compared to 28% of those aged under 50.

The study shows that a third of Brits (33%) are unsatisfied with their current work/life balance, while half (50%) think their lifestyle could be better.

The keys to a happy and balanced lifestyle include spending time with family (63%) and being in a happy relationship (53%).

Career success is deemed as much less important (20%) than doing a job you love (54%).

According to the research, the peak age for stress is 35, with a third of this age group (33%) stating that they always or regularly feel stressed, compared with an average score of 26%.

Respondents aged over 50 were most likely to find worries about their health (21%), caring for older relatives (13%) and dealing with difficult teenagers (12%) stressful.

THE top 10 keys to contentment: 1 Spending time with family (63%).

2 Doing a job you love (54%).

3 Being in a happy relationship (53%).

4 Financial security (51%).

5 Feeling appreciated at home (46%).

6 Laughing daily (45%).

7 Feeling appreciated at work (44%).

8 Enjoying holidays (42%).

9 Spending time with friends (36%).

10 Working with people you like (33%).

Winter’s hot topic

Magnificent 30!

IN THE PINK: Leighton jones (aged 80 – cycles to stay fit); Bill Tudor (aged 86 – walks to stay fit); Donald Munn (aged 80 – plays golf); Bert Maybury (aged 85 – gardening and walking); Noel Fowler (aged 91 – loves rugby); Glyn

Prosser (aged 77 – carves walking sticks); Graham Moore (aged 80); Ray Grace (aged 79 – referees American football); Peter Elwood (aged 84 – set up the study 35 years ago); Neville Griffiths, 79; David Curtis, 77

THE

T

HIRTY men who guest starred at a special summit on ageing were providing living proof of the benefits of healthy living.

But their appearance came as new surveys show far too many people still have an unhealthy lifestyle.

The men, aged from late-70s to their mid-90s, were the only ones out of 2,500 who stuck to five “healthy steps” to a long and disease-free life.

Researchers studied the lifestyle habits and health of all the men, from Caerphilly in South Wales, over a 35-year period.

“Thirty years ago, only 30 men in our study – less than 1% – followed all five of our recommended healthy steps, which included taking regular exercise, non-smoking, a healthy bodyweight, a healthy diet and a low alcohol intake,” said Professor Peter Elwood who led the research from 1979 to the present day.

The results, produced by Cardiff University School of Medicine,

Why I love this paper

I ALWAYS look forward to All Together NOW! There’s so much helpful information, puzzles, heart-warming stories and much more, all in one small newspaper - and it’s free! Mrs J Staunton, Queens Drive, Liverpool speak for themselves. The 30 men who followed four or five of the specified healthy steps had a 70% reduced chance of developing diabetes; 60% reduced incidents of heart attacks and strokes; 40% fewer cancers; and a reduction of 60% in cases of dementia.

Experts are using those results to renew their plea to the public to take responsibility for their own health after new surveys showed the vast majority of people still fail to do so.

Speaking at the Healthy Ageing

summit, organised by Cardiff University, Professor Elwood said the study was a “wake-up”.

And he added: “Although following these steps does not give them complete protection against disease, the men who, despite living healthily, developed a disease, did so at a much older age than the men neglectful of their lifestyle.”

“Thus the development of heart disease was delayed by up to six years, and it was up to around an additional 12 years before dementia took its grip.

“That was 30 years ago. The appalling fact is that recent surveys across the whole of Wales yield almost identical proportions of men and women following the healthy, and the unhealthy lifestyles that had been found in Caerphilly 35 years ago.

“The picture isn’t much better in England: 53% of men drink more than the recommended daily amount and only half of men meet the government recommended scores for wellbeing.”

SENIOR MOMENTS . . . with FRANK HARRIS

THIS is the season when we spend a lot of our hard earned money on keeping the house and ourselves warm.

Are there any steps we should take to reduce the costs of the ever increasing gas and electric bills?

Yes there are!

First and foremost, the easiest single action to save money is to check you are on the cheapest tariff from your provider and then see if there are still cheaper options available.

Use Uswitch or moneysavingexpert.com or moneysupermarket.

The websites will guide you easily to the best tariff. Just have your last year’s figures handy. Normally a 12month or 18-month fix is the best option as prices do not usually come down even if the price of gas or electricity falls!

Next, make sure your radiators have thermostatic valves to adjust the heat per radiator.

Also fit or have draught excluders by doors that may let out the heat.

Double glazed windows, an insulated loft and cavity wall insulation are other things to consider.

However, the one item that could save you about £200/300 per year is to change your boiler if it is at least nine years old.

The new ones are more efficient, you may even get a grant depending on your circumstances. It could cost about £2,000 but a return of over 10% on your investment is better than in the bank.

So, make a decision to look into some of the above today and keep warmer for less.

Gordon Viner FCA CTA

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2015

Christmas is always an expensive time of year so the last thing hard-pressed households need is the added cost of repairing a frozen or burst water pipe.

Research from United Utilities has revealed that a third of North West families could not afford to fix a burst pipe this winter, while one in fifty people say they’d need to cancel Christmas.

The average repair bill for a frozen or burst household pipe is estimated at £525. It’s an added expense that few households can afford, which is why United Utilities is encouraging customers to take some simple precautions around the home to prevent a bleak midwinter.

Lagging your pipes, especially the ones in cold places such as the loft or garage, could make all the difference between a very Merry Christmas and a winter of financial woes.

Rachel Powell, Winter Wise campaign manager said: “The thought of so many people suffering the stress of burst pipes over winter makes us shudder, especially when it can be avoided with a bit of planning.

“It’s really easy to protect your pipes, providing peace of mind and preventing an unexpected hole in your finances.”

All Together NOW!

Beat the freeze, by getting your home wrapped up!

With a bit of forward planning, you can avoid the expense and mess of frozen or burst pipes.

Here are four top tips:

1

Keep your pipes toasty by wrapping them in lagging.

Pay extra attention to the pipes in cold places such as the garage or loft.

2

Find your stop tap, just in case you get a burst pipe and need to switch the water off quickly. Hint: it’s usually under the sink.

3

Keep the central heating on low to prevent your pipes from freezing. Time it to come on if you’re away over Christmas.

4

Have the name of a plumber handy in case the worst happens. You can find your nearest qualified knight in shining overalls at www.watersafe.org.uk

For more advice on keeping pipes warm and freeze-free this winter visit unitedutilities.com/winterwise

Need a little ExtraCare?

We offer a range of free services to help customers who: • are older • have a disability • have a serious illness • have sight, hearing or learning difficulties

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All Together NOW!

12

Now I live life on Impulse

December/January 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

20mph please to help blind

Footy fan can follow his team without the need to rely on pals

B

IG Blackburn Rovers fan Peter Taylor values his independence – and now drives himself to Ewood Park for all their home games.

“I used to have to find someone to go with me,” said Peter, “and it wasn’t always possible.

Now that I can go by myself I hardly miss a match.”

The dramatic change in Peter’s life has been made possible thanks to his new wheelchair accessible Peugeot Impulse, which is really widening his horizons.

“Impulse has made a huge difference,” he said. “I have a brand new level of Independence and not having to rely on anybody else when I want to leave the house is brilliant.”

Based on the popular Peugeot Partner,

FREEDOM: Peter Taylor ready for the open road

Impulse offers a new level of independence, allowing people to drive from their wheelchair or travel as an up-front passenger.

The fully automatic ramp and tailgate makes travelling without assistance simple and stressfree.

Peter enjoys not having to rely on anyone else when he wants to get out and about and really appreciates being able to travel spontaneously, even if it’s just to his local supermarket.

“I’m much more sociable now. I love being able to just get in my car and drive!”

Peter transfers from his wheelchair to the driver’s seat, which is just another way that Impulse can be flexible to fit individual needs.

He simply positions his wheelchair in the upfront position and can transfer to his seat safely

0800 916 3028

and comfortably – especially useful in wet weather! Both front seats can be removed or replaced easily too, so it’s easy to swap places if you need to.

“The ramp is brilliant and so simple to use,” adds Peter.

“But the best bit is the look on people’s faces with they see the tailgate swing up and ramp fold down automatically. They’re always really impressed!” n Peugeot Impulse wheelchair accessible cars are available to buy or hire, or through the Motability Scheme. For more information on this vehicle or any of Allied Mobility’s range of wheelchair accessible cars and MPVs, simply call FREE on 0800 916 3028 or email info@alliedmobility.com

CAMPAIGNERS are calling for a 20mph default speed limit in residential streets – without physical calming – to protect vulnerable road users, including those who are blind and partially sighted.

Rod King, founder of 20’s Plenty for Us, said: “Every driver must assume that any pedestrian may be one with poor vision.

“Traffic authorities have a legal responsibility to set speed limit policies that do not discriminate against disadvantaged groups.

“A general 30mph limit is no longer seen as fit for purpose for delivering the equitable safety on our streets that communities and government now demand.

Default 20mph limits are affordable, effective and benefit most sectors of the community, particularly people who are blind and partially sighted.”

Matt Broom, operations manager at blind charity VISION 2020 UK, said: “20mph limits lessen fear and danger to the blind and partially sighted community, enabling them to lead more active and independent lifestyles.”

www.alliedmobility.com www.alliedmobility. com

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Vehicle hire service also available on all cars AllTogetherNow_Nov14.indd 1

19/11/2014 15:29

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2015

All Together NOW!

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HE Mobility Roadshow gets back into gear in 2015 with an action-packed three-day event that will attract visitors from all over the UK. Taking place from June 25-27 at Donington Park, Derby, the Roadshow is the most comprehensive lifestyle event of its kind in the UK – offering mobility solutions for people with restricted mobility to help achieve greater independence.

Visitors will have the rare opportunity to test drive adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) on the historic Donington Circuit, as well as experience the very latest innovations for independence.

The Roadshow will also incorporate Get Going Live! – a sister event also organised by the Mobility Choice charity that focuses on young and novice disabled drivers. n www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk

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13

14

All Together NOW!

December/January 2015

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

Beware of this silent killer killer .. .. .. silent AS general manager of The UK Asbestos Training Association I was heartened to read the story of a North Kent man who had joined forces with the National Asbestos Helpline, following the death of his father at the hands of the toxic killer.

Unfortunately, even today, the only cure for mesothelioma is prevention and we need to make sure that the tradesmen of this generation are armed with the knowledge to keep them safe from the substance.

Many buildings built prior to the year 2000 still house deadly asbestos. If you work in an environment where you may come into contact with asbestos or have to handle it on a daily basis then you need training.

Readers can go to www.ukata.org.uk to find one of over 170 registered training providers throughout the UK and ensure that it isn’t asbestos that eventually takes their life.

Craig Evans, general manager, UKATA

Marathon Marathon man man CAN I tell readers that I am again running in the London Marathon in April – and hoping to raise as much as I can for my employers, the Royal National Institute for the Blind who do so much to help visually impaired people throughout the UK. Some readers might know that I am also a visually impaired singer/ songwriter and have just recorded a second album on behalf of the International Glaucoma Association.

The “Andrew Coleman performs his Top Ten Songs” album, costs £8 (including postage) and is available by calling 0151 545 0078 or the IGA on 01233 648170.

To support my London Marathon run please go to www.justgiving.com/rnibandrewcoleman

Andrew Coleman, Merseyside

Fashion Fashion stance stance I WOULD like to congratulate Paralympian and British Polio Fellowship ambassador Anne Wafula Strike on receiving her MBE and for using this achievement to make the case for those like herself living with polio and post polio syndrome (PPS) to have greater access to practical, fashionable clothing.

Clothes make a big difference to the way we all feel about ourselves and for too long those with polio and PPS and disabled people in general have been poorly served.

Anne collected her MBE in a dress created by international designer Izzy Camilleri – a specialist in disabled fashion – which made her look fantastic and capped Anne’s efforts to raise awareness of the issue.

Ted Hill , CEO, The British Polio Fellowship

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

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Re-open the Remploy factories? Student unrest AS the October-November issue of All Together NOW! appeared on the streets an almighty political row broke out.

In the House of Commons, Ed Miliband accused Welfare Minister Lord Freud of suggesting that more disabled people might get work if it was possible to pay them less than the minimum wage.

Lord Freud had suggested this in reply to a question at a meeting held during the Conservative Party Conference.

It is true that some disabled people have lower productivity as a result of their impairments.

Adjustments and support by employers will enable

some to produce as much as anyone else but there will remain some people, even with support, unable to do so.

In the past such people might have been able to work in supported employment in which they received a full wage but this was subsidised by the Government. The Remploy factories employed thousands of disabled people under these conditions. These are the same factories that Lord Freud’s Department of Work and Pensions closed.

Recreating supported employment is a better and more humane option than suggesting disabled people be paid even less than the minimum wage.

SOUNDING OFF! with Sir BERT MASSIE

It’s time to celebrate the pioneers who have done so much for disabled people

DISABLED students in higher education might be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance.

It is not means tested and although the basic allowance is less than £2,000 a year, much higher amounts can be paid to disabled people needing to employ personal assistants to enable them to study.

The Government proposed to cut the DSA next year and pass the responsibility on to universities – but without providing them with additional funds.

That is rather like the Government saying local authorities can provide more social care when they cannot afford to do so.

Disability organisations and the National Union of Students fought the change.

As a result, the Government has now decided that it will postpone the date when the DSA will be withdrawn.

The new date is the 2016/17 academic year.

While this delay is obviously welcome, it is yet another sign of the Government withdrawing support for disabled people while assuming other organisations will fill the gap.

But as we have seen, so often the gap remains unfilled and disabled people pay the price again.

History’s heroes

E

VERY year as November ends, Disability History Month starts. It provides an opportunity for disabled people to recall and celebrate our shared history.

In Liverpool the disability arts organisation DaDa, as part of its festival, is commemorating the life of Edward Rushton who was born in Liverpool in 1756.

DaDa has brought his remarkable life back to public attention. In so doing we are reminded of the many disabled people of the past who did so much to create better lives for their fellow disabled people.

Rushton left school when he was nine and became an apprentice with Watt & Gregson who traded in the West Indies where much of the economy was based on slave labour.

He had an eventful life at sea. At the age of 16 he guided a ship back to Liverpool after its captain was about to abandon ship.

The cargo on his ships were slaves from Africa. On a journey to Dominica many of the slaves were hit by an outbreak of opthalmia, which is an inflammation of the eye. It can result in loss of vision in the affected eye. Rushton would sneak food and water to the slaves but his contact with them resulted in him becoming affected and he lost the sight in his left eye and lost much of his vision in the other eye.

As well as becoming blind he was also

charged with mutiny. He returned to Liverpool and was supported financially by his father.

These were the days before Braille, so he employed local boys to read to him. His interest in politics increased and he campaigned for the abolition of slavery.

This was not a popular view to hold in Liverpool at the time but Rushton persevered writing books and poetry on the subject. He was able to earn a living and married in 1784.

By 1791 he had earned enough to enable him to open the Liverpool School for the Indigent Blind.

Louis Braille lived just outside Paris and became blind at the age of three. He later developed a system of six raised dots that could be arranged to represent words.

He died in 1852 but Braille never took off in his lifetime. It took another group of blind people to achieve that.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People was started in 1868 by blind men Donald Conally, W Fen, Dr James Gale and the partially sighted Dr Armitage. A year later it adopted Braille and published the first Braille alphabet.

More recent campaigners include Megan Du Boisson who in 1965 created the Disability Income Group, an organisation of disabled people, to make the case for

specific disablity benefits. Megan died in a car accident and was succeeded by another remarkable disabled woman, Mary Greaves.

It was largely as a result of the success of DIG that disability benefits were introduced in the 1970s.

Mary Greaves is also the person who worked with the then Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, to ensure that the then new Open University provided excellent facilities for disabled people.

One of the most influential people in the fight against discrimination was Peter Large who had chaired the Committee on Restriction Against Disabled People which recommended what became the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 – 15 years later.

Throughout most of my life disabled people have fought successfully for provision that enable us to contribute to our society.

Today’s campaigners are fighting to preserve those victories against relentless attacks.

With each battle they write a chapter in tomorrow’s history.

Disability arts and the Da Da Festival is one way disabled people are coming together to share our TAKE ME HOME! identify and invite the public to join us.

Sign up for your FREE e-newsletter – www.alltogethernow.org.uk

INDEPENDENT LIVING

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D

ISABILITY charity Vitalise has thrown its weight behind a call for more financial support for those families coping with dementia.

Vitalise, which provides muchneeded respite breaks for people coping with Alzheimer’s and dementia – as well as numerous other disabilities – is joining the Alzheimer’s Society in urging the government to end the artificial divide between health and social care which unfairly disadvantages people with dementia.

In support of the call, Vitalise is also highlighting its own research, which reveals the devastating effect on carers who do not have the lifeline of regular respite from caring.

The study found that an astonishing four out 10 carers had not had any time off at all from their caring duties in the past year.

The research went on to paint a stark picture of the emotional and physical strain on carers who are unable to take breaks from their

December/January 2015

Give us a break

caring duties. Six out of 10 said a lack of time away from caring led them to feelings of depression and that long periods without a break resulted in their getting angry at the person they care for.

Over eight out of 10 said they put the health of the loved one they care for before of their own health.

As part of its subsidised respite break provision for people with disabilities and carers, Vitalise provides specialist Alzheimer’s

Weeks, which are devoted exclusively to people coping with Alzheimer’s and dementia, enabling them to spend quality time together in a supportive environment.

In recognition of the larger financial burden faced by dementia carers, these weeks are subsidised to a greater degree by Vitalise, with the charity bearing up to 60% of the cost.

In addition, Vitalise offers extra

All Together NOW!

Money advice on prescription!

discretionary funding for families in particular financial hardship.

Vitalise Chief Executive Chris Simmonds said: “Access to regular, good quality respite breaks for all people with disabilities and carers should not be a luxury but an absolute essential in enabling families affected by disability to carry on coping.” n Vitalise, tel 0303 303 0145 visit www.vitalise.org.uk

AN NHS-backed scheme that aims to help people with their finances appears to be just what the doctor ordered.

Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group’s innovative Advice on Prescription scheme, launched six months ago with the Citizens Advice Bureau, has helped people claim £250,000 in benefits, increased household income by £2.2m, and reduced debt levels by almost £1m.

The project enables all Liverpool GPs to refer patients who they believe are facing ‘double jeopardy’ in terms of ill-health and poverty for assistance from CAB advisors on a range of issues including: housing, homelessness, job loss, complex debt issues and benefits advice.

The service is now in every Liverpool GP practice.

Dr Nadim Fazlani, GP and Chair of Liverpool CCG, said: “We are absolutely thrilled by the impressive results.”

way of helping mum I found out about loads of helpful gadgets.

You can try out different health and care technologies at the Mi Smarthouse.

Buy • On Prescription • Hire

I do it

way

See how you can be more independent Freephone 0808 100 1929 or visit www.moreindependent.co.uk Visit the Mi Smarthouse at the Museum of Liverpool 11am – 4pm daily

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16

All Together NOW!

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Don’t be a fall guy – or girl!

THE belief that more falls are inevitable as you get older is being challenged by new advice The everyday steps people can take to reduce the chances of a tumble, along with information about the preventative services physiotherapy staff provide, are included in the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s leaflet, Your Generation.

Advice includes how to get the right mix of exercise (aerobic, weight-bearing, strength and stretching) along with examples of activities that can help achieve this, such as swimming, cycling and pilates.

There are also tips on how to get up again in the event of a fall.

Prof Karen Middleton, chief executive of the CSP, said: “We need to get past the idea that as people get older they should slow down and take it easy, because being physically active is central to reducing the chances of a fall. n The leaflet can be downloaded at www.csp.org.uk/livelong n Tel. 020 7306 6666.

New talking TV guide SKY has developed a new version of the popular Sky+ app - making it easier for blind and partially sighted viewers to find, and manage their favourite shows.

The new update means that the UK’s most widely used subscription TV app is compatible with the latest voiceover technology built into iOS and Android devices.

Viewers can now control the app through a series of gestures, while a voiceover reads out each item of text that appears on the screen.

To use the accessibility features on the Sky+ app, viewers should connect their mobile or tablet to the same WiFi as their Sky+ HD box and enable the voiceover function on their device.

They can then use the ‘Now & Next’ view within the TV Guide to browse and select current and future shows, hear descriptions and record the shows they want to watch later.

The update also lets viewers browse hundreds of shows and movies and download them to their set top box through Catch Up TV, TV Box Sets, Sky Movies on Demand and Sky Store. n sky.com/accessibility.

Calling all designers £50k contract for best idea

D

ESIGNERS and entrepreneurs are being challenged to develop products, services and technologies that will make a real difference to the one in five in the UK with limiting longterm illness or disability.

On offer is a contract worth £50,000 .

The UK’s innovation foundation, Nesta, is working with the Office for Disability Issues, Innovate UK, The Department for Business Innovation and Skills and Irwin Mitchell to champion the issue of assistive technology through the Inclusive Technology Prize.

The competition will be judged by an expert panel, including Liverpool’s stand-up comic Laurence Clark (pictured), who has cerebral palsy, and Jess Thom, who has Tourette’s syndrome.

The panel will be looking for ideas that enhance independence by building, inventing, developing and co-creating a more equal and accessible society.

The judges are looking for ideas that will fulfill their vision for a more equal society.

John goes de – just for a d

December/January 2015

Products could be functional objects like a watch that tells the time through touch, systems and technologies might include text to voice apps for computers and mobiles that make voting systems accessible by reading and recording the vote by voice.

Constance Agyeman, programme manager for the prize, said: “We are excited by the potential to generate a whole new wave of product design and to encourage people to innovate for independence.

“Assistive technology, aids products and technologies should be readily available for anyone looking for the solutions that will make their life easier and simpler.

“The Inclusive Technology Prize is about making that vision a reality.” . The competition has several stages and entrants will be whittled down to 25 semifinalists who will each receive mentoring and support, and then a final 10 who will develop prototypes ready for impact testing.

Deadline for applications is January 16, 2015. The winner of the £50,000 contract will be announced in March. n www.inclusivetechprize.org

www.alltogethe

T

OP TV and stage entertainer John Barrowman sacrificed his hearing for the day to get a better idea of the difficulties deaf people face.

Gel moulds were inserted into the actor and singer’s ears, leaving him with a dramatic 60% hearing loss.

“I didn’t realise how challenging deafness would be,” said John, awarded an MBE this year for his charity work.

“I was extremely anxious when walking down the street and crossing the road, as I couldn’t hear busy traffic or the sounds of footsteps walking behind me.

“It was so tiring trying to concentrate on what people were saying. I became increasingly withdrawn and frustrated, and I was isolated from conversations around me. I felt invisible.”

John was then partnered up with hearing dog Robyn, who helped him out by alerting him to the sounds and danger signals that he could no longer

hear such as the fire alarm, telephone and doorbell.

“With Robyn by my side, I didn’t feel invisible anymore,” said John.

“People were able to see from her jacket that I was deaf. I was also less reliant on others to do things for me.

“Having a hearing dog gave me back

my independe when out in pu clever dog pro companionshi loneliness I ha “In all hones was one of the exhausting da “With hearing important that train more clev people.

“I only exper one day, but d difficulties eve Every day in people with he the communic isolation. n Watch John www.hearing n Hearing Do 01844 348100 n www.heari

eaf day

ernow.org.uk

ence, made me feel safe ublic, and best of all, this ovided me with wonderful ip to alleviate the ad felt. sty, going deaf for the day e most insightful yet ays of my life. g loss on the rise, it is t we raise enough funds to ver puppies to help deaf

rienced hearing loss for deaf people face these ery day of their lives.” n the UK, over 10 million earing loss are faced with cation barriers and

hn’s video at gdogs.org.uk/jb ogs for Deaf People: 0

ingdogs.org.uk

December/January 2015

All Together NOW!

INDEPENDENT LIVING HOLIDAYS

Making dreams come true for EVERYONE

The Golden Residence in Madeira offers easy access into the pool

H

OLIDAYS should all be about fun. But for thousands of people with mobility issues that two-week break in the sun can sometimes turn into a nightmare.

Finding the right accommodation – and transport – can be all too much for some people.

Thankfully, companies like Enable Holidays are making the going easier.

Enable became one of the first to guarantee adapted rooms upon confirmation of a booking and ensure that adapted bathrooms and wheel-in showers are featured in as many properties as possible.

Comfortable and hassle-free travel between the destination and hotel has

Why I love this paper I ABSOLUTELY love All Together NOW! There’s everything you need in one place – a wealth of information and expert advice. My parents are elderly and your website is the first place I look for information.

All Together Now is also the title of my favourite song by The Farm which I am forever singing it. Maybe I’m subconsciously promoting your charity to people who hear me singing!

Steven Young, (email)

also been taken into consideration with adapted transfers being offered in many destinations.

Over the past decade Enable have compiled a portfolio of more than 250 accessible properties in over 30 venues. Now they are set to include quite a few more exciting trips in their 2015 programme.

New features in their new brochure include a special villas collection; holidays in the Caribbean and Mexico; Canadian adventure tours; and exciting city breaks from Paris and Berlin to New York and San Francisco. n To reserve your copy of the new Enable brochure, call 0871 222 4939 or visit www.enableholidays.com

Irton House Farm

HAPPY HO LID AWARD 2 AY 012!

A warm welcome is waiting for you at our superbly scenic, fully accessible self catering cottages in the Lake District.

www.irtonhousefarm.com 017687 76380

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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

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Are YOU one of our winners?

T

HE TEN lucky winners of our recent gardening competition are:

Ann Knowles, Wallasey Village, Wallasey, Merseyside (picked up her copy of All Together NOW! from Arrowe Park hospital) Sheila Tilston, Cinder Close, Guilden Sutton, Chester (Sainsbury’s Cheshire Oaks) Mrs P Davies, Bentley Drive, Kirkham, Preston (subscriber) Mariane Milne, Finch Lane, Knotty Ash, Liverpool (Yewtree Medical Centre) Mrs S Stockton, Kings Drive, Crewe (Liverpool Dental Hospital)

Richard Savell, Rhuddlan Road, Blacon, Chester (Burleydam Garden Centre) Mrs J Crimmins, Dunluce Street, Walton, Liverpool (Breeze Hill Medical Centre) Ken Gallop, Suncroft Close, Woolston, Warrington (subscriber) Mrs A Edwards, Kelson Avenue, Ashton-underLyne Julie Samantha Latham, Quarry Close, Stockton Brook, Staffordshire All winners will receive a Suttons Seeds’ new Plant-O-Mat Classic, in which a combination of 45 colourful bulbs have been carefully spaced.

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE n ANGLESEY:

TARAN Tel 01407 721933 n BLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support.

Tel 01253 472 202.

Textphone 01253 476 450 n CHESHIRE CIL Tel 01606 331853 n CHESTER Dial House Tel 01244 345655 n DENBIGHSHIRE Tel 01745 354445 n ELLESMERE PORT DICE Tel 0151 355 1420 n HALTON Disability Service Tel 01928 717222 n KNOWSLEY DISABILITY CONCERN. 0151 480 4090 n LANCASTER DISC Tel 01524 34411 n LIVERPOOL Association of Disabled People. Tel 0151 263 8366. Text 0151 260 4076 n MERSEYSIDE Coalition of Inclusive Living.

Tel 0151 260 4001 n NEUROSUPPORT Centre Tel 0151 298 2999 n MANCHESTER (GTR) Coalition of Disabled People Tel 0161-273 5154 n MOLD Flintshire Disability Tel 01352 755546 n NELSON: Pendle Pakistan Welfare Association.

Tel 01282 603 616 n PRESTON DISC: Tel 01772 558 863.

Textphone 01772 204 787 n RHYL Tel 01745 350665 n STOCKPORT: Disability Stockport. 0161 480 7248 n WARRINGTON Disability

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

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

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

n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 n CUMBRIA Carlisle.

Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith.

Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness.

Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal.

Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE Helpline: 0800 085 0307 n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412 n LANCASTER Tel 01524 66475 n LIVERPOOL Tel 0151 705 2307 n MANCHESTER Tel 0161 835 2995 n MORECAMBE Tel 01524 833456 n PRESTON Tel 01772 200173 n RUNCORN Tel 01928 580182 n WIDNES Tel 0151 257 9673 n SALFORD Tel 0161 833 0217 n SEFTON Tel 0151 288 6060 n ST HELENS Tel 01744 675 615 n STOCKPORT Tel 0161 456 2808 n WARRINGTON Tel 01925 644 212 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243 n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 683711 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Tel 0121 675 8000 n SOLIHULL Tel 0121 788 1143 n WALSALL Tel 01922 610 810 NORTH WALES n ANGLESEY Tel 01248 722828 n BANGOR Tel 01248 370 797 n CONWY Tel 01492 533714 n DENBIGHSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 0845 603 3187 n DOLGELLAU Tel 01341 421167 n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436 n WREXHAM CARERS SERVICE Tel: 0800 276 1070

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

19

Beat the queues

O

VER 600 patients who have had surgery in other European countries have successfully reclaimed their medical costs thanks to a new law.

Fly abroad for hip operation

UK patients now have the right to receive treatment anywhere in Europe, under an EU Directive on Cross-Border Healthcare.

Effectively it means that patients waiting for treatment can choose to have an operation at a private hospital in Europe and reclaim the cost from the NHS, provided the treatment is necessary and costs no more than it would in the Health Service.

The new arrangement means UK patients can, for example, undergo a hip replacement promptly, without facing a possible lengthy wait at home,.

Figures revealed by the Department of Work and Pensions under a Freedom of Information request show 855 patients in England have submitted claims under the EU Directive. Of

these, 621 were successful and between them they have reclaimed a total of £833,491 in total – an average of £1,342 per claim.

The DWP figures, revealed at the request of Operations Abroad Worldwide, the UK’s leading provider of treatment overseas, show that France, Germany and Poland were the most popular countries for operations.

The lowest cost for a hip replacement was £4,153, carried out in the Czech Republic, and the lowest cost for a knee replacement was £2,756 in France.

But the DWP warns the costs may reflect the requirements of individual patients and therefore not necessarily be standard prices.

Ruth Taylor at Operations Abroad Worldwide

said the EU Directive gave patients greater choice and could also help the NHS achieve savings: “The EU Directive makes treatment in Europe a more attractive option,” she says.

“For those who are on NHS waiting lists and considering private treatment, having their operation in Europe means they benefit from prompt treatment and will be able to claim back their medical costs, although they will have to cover their own travel expenses.

“While refunds are limited to the cost of an NHS operation, medical costs in Europe can be up to 80% lower so it is possible for patients to receive treatment in a top-class private hospital for much less than it would cost the NHS. “Therefore patients may also benefit from better quality care with more intensive rehabilitation and little or no risk of infection.

“Meanwhile the NHS benefits from cost savings and reduced waiting lists.”

Why we love this paper All Together NOW! is brilliant. I am not disabled but work within the health service and will definitely recommend it to my service users. Julie Davies, Silverbirch Grove, Bryn, Wigan All Together NOW! is really interesting. I love how colourful, bright and informative it is.

Mrs Sandra Bellingham, Monks Lane, Bolton All Together NOW! is so right for me, having a disabled husband. The paper gives me much-needed support and great ideas. At my age I find it so helpful to have somewhere I can go for ideas. Mrs S Tierman (email)

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Disabled children have been helping create murals depicting the rich history and achievements of much-loved Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

The giant works of art - measuring two metres high and three and a half metres long - are featuring as hoardings outside the site of the new hospital. When Alder Hey in the Park is complete, they will be used inside the building.

The children, from Liverpool’s Sandfield Park School, have been working with other children at Knotty Ash Primary School, and Broadgreen International School and with

artists, a children’s author and hospital staff to produce the art.

Hospital arts co-ordinator Vicky Charnock said: “Most of the children had a connection with Alder Hey. Either they had been a patient or a sibling or cousin had been treated here.

The schools chose different themes to depict the hospital’s history and the result is fantastic. The hoardings can be enjoyed by anyone passing the East Prescot Road side of the new building and we are very excited to see them go on display.”

Author Hilary Keating, who helped the scheme, said: “It’s been a wonderful project with giggles galore and gasps of amazement.”

Alder Hey will move to purpose-built Alder Hey in the Park, next to the current site, next year.

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You can keep tiddlywinks

All Together NOW!

MEDICAL NOTES Docs get new help to spot cleft palate NEW GUIDANCE has been published to help doctors, paediatricians and midwives diagnose babies with cleft palates – the most common facial birth defect in the UK. Sixteen per cent of babies diagnosed with cleft palate should have had the condition detected earlier, and delays in detection cost the NHS £250,000 in legal fees, says the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Although newborn babies are given a physical examination – including a cleft palate assessment – within 72 hours of birth, most recent figures have shown that 12% of babies diagnosed with cleft palate were detected more than a week after birth, 7% under three months of age, 3% under a year and 2% were over a year old.

Dr Alex Habel, from the RCPCH, said: “One in every 700 babies born with a cleft lip or palate.

“Cleft palate without cleft lip affects two in five such babies and if the condition isn’t detected early, a baby can experience impaired growth and development as a result.

“Every child deserves the best start in life. This delay is totally unacceptable.

“This is a condition that is treated with timely surgery but often other care is required such as speech and language therapy and orthodontic treatment, and management of associated medical and developmental needs.”

December/January 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Better MS support ONLY one in every eight people diagnosed with MS are given proper guidance from their GPs. New help and advice produced by the MS Trust aims to tackle that lack of support.

And a report commissioned by the Trust calls on GPs and other healthcare professionals to improve care by supplying and signposting trusted and reliable information.

A survey found that 72% of people report they would have been less stressed if they had received the right information when diagnosed.

The MS Trust has developed a suite of resources, Making Sense of MS, to help healthcare teams close this information gap at the time of diagnosis. They were developed in partnership with people with MS and health professionals specialising in the condition.

It includes a small, discreet introductory booklet, tailored to provide positive and practical information and is specifically designed to be given out at diagnosis.

The booklet will help clinicians meet the latest recommendations in the NICE clinical guideline for the management of multiple sclerosis, launched earlier this month.

Professor Neil Scolding, from the University of Bristol Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, said: “In a busy clinic it is often difficult to provide the right amount of information.

“This new resource is excellent – simple, clear and easy to read and understand.

And it fits in a pocket!” n www.mstrust.org.uk/sense

DREAM COME TRUE: Harry in his England Counties debut against Belgium

M

AD KEEN rugby player Harry Broadbent was advised to “take up tiddlywinks” instead after being diagnosed with a rare blood condition.

Harry was told three times he would have to stop playing after learning at 16 that he had thrombophilia, giving him an increased risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis.

But medical staff at a North West hospital helped Harry prove them all wrong and realise his dream of representing his country at the sport he loves.

His life changed after his GP referred him to Professor Cheng Hock Toh at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital’s Roald Dahl Centre.

And Harry, now 22, has shown his gratitude by donating his first England jersey to the hospital. He recalls: “I had been told three times I would have to stop playing rugby.

“I went to Australia on a rugby tour and had a serious clot there and after that they said I

Wrong! The medics who told Harry to quit rugby couldn’t do any form of contact sport.

“The first thing I remember Professor Toh saying is I’d be able to play rugby as long as we managed the condition correctly.

“That was amazing news for me – the best news I could have had,” added Harry, from Bebington, Wirral.

So impressed were Harry and his family with the care he receives, they are now all under the care of doctors at the Royal.

His brother Sam, also a semiprofessional rugby player, and sister Alice, have similar conditions, as does dad Andrew.

Harry, who plays for London-

based club side Rosslyn Park in the National one division, toured Georgia with the England Counties team earlier this year.

“The Roald Dahl Centre have educated me so that I can manage it myself, if I believe I am about to have a clot, I manage it with medication,” said Harry.

“I’m the only member of my family who has not had a very serious clot and I think that’s all down to being managed by the clinic and that has kept me playing rugby.”

Professor Cheng-Hock Toh said: “We are humbled by this donation of his first England shirt to the Roald Dahl Centre.

“This is a very precious gift and will serve to inspire us in achieving further success and improved outcomes together with our patients.

“We are very proud of Harry and look forward to news of his further sporting achievements.”

The shirt is displayed in the waiting area to serve as an inspiration to other patients.

Is a 7-day diagnosis possible?

LABOUR Party plans to deliver a cancer diagnosis in seven days has been welcomed.

But the backing from healthcare staff who carry out diagnostic imaging scans that detect tumours and provide the radiotherapy that destroys them came with a warning.

The Society and College of Radiographers has said it is unlikely that the target can be met “without substantial ongoing funding”.

“This is a wonderful aspiration and one that we and other professional bodies have been saying for many years should be standard practice across the NHS,” said Richard Evans, the Society’s chief executive. `But he added: “The Labour Party claim the money is going to come from a levy on the tobacco companies. Is this tax going to be a one-off?

“We need much more detail of what the actual investment is going to be, how it is going to be applied consistently across the NHS, and what steps will be taken to ensure that it is not a one-off flash-inthe-pan to grab votes at the next general election.”

The Society and College has said that it will work with all political parties to increase timely access to diagnostic services and radiotherapy.

They say it is not just more money that is needed but innovative thinking about how services are delivered before it will be possible to deliver improved waiting times.

Mr Evans added: “Demand for diagnostic services is rising by 10% year-on-year but the workforce required and the investment in new equipment is not keeping up with the number of patients who need and expect these services.

“A 7-day test-to-diagnosis target has to be delivered consistently in all four countries of the UK. Is this latest promise realistic? We need to discuss how it will actually happen.”

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December/January 2015

All Together NOW!

Drink help

On your bikes, Santas!

GET on your bike and join in the great Santa Cycle ride for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Taking place on Sunday 14 December, hundreds of cyclists will pedal from the Pier Head to Alder Hey – and will then deliver sacks of Christmas presents to children at the hospital.

You don’t need to ask people for sponsorship money - just donate a pre-wrapped Christmas gift for a

child at Alder Hey. And if you don’t have a bike why not consider hiring a City Bike for the event, available for just £3 p/day from www.citybikeliverpool.co.uk n Contact Bob Blanchard on 0151 288 8400 email: bob.blanchard@thebreckfieldcentr e.com or Gavin McLaughlin on 0151 295 3238 or email: gavin.mclaughlin@liverpoolch.nhs

Stay well this winter!

T

EMPERATURES are dropping and LCH’s Nursing Teams are encouraging everyone to get prepared for staying well this winter.

Tracey Carver, a Community Matron for the Trust, explains: “The most important advice I would give to older people and those with long-term health conditions wanting to prepare for winter is to get the flu jab as soon as possible.

“Even if you had it last year, you will still need a new jab because the virus changes every year.”

Here are our five top tips for keeping warm and healthy during winter: 1. Get a flu jab – You can have a free flu jab to protect against seasonal flu from your GP if you are over 65, pregnant, or have a long-term health condition.

2. Eat well and have plenty of fluids – Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day.

Food and water are vital sources of energy and help keep your body warm.

3. Keep warm – Wrap up and take care on slippery surfaces. Set your heating to between 18 - 21ºC, and when it’s cold wear several light layers of warm clothes. If you can’t heat all your rooms, heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep.

4. Stay active – Regular exercise will make you feel more energetic, which should make it a little easier to get out of your warm bed on cold, dark mornings.

5. Look out for others – If you have any older neighbours and relatives, look out for them to make sure they are safe and well.

The Liveability team preparing the winter packs

LCH is again partnering with Local Solutions to help fund and deliver Winter Support Packs to some of Liverpool’s most vulnerable residents.

The packs contain a range of basic supplies including gloves, hats, socks and scarves, tea and coffee, basic food rations, warm blankets, toiletries, and information about free health services and equipment that help with living independently, and keeping safe and warm.

Staff from the Trust joined in a “mass packing day”, which was officially launched by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Erica Kemp.

Dianne Singleton, Lead Nurse for Older People at Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust, said: “Cold weather greatly increases the risk of people falling ill, particularly those with existing health conditions and older people who can be left socially isolated by the poor weather and are often more vulnerable to slips, falls and serious illnesses over winter.”

Hi-tech home service can be a lifesaver

H

EALTH CARE technology can be a fantastic addition to many people’s lives.

Telehealth allows people with longterm conditions like diabetes, heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) to monitor their health at home and send information wirelessly to health professionals.

But where exactly does all this information go? Well, it’s likely that it will go to Cathy Gillespie and her team at Liverpool Community Health’s Health Technology Hub, who are a very experienced group of highly trained nurses monitoring

patients using telehealth and their conditions.

The way it works is that when you enter your weight or your blood pressure, it’s sent to the nurses at the Hub to be checked.

They will look at your readings alongside your other medical data and make a decision about the type of care you require, whether that’s giving you a call, talking to your GP, or contacting your Community Matron to arrange a visit to you in your home.

The system can help prevent health problems before they become serious, and reduces the need for someone to go into hospital.

To find out more, visit . . .

21

Cathy says: “What’s great is that you don’t need a computer, you don’t need to have broadband internet and you don’t even need a TV! Just contact your GP surgery and ask about health technology to find out how to get it.”

But while health technology helps patients and their families to manage their long-term conditions and stop problems before they become more serious, it’s not for emergencies.

This is why we also offer the Mi 24 hour helpline to patients.

If you or a family member suffer a sudden fall, then a falls package can automatically detect this, and within seconds you’ll be speaking to an

expert on the Mi helpline.

Neil Garde, from the Mi helpline team, explains: “Every team member completes an intensive 7-day training course, involving a lot of one to one practical training to ensure that they’re able to deal with all kinds of problems, even life and death situations in a quick, calm and reassuring manner.” n If you think that you or a family member could benefit from either Telehealth or a falls package, then call the LCH Hub on 0151 285 4651, speak to your GP, or call the Mi helpline free on 0808 100 1929.

AS PART of Alcohol Awareness Week, LCH’s Health Promotion team were out and about encouraging residents to think about what they drink.

Andy Ireland, Health Promotion Specialist on Alcohol for Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust, said: “We really want to encourage everyone to think a bit more about how much, and how often, they are drinking alcohol.”

The recommended maximum daily allowance for alcohol is not to exceed 3 - 4 units of alcohol for men (equivalent to a pint and a half of average strength beer), or 2 - 3 units of alcohol for women (a medium glass of wine).

Five simple tips for making sure you’re drinking safely include: 1. Try not to drink more than the recommended daily amount of units.

2. Aim for at least two completely alcohol-free days each week.

3. If you are out drinking with friends, drink at your own pace.

4. Try to stick to drinks that are lower in strength.

5. Have a soft drink or glass of water between each alcoholic drink. n www.fewerunits.co.uk

HIV help

OUR Specialist HIV Nursing Service and Armistead Specialist LGBT Health Service supported National HIV Testing Week.

Martin Fenerty, Manager of the Armistead Centre, said: “If anyone would like to take a HIV test or has a general concern about their sexual health, we would encourage them to attend one of the drop-in clinics for friendly and confidential advice.

“The free test involves a Specialist Nurse taking a blood sample from the arm – it’s quick and relatively painless. The result will be available in just one week, when the patient will be contacted with the result, and offered further support if necessary.” n For confidential information, advice or support on HIV, please contact Liverpool Community Health’s HIV team: 0151 285 2802, Armistead Centre: 0151 247 6561, Sahir House: 0151 237 3989.

www.liverpoolcommunityhealth.nhs.uk

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2015

Depression to get priority

Beatrice Fraenkel chair, Mersey Care NHS

Make time for a cuppa

T

HERE’S something special about the good old British cuppa.

Earlier in 2014 in this column I posed the question: “How many stages are there to making a cup of tea?”

The reason behind it was I had just taken part in a Dementia Friends’ training session led by Government dementia tsar Alistair Burns and the tea-making question was an example of how an everyday task can be confusing or difficult for some people, like those who live with dementia.

At Mersey Care we’ve taken that a stage further with our new Big Brew campaign, which seeks to connect people across our community through the power of a shared cuppa. I’m mindful this is a time of year that should bring people closer together, yet many remain socially isolated and lonely.

The Big Brew is designed to reach out to people who may be suffering mental health issues in silence. We believe if enough people start talking we can tackle the stigma that goes with mental health issues and raise awareness. By harnessing the power of a well-made brew we aim to get people talking about how they really feel.

We want to get as many people as we can to host their own Big Brew. So get your friends, family and workmates involved too. You can do it in your house, place of work, a local school or sports hall or anywhere that has brewing facilities that people can easily get to.

You can also support it by grabbing your smartphone and your favourite cup, strike a pose and take a ‘brewfie’.

A ‘brewfie’ is like a selfie. Then follow these three simple steps: 1, Post your brewfie on Mersey Care’s Facebook page, or on Twitter tagging it @MC_BigBrew or #brewfie.

2, Use it as your profile picture on your own Facebook page for a month.

3, Nominate three friends to do the same.

My own brewfie is on Twitter and I believe the more we let people know we care, the better they might feel. It can’t do any harm, is fun - and may just help someone. n For more information go to: www.facebook.com/MerseyCareNhsTrust

PEOPLE with mental health conditions are to be given the same priority as those with physical ailments.

The first ever waiting time limits for mental health services were announced by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, ending years of discrimination against those with illnesses such as depression.

There will also be £120 million to improve mental health services.

From April 2015 most patients needing talking therapies will be guaranteed the treatment they need in as little as six weeks, with a maximum wait of 18 weeks.

A

For many patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis, the NHS will start treatment within a fortnight of referral – bringing it into line with cancer.

Treating psychosis rapidly can dramatically improve patients’ chances of recovery and potentially save £44million each year in hospital admissions.

Mr Clegg said: “It’s wrong that relatives and friends needing a hip operation can expect treatment within a clear time frame but someone with a debilitating mental health condition has no clarity about when they will get help.”

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Uni’s help for India STAFF at a Lancashire university are to provide vital help in a country with one of the world’s worst suicide rates.

Edge Hill University in Ormskirk will deliver mental health training for nurses in Mysore, which has a particular problem with suicide and selfharm.

The training will focus on improving mental health treatment for those who have attempted suicide or are at a vulnerable stage in their life.

There is an acute shortage of mental health trained professionals in Mysore, with

2,000-2,500 people a year being referred after suicide attempts to just two doctors.

Edge Hill Faculty of Health and Social Care staff secured funding from the Tropical Health and Education Trust to deliver the training and research the effectiveness of treatment.

Senior lecturer Steve Jones said: “Attempted suicide is illegal in India and mental health issues are heavily stigmatised.

“We have found that while nurses are well-equipped to provide physical treatment and care for patients, they have limited knowledge of mental health needs.”

Year of hope and

MAN paralysed following a knife attack four years ago can walk again after a British-funded surgical breakthrough which offers hope to millions of people.

Polish surgeons used nerve-supporting cells from the nose of Darek Fidyka, a 38year-old Bulgarian man, to provide pathways along which the broken tissue was able to grow.

Mr Fidyka can now walk with a frame and says that sensation has returned to his lower limbs. He is also regaining some control of his bowels and bladder.

Professor Geoffrey Raisman, whose team at University College London’s institute of neurology discovered the technique, said: “We believe that this procedure is the breakthrough which, as it is further developed, will result in a historic change in the currently hopeless outlook for people disabled by spinal cord injury.”

He said what had been achieved was “more impressive than man walking on the moon”.

The surgery was performed by one of the world’s top spinal repair experts, Dr Pawel Tabakow, from Wroclaw Medical University, and involved transplanting olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) from the nose to the spinal cord.

OECs assist the repair of damaged nerves that transmit smell messages by opening up pathways for them to the olfactory bulbs in the forebrain.

Relocated to the spinal cord, they appear to enable the ends of severed nerve fibres to grow and join together - something that was previously thought to be impossible.

While some patients with partial spinal injury have made remarkable recoveries, a complete break is generally assumed to be unrepairable.

The research, funded by the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation (NSIF) and the UK Stem Cell Foundation, featured in a BBC Panorama programme.

Paralysed man walks again four years after knife attack

PROF GEOFFREY RAISMAN ON THE PARALYSED MAN WHO’S WALKING AGAIN

Professor Raisman, who hopes to see at least three more patients treated in Poland over the next three to five years if the funding can be raised, said: “The patient is now able to move around the hips and on the left side he’s experienced considerable recovery of the leg muscles.

“He can get around with a walker and he’s been able to resume much of his original life.

He’s not dancing, but he’s absolutely delighted,” said Raisman.

The NSIF’s founder, David Nicholls, whose son Daniel was paralysed in 2003, said information relating to the breakthrough will be made available to other researchers around the world to help cure paralysis.

He said: “Paralysis is something that most of us don’t know very much about, because we are not affected by it. One of the most devastating moments a parent will ever experience is the sight of their son or daughter lying motionless in bed and facing the reality that they may never walk again.

“The scientific information relating to this

The perfect tonic . . .

significant advancement will be made available to other researchers around the world so that together we can fight to finally find a cure for this condition which robs people of their lives.”

Prof Raisman said he had never believed the “observed wisdom” that the central nervous system cannot regenerate damaged connections.

He added: “Nerve fibres are trying to regenerate all the time. But there are two problems – crash barriers, which are scars, and a great big hole in the road.

“In order for the nerve fibres to express that ability they’ve always had to repair themselves, first the scar has to be opened up, and then you have to provide a channel that will lead them where they need to go.

“The number of patients who are completely paralysed is enormous. There are millions of them in the world.

“If we can convince the global neurosurgeon community that this works then it will develop very rapidly indeed.”

HALF A MILLION

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Why we love this paper THE positivity of the newspaper is fantastic for readers who may be affected by ill health or disability. Please keep up the good work! Stephen Holman, New Lane, Wakefield, West Yorks THE All Together NOW! website is a great resource for disabled people and their families.

My Dad uses a wheelchair and has asphasia, following a stroke. It’s so hard to find information and services that are relevant. Debbie Mulloy, Whatley Avenue, London

December/January 2015

All Together NOW!

Alcohol danger to our children WELL over a quarter of a million children in the North West have been badly harmed by someone else’s drinking, according to new research.

The survey reveals the equivalent of at least five children in every classroom - 280,000 in total - have been harmed by someone else’s drinking.

Adults questioned identified a range of ways in which children they knew had been affected by the drinking of a family, friend or stranger. These included being physically hurt, neglected, missing hospital appointments and missing school, says the study by alcohol campaign Drink Wise.

The results show: n 30,000 (12%) children have been anxious, upset or worried. n 22,500 (8%) children have been neglected.

n 22,500 (8%) children have missed school. n 17,000 (6%) children have been mentally affected. n 14,000 (5%) children have missed leisure activities. n 8,000 (3%) are in physical danger. n 6,000 (2%) have missed health appointments.

Hazel Parsons, director of Drink Wise North West said: “Through no fault of their own, often it is innocent children who are bearing the brunt of the North West’s alcohol issues.”

Drink Wise has launched a new film, Party Fox, as part of the Let’s Look Again at Alcohol campaign. Run by Local Authorities across the North West, the campaign aims to protect children by persuading adults to think again about their own alcohol consumption.

The region has one of the highest rates of adult binge drinking and deaths from liver disease in the country.

breakthroughs

Could this be the end for daily insulin injections?

S

CIENTISTS have made a major medical breakthrough which could revolutionise treatments for people with type 1 diabetes.

For the first time a team at world-famous Harvard University have managed to make vast quantities of insulin-producing cells to treat diabetic mice successfully over long periods of time.

The US researchers believe human clinical trials could begin within a few years with long-term implants that would make daily insulin injections redundant.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system destroying the cells that control blood sugar levels.

The team at Harvard was led by Prof Doug Melton who began the search for a cure when his son was diagnosed 23 years ago. He then had a daughter who also developed type 1.

He is attempting to replace the approximately 150 million missing beta cells, using stem cell technology.

Dr Melton said: “It was gratifying to know that we could do something that we always thought was possible.

“We are now just one pre-clinical step away from the finish line.”

If the beta cells were injected into a person they would still face an immune assault and ultimately would be destroyed.

“If this scalable technology is proven to work in both the clinic and in the manufacturing facility, the impact on the treatment of diabetes will be a medical game-changer on a par with antibiotics and bacterial infections,” said Prof Chris

WE CARE: Some of the army of volunteers at Aintree hospital whose work has been recognised with a top national award

Thanks for being there . . .

THE vast army of volunteers making life better for patients at a North West hospital have been honoured.

More than 800 people from across Merseyside give up their time to assist patients at Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, in a range of departments and roles.

The work they do,

particularly their End of Life Volunteer Companionship Service, has now been recognised with a national award.

The Excellence in Voluntary Service Management award came from judges at the National Association of Voluntary Services Managers.

Gail Bruen, the

Mason, a stem cell scientist at University College London.

Dr Gillian Morrison, from the University of Edinburgh, agreed this “represents a real advance in the field”.

She said: “The next important challenge will be to find ways to maintain these cells inside the body so they are protected from the immune response and have long-term function.”

Daniel Anderson, professor of applied biology at the Massachusetts Institute of

hospital’s volunteer manager, said: “I am delighted to see the wonderful work of our volunteers being recognised nationally.

“They provide a number of valuable services, including providing companionship for patients who might otherwise be alone at the end of their lives.”

Technology, who is working with Professor Melton on an implantable device, said: “This advance opens the doors to an essentially limitless supply of tissue for diabetic patients awaiting cell therapy.”

Mark Dunne, professor of physiology at Manchester University, said: “I think it’s a major advance. The experiments show these beta cells look as good as the human equivalent and other groups haven’t been able to show that.

“That’s a very important breakthrough.”

people are reading these pages . . .

23

MEDICAL NOTES Homeless people’s lives cut short THE average age of people who die while homeless is 47 – for women it is 43.

Homelessness charity St Mungo’s Broadway is demanding the heads of all 152 Health and Wellbeing Boards in England – responsible for breaking down health inequalities – do more for growing numbers of rough sleepers.

Around three quarters of homeless people have a physical health problem, while two thirds have a mental health issue.

Latest figures show homelessness is rising in England. Since 2009/10 there has been a 26% increase in people who approached their council because they are facing homelessness. In that time there has been a 77% increase in the number of people sleeping rough in London annually.

St Mungo’s Broadway is asking the Boards to sign their Homeless Health Charter and pledge to measure and understand the needs of homeless people by including them in local health plans and providing services to meet those needs.

To back up the charter, St Mungo’s has produced a report, Homeless Health Matters, which also highlights that: n 53% of homeless women, and 34% of homeless men have attempted suicide at least once. n Many homeless people struggle to register with a GP, often due to not being able to provide a permanent address. n The annual cost of hospital treatment for homeless people is at least £85m a year.

Folic acid CAN help HEALTH supplement makers are to be allowed for the first time to say that folic acid can help reduce the risk of conditions like spina bifida.

Despite a landmark study in 1991 proving that folic acid could help to reduce the risk of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) by up to 72%, until now the only claim manufacturers have been allowed to make is that folic acid helps “support maternal tissue growth”.

The newly permitted health claim will mean manufacturers will be able to explain what folic acid actually does.

Neural Tube Defects are severe defects of the brain and spine which still affect 1 in 1,000 pregnancies in the UK. They can lead to enormous challenges and parents having to make heartbreaking decisions.

The most serious form, anencephaly, means that the baby will not live beyond birth, and many babies born with spina bifida face a life with serious multiple disabilities.

However, many NTDs could be prevented if women were better informed about the need to take folic acid correctly (ideally for three months prior to conception and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy).

0151 230 0307

24

All Together NOW!

One advert goes a long, long way

Tel: 0151 230 0307

December/January 2015

HOME! TAKE ME

BOX OFFICE SENSATION!

Until Jan 11: Shrek the Musical.

Manchester Palace Theatre.

Audio Described, Tue Jan 6, 7pm. Signed, Wed Dec 10, 7pm & Thu Dec 11, 7pm. Captioned, Thurs Jan 8, 7pm.

Until Jan 10: Alice in Wonderland.

Bolton Octagon. Signed, Fri Dec 12, 7.15pm. Relaxed Performances, Fri Jan 2, 7.15pm & Fri Jan 9, 11am.

Until Jan 17: Little Red Riding Hood.

Liverpool Everyman. Rock and roll panto. Audio Described, Thurs Jan 15, 1.30 & 7pm.

Signed, Thurs Jan 8, 7pm. Captioned, Sat Jan 10, 1.30pm. Relaxed Performance, Mon Jan 12, 5.30pm.

Until Jan 17: Scouse of the Antarctic.

Liverpool Royal Court. Comedy musical.

Until Jan 24: Jack tand the Beanstalk.

Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Rock and roll pantomime. Audio Described, Dec 13, 2pm. Signed, Jan 3, 2pm. Captioned, Jan 10, 2pm Dec 4: Stephen K. Amos.

Manchester Opera House. Stand-up Comedy.

Dec 4-5: Dawn French. Salford Lowry. Stand-up comedy.

Dec 5: Let’s Hang On. Southport Floral Hall. Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Dec 5-Jan 4: Sleeping Beauty.

Blackpool Grand Theatre. Audio Described, Sat Dec 13, 2pm.

Signed, Sat Dec 13, 2pm Dec 5-Jan 10: Sex and the Three Day Week. Liverpool Playhouse. New farce.

Audio Description, Thurs Dec 18, 1.30pm & Mon Jan 5, 7.30pm. Captioned Performance, Sat Jan 3.

Dec 5-Jan 11: Jack and the Beanstalk. St Helens Theatre Royal.

Pantomime.

Dec 5-Jan 4: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Manchester Opera House. Pantomime.

Dec 6: Dawn French. Southport Floral Hall. Stand-up comedy.

Dec 6: Burlesque. Manchester Opera House. Adult entertainment.

Dec 6: The Dylan Project. St Helens Citadel. Tribute to Bob Dylan.

Dec 6: A Festival for Christmas.

Preston Charter Theatre. Choral music.

Dec 6-Jan 18: Cinderella.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Audio Described, Thurs Jan 8, 11am; Thurs Jan 8, 7.15pm; Sat Jan 10, 2.30pm.

Signed, Wed Jan 7, 7.15pm; Thurs Jan 8, 11am; Sat Jan 10, 2.30pm.

Relaxed Performance, Thurs Jan 15, 11am.

Dec 7: Ken Dodd. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Stand-up comedy.

Dec 7: Omid Djalili. Liverpool Empire. Stand-up comedy.

Dec 7: Torvill and Dean. Salford Lowry. Legendary ice skating duo.

Dec 7: Gandini Juggling.

Salford Lowry. Circus meets theatre.

Dec 9-10: La Traviata. Stoke Regent Theatre. Opera.

Dec 9-13: Slavas Snowshow. Salford Lowry. Exhilarating show.

Dec 9-13: She Stoops to Conquer.

Salford Lowry.

Dec 10: Remember When at Christmas. Southport Floral Hall.

Christmas nostalgia show.

Dec 10: Swan Lake. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Ballet.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

BOX BOX OFFICE OFFICE NUMBERS NUMBERS BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre: 01253 290190.

BOLTON Octagon: 01204 520661.

LIVERPOOL Empire: 08444 999 999.

Everyman & Playhouse: 0151 709 4776.

Royal Court: 0870 787 1866.

LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru: 01492 872000.

MOLD: Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565.

MANCHESTER Opera House: 0870 401 9000.

Palace Theatre: 0870 401 3000.

SALFORD The Lowry: 0843 208 6000.

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.

Go on . . . treat yourself!

Dec 11-12: Oh What a Lovely Christmas. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Christmas musical extravaganza.

Dec 11-13: Babes in the Wood.

St Helens Citadel. Pantomime.

Dec 11-Jan 4 Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Pantomime.

Dec 12: Jim Davidson.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Stand-up comedy.

Dec 12-14: Old Mother Hubbard. Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre. Pantomime.

Dec 12-Jan 3: Sleeping Beauty.

Southport Floral Hall.

Pantomime.

Dec 12-Jan 10: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Rhyl Pavilion.

Dec 13: Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Opera.

Dec 13-31: Aladdin. Liverpool Empire.

Audio Description, Fri Dec 19, 7pm. Signed, Fri Dec 19, 7pm.

Captioned, Tue Dec 30, 7pm

Venue Cymru. Audio Described, Sun Dec 21, 5pm. Signed, Sat Dec 20, 2.15pm. Relaxed Performance, Fri Jan 2, 1pm Dec 13-Jan 11: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Runcorn Brindley. Signed, Sun Jan 11, 1 & 5pm. Relaxed Performance, Sun Jan 11, 1pm.

Dec 15: Lee Mack. Liverpool Empire.

Stand-up comedy.

Dec 16-17: Fanfare for Christmas. Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre. Festive music.

Dec 16-Jan 11: Peter Pan Goes Wrong. Salford Lowry. Audio Described, Sat Dec 20, 2.30pm.

Signed, Wed Jan 7, 7pm.

Dec 17-Jan 11: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Salford Lowry. Michael Rosen’s book brought to life.

Dec 18: Grand Christmas Concert 2014. Blackpool Grand Theatre.

Fabulous festive treat.

Dec 18: Pauline’s Comedy Christmas Cracker. Runcorn Brindley.

Dec 18: Candlelit Christmas Guitars.

Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Evening of guitar music.

Dec 13-Jan 4: Cinderella. Llandudno

Promote your shows here . . .

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2015

All Together NOW!

25

WIN! WIN! WIN!

YOUR CHANCE FOR FREE TICKETS TO TWO TOP TRIBUTE ACTS

I

T’S PANTO season – and there’s plenty of fun-packed shows going on right across the North West to tickle your fancy.

But there are lots more Christmas and New Year treats to get excited about – including TWO world class tribute acts that are returning to the region.

And All Together NOW! has a bundle of FREE tickets up for grabs.

We have SIX PAIRS of tickets to be won for the sensational Rumours of Fleetwood Mac tour.

Their new show, which opened in November and ends in March, showcases all the classic hits from one of the most outstanding and enduring catalogues in the history of recorded music – a legacy of blues, rock and pop classics that made Fleetwood Mac the icons of the music industry they are today.

Recognised internationally as the leading tribute to Fleetwood Mac in their various incarnations, and with founding member Mick Fleetwood’s golden seal of approval, the show reflects on an epic journey of lasting relationships through changing eras and musical styles, from the exciting hub of the Sixties London blues scene to staggering commercial success in the Seventies and Eighties, and beyond.

All Together NOW! has tickets to be won at the following gigs: n Jan 21: CREWE Lyceum Theatre (two pairs of tickets) n Feb 28: SALFORD Lowry n Mar 4: PRESTON Guildhall (two pairs of

Dec 18-20: Christmas Crackers.

Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre.

Dance.

Dec 18-Jan 10: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime. The Lowry. Audio Described, Sat Jan 10, 2.30pm. Signed, Sat Jan 3, 2.30pm. Captioned, Mon Jan 5, 7.30pm Dec 19: Take Phat. Runcorn Brindley.

Tribute to Take That.

Dec 20-Jan 3: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Pantomime.

Dec 21: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Preston Charter Theatre. Evening of classical music.

Dec 21: The Houghton Weavers. St Helens Theatre Royal. Folk musicians.

Dec 29: The Houghton Weavers.

Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre. Folk musicians.

Dec 29-Jan 3: The Tommy Cooper Show. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Tribute to the favourite comic.

Jan 7: Kidz4Kidz. Preston Charter Theatre. Celebrating songs from around the world.

tickets) n Mar 5: LIVERPOOL Philharmonic Hall To stand a chance of winning tell us the name of the founder of the original Fleetwood Mac band.

Answers on a postcard to: Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Competition, All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. Remember to include your name, address and telephone number AND tell us which gig you would prefer to attend.

Also let us know if you need a wheelchair space.

You can also enter via email at: competition@alltogethernow.org.uk Please insert RUMOURS as the subject. n Closing dates: Crewe (Thurs Jan 15); Salford; Preston; Liverpool (Fri Jan 23)

Jan 8: Roger Monkhouse and Jess Fostekew. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Stand up comedy.

Jan 8-11 Cinderella. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Pantomime.

Jan 8-11: Jack and the Beanstalk. Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre.

Pantomime.

Jan 9: Rock ‘n’ Roll Paradise. Manchester Opera House. Rock and roll show.

Jan 9: Coppelia. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Ballet.

Jan 9-10: Alice’s Adventures in Wornderland. Liverpool Empire.

Youth ballet.

Jan 10: The Nutcracker. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Ballet.

Jan 10: Jim Davidson. Stoke Regent Theatre. Stand-up comedy.

Jan 11: Swan Lake. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Ballet.

Jan 12-17: One Man Two Guvnors.

Salford Lowry. Comedy. Signed, Thurs Jan 15, 7.30pm Jan 13: Royal Liverpool

Have YOU discovered them yet?

BRIT FLOYD are back at the Liverpool Echo Arena on Saturday December 13 with their acclaimed Discovery show – a stunning and spectacular new light and laser show and music from all 14 Pink Floyd studio albums.

Having performed to more than one million fans around the world since their first show in Liverpool in January 2011, Brit Floyd will capture in note-for-note detail, all your favourite moments as well as a few lesser known gems.

All Together NOW! has TWO pairs of

Philharmonic Orchestra. Preston Charter Theatre. Classical music.

Jan 14-18: Snow White on Ice. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Dancing on ice.

Jan 15-24: Spamalot. Manchester Opera House. Musical based on the works of Monty Python.

Jan 15-Feb 14: A View from the Bridge. Bolton Octagon. Audio Described, Wed Jan 28, 7.30pm.

Signed, Thurs Jan 22, 7.30pm Jan 16: One Night of Elvis. Liverpool Empire. Tribute to the King of rock.

Jan 16: The Mersey Beatles. Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre. Tribute to the Beatles.

Jan 16: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Runcorn Brindley.

Shakespeare.

Jan 16-17: The Little Mermaid. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Pantomime.

Jan 16-17: NOODLES. Salford Lowry.

Blending circus and theatre.

Jan 17: Soul Legends. Liverpool Empire. Smash-hit soul music.

Jan 17: The Merry Widow. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Opera.

Jan 17: Money for Nothing. Runcorn Brindley. Dire Straits Tribute band.

450,000 readers. Call us NOW! . . .

tickets to be won for the gig.

Just tell us where Brit Floyd played their first show. Answers please on a postcard to: Brit Floyd Competition, All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. You can also enter via email at: competition@alltogethernow.org.uk Insert BRIT FLOYD as the subject.

Remember to include your name, address and telephone number. n Closing date: Thursday, December 11.

Jan 17-Feb 22: The Lion King.

Manchester Palace Theatre. Audio Described, Tue Jan 27, 7.30pm.

Signed, Thurs Feb 5, 7.30pm.

Captioned, Thurs Jan 22, 7.30pm Jan 19: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Salford Lowry. Shakespeare for kids.

Jan 20: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Shakespeare for kids.

Jan 21: Roll Out the Barrel.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Music and memories.

Jan 21-25: The Fawlty Towers Dining Experience.

New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Improvised comedy.

Jan 23: The One Direction and Katy Perry Experience. Runcorn Brindley.

Tribute to two fantastic acts.

Jan 23: Abba Mania. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Tribute to Abba.

Jan 23: The Take That Experience.

New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Tribute to Take That.

Jan 24: Around the World. Runcorn Brindley. Ffamily adventure.

Jan 24: The Sensational 60s.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. The

ultimate 60s extravaganza.

Jan 25: Nils Lofgren. Salford Lowry.

Singer-songwriter.

Jan 25: Viennese Delights. Runcorn Brindley. Afternoon of classic Viennese whirls and waltzes.

Jan 25: The Pauline Daniels Show. Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre. Variety show.

Jan 25: Vienna Piano Trio. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Classical music.

Jan 26-31: East is East.

Manchester Opera House.

Modern comedy.

Jan 27-31: Edward Scissorhands.

Liverpool Empire. Dance production of the Tim Burton film.

Jan 27-31: Barnum. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Audio Described, Thurs Jan 29, 7.30pm. Signed, Thurs Jan 29, 7.30pm Jan 30: Aladdinsane. St Helens Citadel. Tribute to David Bowie.

Jan 30: Swinging at the Cotton Club. Runcorn Brindley. Step back into 1920s and Harlem’s hottest TAKE ME HOME! club.

0151 230 0307

26

2015

All Together NOW!

December/January 2015

Aries (Mar21/Apr20) It’s important to play by the rules between January and mid-June. Resist the urge to cut corners or demand special favours. By showing respect for authority, you will pave the way for future success. It can be difficult for an impulsive character like you to wait your turn, but it is a lesson worth learning. The powers that be are watching your progress closely. They need to know you can be entrusted to follow the rules, as well as enforce them. Your focus will shift to an intimate relationship during the second half of June, when you’ll be forced to share resources with a lover or business partner.

Are you single? This is your opportunity to build financial security. Paying off a debt will be challenging, but you can do it by midSeptember. Once you fulfil your obligations to creditors, you’ll be free to pursue a course of study or go on an overseas trip.

Taurus (Apr21/May21) Budgeting is critical between January and the middle of June. This is your chance to achieve financial independence, provided you make a concerted effort to pay your bills. If you’re drowning in debt, consolidate your loans into one, low interest payment. Make regular payments until you’ve totally wiped out this obligation. That will require cutting back on luxuries. Indeed, you may be living on a shoestring for the first half of 2015, but the sacrifice will be worth it. Your love life will require serious attention during the second half of June, when your partner will need extra help. By coming forward at their hour of need, you’ll emerge much stronger as a couple. By mid-September, you’ll be able to redefine the parameters of your relationship.

Don’t be surprised if you achieve a new level of physical intimacy at this time.

Gemini (May22/Jun21) Erratic friends will prompt you to take a second look at your social circle. You will decide that quality, not quantity, is more important when it comes to social contacts.

You’ll begin to ease the flakes from your midst as early as January and will continue to do so all the way through mid-June. Although you hate to hurt anyone’s feelings, you simply can’t tolerate waiting for people who are perpetually late for meetings. Your patience will also wear thin for those who fail to deliver on promises. By June, an important job will start to cut into your leisure time. You’ll be spending more time on an engrossing assignment that requires every bit of your focus. If you do a good job with this client, you’ll pave the way for bigger and better contracts. Once mid-September arrives, you’ll have more time for your personal life. This may mean spending romantic evenings with your partner, rather than going out in large groups of friends.

Cancer (Jun22/Jul23) Establishing a fitness routine is critical between January and mid-June of this year. If you detect a twinge or pain, get medical attention for the issue. You may have to alter your dietary habits as a result. At first, this will be difficult, as you will long for the days when you could just eat whatever you wanted. The longer you abstain from the ingredients that are giving you grief, the better you will feel.

Pretty soon, you will no longer crave the foods that TAKE ME HOME!

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created such digestive distress. By June, you’ll be feeling so well that you’ll decide to embark on a new hobby. Developing your raw talent for cooking, crafting, or refurbishing will give you lots of pleasure. If you play your cards right, you could turn this pastime into a profitable business. Be sure to resume your health regime in September, when you’ll need all of your energy to tackle unexpected emergencies at work. The healthier you are, the easier it will be to move up the ladder to success.

Leo (Jul24/Aug23) Getting serious about a casual romance will be in the cards between January and midJune. You’re no longer interested in having fun. You want to build a life with someone special. If you’re already in a committed relationship, you will have to make a concerted effort to be more passionate towards your amour. It’s so easy to fall into a boring pattern when you’re used to being together. Don’t make that mistake in 2015, when it becomes imperative to inject some passion into your life. The period between June and September causes you to make big changes to your home life. You may ask an elderly relative to move in with you, or it’s possible you will move to a smaller place.

There’s even a chance you will be dealing with some residual pain from childhood.

Working through these issues with a trusted therapist will be tremendously helpful.

Virgo (Aug24/Sep23) Family responsibilities will continue to require a great deal of time between January and mid-June. An elderly relative may require your care. You might be called upon to give extra instruction to a child who is struggling in school. It may be necessary to make room in your household for an out of work relative. If you’re struggling with house payments, you might decide to move to a smaller place that is more affordable. Whatever the changes ahead, they will try your patience. Lean on friends and family when you need an emotional boost. By mid-June, you’ll have to work extra hard to stick to a schedule, as mechanical breakdowns and traffic snarl-ups will delay your progress. Be as flexible as possible and make sure to bring in your car for regular servicing. Backing up your computer on a regular basis is also recommended. Once late September arrives, you’ll be back to attending to family matters. .

ibra (Sep24/Oct23) Close relatives and neighbours will be less than helpful, especially between January and mid-June and then again from the middle of September until the end of the year. If you’re going away, make sure you have several names of reliable sitters for children and pets.

It may take a few phone calls before finding someone who can care for your precious ones while you’re away. Mechanical trouble could also rear its ugly head. Be sure to have your car serviced on a regular basis and be ready to replace any faulty wires or tires whenever a problem arises. Money will be tight between the middle of June and the second half of September. Learning how to operate more efficiently will be critical. You won’t have much spare time, so make the most of your working hours. By increasing your productivity, you’ll be able to withstand cuts to your department. Acquire as many skills as you possibly can at mid-year. If you’re having difficulty finding work,

Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22) Sticking to a budget remains important during the first half of the year. There won’t be a lot of money for extras, due to financial responsibilities. Paying off a debt, helping an unemployed relative and struggling with a higher cost of living are among the possibilities. The good news is that you have a natural ability to make your money stretch as far as it can possibly go. By finding even more ways to save money between January and mid-June, you’ll be ahead of the game.

Your focus will move to kicking a bad habit from the second half of June through to the middle of September. This is a great opportunity to replace destructive tendencies with healthier practices. Breaking your dependence on toxic substances and people will be difficult, but worthwhile. By the time late September arrives, you’ll have a greater measure of control over your life.

Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21) It’s important to take your needs seriously between January and mid-June. Instead of worrying what will make everyone else happy, put your priorities first. If this means getting more sleep or exercise, so be it. You’ll have to scale back commitments to others, but it can’t be helped. If you’re determined to switch careers, you’ll have to go back to the classroom. Spending less time with friends and family will be part of the equation. Don’t back down from your goal. By the middle of June, the focus will move to your private life.

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Certain people who have been draining your energy will be thrown by the wayside.

Onlookers will be shocked by your seemingly callous behaviour, but you really don’t owe them any explanations. Do whatever is necessary to create a life of peace, tranquillity and contentment. If that means turning your back on troublemakers and emotional vampires, do it.

Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20) Facing your demons will be a continuing theme from January through mid-June. Use this time to take stock of what you really want from life. Any relationships that drain you of energy will fall by the wayside. You simply don’t have the patience to deal with emotional vampires anymore. Once you drive these pests from your midst, you’ll have more time for solitary projects. Spending time on a hobby will be spiritually rewarding. It will be a relief to do work that isn’t related to income or status. Whether you’re working with fabric, wood, clay, or semi precious stones, this activity will bring profound contentment. Your focus will change during the second half of June, when you’ll get involved with a prestigious charitable organisation. Donating your time and money to a good cause will renew your faith in humanity. You will also get the chance to spearhead a fundraiser. Thanks to your executive ability, a worthwhile cause will be considerably enriched.

Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) It’s important to be discerning about your social circle, especially between January and the middle of June. Someone who keeps breaking promises and missing appointments isn’t worth your time. You need to surround yourself with wise, witty people who can both give and receive. If you’re looking for work, who you know will be more important than what you know. Don’t hesitate to ask influential friends to write letters of recommendation. Although you’d rather get a job on your own merits, you can’t afford to be idealistic in this economy. Your career prospects will improve greatly between midJune and late September. Take this opportunity to apply for a high-powered position in your desired field. By projecting intensity and determination during an interview, you’ll land this plum position. The final four months of 2015 are ideal for pursuing a cherished dream. You might have to cut back on social pursuits to reach this goal.

Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) You’ll continue to exude magic and mystery throughout 2015. Be sure to make plenty of time for creative pursuits, as they will bring you great happiness. If you play your cards right, you’ll find a wonderful job in your desired industry between January and mid-June. You’ll be able to uplift and inspire your team, achieving an unprecedented level of success. This position will involve quite a lot of travel, which will be stimulating. You will be homesick from time to time, but this will be a necessary sacrifice.

Luckily, you’ll have an opportunity to stay close to home between June and late September. The opportunity to study with a seasoned expert will arrive. Although your lessons won’t come easily, they will serve you for a lifetime. Learning a foreign language, software program, or other advanced skill will increase your value on the job market. By late September, you’ll be back to work, putting in long hours at the office.

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December/January 2015

All Together NOW!

£300 worth of Christmas goodies to be won

CHECKLIST

WE HAVE prizes worth £300 for All Together NOW! readers in this super Christmas and New Year competition –10 prizes of £30 vouchers from top seed firm Thompson & Morgan.

Each voucher comes with T&M’s 198-page catalogue for 2015 to enable the winners to plan colourful gardens for months ahead.

The vouchers can be exchanged for any seeds from among hundreds of varieties, including these new delights: n Nasturtium “Phoenix”, introduced exclusively by T&M after ten years’ development, with zigzag-edged petals in a range of fiery colours. It does not spread as vigorously as long as some

FLOWERS: Tidy up flower borders but leave dying foliage and seedheads on some plants like hydrangeas, achillea and crocosmia (montbretia). Not only do they look interesting but they also help protect the roots from frost.

SHRUBS AND TREES: If frost is severe enough to lift the roots of autumn-planted shrubs, firm them back in after the thaw. Heavy snow can break branches of evergreen trees and shrubs so brush it off. Virginia creeper and other rampant climbers on house walls should be pruned well clear of gutters and windows to allow for the new year’s growth.

PATIOS: Move pots into the sunniest position and raise them on bricks or pot feet so they do not stand in puddles after winter rains.

LAWNS: When frost strikes, keep off the grass to avoid causing dead patches.

PONDS: Clear fallen leaves from the surface before they sink and pollute the water.

When ice covers the pond, allow gases in the water to escape by using a saucepan of boiling water to melt a hole.

Never use a hammer to break the ice as the shock waves can harm fish.

VEGETABLES: Plant shallot bulbs during mild weather, in well-raked, firmly-trodden ground to which a general fertiliser has been applied.

Plant firmly with just the tips of the shoots showing to discourage bird attack.

FRUIT: Cut down the canes of autumn-fruited raspberries to ground level - but not the young green canes of summer-fruiting varieties.

These should be tied to wires stretched along the row.

HERBS: Pot up parsley and chives to grow on an indoor windowsill. Also pot up roots of mint in 22cm (9in) pots and keep them under glass to provide early shoots.

GLASS: Wash greenhouse pots and trays in warm, soapy water, then soak them in a weak solution of household bleach at 5ml to 1 litre (1.5 fluid ounces to a gallon) of water to kill disease spores.

WILDLIFE: Attract an interesting range of birds into your garden in winter by putting out fresh water regularly and different foods such as thistle seed for finches, nuts for bluetits, and crumbs, apple cores and currants for robins and blackbirds.

nasturtiums so is ideal for containers. The flowers can even be used to add a peppery taste to salads. n Nigella “Delft Blue”, an eyecatching variety of love-in-a-mist with blue and white veined flowers. n Ageratum “Timeless Mixed”, a taller form of the fluffy-flowered bedding plant, suitable for cutting, in shades of pink and mauve. n Delicious vegetables including Romella, a plum-shaped cherry tomato very resistant to late blight; Climbing Bean Mixed, a selection of French beans with purple, green and yellow pods; and Purple Sun, an unusual pale purple carrot, very sweet and high in health-promoting antioxidants.

To enter the competition, answer this question: What is the name of T&M’s exclusive new nasturtium?

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 T&M Competition, All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive

by Friday 23 January.

You can also enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk Our winners will receive a copy of Thompson & Morgan’s catalogue along with their vouchers. Free copies are available to everyone online at www.thompson-morgan.com or by phone on 0844 573 1818.

PRIZE ITEMS: Two of T&M’s novelties – flame-coloured nasturtium and veined nigella

Perfect decorations H SWEET SMELL OF WINTER: Scented hyacinths and Christmas cactus – ideal for lifting the winter gloom

OUSE plants are an easy way to add extra cheer to Christmas, whether you are giving, receiving or simply buying for yourself. Their bright beauty on dark winter days is enough to put a smile on Scrooge’s face.

If you are buying, choose sturdy plants, rather than any looking spindly, and make sure they have rich leaf colour and are not pale or blotchy.

Look for those which have some flowers open with most of the buds showing colour.

Avoid plants which have been displayed outside shops in chilly weather – cold causes a check to growth and they are never likely to flourish afterwards.

Follow these tips to keep them healthy and attractive for many weeks: n Don’t over-water. That’s the biggest killer of house plants. n Do inspect the plant closely every few days for pests such as aphids and destroy any found. n Don’t leave the plant behind curtains at night.

The extreme variation in day and night temperatures will be devastating.

How to keep favourites for years: CYCLAMEN are grown in a wide range of red, pink and white shades. They like moderate light and temperature. Water and feed from the base

but not until the compost feels slightly dry. If the flowers and leaves should droop from underwatering, stand the pot in several inches of tepid water for a while, then let surplus moisture drain away. To grow again next winter, wait until the flowers die, then leave the pot on its side in a shed or greenhouse to dry out and repot the bulb in fresh compost in late summer.

HYACINTHS bought in flower or with buds starting to open will soon fill a room with their heady scent. They need plenty of water and will last longer if kept cool. If displaying them in a warm room, give them a longer life by moving them somewhere cool each night. They can be planted in the ground later but will not produce the best flowers.

POINSETTIA with its colourful bracts is ideal for centrally-heated houses or any warm, dry, bright situation. Water thoroughly but let the compost dry out between watering. To try keeping it for next year, prune to 10cm (4in) from the base when the red bracts have dropped off, repot in

John Innes No 2 compost in April, and feed fortnightly from April to September while watering as above. To encourage the bracts to colour up, put the plant in total darkness for at least 14 hours a day for two months in autumn.

CHRISTMAS CACTUS (also known as zygocactus or schlumbergera) likes similar watering, but without complete drying out, and will also thrive in central heating. Feed it regularly and over the years it will become a giant, flowering profusely every winter. Cuttings of one or more leaves root easily in spring.

AZALEA needs strong light but not too much heat – maximum 16C (60F) – and copious watering, ideally with a solution containing ericaceous fertiliser. It is almost impossible to over-water. In summer the pot can be sunk into the ground outdoors in light shade. Water and feed generously with the same fertiliser and return it to the house in September.

CHRISTMAS PEPPER is a small shrubby plant with white flowers in summer, then, as the days shorten, spherical or long fruits, starting green and then turning yellow, purple or red. Discard the plants when the fruits drop. Seeds from berries will germinate easily in early spring. Feed regularly and pinch out the tips of shoots to create a bushy plant.

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All Together NOW!

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December/January 2015

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.

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Exacting (6) Shrewdness (6) Wickerwork (6) Desire for food (6) Ball game (5) Floral powder (6) Abhor (6) Relieve (4) Tax (4) Cabbage salad (4) Glance over (4) Unit of current (6) Eye-tooth (6) ----- mortis (5) One who goes first (6) Grapple with (6) Conceit (6) Musical miscellany (6)

Text for broadcasting (6) Baby’s toy (6) Rubs (6) Robinson ------, castaway (6) Powerful (6) Cared for (6) ---- men’s morris (4) Hades (4) Serving spoon (5) Relating to birds (5) Russian physiologist (6) Wrench (6) Take into custody (6) Low dam (4) Northerner (4) Flask for the table (6) Metallic element (6) Salad vegetable (6)

Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120.

QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: How many maids are milking in the song The Twelve Days of Christmas?

A Six B Seven C Eight D Nine

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: Near which Swiss city is the Large Hadron Collider situated?

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: Cochin, leghorn and maran are breeds of which creature?

A Chicken B Sheep C Pig D Goat

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: In which sport might the Nottingham Panthers play the Sheffield Steelers?

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: What are the Roaring Forties?

A The 1940s decade B Strong westerly winds C A Glasgow pop group D An area of high North Sea oil productivity

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: What nationality was the philanthropist Alfred Nobel?

A B C D

A B C D

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: Which was the last nation to be admitted to rugby union’s Six Nations Championship?

A Argentina B Romania C Ireland D Italy QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: In 2013 Tamzin Outhwaite replaced which actress in the BBC series New Tricks?

A Gina McKee B Sharon Small C Amanda Redman D Keeley Hawes QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: Who wrote The Tale of Jeremy Fisher?

A Rudyard Kipling B Roald Dahl C Enid Blyton D Beatrix Potter

SUDOKU

A B C D

Actress Tamzin Outhwaite. See Question 5

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: What was the name of Dustin Hoffman’s character in the film The Graduate?

A B C D

Speedway Water polo Ice hockey Basketball

Norwegian Swedish Danish Finnish

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: In which African country is the city of Fez? A B C D

Marlon Benjamin Maurice Samuel

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which liner was sunk off Ireland by a German U-boat in 1915?

A B C D

Lausanne Geneva Bern Zurich

The Carpathia The Lusitania The California The Britannic

Algeria Morocco Egypt Libya

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: What is the modern name of the Roman town sacked by Boudicca’s forces in 60AD? A B C D

Winchester Lincoln Colchester Exeter

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: With which radio station is the TV comedy character Alan Partridge associated?

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: Who was the first prime minister to use Chequers as his official residence?

A B C D

A B C D

Radio Norwich Radio Neasden Radio Rutland Radio Bognor

Benjamin Disraeli William Gladstone David Lloyd George Arthur Balfour

KAKURO

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

EASY

DIFFICULT

9 4 7

1 8 2 3

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REACH 450,000 READERS . . .

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FILL in the blank squares in the grid with numbers so that each horizontal or vertical line adds up to the total given in the box either to the left or above it.

Horizontal totals are given in the top right corners of the shaded boxes; vertical totals in the bottom left corners.

You can use the numbers 1 to 9, but may not use the same number more than once in any run. The number may be used again, however, in the same row or column but as part of another run.

TAKE ME HOME!

MEDIUM 7

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ADVERTISE HERE 0151 230 0307

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December/January 2015

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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.

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2. Biblical characters 335 452 419 374 264 241 472 221 627 915 378 715 681 638 487 352 415 226 212 365 264 612 246 153 736 424 122 724 261 235 742 992 717 656 666

3. Articles of clothing 795 262 717 467 871 256 873 154 666 618 222 731 262 818 768 737 712 454 641 522 538 179 328 744 781 786 254 647 146 961 227 344 261 766 246

4. Roman emperors 252 834 871 848 871 627 287 128 735 487 142 374 261 284 878 871 266 782 684 631 848 355 487 134 625 384 261 466 674 871 825 374 261 425 22

5. Television terms 727 478 974 837 178 284 853 122 637 212 886 283 163 972 278 371 748 266 127 623 227 812 668 468 489 187 245 371 266 637 242 516 427 674 663

6. Drugs used in medicine 327 766 317 364 245 546 126 334 631 267 847 663 142 877 633 612 774 746 166 774 463 178 464 631 838 722 925 463 192 732 746 172 722 382 665

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 12 items a sportsman might use.

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 14?

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

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1. Educational terms 864 837 748 912 522 526 273 173 637 837 139 264 628 466 125 277 188 484 661 787 326 464 147 268 143 236 278 371 788 336 815 328 873 178 745

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

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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?

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CROSS CODE 23

All Together NOW!

BLUE

WORD WIZARD

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

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SCAGLIOLA 1) A polished imitation marble consisting of ground gypsum bound with glue;

F

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

1. The Supremes sign with Motown Records three years before they achieve their first No 1 chart hit with Baby Love.

2) The spiral canals found in the cochlea, part of the inner ear;

2. Walt Disney’s feature-length cartoon film 101 Dalmatians is premiered in New York.

3. Despite protests from London’s taxi drivers, the first minicabs are licensed to take pre-booked fares.

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

Clue: Drunkard finds it hard to be a marksman.

3) An Italian earthenware brazier.

WAS IT? a) 1955; b) 1958; c) 1961; d) 1964; e) 1967.

___ +H=_H__

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords tennis racket; cricket bat; javelin; golf clubs; football boots; crash helmet; gumshield; rugby ball; boxing gloves; snooker cue; shin pads; shuttlecock.

7 5 9 6 1 8 2 3 4

8 6 3 7 2 4 1 5 9

1 4 2 9 3 5 6 7 8

5 1 4 3 7 6 9 8 2

SUDOKU EASY

3 8 6 2 4 9 5 1 7

2 9 7 8 5 1 3 4 6

9 2 5 4 8 3 7 6 1

4 7 1 5 6 2 8 9 3

6 3 8 1 9 7 4 2 5

2 9 7 8 5 4 3 6 1

5 6 1 7 9 3 4 8 2

8 4 3 6 2 1 5 7 9

9 7 4 1 3 5 6 2 8

14 1

Y

J

R

I

15 2

U

16 3

T

17

K

18

X W S 4

5

G O

19 6

20

C

7

E

Z

21

D

8

V M

22 9

L

23

P

24

B

A

10

11

F

25

N

26

Q H

12

13

CROSS CODE

1 2 8 4 6 7 9 5 3

6 3 5 2 8 9 1 4 7

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

4 8 6 3 1 2 7 9 5

7 1 9 5 4 8 2 3 6

3 5 2 9 7 6 8 1 4

17 7

9

8

1

4 12

2

10

8

19 25 11 13 7 7

8 7

4

9

1

4

2

28

2

9 19

9

1

3

3

12 16

3 1 4

KAKURO MEDIUM

1

9

2

19 3

4 9 6 8 27

7 2 9 18

Accumulator Quiz 1 – C; 2 – A; 3 – B; 4 – D; 5 – C; 6 – D; 7 – B; 8 – B; 9 – A; 10 – B; 11 – C; 12 – B; 13 – B; 14 – C; 15 – C. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Strict; 4 Acumen; 8 Rattan; 10 Hunger; 11 Fives; 12 Pollen; 14 Loathe; 16 Ease; 17 Levy; 19 Slaw; 22 Scan; 26 Ampere; 27 Canine; 28 Rigor; 29 Leader; 30 Tackle; 31 Vanity; 32 Medley.

Down – 1 Script; 2 Rattle; 3 Chafes; 5 Crusoe; 6 Mighty; 7 Nursed; 9 Nine; 10 Hell; 13 Ladle; 15 Avian; 18 Pavlov; 19 Sprain; 20 Arrest; 21 Weir; 22 Scot; 23 Carafe; 24 Nickel; 25 Celery.

Star Name: RICKY GERVAIS

Word Wizard No 1 is correct. Scagliola is an imitation marble.

Dialling Codes 1. university; blackboard; semester; examination; class; tuition; streaming; grant; headmaster; student; lecture; pupil.

2. Delilah; Zephaniah; Isaac; Mary; Jesus; Lot; Methuselah; Jacob; Benjamin; Cain; Jeremiah; Abraham; Belshazzar; Solomon.

3. pyjamas; shorts; blouse; kimono; tabard; coat; trousers; bikini; jacket; sweatshirt; stockings; gown; cardigan; poncho.

4. Claudius; Titus; Marcus Aurelius; Hadrian; Augustus; Constantine; Vitellius; Diocletian; Honorius; Valerian; Galba.

5. scriptwriter; subtitle; camera; autocue; newscaster; sitcom; broadcast; continuity; trailer; commercial; microphone.

6. dapsone; penicillin; codeine; cortisone; ibuprofen; aspirin; morphine; quinine; tetracycline; warfarin; paracetamol.

Spot Check A = 4; B = 5; C = 1; D = 6; E = 3; F = 2.

Missing Link talk; angle; rope; pool; oil; navy.

Fish: tarpon.

Make a Date The year was 1961.

Transformer Sot + H = Shot.

30

All Together NOW!

December/January 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Davies joins soccer access charities DAVID Davies has been appointed vice-president of the Level Playing Field charity, which campaigns for better sporting facilities for disabled people, and has been made a director of CAFÉ, which fights for improved access at stadia across Europe.

Davies served The Football Association through 13 often turbulent years as its Executive Director until his retirement in 2006.

He worked closely with England managers Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle, Kevin Keegan and Sven Goran Eriksson, and is well known in football at All Together NOW! is fantastic. I home and thought I'd have a abroad, where quick browse he has held through but various ended up positions at reading almost UEFA and everything! Rita FIFA. King Davies, In 2010 he North Park was senior Avenue, Leeds advisor to the CEO of the All Together NOW! South Africa ! is a such a FIFA World brilliant positive Cup, Dr Danny idea. It's a great Jordaan. way of seeing that Today David we aren't alone in is a sports and dealing with disabilities (my media consultant with son has one). It's also a great roles inside source of info that and outside I might otherwise football miss. Hayley including work Wakenshaw (email) with Lord Sebastian Coe on the international legacy of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics of which he was an early champion. He was also a founder member of the anti-racism “Kick It Out” campaign.

His early career was spent as a presenter/correspondent with BBC Television and he regularly contributes to radio and television programmes today. He was awarded an OBE in 2006 for services to sport.

David said: “Disabled people are entitled to the rich array of experiences that sports offer and that others may take for granted. That can only happen within a framework of true inclusion and accessibility and I am very much looking forward to adding my support.”

Why we love this paper

WORLD CLASS! BLADERUNNERS: A group of Ireland’s prosthesis users tried some of the world’s leading blades at a special workshop in Morton Stadium, Santry. Liam Harbison, CEO of Paralympics Ireland, said: “We are very grateful to valued partner Mondelez Ireland for supporting us and Ottobock for their huge part in making it happen.”

New era beckons for deaf tennis

T

HE first ever World Deaf Tennis Championships are to take place at the Nottingham Tennis Centre in July (20-27).

As well as men’s and women’s events, there will also be a World Youth Championship.

Geoff Newton, executive director of the Tennis Foundation, said: “The championships will begin an exciting new chapter for deaf tennis.”

Catherine Fletcher, two-time Deaflympic medallist

and now the Tennis Foundation’s Great Britain National Deaf Tennis Coach, said: “It is very exciting to see international deaf tennis coming back to Nottingham Tennis Centre next year.

“I have my own very special memories of the British Open Deaf Championships in Nottingham in 2006, where I won the women’s singles after one of the most memorable matches of my career.”

Stay ahead of the game . . .

Jamie’s Jamie’s early early Christmas Christmas cracker cracker LIVERPOOL’S wheelchair tennis star Jamie Burdekin and Andy Lapthorne (Middlesex) clinched the Nottingham Indoor Wheelchair Tennis Tournament quad doubles crown.

The pair fought back from 5-2 down and saved five match points in the third set to overcome Australia’s Dylan Alcott and fellow Brit Antony Cotterill 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(2).

Meanwhile, top seeds Gordon Reid and Jiske Griffioen defended their singles titles in ruthless fashion.

World No.2 Griffioen, of the Netherlands, overcame British No. 1 Jordanne Whiley 6-0, 64 to win her third successive and fourth overall Nottingham Indoor women’s crown.

Reid missed out on taking the doubles title on his return to the court just hours later, as he and France’s Michael Jeremiasz were beaten 6-4, 6-3 by top seeds Joachim Gerard (Belgium) and Nicolas Peifer (France).

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MEXICAN WAVE

GB amputee team go for glory

J

UST AS All Together NOW! was going to press, Great Britain’s amputee footballers were flying out to Mexico to compete in the Amputee World Cup.

Staged every two years, the championship is contested by amputee football teams from 24 countries.

GB’s Manchester-based player-manager Dave Tweed said: “Having the GB team competing in the World Cup helps us to raise the sport’s profile at home and recruit more support for the team.

“It also offers inspiration to the many amputees and other disabled people who may be sitting at

home thinking that there’s nothing out there for them to take part in.”

Pharmaceutical company Takeda UK have supported the team since 2010.

“Takeda UK’s support has been fantastic,” said Dave, “and we are absolutely delighted that the company is once again helping us.”

The GB team comprises players with upper or lower limbs missing through congenital deficiencies or amputation – 50% as a result of cancer, and 50% accident victims or as a result of military service. n Check out the team’s performances at www.alltogethernow.org.uk

EIGHTY budding wheelchair tennis players of all ages took to the courts for the Tennis Foundation’s Ticket2Tokyo Talent ID Festivals at 11 venues across the UK. Ticket2Tokyo aims to attract people with the desire and dedication to train to become elite athletes and compete for ParalympicsGB at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

“We’ve had a wonderful weekend of wheelchair tennis activity across all parts of the UK including players as young as five years old in Taunton,” said Ash Smith, the Tennis Foundation’s Performance Development Coach.

Inspiring cyclists star in film LOOK OUT for a new awardwinning documentary, Unstoppables, which tells the inspiring story of a cycling club in Barcelona where people of all abilities train and compete together.

The Genesis cycling team was started by Juanjo Mendez and Bernat Moreno after Juanjo suffered a motorbike accident in which he lost his left arm and left leg.

After a period of a year in which he dipped into depression and put on a lot of weight, Bernat encouraged him to try riding a bicycle just like they both did when they were growing up.

The documentary features the young Manel, who has autism and cerebal palsy learning to ride a bicycle; the amazing Jubal, who had a leg amputated at birth, competing with his twin brother Guillem; and Elisa, who lost a leg to cancer and never imagined she could ride again, let alone compete at the National Championships. n Unstoppables will soon be out on DVD. www.imparablesdocumental .com/eng/

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OR THE past nine years your FREE All Together NOW! newspaper has been helping hundreds of thousands of readers across the region with its unique content.

But publishing newspapers is a hugely costly business – especially in these days when so many organisations are continually cutting back on their advertising and promotional costs.

We are now appealing to YOU – our loyal and devoted readers – to help us to carry on the good work by becoming a FRIEND of All Together NOW! By making a donation to the charity you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have a direct involvement in keeping this essential and unique news service in good fettle.

Even a small donation would mean a lot to us.

If you are a UK taxpayer we will be able to get £2.50 from the Government for every gift of £10.

So if you are able to donate £20, then we would get an extra fiver!

Whatever you can afford to give will be gratefully appreciated.

You can either complete the form on this page (far right), text a donation from your mobile phone, or commit to a regular monthly donation via the Charity Checkout link on our website.

One other great way of helping the charity would be for readers in employment to try and persuade their organisations to get involved with All Together NOW! – either as an advertiser, partner or as a Corporate Friend!

All our current partners place health and equality high on their agendas, so if your organisation fits the bill this could be the start of a great relationship.

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All Together NOW! is the essential newspaper for ANYONE with – or without – a disability . . . — JUDGES, O2 NORTH WEST MEDIA AWARDS 2014

M

EDIA experts heaped top praise on All Together NOW! at a glittering O2 awards ceremony in Manchester’s Imperial War Museum.

Judges said: “Tom Dowling’s remarkable publication maintains its dominance of a niche market with a mix of bright campaigning journalism, information and advice.

“All Together NOW! is the essential newspaper for anyone with a disability.

It actually doesn’t matter whether you have a disability or not, the stories are bright and interesting and cover a wide range of topics.”

More than 100,000 copies are distributed every two months with 90% being picked up from supermarkets and hospitals.

With more than 350 individual entries the O2 Awards are the biggest regional press awards in the country.

Nicola Green, Director of Communications and Reputation at O2 UK, said the judging panel were hugely impressed by the tremendous examples of community journalism across the North West.

“The O2 awards are a celebration of all that is good about regional media.”

Bob Buiaroski, Capita O2 Partnership Director, said the awards were one of the most prestigious of their type in the UK: “The fantastic work of regional journalists across North West needs to be showcased.”

‘

The O2 awards are a celebration of all that is good about regional media

CONNECT WITH US!

— Nicola Green, director of communications and reputation, O2 UK

NEWS SENSATION: All Together NOW! editor Tom Dowling, left, with BBC TV presenter Louise Minchin, right, and O2 media award winners

The story so far . . .

Half a million readers see our partners’ messages

2014 Highly Commended – O2 North West Media Awards (Specialist Publicatio)n 2013 Highly Commended – O2 North West Media Awards (Specialist Publicatio)n 2012 Winner – Best Magazine (North West) How Do media awards Commended – Niche Newspaper of the Year, National Newspaper Awards Finalist - Best small charity Making Best Social Contribution, Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards Finalist -– Best Publication, UK Public Sector Communication Awards 2011 Finalist – Best Magazine, How Do North West Media Awards 2010 Finalist – Barclays Trading Places Awards.

Finalist – Best Magazine, How Do

North West Media Awards 2009 Highly Commended – Best Editorial Team, 02 North West Media Awards Finalist – Best Magazine, How Do North West Media Awards Highly Commended – Against All Odds, Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards 2008 Finalist – Best Magazine, How Do North West Media Awards Finalist – Against All Odds, Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards 2007 Best Media – Halton Positive About Disability Awards 2006 Winner – Getting The Message Across, National Information Forum 2005 Winner – Best Media, Wirral Challenge Awards Winner – Best Media, North West Positive Action Awards