Atn issue 60 feb mar15

HALF A MILLION READERS LOVE THIS CHARITY HEALTH NEWSPAPER

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City’s exciting 5-year challenge

DO YOU NEED OUR HELP?

Pages 3, 21, 22, 23 ARE YOU UP FOR THIS?

FEBRURY-MARCH, 2015

WIN! WIN! WIN! p31

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CHILDREN’S TOOL SETS TO BE WON

THE WEB MASTER p15

Ex-head Cliff is now top IT student aged

BACK PAGE

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opening doors . . . broadening minds

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WHAT’S WARWICK AND MIKE UP TO?

All Together NOW!

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What’s inside NEWS

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KIDSZONE

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THE MORGAN FOUNDATION

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YOUNG AT HEART

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UNITED UTILITIES

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MOTORZONE

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SKILLZONE

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NEWS

February/March 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Two in 3 ‘have no idea help is there’

BEST HOOF FORWARD: Murphy and pals meet the Countess of Derby at Acorn Farm

SOUNDING OFF: Sir Bert Massie p16 INDEPENDENT LIVING

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CONTACT BOARD

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HEALTHZONE

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THEATRE GUIDE

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HOROSCOPES:

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GARDENING

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PUZZLEZONE

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SPORT

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n All Together NOW! is a registered charity set up to provide a tip top news service for anyone whose life is affected by disability, long-term health condtions or age. n The charity – the only one of its kind in the UK – relies entirely on support from its sponsors, advertisers, subscriptions and donations. n If YOU can help, please contact us on

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

Murphy’s date with the Countess

F

OR MORE than 20 years Murphy the horse has been putting smiles on children’s faces at Acorn Farm, in Kirkby, Merseyside.

He has also given lots of therapeutic benefit to riders with disabilities during the regular

Friday morning Riding for the Disabled lessons at the farm. But it was Murphy’s turn for some TLC when the Countess of Derby, who is a patron of Acorn Farm visited to award him a long service medal from RDA. A keen horsewoman herself, the

Countess took part in an RDA lesson by leading both Murphy and his companion, William, around the riding school.

Acorn Farm is a charity and visitor attraction open all week. n Tel, 0151 548 1524 n www.acornfarm.co.uk

Disabled politician to be first transgender MP? A DISABLED politician is hoping to become the first transgender person to be elected to parliament, when she contests next May’s general election.

Emily Brothers is standing for Labour against the Liberal Democrat former minister Paul Burstow in the Sutton and Cheam constituency in south-west London.

Brothers said she was proud of how her party,

friends and family, and would-be constituents in Sutton and Cheam, had reacted to discovering her transgender status.

She is a former programme head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, previously worked at the Disability Rights Commission and RNIB, and has been campaigning on disability rights issues for more than 30 years.

GOLDEN MEMORIES: Pictured from left, John Birchall, Lauren Yates, Ian Daly, Tony Doyle, Anthony Kildare and Liam Donaldson

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The wild bunch strike gold

Editorial Support: Gerry Corner IT Support: Ken Almond Website: Pharos Design www.alltogethernow.org.uk

FIVE days in the wilderness were among the challenges young adults with learning difficulties overcame on the way to a top prize.

NEXT EDITION: Tuesday 6 April, 2015 All Together NOW! is published by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Registered Charity No.1106387 Company No. 5096931

The six 23 to 25 year-olds travelled to London to receive Duke of Edinburgh gold awards from Prince Edward.

Each had to complete a series of demanding physical and mental challenges, including surviving in

the wilderness, an outward bound expedition and community fundraising activities.

Gold award winner Ian Daley said: “Doing my Duke of Edinburgh gold was the best time of my life.”

Lauren Yates added: “Doing the Duke of Edinburgh gave me a lot more confidence. Sometimes it was very hard but I did it!”

The young people are all enrolled on the two-year

Meadowbrook programme, which helps students improve their confidence, learn new life skills, develop their employability skills and work towards living more independently.

Cllr Gary See, Knowsley Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services, said: “The Meadowbrook students have done brilliantly to achieve the gold award, the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.”

Be a special Friend – see back page

DISABLED people in financial need are unaware of help available through charitable grants.

So says Turn2Us, part of the national charity Elizabeth Finn Care.

There are over 3,000 grant-giving charities available in the UK, distributing £288 million in grants and services to individuals in need every year.

But more than two-thirds of Turn2us website users with disabilities were completely unaware of them, and nearly half had struggled for over a year before checking what support might be available to them.

Almost three-quarters have been forced to cut back on food and heating, and over three-fifths had to rely on the financial support of family and friends.

In addition, more than a quarter took out a shortterm or payday loan, and almost a fifth have turned to food banks.

Alison Taylor, director of Turn2us, said: “More needs to be done to help raise awareness of the vital support provided by grantgiving charities.

“People can be reluctant to turn to charities for help but feedback from individuals using our services shows that once they have sought help, receiving a grant has an overwhelmingly positive financial and emotional impact on their lives.

“With new reports showing that there are an extra 300,000 households living in poverty in the UK than previously thought, the need for support has never been greater.”

Individuals who have used the charity’s website have seen an average annual income increase of over £2,400 in regular charitable grants and over £550 in one-off grants. n www.turn2us.org.uk

LET’S GET HEALTHY! February/March 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

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TAKE ME HOME!

Health chiefs team up with All Together NOW!

L

IVERPOOL has launched its biggest ever programme to get people healthier – and your FREE All Together NOW! charity paper is ready to play a very big part.

PHAB NEWS: Lynda and Warwick

Warwick’s Phab!

Healthy Liverpool aims to ensure that by 2020 everyone in the city will be enjoying longer, healthier lives.

Health and city council chiefs are determined to create a future in which everyone receives consistent, high-quality healthcare, wherever they live in the city; with care delivered in the home, in communities, and in excellent hospitals.

Information is also high on the agenda – that’s why Healthy Liverpool is teaming up with All Together NOW! Dr Nadim Fazlani, Chair NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, says: “Over the past decade the multi award-winning All Together NOW! newspaper has gone from strength to strength and is now a much-valued publication – especially for people affected by ill health and disability.

“The newspaper and the online version will play a key role in getting information to people about how to get and stay healthy – and to learn about all the fun and exciting projects they will be able to get involved in.”

Tens of thousands of copies of All Together NOW! will also be finding their way into all 93 GP practices across the city.

“I have been a practising GP for 25 years in Kensington, Liverpool and have seen first hand the health challenges that the city faces,” said Dr Fazlani.

“Health and care services in Liverpool are good but there is much more still to be done. We need to improve primary care, provide more support for people to manage their own care, invest more in illness prevention, provide more services in our communities and ensure we have the best hospital services in the country.

“Some families and communities have become almost accustomed to ill health and their expectations are low. We must find ways to raise expectations so that Liverpool people are ambitious for their own health and for that of their families.

ACTOR Warwick Davis has joined Coronation Street star Cherylee Houston as a patron of Chester Adult Phab group.

The group’s founder, Lynda Hesketh, said: “We went to see Warwick in Snow White panto at the Manchester Opera House. He was so friendly and was delighted to take on the role as patron. He’s a real inspiration and like Cherylee is very keen to help and promote our group.”

Warwick’s film roles have included Professor Filius Flitwick and Griphook in the Harry Potter productions and Wicket the Ewok in Star Wars. n Chester Phab meet monthly and organise a diverse fun-filled calendar of events for its 80+ members.

Contact Lynda on 07828 571952 www.chester.phabclub.org

Sir Mike’s new role

See Pages 21-22-23

“The Healthy Liverpool programme is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform health and social care in Liverpool for the better.

We want the people of Liverpool to play their part.” NEW CHALLENGES: Dr Nadim Fazlani at his surgery

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BROADCASTER Sir Michael Parkinson will succeed Chris Cowdrey as President of the Lord’s Taverners, the UK’s leading youth cricket and disability sports charity, at the beginning of the new cricket season.

Sir Michael said: “I go way back into prehistory with the Taverners to the days when I still dreamed of playing for Yorkshire. In cricketing terms to become President of the Lord’s Taverners is the next best thing.”

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All Together NOW!

NEWS

February/March2015

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Wheelchair users deserve better History-making Sal fights for disabled THE FIRST wheelchair-user to head a major UK political party has vowed to fight for a better deal for disabled people.

Baroness (Sal) Brinton, new president of the Liberal Democrats, said: “The old ‘does he take sugar?’ attitude has to continue to be challenged and having a senior politician in a wheelchair with a chronic illness working in a highprofile job, can only be helpful.

“People will have to talk to me and not with anybody who is with me, which is the automatic reaction,” said Baroness Brinton, who succeeded Tim Farron as president.

She also hopes her election will make employers think again about employing disabled people.

Baroness Brinton, who has rheumatoid arthritis, said there were still discriminatory attitudes in all the political parties about candidates with disabilities, and that is particularly true about candidates in wheelchairs.

Why I love this paper I PICKED up my copy of All Together NOW! in the Royal Liverpool Hospital. I found it so informative and interesting that I brought it home to finish reading. I can't believe that you were not given a Lottery grant – I am sure this newspaper would help disabled people feel that they are not on their own.

Diane McAuliffe, Widdale Avenue, Liverpool.

Access to Work plan THE Government has agreed to publish guidance showing who is eligible for its under-fire Access to Work scheme, after it was threatened with legal action by deaf and disabled campaigners.

Lawyers for the Stop Changes to Access to Work campaign secured the promise in a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions.

The law firm Leigh Day had sent a “letter before claim” to DWP, alleging that it acted unlawfully by failing to publish official guidance for the scheme, which provides support for disabled people in the workplace.

DWP has now told Leigh Day that it will publish the guidance, and has also confirmed that it is updating the rules and will soon publish new guidance, hopefully by April.

A SHOCK report highlights the problems facing disabled people in getting a powered wheelchair.

It shows that disabled people and their families struggle to find the right information about funding options, to make an informed choice about provision and to get value for money when buying and maintaining a powered chair.

The survey is the first of its kind in the UK to ask wheelchair users for feedback on how they obtain and use their wheelchair.

Statutory provision is limited and powered wheelchairs are predominantly purchased privately or with charitable help.

The survey among 374 powered

wheelchair users also finds that: n 48% didn’t get the right information. n Over a third (37%) get no assessment. n A quarter (26%) are turned down for NHS funding. n 32% had to fund their own powered wheelchair completely themselves.

Powered wheelchairs have the potential to help many disabled adults and children to be more independent and the correct supportive seating can promote good posture and so reduce the need for future medical interventions.

However, with more than 300

models available, getting the right one to suit individual needs is vital.

Powered wheelchairs are expensive (some cost over £40,000) that are used every day and therefore require regular maintenance, which means extra costs.

Robin Hindle Fisher, chair of the Independent Commission on Extra Costs, said: “We will take a close look at this information and then publish our recommendations on how we can improve the supply of goods and services to disabled people.” n The Commission runs until June.

PHONE HOME . . . SESAME! Hands-free mobiles for disabled users

S

TAND by for the world’s first completely hands-free smartphone.

The Sesame Enable will bring the mobile phone revolution to people who until now have been excluded – those with little or no use of their hands and arms.

Co-founders Giora Livne, 64, paralysed from the neck after an accident in 2005, and former electrical engineer Oded Ben Dov, teamed up to develop the smartphone.

“I was completely dependent on people around me to communicate,” said Livne. “With the Sesame Enable I can operate a phone, read a story, call my loved ones, play games and do everything that other people do without any help.

“Sesame has allowed me to regain the freedom and independence I yearned for, and today those doors will be opening to millions of others.”

The Sesame phone is a Google Nexus 5 Android smartphone equipped with Sesame’s headtracking technology and voice control.

Simply say “Open Sesame” to turn on the phone, go through a calibration setup, and the built-in front-facing camera will begin tracking a user’s head movements automatically.

Users will be able to tweet, post to Facebook, send instant messages, make phone calls, or download any of

the other millions of apps and use them touch-free.

Oded Ben Dov said: “Despite all the advancements in technology, few are designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

“Developing the technology to power the Sesame phone has been a complex process, as each person has unique needs. Some have the full range of head motion and others can barely move their head at all. Yet head gesture tracking proves far more accurate and effective than gaze

tracking on mobile devices. After two years of development, we are now in the final stages of R&D and are thrilled to bring to market the first truly touch-free smartphone.”

The first phones are expected in the UK in March, with prices under £700.

Pre-orders (£460) are available at www.indiegogo.com/projects/sesametouch-free-smartphone n The Sesame phone has just won a Verizon Powerful answers award which recognises groundbreaking tech solutions for social good. The prizemoney is being used to donate devices to those most in need.

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

Bus row going to supreme court?

THE MAN at the centre of a legal row over wheelchair spaces on buses being occupied by buggy users is determined to take the case to the supreme court.

And the Equality and Human Rights Commission is considering a request to fund the appeal, if permission is granted.

It follows a court of appeal judgement in December which says bus drivers need only request, and not demand, that a buggyuser vacates the space if it is needed by a wheelchair user.

The judgement overturned a county court ruling that wheelchairusers should have priority in the use of dedicated wheelchair spaces over parents with pushchairs, and that the “first come, first served” policy of transport company First Bus breached the Equality Act. Doug Paulley, from Wetherby, had taken the case against First Bus, following an incident nearly three years ago when he was prevented from boarding the bus because the driver refused to insist that a mother with a pushchair should move from the wheelchair space.

Lord (Chris) Holmes, EHRC’s disability commissioner, said:”The commission is disappointed that the court of appeal has not given substantive support to wheelchairusers on the same basis as non-disabled people in relation to obtaining access to bus transport.”

TAKE ME HOME!

Old pal and ally in fight for justice

www.alltogethernow.org.uk NEWS

REFORMER: Lord Morris

S

ECURING an independent and dignified future for our ageing population will be the subject of the first Alf Morris Lecture.

One of Britain’s greatest journalists, Sir Harold Evans, will give the talk, set up in memory of his old friend and campaigner Alf, Lord Morris of Manchester.

Sir Harold, also a respected historian and social commentator, will share experiences and memories of Alf which began at Brookdale Park School in Manchester (where he was labelled ‘Poshie’ by Alf as he was the only boy in the school whose father owned a car) and was strengthened by their mutual quest to campaign for the victims of thalidomide.

Known as the “quiet revolutionary”, Alf

February/March 2015

Morris, who died in 2012, became MP for Wythenshawe, then the world’s first Minister for Disabled People and later Lord Morris of Manchester.

A man of purpose and intent, Alf was a true social reformer who made a genuine and enduring difference to the world around him.

His achievements included the passing of The Chronically Sick & Disabled Persons Act (1970), the first to recognise and give rights to disabled people. Adapted as a template by other nations, it transformed the lives of millions of disabled people in the UK and worldwide.

And his legacy lives on. Launched by the Disabled Living Foundation, the Alf Morris Fund for Independent Living was set up to

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All Together NOW!

More help on way with mental health

MEMORIES: Sir Harold

honour a man who made a difference to the most vulnerable members of society.

The Fund will help people find out about the resources available to keep them independent, and to help them make choices. Its purpose echoes Alf’s vision, in his own words, “adding life to years” rather than just years to life.

Sir Harold’s distinguished career includes a 14-year stint as editor of the Sunday Times where he uncovered the thalidomide disaster and exposed Kim Philby as a Soviet spy.

The lecture takes place at the Shaw Theatre, Euston Road, London, on Tuesday 10 March. n Contact: 020 7432 8006 n www.alf-morris-lecture.org.uk

PEOPLE with mental health issues in Liverpool will soon find it easier to get help and advice.

‘Talk Liverpool’ – which gets under way in April – aims to improve access to mental health services for those suffering with common problems such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks or stress.

Joe Rafferty, Mersey Care’s chief executive, said: “Our ‘Talk Liverpool’ programme will provide better access to information and help people with mental health issues to get access to the help they need more readily.”

Dr Nadim Fazlani, chair of NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, which awarded the £14.4m Widening Access to Psychological Therapies contract to Mersey Care, said: “Liverpool has amongst the highest levels of mental health need in the country, with many people experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression during their lives.

“This new service is all part of our vision for Healthy Liverpool, to provide seamless mental health services focused on prevention and recovery, with more services delivered closer to home.”

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February/March 2015

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Lottery boost for Whizz-Kidz DISABLED children’s charity Whizz-Kidz has been awarded a £5.3 million grant to provide 10,000 new opportunities for young people with disabilities.

The grant comes from the Big Lottery Fund which is responsible for giving out 40 per cent of the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery.

Whizz-Kidz provides disabled children with vital mobility equipment, skills, as well as opportunities to meet and have fun.

The grant will enable the charity to provide more of its services through clubs, camps, wheelchair skills training and work placements.

Ruth Owen, chief executive of Whizz-Kidz, said: “Whizz-Kidz is committed to empowering young people with the tools they need to lead active and fulfilling childhoods, contribute to their communities, and reach their future potential.” n Whizz-Kidz, tel 020 7233 6600 n www.whizz-kidz.org.uk

Tyrese makes perfect Sense!

N

No heat, no food for more families

INE-year-old Tyrese Dibba hasn’t let being profoundly deaf and blind in one eye stop her learning THREE sign languages.

And Tyrese, who uses British Sign Language and hand-under-hand signing, and is even learning American Sign Language, is now showing others how to communicate with deafblind people.

T

HE number of families with disabled children going without heating and food over the last two years has risen dramatically, says national charity Contact a Family.

A major survey also found: n 36% have taken out a loan (up from 29% in 2012). n A third are worse off as a result of benefit changes – nearly half by £1,560 a year. n 60% see their financial situation worsening in the next year (up from 43% in 2010).

The survey, Counting the Costs 2014, was one of the biggest of its kind with over 3,500 people taking part.

Amanda Batten, chief executive of Contact a Family, said: “Increased living costs and cuts to financial support have left some families with disabled children reeling.

“The impact is affecting their health, relationships and in some cases is making their child’s condition worse.

“It doesn’t have to be like this. We all have a role to play in doing something about it. That’s why we are calling on the Government and energy companies to help and for more families with disabled children to get in touch with us for advice.”

More than a quarter of families surveyed have extra costs relating to their child’s disability of £300 or more every month, with the biggest cost being heating and utility bills.

When asked what would help with the extra costs they face, families called for discounts from energy companies (21%) and more support through the benefits system (24%).

Some families called for advice about benefits, with almost two thirds (61%) confused about the recent changes.

As well as going without basics, almost a third of families (27%) told the charity they are going without specialist equipment, adaptations or therapies for their child.

And 9% are missing medical appointments, due to the cost of fuel or transport to get there. Some parents say that the stress is having a knock-on effect on their child’s health.

TAKE ME HOME! n Contact a Family freephone Helpline: 0808 808 3555 (9.30am- 5pm Mon-Fri).

WINNER: Tyrese with mum, Vicky, and Dr Dawn

When he goes out to restaurants and shops in Ladywood, Birmingham, he takes his homemade signs such as “chicken and chips but no beans, please” or “thank you”.

His fantastic efforts have now been recognised by the deafblind charity Sense.

Tyrese was named Young Deafblind Person of the Year at a ceremony in London, hosted by leading medic and presenter of Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies, Dr Dawn Harper.

Mum Vicky said: “I couldn’t be more proud of Tyrese for all his hard work to raise awareness of deafblindness.

“He’s constantly on the go – even in his sleep! Tyrese is very determined to keep going and help others learn what it means to be deafblind.”

Dr Dawn said: “The Sense Awards are a wonderful way to recognise some inspiring achievements by people who are deafblind and those who make a very real difference to their lives.”

An easy way through the jargon TWO new ‘Easy Read’ guides on reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system are available to help parents and young people with a learning disability.

The reforms were implemented last September, with the aim of changing the way children with SEND and their parents are supported by their local council, health and social care services. The changes are intended to put children, young people and their families at the centre of decisions about their support.

Mencap communications assistant Dean Meuleman has a learning disability and helped produce the

guides. He said: “Easy Read is one way of making information easier to understand and use. People with a learning disability tell us that simple words, short sentences, the size of the writing, bullet points and pictures all help them understand information better.

“This is important because it helps people with a learning disability to be included and make independent

choices for themselves, just like anyone else.

“The changes to the law on special educational needs and disability will affect parents and young people with a learning disability.

They have a right to understand these changes and how they will impact them directly.”

The guides – one for parents with a learning disability and the other for young people with a learning disability – are available to download from the Mencap website: www.mencap.org.uk/node/77360 n Mencap Direct: 0808 808 1111.

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

Walking tall!

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

February/March 2015

All Together NOW!

Putting Newlifeable into old equipment AS MANY as 250,000 disabled children in the UK currently do not have the vital equipment they need for everyday life – and yet a leading provider tells us there is £90 million worth of disability equipment currently sitting, unused, in individual local authority stores.

Thomas can now play with his pals

N

INE-YEAR-OLD Thomas Hughes can now play in his back garden in safety – thanks to Newlife, the Morgan Foundation and a new specialist walker.

Thomas, who has epilepsy and has failed to meet many of his developmental milestones, is unable to walk unaided but gets around at school using specialist equipment. With no statutory funding available for a duplicate walker at his Flintshire home, Thomas’s parents contacted Newlife for help.

Mum Suzanne said: “Thomas loves the independence of using a walker at school and not having that freedom at home was very frustrating for him. He is able to crawl, but a feature of his condition is that he will try to eat anything – grass, leaves, dirt – so we have to be very careful.

FREEDOM: Thomas using his new walker “When he is in the walker he cannot reach things at ground level and it is also very important he has the opportunity to burn off some of his energy and get some exercise.”

With support from Newlife and the Morgan Foundation, Thomas Karen Dobson leads the Newlife NEWLIFE nurses are there for you received his own walker (£1,036) in nurse team. She says: “No query is when you need them most. time for Christmas. too trivial. We understand that each They offer information on a range of Suzanne added: “As the spring child and family experience is issues including benefits and what to weather breaks through we will be unique, so our help is tailored to expect from your local healthcare team able to spend more time with individual needs.” as well as guiding families through Thomas out in the garden and at Newlife’s simple equipment application n The Newlife Nurse Helpline 0800 our local heritage park which is process.

902 0095 (free from UK landlines) or criss-crossed by pathways. It means Every call and email is dealt with email nurses@newlifecharity.co.uk he has an opportunity to enjoy the confidentially. That’s why so many n The Helpline is open Mondays to fresh air and get some exercise, families keep in touch – in the good Fridays 9.30am to 5pm and until too. For us, it removes some of the times as well as the bad.

7pm on Wednesdays. dangers of taking him out and for Bolton mum Kate Settle says: n There is also an instant Thomas it means the opportunity to “It’s good to know the Newlife Nurses messenger-style online Live Nurse get a different view of the world at are there.”

Chat service available 24 hours a the same height as other children.

After months of battling for day, and the charity’s website – “It is reassuring to know that there appropriate seating for her daughter, www.newlifecharity.co.uk – offers are organisations like Newlife and Kate contacted Newlife – and the right an instant translation service in 65 the Morgan Foundation which offer equipment was delivered within days. HERE TO HELP: KAREN DOBSON languages. vital support to families like ours.”

Do YOU need our help . . ?

Students’ sparkling support ‘SPARKLE Parties’ – selling jewellery supplied by Newlife, with all proceeds helping local children get the equipment they need – are becoming increasingly popular with students across the region.

A jewellery sale in December run by the University of Chester Rotaract Club at their students’ union realised £80. And a group of 15 teenagers at City of Wolverhampton College raised a further £350.

The Wolverhampton students had made a glittering range of accessories using broken jewellery supplied by Newlife through our social enterprise recycling and retail business.

Lecturer in Essential Skills Bea Pope said: “The students have had great fun making the jewellery.”

In Derbyshire, a fashion show and sale organised by the University of Derby Students ‘ Union raised a staggering £2,300 to help disabled children in the county.

Newlife Events Manager Phillipa Gregory said: “We are very grateful to these volunteers, for helping us raise vital funds to provide specialist equipment for disabled and terminally ill children. Our volunteers are key to our success in transforming lives across the region – and beyond.”

SPARKLING FORM: City of Wolverhampton College students

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

newlifefoundation newlifefoundation

@newlifecharity @newlifecharity

Newlife decided to act. We launched Newlifeable – which takes redundant equipment, refurbishes it and makes it available to families in real need, wherever they are in the UK. Celebrating the first anniversary of Newlifeable, the charity’s Operations Manager Stephen Morgan said: “Recycling has become an important factor in many UK industries and while this approach has been attempted in other areas of disability equipment provision, it hasn’t worked. In contrast, Newlife is celebrating the first successful year of Newlifeable – and we intend to build this service during 2015.”

Over the past 12 months, 140 pieces of specialist equipment including wheelchairs, buggies, standing frames, seating and assisted living aids have been issued through Newlifeable. A further 135 items will be coming into the service over the next couple of months, all donated from local authority stores.

Stephen said: “The number of children in need is rising but the budgets set for provision through statutory services are declining at local levels. So new, innovative ways must be found to make provision and it is simply a waste of resources for organisations to hold equipment they don’t need.”

Gary Evans, CEO of the charity DEMAND, a leading refurbisher, modifier and maker of disability equipment, said: “We are delighted to be an integral part of the Newlifeable initiative. With budgets being slashed and waiting lists getting longer, the safe and quick processing and re-issuing of expensive and complex equipment makes total sense.” n Families can go to www.newlifeable.co.uk to find out what equipment is currently available through this service. n For further Newlifeable information, call 01543 431 465.

NewlifeFoundation NewlifeFoundation

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All Together NOW! 8

February/March 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Learning to live life to the full again

STEVEN is a student at Bridge College, a Together Trust further education college for students up to the age of 25 with learning difficulties and disabilities, complex needs, and autism. Here Steven talks about how the college is helping him in all sorts of ways.

‘

F

IVE YEARS ago I was in a car accident that changed my life. I woke up in hospital to find I couldn’t move the right side of my body and had lost all speech. I felt frustrated, angry and depressed.

“After my initial stay in hospital, I began to rebuild my life. Before I started at Bridge College, I had never been to a specialist school or college so I didn’t know what to expect.

“In my first week, I found it really hard to adjust, but it got easier and I decided to stick with it. I’ve now built up a good relationship with the staff, who helped me to settle in from day one.

How How college college is is helping helping Steven Steven “As my confidence improved, I started doing more things in college to push myself.

For example, I frequently use the hydro pool, which helps me to walk by strengthening my muscles.”

Rachel Stevens, one of the highly specialised speech and language therapists at Bridge College in Manchester, remembers first meeting Steven: “When I met Steven for an initial assessment, I felt there was huge potential for developing his communication skills.

“He uses his left hand to gesture – thumbs

ON A WING AND A DARE

up and thumbs down for ‘yes’ and ‘no’ – and shakes his hand when he’s not sure.

“I was keen to encourage Steven to develop his non verbal communication by making better use of gestures and also suggested he tried out a hi-tech communication aid as another way to share his thoughts, feelings and opinions.”

Steven was assessed by Smartbox Assistive Technology and tried out various communication aids before choosing the SB10 device, which is more flexible than an iPad and can be wheelchair mounted.

Using the device’s Grid 2 software, Steven can build a range of phrases from his easy-to-use grid set, which allows him to interact with others.

Rachel continued: “Over the next 18

Students design horror plants!

POPULAR stage show Little Shop of Horrors came to Manchester this winter and our students were fortunate to be chosen to contribute their works of art to the Royal Exchange Theatre which played host to the terrifying plant!

After watching the film version of the ever-popular stage show for inspiration, Inscape House pupils designed scary plants using a range of materials. One particularly imaginative student successfully concocted a rotten effect for his plant using PVA glue and washing up liquid.

Six pupils were successful in having their plants chosen for the exhibition and as a reward for their hard work were given tickets for the show where they were able to see the professionally made stage props first-hand.

n WE ARE offering North West daredevils the opportunity to complete a Wing Walk on 3 May with the UK’s only provider of the adrenaline filled, fundraising mission. n Flying on the wing of a Stearman biplane for 10 minutes at Breighton Aerodrome, Selby, North Yorkshire, it’s a challenge not to be missed! n Contact Julie Williams on 0161 283 4822

www.togethertrust.org.uk

Tel. 0161 283 4848

months, we will be helping Steven to use his device in a range of settings.

“His greatest motivation is to socialise with friends and family outside of college at home and within his youth group.

“Steven’s a member of the student council and had the fantastic opportunity to take part in the ‘iHuman’ conference at the University of Sheffield, which showcases how technology can enhance people’s lives.

“With support and technological aids, he is now able to interact with others in ways he couldn’t otherwise have done, which is a really important step towards achieving his goals.”

Steven said: “Being at Bridge College has helped me to feel much more positive – it’s helped me to rebuild my life.”

enquiries@togethertrust.org.uk

SupportTogetherTrust

@togethertrust

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

February/March 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 second these Emotions!

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.

New grants THE Morgan Foundation have recently awarded grants to:

n The Wrexham Warehouse Project (Smiley Bus) n The Debt Advice Network n Anglesey and Gwynedd Recovery Organisation n Daisy Inclusive UK n West Cheshire Foodbank n Total Reuse CIC (Men in Sheds) n Croxteth Advice Centre n Liverpool Homeless FC

Helping young people into creative arts

T

HE Morgan Foundation loves working with organisations that are breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for people to reach their potential.

One of the exciting pieces of work we have been supporting is the Emotions Project, which last year helped 62 young people get free tuition in many creative skills including drama, dance, singing, poetry, photography and fashion.

They’re hoping to help more than 100 young people this year!

The Emotions Project is run by Liverpool-based performing arts and youth training company, MD Productions, set up in 2001 by creative director Miguel Doforo.

Since then Miguel and his team have danced for Michael Jackson and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. They have also been involved in the MTV Awards and in three semi finals of Britain's Got Talent TV shows. n MD Productions, Tel 0151 264 6278 www.mdproductionsltd.com

NEW HORIZONS: All smiles at the Emotions Project

q A SCHOOL for children with complex needs has opened its brand new state-ofthe-art multi-sensory zone – thanks to support from The Morgan Foundation.

Pupils at Chesnut Lodge School, Widnes cut the ribbon on the room which is fully computer-controlled and has features such as an interactive floor, interactive sound hut, heated musical water bed, interactive panels and an Optimusic sound beam system.

WHALE WHALE OF OF A A TIME TIME LEARNING disability theatre group Company of Friends staged a hilarious performance of Moby DIck and the Pirates at the Black-E Arts Centre, Liverpool. Well done guys – we are pleased to be supporting you!

www.morganfoundation.co.uk Tel. 01829 782800

n IN ADDITION to awarding grants, The Morgan Foundation also runs a programme to provide minibuses to eligible organisations. n The vehicles are supplied either as standard, or fully adapted for use by physically disabled passengers if required. n Recipients are carefully consulted on their needs to ensure the correct adaptations are achieved and all buses are finished with the Morgan Foundation Smiley bus logo and the receiving organisation’s name, logo and contact details.

Good news for Sefton GROUPS in Sefton, Merseyside, can find out all about grants available from The Morgan Foundation at Sefton CVS Funders event on Tuesday 24 February.

Charities can book a one to one advice session with MF Morgan Foundtion administrator Jane Harris after submitting a project outline on one page of A4.

This should include brief information about your organisation, (generally an organisation must have been in existence for a minimum of two years and be able to produce audited accounts for the same) as well as information about the project, why it is needed, how many people will benefit and what do you want to spend the funds on. Submit you application to Jenny Dexter at jenny.dexter@seftoncvs.org.uk. Tel 0151 920 0726

The Morgan Foundation

@Morganfound

9

YOUNG AT HEART

10

All Together NOW!

New phone app helps avoid falls

A

NEW mobile phone app will help you avoid a fall – just don’t read it while you’re walking down the road!

Already proving popular, the Fallcheck app provides information on potential fall hazards in the home alongside easy-to-follow instructions on how to cut the risks to a minumum.

It works on all mobile devices and via the web.

The free app and other useful materials, developed by experts at Coventry University, are aimed at those at risk of taking a tumble, as well as their carers, and health and social care professionals.

“Around one in three adults over 65 who live at home will have at least one fall a year,” said Dr Gillian Ward, from Coventry University..

“It is a serious health issue and there is lots of support available.

However, we discovered some digital technologies that can make a difference were being hugely underused.

“The main reason for this was a lack of knowledge so we produced these resources to help. All have been well received but people have responded especially well to the app. It’s free to download and helps to involve all members of the family in fall prevention.”

Open up!

HOW often do you struggle to open a parcel? Imagine trying to do it with arthritis, and no help?

Packaging can be difficult for many disabled and older people to open and use, particularly if they live alone.

Now a consumer body is urging people to spread the word about new European guidance which calls on all companies to test the “openability” of their packaging.

Amazon has already committed itself to an easy-to-open packaging policy.

Eric Harris, from the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs, said: “If packaging is easy for those with the most difficulty, this inevitably helps everyone. Not many people know there is a new European specification which can be applied more widely.

“Rica urges all frustrated consumers who struggle with poor packaging to tell suppliers, retailers and packaging manufacturers to meet this new European specification.”

February/March 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Pet heartache for elderly care home residents

Life is fragile, handle with care

O

VER two million people in Britain know an elderly person who has had to have their cat or dog put down because they were moving into a care home.

A new survey also reveals that 20% of elderly people would refuse to go into care without their pets.

And a similar number said they knew an elderly person who had to have their cat or dog re-homed.

Up to 71% of residential homes and sheltered housing schemes refuse to allow residents to have pets.

Now a group of the UK’s leading live-in homecare providers have teamed up to launch a service providing an alternative to residential care that means they need not be separated from a much-loved pet.

The Live-in Homecare Information Hub, a coalition of 13 leading live-in homecare providers, developed the website, stayinmyhome.co.uk The site illustrates how, with the right professional support, elderly people can stay in their home, close to family, in familiar surroundings with the animal they love rather than face a future in residential care without them.

Dominique Kent at The Live-In Homecare Information Hub, said: “The vast majority of older people in the UK don’t want to move into

residential care, with what is often an institutional and regimented way of life, away from familiar surroundings, friends, family and pets.

“In fact, 97% of people feel most comfortable in their own home with 71% wanting to be living in their own home when they are over 75.”

The survey also found that the prospect of entering a care home and being separated from their pet could cause some people to consider taking steps that might actually cause them harm.

To avoid going into a home,

17.4% of elderly people would pretend they were in good health.

To avoid being separated from their pet, 8.8% would make themselves more ill rather than leave their pet.

Shockingly, when asked about elderly pet owners they know who had moved – or were about to move into residential care – 4.3% said they would consider taking their own lives or talk about taking their own lives due to concerns about their pets.

Over 18% of respondents believed that those elderly people they knew would, if they were aware of live-in homecare, try to arrange to be cared for at home in order to remain with their pet.

Dr Glen Mason, director of People, Communities and Local Government, Department of Health, said: “Live-in care is a long established but relatively unknown, growing alternative to residential and nursing care that substantially extends the care choice available to the individual.

“It allows someone with high levels of need to remain in their own home and community and lead a good quality life in familiar surroundings. I expect live-in care to continue to grow in popularity and to become the high quality first care choice of many people.” n www.stayinmyhome.co.uk

SENIOR MOMENTS . . . with FRANK

MONEY MATTERS

It’s worth a 30-minute investment YOU MAY have been asking why has the oil price fallen in the last 12 months – from $100 to about $50 per barrel, as I write?

The drop is due to several factors.

Firstly, shale gas production (fracking) in the USA has risen strongly.

Secondly, big producers like Saudi Arabia have refused to cut production or limit output.

Thirdly, there has been a slowdown in global demand for the oil from countries such as China due to a turndown in their economy.

So what does it mean for the average household?

Firstly, petrol and diesel prices have fallen to below 110p and 117p a litre and may fall even further.

Secondly, energy suppliers have seen a reduction in their wholesale prices, which has been reflected in reduced prices.

So should YOU switch supplier?

It is worth checking to see by visiting a website such as uswitch.com or moneysavingexpert.com.

Even if you switched or fixed in 2014 it may be worthwhile changing again. If there is an exit penalty it may still be viable.

I switched tariffs offered by my supplier from a September 2016 fix to an April 2016 fix for a saving of over £200 per year, with no exit charge on either product.

One of the best is N Power Fixed Energy on line April 2016 with no exit penalties, but other offers are available depending on your postcode.

It is well worth the 30 minutes it will take you to compare and change.

Gordon Viner FCA CTA

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

February/March 2015

All Together NOW!

Beat the bogus caller

Don’t fall victim to bogus callers!

•LOCK Home or away – keep all doors LOCKED

•STOP

United Utilities is calling on all customers to protect themselves from doorstep criminals.

Bogus callers will often call at your door claiming there is an issue with the water and they need to check your taps; they will use this as an opportunity to trick themselves into your home claiming to be from United Utilities or ‘the water board’. Once inside, they will distract you while they or an accomplice help themselves to money and valuables.

Genuine United Utilities’ employees always carry an ID card and are happy to show this to you. They will never put pressure on you to enter your home and will be happy for you to phone United Utilities to check their identity. And our employees won’t refer to ‘the water board’ as this hasn’t existed for more than 30 years!

Bogus callers can be very persuasive, but our advice is to never feel under pressure to let someone into your home.

To help you, we operate a ‘password protection’ scheme. Joining our password scheme is easy.

It takes just one call to 0345 672 2888.

Is anyone EXPECTED? Is the back door LOCKED?

•CHAIN Put the CHAIN ON before opening the door

•CHECK Ask for caller’s ID card Check it by PHONING 0345 672 3723 Or ask for your PASSWORD if you are registered for our password scheme (see below for details)

We simply need your details and your choice of password. Then, whenever someone claiming to be from United Utilities calls at your home, you can ask them for your password. Only a genuine visitor from United Utilities will know what it is. It’s a simple deterrent that really does work and will give you the confidence to turn people away from your door.

Most gas, electricity and telephone companies will operate a similar scheme – see a recent bill for further details and contact numbers.

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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ng

for d n ha

o df n ha

customers

sw mer o t us rc

wi th

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ing p el

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We also offer a free password scheme for all our customers.

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he lp i

Our services include: • personal notification of water shut-offs • large print, Braille and talking bills

or customers with extra a nd f ne e h g n ds xtra needs elpi s with e r h e m A to cus for d n ha

ith extra needs

ee n tra x e

ds

To find out more call 0345 672 2888.

If you have hearing or speech difficulties and use a textphone, please dial 18001 followed by the number you require.

01/15/SD/6561

11

All Together NOW!

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February/March 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

FREEDOM: the Ruddck family with their new Peugeot Horizon

Stephen’s horizons just got bigger . . .

S

TEPHEN Ruddock has just taken delivery of his brand new Peugeot Horizon - and the wheels have hardly stopped rolling since it arrived on the family’s doorstep.

Stephen’s daughter Charlotte is the main driver and loves the freedom it has brought to them.

Charlotte says: “We initially chose Horizon because it fitted in with our budget, but after seeing it we realised that it had plenty of other great features which were ideal for us.

We registered interest with Allied Mobility and were contacted straight away which was great.

“Our local mobility advisor, Karen, brought the Horizon around and answered all of our questions with a great knowledge of the whole process and vehicle specification.”

Horizon, the UK’s favourite wheelchair accessible vehicle, is based on the Peugeot Partner and has recently been updated to include some great new features.

With its brand new EasyLift ramp, non-slip

floor and up-rated restraint system, the vehicle is better and more accessible than ever.

Having a wheelchair accessible vehicle has made life much easier for the Ruddocks.

Charlotte can take her dad out more often, and the family can enjoy days out together without worrying about the time constraints that usually come with relying on public transport.

“We no longer need to use taxis, which saves us lots of money, but it also means we

0800 916 3028

www.alliedmobility.com www.alliedmobility. com

PEUGEOT PARTNER HORIZON ™

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

Unique EasyLift™ ramp Easy-clean lowered floor

have much more freedom when we’re out and about.”

Charlotte does all the driving but had never driven a car with automatic transmission before: “I wasn’t used to driving an auto but it was so easy to adapt to. It’s a really nice car to drive.

“The service we’ve received overall has been fantastic.” n Peugeot Horizon wheelchair cars are available to buy, rent or through the Motability Scheme.

£1,195 * S model

Full original Peugeot seating throughout* Up to four seats plus wheelchair passenger Easy-use electric winch and parking sensors PLUS CD player, air conditioning and privacy glass.

VW CADDY MAXI VISTA > Five seats plus wheelchair passenger > Unique EasyFold™ ramp, folds flat when not in use > Easy-clean lowered floor > Full original Volkswagen seating throughout > Easy-use electric winch > Parking sensors

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

£3,195

PEUGEOT EXPERT INDEPENDENCE > EasyFold™ ramp > Up to seven seats plus wheelchair passenger > Wide choice of seating layouts > Easy-use electric winch and parking sensors

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

£2,995

Vehicle hire service also available on all cars

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

More than 2,000 cars on Motability scheme

T

HE NEW Motability Scheme price list features over 2,000 cars from 30 manufacturers.

There are over 150 cars available at less than the mobility allowance and more than 300 available for no Advance Payment, including the Suzuki S-Cross 1.6 SZ3 with remote central locking and cruise control, and the Nissan Juke 1.5dCi Acenta Prk, which includes Bluetooth with audio streaming.

More than 700 automatic models are also available, including the Vauxhall New Corsa 1.4 SE and the Nissan Note 1.2 Acenta Prk, both with no Advance Payment.

For motorists who prefer a greener option, there are over 1,300 cars to choose from, with a CO2 emission level of less than 120g/km.

Options include the Ford

Fiesta 1.5TDCi Zetec Prk with Quickclear heated windscreen available with no Advance Payment, and the Volvo V40 1.6TD Cross Country SE S/S with climate control available at £299 Advance Payment.

Other highlights include: Volkswagen Golf 1.2 S, featuring DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity, available for £99 Advance Payment.

There are also over 570 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles available to lease on the Motability Scheme, and more than 350 vehicle adaptations to choose from, with over 100 at no additional cost. n The models and prices featured are available until the end of March. Call 0800 093 1000 for an information pack or visit motability.co.uk

February/March 2015

All Together NOW!

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES Seats: 3 +

FIAT DOBLO

Buy from the UK’s leading accessible vehicle specialist for added peace of mind.

0800 587 9627

Plate: 57 (2007) Miles: 30,000 Colour: Light Blue

FIAT FREEDOM

13

www.alliedmobility.com

ONLY

£8,995

RENAULT KANGOO

ONLY

£10,495

+ VAT

ONLY

£6,995 PEUGEOT HORIZON

ONLY

£12,995 + VAT

Seats: 3 + Miles: 11,000

Plate: 64 (2014) Colour: Rich Oak

PEUGEOT INDEPENDENCE

ONLY

£12,995 + VAT

Seats: 5 + Plate: 14 (2014) Miles: 11,500 Colour: Hickory Brown

Seats: 3 + Miles: 56,000

Plate: 62 (2012) Colour: Black

PEUGEOT INDEPENDENCE

ONLY

£14,495 + VAT

PEUGEOT SPIRIT

ONLY

£15,995 + VAT

Seats: 5 + Plate: 14 (2014) Miles: 9,000 Colour: Aluminium

Comprehensive quality & safety check 12 months warranty

Seats: 3 + Plate: 60 (2010) Miles: 30,700 Colour: Silver

Seats: 3 + 2 Plate: 14 (2014) Miles: 30,000 Colour: Aluminium

12 months breakdown assistance 12 months MOT (if applicable)

14

All Together NOW!

February/March 2015

No test too great for Shannen

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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

A

SHOCKING experience sparked Shannen Dabson’s passion for raising awareness of hidden disabilities and earned her a soughtafter scholarship.

Shannen was a bright, energetic child with a love of sport and a dream to compete in the Olympic Games. Then, aged eight, she was taken ill and within a week her life had changed.

She was confined to bed and diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), an illness characterised by chronic and debilitating fatigue.

Unable to attend school regularly, Shannen was home schooled by her mother and, aged 12, passed GCSE Maths. By the age of 16 she had accumulated 14 GCSEs, only six of which were achieved in a school environment.

It was her experience during one exam that triggered Shannen’s desire to raise awareness of hidden disabilities such as ME. “I was about to take my GCSE Science exam,” says Shannen. “I was in a wheelchair at that time, and a teacher wheeled me to the bottom of a flight of steps. She told me that if I couldn’t get myself up the stairs I couldn’t sit the exam.

“The problem is that people with ME, or

autism, or a range of other severe conditions, often don’t look disabled so are more likely to experience discrimination. A person with an obvious physical disability would never have been put in that situation and it made me want to do something to stop it happening to other people.”

During her A levels, Shannen was extremely ill and had to stop attending sixth form. She didn’t let this stop her ambitions and taught herself at home, sitting her exams with a paramedic in attendance. She lost half her body weight and was hospitalised, missing her final

exam. Despite these extraordinary circumstances, Shannen passed two A levels, receiving the highest marks in her class, and earned a Chancellor’s Scholarship from Edge Hill University where she is studying educational psychology.

Now in her second year, Shannen has just been voted Disabled Students’ Officer in the Students’ Union elections, and is determined to change the way hidden disabilities are perceived.

Shannen has been involved with Tymes Trust, an organisation that supports young

ME sufferers, and regularly represents young people at the House of Lords.

“Being part of the group gave me the courage to face my own problems,” says Shannen. “It also helped me gain a better understanding of what other people are struggling with and ways that I could try and help them.”“I want to use my own experience to help others,” says Shannen.

“At the moment doctors diagnose you then basically leave you to fend for yourself. I want to establish a network of support for sufferers that will fill the void between diagnosis and the rest of their lives.“

ILLUSTRATING THE POINT: Ray Wegrzyn, Holly Bassett and Zoe Leach with their innovative work

Poetry in motion for Parkinson’s G

ETTING involved in art and poetry often helps to restore the confidence of people who have Parkinson’s Disease.

That’s exactly what Illustration students found out through their work with Parkinson’s Equip, a charity that helps people with the condition to take part in sport or the arts.

Ray Wegrzyn, a board member of Parkinson’s Equip, approached the BA (Hons) students at University Centre Stockport College with a brief to create illustrations for a set of poems that explain Parkinson’s from the early stages of diagnosis.

Twenty-eight images were required to explain 14 key issues about Parkinson’s.

The students were encouraged to interpret the key issues in their illustrations.

Ray said: “The students have brought the poems to life with their creativity and sense of teamwork. Their efforts will raise awareness of Parkinson’s and give hope to many people.” n The students taking part in the project are Ben Crouch, Lauren Kelly, Naomi Langton, Chris Birchall, Leigh Arrondale, Andy Peake, Danielle Massam, Stephanie Dunn, Holly Basset, Roxanne Kenworthy, Zoe Leach, Sushanna Brennan, Harriet Preston, and Jordan Rainey.

Reach half a million readers . . .

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

February/March 2015

All Together NOW!

15

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

MENTAL HEALTH:

New funding to find new ways PEOPLE with mental health issues in Greater Manchester are to be given better support to get jobs.

The region is one of four pilot areas to receive a slice of the Government’s £12m funding to test whether better coordination of mental health and employment services could help thousands of people find and stay in employment as well as improve their mental health.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “It is shocking to think that mental health is now the leading cause of illness in the workplace.

“It’s even more shocking that many of the people suffering are simply not getting the support they need.

“That’s why I’m working hard in government to bring mental health out of the shadows. I’m heading up a dedicated mental health task force and pushing for investment in pilots like this to help create a fairer society where people get the right support and treatment they need, when they need it.”

Nearly half (46%) of people claiming Employment and Support Allowance have mental health conditions while mental ill-health is estimated to cost taxpayers and businesses £105 billion a year in health and police services, welfare benefits and sickness absence. n The other pilot areas are Blackpool, North East Combined Authority and West London Alliance.

Work schemes just not working RESEARCH from the mental health charity Mind has found that support provided through the Work Programme and Jobcentre Plus is damaging people’s health and making them feel less able to work than when they started.

At the same time, these schemes are ineffective for people with mental health problems, as only five per cent have actually been helped into work.

Mind surveyed 439 people who were receiving support primarily because of their mental health.

Shockingly, 86% of respondents said they had needed more support from mental health services and/or their GP, and nearly one in four had been hospitalised or sectioned in a mental health crisis while being on these back-towork support programmes.

The charity’s chief executive, Paul Farmer, said: “Most people with mental health problems who are out of work want to work and would be able to do so with the right support. Improving back-to-work support, including ensuring employers see the value in recruiting and supporting staff with experience of mental health problems, would help hundreds of thousands of people move into employment.”

. . . call us now

A head of the game!

BLACKBOARDS TO KEYBOARDS: Cliff in the IT suite at Moreton Library

R

ETIRED headteacher Cliff Crozier is 100 this year – and he can’t stop learning!

“I just love learning about things - and keeping active,” said Cliff, whose new skills on the keyboard have earned him a nomination for an Adult Learners Award.

Having already mastered Skype and video messaging to stay in touch with friends and relatives in Montreal and Dubai, Cliff enrolled on Wirral Council’s part-time Using the Internet course at Moreton Library – and is now a regular browser.

His interest in computers was sparked 15 years ago when attending an open day at the Welsh College of Horticulture, Northop, North Wales.

“The college was offering a

100 this year and Cliff is in line for a top award

free 30-week computer course,” said Cliff. “I enrolled and for 30 weeks I drove from Moreton to Northop.

“Being so computer illiterate my hand was frequently up for questions. I obtained the certificate and repeated the course the following year.

“I was hooked but nowhere near computer literate. I used it mainly for sending e-mail.”

Cliff’s nomination for the Adult Learners Award came from one of his former primary school pupils, Keith

Evans-Jones, who is now his tutor!

Keith said: “Cliff is a great believer in continuing to learn new skills. He is an inspiration - living proof that you’re never too old to learn something new.”

Cliff is planning plenty of celebrations this year.

“I have booked four holidays in the UK before my birthday and afterwards I’m flying off to Montreal, where my late wife, Renee, lived when a child.

“I live alone but am not stubbornly independent. I do what I can but have no problem in requesting assistance. I live for the day and count myself so lucky to be able to do all that I do.” n Adult Learners Week takes place from 13-19 June.

. . . 0151 230 0307

How YOU can help keep this FREE charity paper alive and kicking!

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February/March 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Assisted suicide is not the way forward L AUSCHWITZ HORROR: Hundreds of thousands of disabled people were killed under the T4 Programme of Euthanasia

L

AST September the former director of public prosecutions warned that the severity of disability hate crime was being overlooked.

Lord Ken MacDonald told how the police were failing to recognise that abuse of disabled people constituted hate crime.

Data from Crime Survey England and Wales estimates that in 2012-13, 62,000 people were discriminated against on the grounds of their disability. Yet Home Office statistics reveal that, over that same period, only 1,841 reports of disability hate crime were recorded, with just 810 incidents going to court.

Out of the 349 convictions that were eventually secured, only seven received an increased sentence due to the victim’s disability being considered an aggravating factor.

Here on Merseyside, I am determined that we should buck this depressing trend of underreporting. I was clear that tackling hate crime would be one of my police and crime priorities from the outset and I made sure that disability hate crime was recognised as a specific area of concern by appointing a Community Engagement Officer who is dedicated to monitoring this issue.

In December 2013, I was delighted to take Mencap’s ‘Stand By Me’ pledge to support people with learning difficulties suffering hate crime. This pledge has helped to drive up standards, ensuring better access for people with learning disabilities to report hate crime to the police.

It includes supporting Mencap’s ‘Safe Haven’ programme, which has seen shops in and around Liverpool city centre agree to provide a place of security if someone with a disability feels vulnerable. The recent launch by Merseyside Police of an ID ‘E-Card’, which holds a vulnerable person’s details, including their carer’s number, should further improve the effectiveness of this scheme.

Increasing awareness is vital if we are to improve the reporting and recording of disability hate crime.

This is particularly important among our frontline responders, who are out all day, every day, responding to the public.

Over the last six months, I have hosted two seminars for police officers and police staff to raise awareness of mental health issues and the condition ADHD. This is only the beginning. I have already arranged to join forces again with Mencap to run a further seminar on learning disabilities.

Perhaps the step that will make the biggest difference to those who have suffered disability hate crime though is my decision to fund Stop Hate UK. This national charity is now delivering an independent 24/7 helpline to all victims of hate crime across the whole of Merseyside.

By commissioning Stop Hate UK to provide a third party reporting service, I am proud to have provided an independent, impartial and confidential advice and support service open to anyone affected by hate crime in our region. n Stop Hate UK can be contacted in eight different ways including by telephone on 0800 138 1625, with British Sign Language, by text and online at www.stophateuk.org

AST YEAR I went to visit Auschwitz/Birkenau, the former concentration camps near Krakow in Poland. Both are now museums.

I could not enter the solid brick buildings at Auschwitz because they all had steps. The only building that was accessible was the chamber where prisoners were gassed.

Before Hitler introduced his “Final Solution” he had initiated the murder of another group – disabled people.

This was the T4 programme of euthanasia (named after the address at which it was run in Berlin, Tiergartenstrasse 4.) in which huge numbers of people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions were killed.

Disabled people were viewed as “useless eaters”, “having a life unworthy of living” or a “burdensome life”. At first they were killed by lethal injection but then the gas chambers and ovens were seen as more efficient.

It is thought that about 250,000 disabled people died under this programme but there are estimates as high as 350,000. It was the precursor to the holocaust.

On November 21, 2014, the German newspaper Der Spiegel reported that another visitor to Auschwitz last year was Dr Wim Distelmans, Belgium’s leading euthanasia practitioner who led a group of 70 people including doctors, psychologists and nurses from Belgium, all in favour of euthanasia.

Belgium legalised assisted suicide in 2002 when it was presented as freedom of choice for those terminally ill. It was soon extended and last year it was agreed that young children could choose assisted suicide if they were in mental distress.

What is concerning is that Dr Distelmans advises the Beligium government on euthanasia issues even though he is responsible for ending the lives of many people and not just those who are terminally ill.

Belgium is a stark example of where laws on mercy killing can lead.

This year, on a bitterly cold January 16, a group of disabled people who are members of the Not Dead Yet group

SOUNDING OFF! with Sir BERT MASSIE

There are lessons that we should never forget . . . protested outside the House of Lords.

Inside, peers were debating the Assisted Dying Bill intended to introduce euthanasia into this country. It is sponsored by Lord Falconer, who previously produced a report sponsored

by Dignity in Dying. This organisation changed its name from the Voluntary Euthanasia Society - perhaps because it sounds kinder.

The Bill will not become law because there is insufficient time before the General Election for it to do so. But it is likely that it will be reintroduced after the election.

Disabled members of the House of Lords and others sought to insert safeguards into the Bill and it is interesting to note that its supporters fought against them.

One proposed amendment was to insert the words “assistance with suicide” so it was clear to people to what they were agreeing. One of the reasons Lord Falconer gave for resisting this change was “... those engaged in helping people as regards suicide are very antipathetic to the words “committing suicide”. Euphemisms all round!

Another amendment was to require at least one of the doctors who agree to the assisted suicide should know the person. This was also rejected and leaves open the prospect of small teams of doctors touring the country to help assist people to commit suicide.

There is evidence that some doctors overseas have become wealthy doing just this.

There is little doubt that there is significant public support, including from some disabled people, for assisted suicide to prevent suffering. It is assumed that this will only apply to people who are terminally ill and expected to die within six months. But experience in other countries has shown that without strong safeguards this is a slippery slope.

In Oregon, USA, the major reason people give for assisted suicide is not wanting to be a burden.

In Belgium and Holland an even larger group of people are being included as qualifying for assisted suicide. It is not a great step to people feeling it is their duty to choose to die rather than be a burden in a country in which social care has been slashed by national government.

The people protesting against the Falconer Bill know that his Bill contains insufficient safeguards.

Doctors who should be protecting life are major drivers of the assisted suicide industry in Belgium.

If such a Bill is ever approved here, Dying in Dignity will not close down.

Instead they will start a new battle to extend the law. It is no wonder that so many disabled people oppose such a law and continue to resist it.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

February/March 2015

All Together NOW!

time to catch up with friends

Picture Phone

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A good natter makes me feel young again!

Care technology keeps me more independent, in touch and free to enjoy myself.

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See how you can be more independent Freephone 0808 100 1929 www.moreindependent.co.uk

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INDEPENDENT LIVING

February/March 2015

CELEBRATION TIME: Local dignitaries were on hand to help staff at Salford Institute for Dementia mark its first birthday

Guide dog Vann has given me back my life . . .

Fighting back

W

HEN Marlene Tennent suffered a stroke and brain haemorrhage in 2009, her life changed overnight.

Marlene had lost most of her sight, with just a small very changeable amount of vision remaining in one eye.

Marlene, from Newton-le-Willows, struggled with sight-loss and relied on her youngest daughter, Rachel, who was living at home to get out and about.

“It felt like role reversal,” says Rachel. “I had become ‘mum’ and felt totally responsible for ensuring that Mum was safe when we went out and about. I was always mum’s guide and felt that I couldn’t trust anyone else to guide her safely.”

Marlene learnt how to use a long cane and was very able to negotiate her environment but never felt safe or able to get about as she had done before losing her sight.

Desperately wanting her independence

www.alltogethe

back, Marlene applied for a guide dog and in October 2013, qualified with Vann.

“I’ve got a life again now,” says Marlene.

“I can go shopping, and go into cafes and places that I just wouldn’t have gone to on my own before having Vann.

“He has not only changed my life, he’s helped the whole family – my two grandsons adore him! If we take Vann for a run, they will guide me and say ‘we’ll guide you like Vann does, Nanny’. It’s just lovely.”

Rachel has since joined the army and is regularly away on tours of duty.

“At first, I really worried about leaving Mum,” says Rachel, “but now I’ve seen what Vann has done for Mum . . . Vann is the only other ‘person’ that I would trust to guide mum, he’s just amazing.”

Marlene, meanwhile, also can’t speak highly enough of her canine companion: “When I’m with Vann, I don’t feel like there’s anything wrong with my eyes. We just walk down the street like everyone else.”

Hi-tech mind g R

OBOTICS, virtual reality and 3D technology are all being harnessed to help people with dementia live independently for longer.

And it’s all happening at a centre of excellence for dementia in North West England.

The ground-breaking Salford Institute for Dementia is celebrating its first anniversary with the news that it has raised £1m in donations to help its work making life better for those with the condition.

Among exciting projects at the Greater Manchester centre is the development of software to stimulate memories that have slipped away.

One project involves people being filme talking to and embracing a loved one. Wh their memory fades they will be able to experience the moment again in a 3D mu sensory environment intended to trigger t original thoughts and feelings.

The centre’s expertise in robotics is bein used to develop intelligent devices that w

ernow.org.uk

February/March 2015

games at Salford

f e

ed hen

ultithe

ng will

minimise risks and maximise the freedom of people living with dementia – like “smart” furniture that monitors someone’s condition and can alert others if necessary.

Dementia-friendly design will enable the creation of homes, gardens, residential care homes and hospitals that make daily life easier and reduce the confusion and frustration that come as part of the condition.

In the UK alone there are currently more than 835,000 people living with dementia.

This number is expected to double in the next 40 years.

The associated cost to the UK economy of dementia currently stands at £26bn, estimated to double to more than £50bn per year by 2040. The majority of this cost is borne by family and carers.

The Institute is part of the University of Salford and from January 2015, it will be offering its new Masters programme in Dementia: Care and the Enabling Environment.

All Together NOW!

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Holiday time!

D

REAMING of sunnier days?

Dreaming of holidays?

Well, start turning those dreams into reality.

With over 250 accessible places to stay, Enable Holidays’ customers are certainly not limited on choice.

The specialist operator has brought together the most sought-after destinations, which now include North America, Barbados, St Lucia and Mexico.And for those looking for a more private holiday experience, there’s a portfolio of specially chosen villas in a range of resorts.

Enable specialises in travel for people with limited mobility, including slow walkers, wheelchair users and those looking for an easier way to get around.

The Birmingham-based company takes the uncertainty out of booking an overseas holiday by ensuring each hotel, apartment and villa it offers has been personally audited for accessibility and mobility requirements. All adapted rooms are guaranteed upon confirming a booking, and adapted taxi transfers are provided between the airport and holiday accommodation.

Why we love this paper All Together NOW! is a superb paper. I am deaf and it tells me about matters affecting me I did not know. Trevor Brassey, Melloncroft Drive, Wirral I LOVE the fact the paper is not just aimed at disabled people. It gives so much hope and information. I am very impressed. Mrs Lisa Knowles Longview Drive, Huyton

Managing director Lynne Kirby is keen to ensure her company continues to deliver the highest standards of service: “Enable has been built on understanding the needs of disabled travellers, and this means carrying out lots of preplanning work to ensure our customers can enjoy a happy and barrier-free holiday.

“We are keen to open up the world to our customers and what better way to do this than by including more exciting destinations for them to visit, while safe in the knowledge that all their needs will be met.

“Whether you are looking for a private villa in sun-kissed Cyprus, a cultural tour of India, or a continental city experience we can guarantee a great place to stay.”

All holidays are tailor-made to suit individual requirements which includes the pre-booking of specialist equipment or arranging a professional carer for the length of your stay. n The Enable Holidays 2015 brochure is available to view online at www.enableholidays.com or call 0871 222 4939, email info@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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February/March 2015

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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CARERS’ CENTRES

0

Why we love this paper THANKS for all YOUR great coments aboutt All together NOW! Here are a few from readers who have picked up the paper while visiting the area . . .

Are YOU a winner?

THE TEN lucky winners of our Christmas gardening competition are: Pat Goodwin, Millers Mede, Athol Street, Liverpool Christopher Maloney, Ardrossan Road, Anfield, Liverpool Mrs M Jones, Bempton Road, Aigburth, Liverpool Barbara Hibbert, Miller Street, Latchford, Warrigton Mrs M Newsham, Garswood Road, Billinge, Lancs Mrs S Stockton, Kings Drive, Crewe Martin Herrington, Higher Road. Longridge, Preston Mrs Helen Evans, Elizabeth Crescent, Chester Jeanette Flewett, School Avenue, Ness, Cheshire Ms Yvonne Anthony, Oldwell Walk, Sale, Cheshire All winners will each receive £30 worth of vouchers from top seed firm Thompson & Morgan and T&M’s 198-page 2015 catalogue. The vouchers can be exchanged for any seeds from among hundreds of varieties.

I LOVE All together NOW! – and looking at all the awards it has won so does everyone else! Janet Dixon, St Aiden Close, Market Weighton, Yorks ALTHOUGH I am visually impaired I love the newspaper. It gives me inspiration when I am down and is full of informative and inspiring stories.

Sarah Tonner, Inverleith Street, Glasgow All together NOW! has found its niche in the magazine market and I can see will only become stronger as people become more aware of its focus and values. Dean Willoughby, Barron Place, Basingstoke, Hants I LOVED the 50th issue, especially the article on carers. A great positive publication that brings real issues faced by disabled people to the fore.

Joanne Baldwin, Clifton Lawn, Ramsgate, Kent

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 442 0442 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

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

February/March 2015

CITY’S BIG CHALLENGE L

IVING in Liverpool is about to be a whole lot healthier – for EVERY ONE of its residents!

The biggest health programme ever undertaken in the city aims to ensure that by 2020 everyone will be enjoying longer, healthier lives.

Health chiefs are determined to create a future in which everyone receives consistent, high-quality healthcare, wherever they live in the city; with care delivered in the home, in communities, and in excellent hospitals.

Dr Nadim Fazlani, Chair NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, says: “It’s

going to be a challenging journey, but it’s hugely exciting too.

“This is our opportunity to transform health and social care in Liverpool for the better.

And we want residents to be involved, every step of the way.

“We believe we must act now to address our challenges, which include an ageing population, unacceptable inequalities in health, as well as wide variations in the quality of and access to services.

“We have great opportunities that should be exploited, including doing more to maximise the benefits of innovation in medicine and

New year new YOU! M

ANY OF us may have made New Year resolutions for 2015 and, by now, some of us may even have already broken them!

But whatever camp you fall into there is no escaping the fact that now is the perfect time to think about getting your health and finances into shape.

A healthcare cash plan is an ideal way to get started.

Thousands of people all over the UK are using a cash plan as a way of budgeting for both everyday and unexpected healthcare bills.

It works as a simple, lowcost insurance policy which means that, for a small monthly payment, you can claim cash back on everything from routine dental and optical bills to chiropody, private consultations and physiotherapy.

Medicash has been providing healthcare solutions for over 140 years.

Now the organisation remains not for profit and delivers 21st century healthcare solutions for over 150,000 people nationwide.

A range of plans are available for individuals and employers.

All are aimed at allowing members access to good quality healthcare services when and where they need them. Starting from just £1.50 a week, the plans provide cover on a wide range of areas.

Claiming is a pain free process. If, for example, you are visiting the optician or dentist you simply pay the bill, complete a simple form and submit this, along with your receipt to Medicash and you will see cash back into your bank account

within days.

There are a whole host of other benefits designed to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family giving you real peace of mind.

If you are worried about a diagnosis you can access a second opinion from a panel of medical professionals. Being covered for diagnostic tests and private consultations without the need for a GP referral saves time leading to faster diagnosis and treatment.

All plans include access to Medicash Extras which gives exclusive High Street discounts and special offers which, on average saves members £250 a year.

Take the first step towards better financial and physical health today by visiting www.medicash.org

All Together NOW!

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THE Healthy Liverpool programme is led by Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the body responsible for commissioning the majority of health services in the city. Working in partnership with Liverpool City Council and other health and social care organisations, the Healthy Liverpool programme will aim to transform healthcare services in Liverpool over the next five years. technology and empowering patients to manage their own health and getting involved in shaping the future of health services.

“We need to transform health and social care services in order to realise our vision of a healthy Liverpool.

“This means we must embrace a new approach to care. We must put people first and better understand each person’s individual needs.

“We call this person-centred care, and we plan to deliver this exciting new approach to healthcare in three settings . . .

SUPPORTING people to self-care and equipping them with knowledge and resources to make healthier lifestyle choices.

DELIVERING care across communities, including GP practices, schools, health and community centres, pharmacies, residential care and in our homes.

ENSURING local hospitals are the best in the country, offering excellence seven days a week, and that the specialist services they offer are called upon appropriately.

Medicash is here for all life’s little mishaps…

Sometimes things don’t always go to plan, but with cover from Medicash you can be sure that you are ready for whatever may happen.

From hospital stays to unexpected trips to the dentist, our plans give you cover you for the things that matter and all from just £1.50 per week.

• Cash back for inpatient stays of up to 30 nights per year • Use of our BestDoctors® InterConsulation™ service for prompt diagnosis and treatment • Save £250 a year with our exclusive member discounts.* As well as our individual and family cover we also offer a great variety of corporate schemes for all businesses, big or small.

Call 0800 011 2222 or visit www.medicash.org *Average saving as at 30.11.12.

Ah plan ealth f eve or the ryd ay an une d the xpe cte d!

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All Together NOW!

February/March 2015

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www.alltogethernow.org.uk

February/March 2015

All Together NOW!

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All Together NOW!

MEDICAL NOTES Campaigners urging protection for babies CAMPAIGNERS are demanding that all pregnant women be screened for a bacteria that can cause life-threatening infection and meningitis in babies.

The demand comes after a study in the Netherlands revealed a 60% rise in infections in babies under three months there caused by the bacteria, group B streptococcus, or GBS. Dutch researchers say the figures show the country’s policy of offering antibiotic treatment only to women deemed to be at risk was too limited and that universal screening of pregnant women “must be considered”.

UK charity Group B Strep Support has gone further claiming the figures show “that their risk-based prevention strategy has failed miserably to reduce the number of babies suffering”.

GBS is the most common cause of lifethreatening infection in newborns and meningitis in babies under three months in the UK. Jane Plumb, head of Group B Strep Support, said: “It is encouraging to see The Netherlands call for change. Surely it is inconceivable the UK will not do the same.”

Why I love this paper All Together NOW! is a really inspirational and inclusive newspaper that I refer back to on many occasions. As a non-disabled reader it has helped me to ensure I do not define someone by the disability but by who they are and try to educate others to do the same. Thank you.

B Betteridge, Burton Close, Liverpool

‘Give us a choice’ ALMOST half of patients who have had surgery for a challenging inflammatory bowel disease say if they could go back in time they would seek more information on alternative treatment.

A survery found only a third of patients are completely satisfied with their current treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC), with many experiencing regular flare-ups and hospitalisation.

“Although many people with ulcerative colitis will respond well to conventional therapies, there will always be a subset of those who fail to respond to these treatments and alternative choices to surgery are needed,” said Chris Probert, Professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Liverpool.

“Biologics (medication tailored to target specific genetic disorders) could offer a lifetransforming opportunity for these patients, who are often young adults, and may even help delay the need for a colectomy.”

Howver, recent NICE draft guidance is against biologic treatments for patients with moderate-to-severe UC.

February/March 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

ON TRACK: Sam Schmidt, the former American Indy Racing League driver, is behind an exciting race to find a cure for paralysis

RACE IS ON FOR A SPINAL CURE A

20 million dollar package of grants and prizes has been launched to find a cure for spinal cord injury.

Former American racing driver Sam Schmidt, paralysed in a crash in 2000, has his eyes set on a cure within 10 years.

The foundation he set up after his injury, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, is putting up the money.

“We’ve done a lot of great things with the foundation in the last fourteen years,” Sam said, “but ultimately there are still millions of people like me who are still in their chairs and it’s time to change that.”

The first team that can achieve an unprecedented improvement in everyday functions of people living with chronic spinal cord injuries will win the $10 million grand prize.

Sam broke his back while practicing for the new Indy Racing League season event at Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando, Florida. He was 36.

While in hospital in St Louis, Missouri, Sam realised he was one of the lucky ones – he

CHALLENGE: Sam Schmidt

$20 million up for grabs had an incredible support system including his faith, family and the motor sport community.

“Since my injury I have learned so much about the tremendous needs of people

suffering from spinal cord injuries,” said Sam. “There are three areas on which I have asked the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation to concentrate its fund-raising efforts. The first is medical research. The second, innovative equipment that can be used for rehabilitation.

“And, third, I want to help people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities by addressing quality of life issues.

“We’re spreading the message that you need to stay in shape and keep working hard, because some type of treatment is going to come!”

Ida Cahill, president and chief executive of of CPN, said: “We will find a cure for paralysis within the next decade, if not sooner.

“We have a plan and the commitment to make this happen. Through innovative funding and collaboration, we will drive research to help others be able to hug their children and loved ones once again.”

One of the most groundbreaking parts of the CPN Challenge will be providing a centralised research platform for scientists from around the world to share both their successes and failures. n conquerparalysisnow.com

How paralysis and poverty go hand in hand AMERICAN FACTS

n New research reveals that almost six million people are living with paralysis in the United States – almost 1.3 million are spinal cord injured. This is about five times the number of people previously assumed, with many millions more throughout the world. n According to information collected by the U.S. Census Bureau, having a disability of

any kind greatly increases a person’s odds of living in poverty. n Nearly 60% of people with paralysis and over 62% of people with spinal cord injury live in poverty. n Spinal cord injury cost the U.S. health care system $40.5 billion annually. n There are 50,000 wounded or injured soldiers from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and many have suffered spinal cord injuries.

UK FACTS

q 50,000 people live with paralysis in the UK and Ireland. q About 1,000 people sustain a spinal cord injury each year in the UK and Ireland. q About 80% of those living with a spinal cord injury are male. q The cost to the nation is estimated at £1 billion per annum.

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More nurses – it’s just what the doctors ordered . . .

THE NUMBER of district nurses serving patients in Liverpool and Sefton has been boosted, thanks to support from the GP-led Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).

In the past six months, over 60 new district nurses have been employed in Liverpool and Sefton, and a further 34 new posts are also currently being recruited.

District nurses are at the heart of local NHS health services, and work 7 days a week, 365 day per year to help support vulnerable and housebound patients to be cared for out of hospital and in their own homes.

Karen Sandison is a Community Matron who has worked in South Sefton for the last 10 years and is now helping to support newly recruited nurses.

She said: “We have needed more district nurses working in the local community for some time, so this recent boost in staffing numbers has been massively welcomed by both our patients and staff.

“Liverpool was the original birthplace of district nursing, and it’s great that the profession continues to be at the forefront of local healthcare provision.”

Dr Jim Cuthbert, a Liverpool GP and CCG Clinical Lead for Community Services, said: “Modern district nursing plays a critical part in delivering effective community services across the city.

“The new Healthy Liverpool programme will transform these services, joining up the way community nurses work alongside GPs and other health professionals to deliver personcentred care and support more people to live independently at home for longer.”

Dr Pete Chamberlain, GP and Lead Clinician for Innovation and Strategy at South Sefton CCG, added: “As part of our Health in Sefton strategy, our ultimate aim is to achieve the delivery of services which smoothly link across both health and social care, and to provide services delivered outside of hospital, where possible.”

February/March 2015

All Together NOW!

JOIN THE GROUP LCH is looking to establish a brand new Wheelchair User Group.

The group will meet regularly with staff from Liverpool Wheelchair Service to help represent local wheelchair users in Liverpool and Sefton, and support the Trust in continuously improving the accessibility of its local services.

If you are interested in finding out more about joining the group, please contact: Chris McGhee at Liverpool Lifehouse on: 0151 296 7733 or email: liverpoolwheelchairservice@liverpoolch.nhs.uk

WHEEL ACTION

NOW FOR SOME

L

IVERPOOL Wheelchair Service is launching the UK’s first ‘Adult Wheelchair in a Day’ initiative, which will enable people to be assessed and supplied with an NHS wheelchair all in a single appointment.

The new project follows last year’s success at piloting the scheme on a smaller scale with children’s wheelchairs.

Christine McGhee, Clinical Operations Manager for Liverpool Wheelchair Service, said: “The Adult Wheelchair in a Day scheme will totally transform the way that wheelchairs are provided to people in our local communities who depend on them for

their mobility and independence.

“In the past, wheelchair users have typically been required to wait anywhere between 8 - 20 weeks between their initial clinical assessment and final fitting for a new wheelchair, depending on the complexity of the type of wheelchair needed.

“But under this new scheme most of our service users will be assessed and be able to take their new wheelchair home with them - all on the same day.”

The project is being rolled out to wheelchair users in three phases over the coming 18 months, starting with direct issue wheelchair users and then being extended

Are YOU ready to talk?

LCH and Liverpool City Council are teaming up with a range of local agencies to promote ‘Time to Talk Day’, a national day of action on mental health.

Organisations from across the city including LCH, Richmond Fellowship, Imagine Mental Health, CHATs, Big Love Sista and Everton in the Community, are planning a range of awareness events and activities to help create greater awareness of mental health issues.

‘Time to Talk’ speech bubbles and photo frames will be moving around venues across the city to help encourage conversations – both face to face and on social media – about the subject of mental health Trained health promotion staff will also be on hand at each venue to chat to people, answer any questions about mental health, and help signpost people to further advice and support if needed.

Paul White, Mental Health Lead for Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust, said: “Time to

To find out more, visit . . .

Talk Day is all about challenging the stigma that can sometimes exist around the subject of mental health, and enabling people to feel more comfortable to talk about how they are feeling.

“We want to encourage everyone in Liverpool to take part in Time to Talk Day by committing to have a five-minute conversation with a friend, family member or work colleague, and to join us in being part of this bigger city-wide conversation on mental health.”

Time to Talk Day, Friday 5 February. n www.wellbeingliverpool.co.uk You can also join the Time to Talk conversation on twitter using at #timetotalk n www.time-to-change.org.uk

to powered wheelchair users, and more specialist, complex wheelchair users towards the end of the year.

Christine added: “Getting the scheme up and running will involve some major changes to how we organise each aspect of our service, but we expect to be able to providea wheelchair in a day to most of our service users by spring 2016.”

n Liverpool Wheelchair Service is delivered by Liverpool Community Health, and is based at The Lifehouse Centre on Summers Road, Brunswick Business Park, Liverpool.

Help us help YOU ARE YOU, or have you received help from LCH’s Community Equipment Service during the past year?

If so, can YOU help us to make the service even better?

We want to hear your views about how we do things - the good and perhaps what you think are the not so good parts of our service.

We are carrying out a Patient Satisfactory Survey for both Liverpool and Sefton residents and would very much welcome your feedback.

Developing and improving the service is high on our agenda so that we can provide an efficient, responsive, high standard of quality care which will support all Liverpool and Sefton residents to continue to live independently in their own homes. n For a copy of the survey for either Liverpool or Sefton area’s please contact Lil Garland on 0151 295 9821.

www.liverpoolcommunityhealth.nhs.uk

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All Together NOW!

February/March 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

PAIN-FREE: After 30 years of living with severe pain, Peter Austin is now living life to the full

Beatrice Fraenkel chair, Mersey Care NHS

W

E’RE getting quite excited about the imminent opening of our new Clock View Hospital in Liverpool.

It’s not just because I’m the chairman of this organisation, nor the fact I’m our Trust’s design champion and a have a professional interest in architecture and ergonomics.

The reason for such optimism is our new psychiatric hospital is an embodiment of all that is positive and aspirational in terms of how we want to support patients’ recovery or indeed would want to be treated ourselves - you could call it ‘perfect care’.

Perfect care is a phrase which can cause controversy. It’s a concept we have adopted from an American model in mental healthcare shared by an internationally recognised medic called Dr Ed Coffey.

Perfect care underpins a systemic approach to improving outcomes for patients. Critics might say there is no such thing as perfect care in mental health, so why bother?

A simple analogy would be if you were crossing the road and had no idea of a safe passage, would you really try, even on a Pelican crossing?

In health terms you could compare it to having an operation where the surgeon wished you all the best with no notion of success - you might think twice about the procedure. So why should mental health be any different? Shouldn’t we all expect perfect care?

For too long there have been low expectations in many aspects of mental healthcare. Depression and anxiety, for instance, are the two most common conditions, yet seem to be labelled as ‘mental illness’ by some people in a way which reinforces the notion it is something that will always stay with us, rather than a recovery focus looking at the positives of getting better, staying well and living life to our maximum potential.

Clock View, in Walton, is an 80-bedded hospital, where all patients have their own room with en-suite, access to outside areas and garden courtyards, with lots of scope for activity, space and therapeutic care. It is a new generation of mental health hospitals and we intend to build more.

So yes, we’re looking forward to our new hospital, because within its walls we want to build something much bigger – and that is hope. n Thank you to everyone who supported our Big Brew social media campaign to tackle stigma and promote conversations about mental health. It’s not too late to join in by tagging your support @MC_BigBrew or #brewfie on Twitter, or find out more at www.facebook.com/MerseyCareNhsTrust

‘It’s like a miracle..’

Back on course K

EEN golfer Peter Austin describes the cutting edge spinal surgery that transformed his life after 30 years of severe pain as “like a miracle”.

Not only has Peter, 53, who could barely walk before the operation, got his life back on course – he’s also got himself back on the golf course.

Consultant neurosurgeon Deb Pal carried out the procedure which took away the back pain that had at times become “almost unbearable”.

In the year before surgery Peter’s pain worsened to the point where he could hardly walk and was unable to drive. It became so bad he lost the use of his right leg. He could not lift his foot and was dragging his leg when walking.

“My quality of life was worsening. There was so much in life I was missing out on and I decided it was time to do something about it,” said Peter.

His GP referred him to Mr Pal at Spire

Surgery ends 30-year agony Leeds Hospital, who immediately arranged for an MRI scan, which showed a huge disc prolapse in his lower back.

By this time his symptoms had deteriorated to the point where pain medications were no longer effective.

Mr Pal said, “Peter had lumbar disc prolapse with nerve root compression. This was causing weakness of his foot giving him a significant disability in terms of his mobility.”

Peter underwent the Microdiscectomy procedure in April 2014. The minimally invasive procedure involved the prolapsed disc being removed using a microscope through a tube with creation of room for the nerve.

“It was like a miracle,” said Peter. “Right after the surgery the pain had gone and within a week the strength started returning in my foot. I was able to go home the next day after surgery.”

Peter went back to work four weeks later and recently returned to the golf course. “I played my first 18 holes,” he smiled.

“It’s like a miracle to be pain free after suffering from back pain for most of my adult life. It was a very daunting decision to go ahead with spinal surgery however, I would not have waited if I had known what I know now.”

Mr Pal said: “It’s not a new procedure but rather an excellent outcome for a spinal condition where the surgical outcome is uncertain in relation to the foot weakness.

“We expected the cause of the pain to be removed however his foot weakness also started improving soon after surgery and a few weeks later with the help of physiotherapy he had regained full normal power of his foot.”

Sit up and take heed if you want to be pain free MOST cases of back pain are not caused by serious damage or injury, but simply by the way we use and look after our backs on a daily basis.

So don’t let back pain stop you in your tracks – try addressing the following unexpected lifestyle culprits to help bring some natural relief: 1. Your smart phone: The human head and neck isn’t designed to stare down at tablets and mobile phone screens for hours at a time and these prolonged periods of neck flexion and poor posture can lead to back pain and stiffness.

Try: Limiting use of your mobile phone or tablet to

short stretches at a time. Take frequent breaks and try intermittently holding your phone or tablet up to eye level.

2. Stress: Just like the rest of you, your back muscles tense up when you start to feel you are under pressure. That uncomfortable twinge can lead to us feeling even more fraught and a vicious cycle forms. Stress also causes your levels of the hormone cortisol to soar, which increases inflammation in the body.

Try: A clinically backed antiinflammatory supplement to help relieve nagging pain and inflammation. Research has

The perfect tonic . . .

shown that GOPO (www.gopo.co.uk) - an active compound derived from rosehips with strong antiinflammatory properties provides symptomatic relief for patients with acute exacerbations of chronic lower back pain.

3. Sedentary lifestyle: Research has shown that people who have desk jobs suffer more back pain than those working in manual jobs where lots of lifting is involved. Using your joints and spine strengthens them, reducing risk of injury, whereas inactivity can weaken them and make you more prone to problems.

Try: Getting regular exercise to improve strength and suppleness as well as helping maintain a healthy weight. Swimming and walking are great low impact ways to strengthen the back without straining it through any sudden, jolting movements.

4. Smoking: Researchers believe that cigarettes could damage tissue in the lower back by slowing down circulation and reducing the flow of nutrients to joints and muscles - leading to pain and soreness.

Try: Talking to your GP about enrolling in a ‘stop smoking’ clinic – they can also talk to you about the range of available replacement

HALF A MILLION

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February/March 2015

All Together NOW!

Men need more sunshine Why we love this paper SCIENTISTS have discovered that too little exposure to sunshine can cause erectile dysfunction.

ED is one of the most common sexual problems among men and research shows around 40% of males suffer from it, at least occasionally.

Health conditions such as diabetes, prostate cancer, and high blood pressure can all result in the condition. However, as Italian scientists have shown, Vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin – also plays an important role.

They found that nearly half of patients tested were vitamin D deficient and that this condition

is more frequent in those with severe erectile dysfunction.

The scientists say insufficient levels of vitamin D may increase the production of superoxide ions that are depleting nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is vital in causing an erection, because it makes the blood vessels relax, which increases the blood flow.

“The consequences of modern lifestyle with too little sun exposure seem to interfere with our love life,” said Ad Brand from the Sunlight Research Forum.

“However, men with a vitamin D level of at least 30 nanograms per millilitre of blood are less vulnerable to develop ED.”

If you’re feeling hampered, sick or blue, Need help and don’t know what to do Who to contact? Where to go?

All Together NOW! is in the know Packed with info, advice and cheer It raises awareness each day of the year Bringing people together to learn and have fun All Together NOW! is second to none So “Park” your bum without delay Read All Together NOW! today Carolyn Jassi, The Paddock, Rufford, Lancashire.

All Together NOW! is a superb paper. I am deaf and it tells me about matters affecting me I did not know.

Trevor Brassey, Melloncroft Drive, Wirral I LOVE the fact the paper is not just aimed at disabled people. It gives so much hope and information. I am very impressed.

Mrs Lisa Knowles, Longview Drive, Huyton, Liverpool

Silent killer can strike ANYONE . . .

T

OP footballer Fabrice Muamba’s collapse during the live broadcast of an FA Cup tie was the most high profile example of how heart conditions can strike suddenly among the young.

Fabrice survived – he was lucky enough to have excellent medical help on hand.

The shocking collapse of young people while taking part in their chosen sport, and the publicity that follows, has focused the nation’s attention on sudden cardiac deaths.

However, new research shows it’s not just athletes and the sporty who are at risk – the majority of deaths happen either “at rest” or while sleeping.

Indeed, among 18 to 35-year-olds, four out of every five cases of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome, or SADS – caused by problems with the heart’s “electrical wiring” – occur this way.

The study shows that high profile cases have led to increased pressure for mandatory screening of sportspeople and defibrillators in sports grounds, gyms and public places, the majority of those at risk are largely ignored.

It underlines the importance of preventative screening as many sudden arrhythmic deaths occur away from public places where lifesaving equipment is unlikely to be available.

MEDICAL NOTES New treatment for AMD ‘on the way’ DRUGS used to combat HIV could soon provide new hope to people with a serious eye disorder.

The breakthrough came as researchers on both sides of the Atlantic studied the effects of NRTIs, which have been used for the past 30 years – first to treat cancer and later to control HIV infections.

They discovered the drugs could also be used to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), for which there is no cure.

AMD is a progressive condition that is untreatable in up to 90% of patients and affects up to 600,000 people in the UK. There are two forms, wet and dry, but while government-approved treatments exist for the former, there are none for dry AMD. “We were really excited to find that NRTIs worked in treating AMD,” said Dr Mark Young from Cardiff University.

“Our work presents the first evidence for a potential therapy for the untreatable dry form of AMD, with a drug that is already approved for use in humans.

Parkinson’s vaccine

LUCKY TO BE ALIVE: But behind the case of Fabrice Muamba, many young people die due to a lack of lifesaving equipment

While physical activity, particularly endurance sports such as rowing, rugby, football and long distance running, can exacerbate an existing, undiagnosed condition the latest findings strengthen the argument for greater accessibility to cardiac screening for young people.

Only then can heart rhythm conditions that rarely display symptoms be identified.

Dr Greg Mellor, who led the research paid for by charity Cardiac Risk in the Young, or CRY, said: “Young sudden cardiac death – whatever the circumstance – has a devastating effect on families and entire communities “Our team of researchers are committed to improving the overall understanding of why these seemingly inexplicable deaths occur and, ultimately, how they might be prevented.

“It is only with a greater knowledge of the causes, such as genetic links or other external factors, that we will be able to

27

develop robust, evidence-based advice for young people.

“Whilst this study shows obvious signs are rare, it is vital that children and adolescents seek medical advice from their GP if they experience symptoms such as breathlessness, palpitations and fainting.

“However, for other young people and parents seeking reassurance – whether involved in regular sport or not - we do have an internationally recognised screening programme, that can identify the vast majority of these cardiac abnormalities.”

CRY’s acclaimed screening programme, launched in 1995, now tests around 15,000 young people every year.

It also forms a vital part of CRY’s wider research programme that is building on understanding of the incidence of cardiac conditions in young people.

CRY, tel 01737 363222 www.c-r-y.org.uk

people are reading these pages . . .

A VACCINE set to be tested in a clinical trial could take treatment for Parkinson’s on to a new level.

The vaccine targets a protein called alpha-Synuclein, which plays a key role in the onset and progression of the disease.

Developed by the Austrian biotech company AFFiRiS Agt, it is one of a pool of promising vaccines aimed at altering the course of the disease. The treatments currently available are only able to alleviate the severe motor symptoms, such as tremors.

The vaccine will be tested in a clinical Phase I trial in Austria by an EU-funded consortium. It follows on from positive results in a similar Parkinson’s vaccine trial recently conducted by AFFiRiS with support from the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Dr. Dieter Volc, leading the trial in Vienna, adds: “It has the potential to treat the cause of Parkinson’s - not just the symptoms.”

Cure for headaches?

IF you are a headache sufferer, try cutting down on salt – it could make a big difference.

In tests carried out in the United States involving over 400 people, there was a 31% reduction in the number of them suffering from headaches after they cut down on salt from eight grammes to four grammes per day.

The likely explanation is the fall in blood pressure and reduction in pulse pressure that occurred with the salt reduction.

The research has been welcomed by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) and World Action on Salt and Health (WASH).

0151 230 0307

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All Together NOW!

One advert goes a long, long way

Tel: 0151 230 0307

February/March 2015

HOME! TAKE ME

BOX OFFICE SENSATION!

Jan 17-Feb 22. The Lion King.

Manchester Palace Theatre. Musical.

Jan 30-Feb 28: Canoeing for Beginners. Liverpool Royal Court. New farce.

Feb 2-7. And Then There Were None. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Murder mystery thriller.

Feb 5: Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music. Liverpool Empire. Sing along to melodies from the hit musical.

Feb 5. Songbird: The Music of Eva Cassidy. Stoke Regent Theatre.

Tribute act.

Feb 5-Mar 7: Hamlet. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Psychological thriller from Shakespeare. Audio Described 26 February 7.30pm; 7 March 2.30pm Captioned 28 February 2.30pm.

Talkback 26 February, 5 March Feb 5-14: Cartoonopolis. Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse. Lewis Bray tells the story of Cartoonopolis, a world created by his autistic brother Jack.

Feb 6. Al Murray: One Man One Guvnor. Stoke Regent Theatre.

Stand-up comedy.

Feb 6. Jive Talkin’. Preston Charter Theatre. Bee Gees hits.

Feb 6. Paul Carrack. Salford Lowry.

Singer songwriter.

Feb 6: Sam Bailey. Liverpool Empire. Live show featuring the X Factor star.

Feb 6. The Norman Beaker Blues Trio. Rhyl Pavilion Theatre. Blues music.

Feb 6-7: Cinderella. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Panto.

Feb 6-7: Educating Rita. Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse. Awardwinning play.

Feb 7. Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

Stoke Regent Theatre. From the hit movie Brassed Off. Feb 7. Omid Djalili – IRANALAMADINGDONG. Preston Charter Theatre.

Stand-up comedy.

Feb 7: The Johnny Cash Roadshow.

Liverpool Empire. Tribute to the Man in Black.

Feb 7-8. Octonauts. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Musical interactive underwater adventure.

Feb 7+Mar 21. Liverpool Mozart Orchestra. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Music from Mozart and Schubert.

Feb 8. Cirque du Hilarious Daredevils and Clowns. St Helens Theatre Royal.

Comedy spectacular.

Feb 8: Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

Blackpool Grand Theatre. From the hit movie Brassed Off. Feb 8. Johnny Cash Story. Salford Lowry. Tribute describing Johnny’s rise to stardom.

Feb 8. Songbird – The Music of Eva Cassidy. Rhyl Pavilion Theatre.

Tribute act.

Feb 8-9. The Nutcracker – Russian State Ballet of Siberia.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Romantic Ballet.

Feb 9: Circus of Horrors. Liverpool Empire. Circus show.

Feb 10. Circus of Horrors. Preston Charter Theatre. Circus Show.

Feb 10. Curtis Stigers. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Multi-platinum singer,

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! songwriter, saxophonist and producer.

Feb 10-14: Steel Magnolias. Runcorn Brindley. Set in a small town beauty parlour, the story of the lives, loves and misfortunes of a group of women.

Feb 10-14. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Stoke Regent Theatre. New production from the National Theatre.

Feb 10-21. Top Hat. Manchester Opera House. Dance musical.

Feb 11. The Illegal Eagles.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Tribute act,.

Feb 11: Love’s Labour’s Lost.

Runcorn Brindley. Live cinematic screening from The Royal Shakespeare Company.

Feb 12: An Evening with Simon Armitage. Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse. Poetry reading.

Feb 12. Brendan Cole – A Night to Remember. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Dance.

Feb 12: Gypsies of Bohemia.

Runcorn Brindley. Gypsy Jazz.

Feb 12. The ELO Experience. St Helens Theatre Royal. Tribute band.

Feb 12-13. The Winter’s Tale. New

Brighton Floral Pavilion. A new adaptation of Shakespeare’s fable.

Feb 13. Roy Orbison and The Travelling Wilburys Tribute Show.

Rhyl Pavilion Theatre.

Feb 13: The Picture of Doreen Gray.

Blackpool Grand Theatre. Adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s novel.

Feb 14. Count Arthur Strong.

Salford Lowry. Stand-up comedy.

Feb 14: Iolanta/Bluebeard’s Castle.

Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Two operas –

by Tchaikovsky and Bartok.

Feb 14. The Bradshaws – Goosed.

Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre.

Comedic play.

Feb 14-17. Goldilocks and the 3 Bears. Sale Waterside Arts Centre.

Family show.

Feb 15. A Celtic Tale/ Musical Melodies. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. The Wirral School of Dance.

Feb 15. F:Rated Comedy. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Stand-up comedy.

Feb 15. Simon Amstell.

Salford Lowry. Stand-up

Promote your shows here . . .

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February/March 2015

All Together NOW!

Buzz to the rescue!

A

NEW real-life play about how a family copes with autism is giving Lewis Bray his first professional stage role.

Cartoonopolis is about the imaginary cartoon world created by Lewis’s autistic brother, Jack, and what happens when the real world collides with make-believe.

As a child Jack’s autism meant he found it difficult to express himself until a chance encounter with Buzz Lightyear changed his life forever.

After watching Toy Story, Jack found cartoons provided him with a gateway and now as a young man he has created a huge imaginary world: Cartoonopolis. His world is filled with

characters as diverse as Porky Pig and Batman, and also including characters of his own invention, like the evil Mayor Sharp.

One day Jack invited Lewis into this world and that was the beginning of a big adventure for them both.

Lewis said: “This is the real story about living with Jack, and his imaginary world. It’s also about my heroes, our mum and dad . . . how my family learnt to live with Jack’s fictional town, all the cartoon characters who live there, and how we learnt to live with his autism.

The play is the first commission from the e&P Ignition Project, which supports new talent in the industry. n Cartoonopolis runs from Feb 5-14.

WIN! WIN! WIN! Tickets for top rock dates AFTER last year’s sell-out tour, The Classic Rock Show is back in 2015 with the Top 20 Greatest Guitar Riffs Of All Time – Live!

And All Together NOW! has a pair of tickets to be won for the show at the Liverpool Philharmomic Hall on February 21.

In this, the fifth anniversary - the show will focus on songs best known for their irresistible guitar hooks, instantly recognisable songs that have earned a golden status in the history of popular music.

To have a chance of winning the tickets tell us how long has the show been running.

Entries please on an envelope or postcard to: Classic Guitar Riffs, All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. Closing date – Monday, February 16. Please remember to include your name, address and phone number. Also let us know if you need a wheelchair space. n You can also enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Feb 16-21. Anything Goes. Stoke Regent Theatre. Multi-award winning musical-comedy.

Feb 17-21: Macbeth. Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse.

Contemporary recreation of Shakespeare’s thriller.

Feb 17-21: Saturday Night Fever.

Blackpool Grand Theatre. Dance show.

Feb 17-21. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

National Theatre production. BSL Thurs 19 Feb 7:30pm, Audio Described Sat 21 Feb 2:30pm.

Captioned Sat 21 Feb 2:30pm Feb 18. The Basil Brush Show. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Family show.

Feb 18-21. Peter Pan. Preston Charter Theatre. Musical adaptation of the classic tale.

Feb 19-Mar 21: Hindle Wakes.

Bolton Octagon. A famous Northern play discussing the changing role of women in society. Audio Described Wed 11 Mar, 7.30pm. BSL Thu 5 Mar, 7.30pm

Feb 20. ABBAMANIA. Rhyl Pavilion Theatre. Tribute act.

Feb 20: ICS - St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Suite of classical music.

Feb 20. Joe Longthorne. Southport Floral Hall. Singer.

Feb 20. Let’s Hang On. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Feb 20: Love’s Labour’s Lost.

Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Part one of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

Feb 20. The Christians. Sale Waterside Arts Centre. Pop hits.

Feb 20-Mar 14: Mamma Mia! Liverpool Empire. Musical featuring the hits of ABBA. Feb 21. Absolute Bowie. Sale Waterside Arts Centre. Tribute to David Bowie.

Feb 21. An Evening of Dirty Dancing. Rhyl Pavilion Theatre.

Feb 21. Vampires Rock: The Final Countdown Tour. Southport Floral Hall. Rock’n’roll musical.

Feb 21. Mothership. New Brighton

GOOD NEWS for Fleetwood Mac fans! We are extending the deadlines for our competition to win tickets for the sensational Rumours of Fleetwood Mac tour. n Feb 28: SALFORD Lowry (one pair) n Mar 4: PRESTON Guildhall (two pairs) n Mar 5: LIVERPOOL Philharmonic Hall (one pair) For a chance to win, tell us the name of the founder of the original Fleetwood Mac bandd. 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, tell us which gig you would prefer to attend, and let us know if you need a wheelchair space. You can also enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk n Closing dates: Salford (Mon Feb 21); Preston and Liverpool (Fri Feb 27)

Floral Pavilion. Tribute to Led Zeppelin.

Feb 21-22: Oliver. Runcorn Brindley. Lionel Bart musical.

Feb 22: Jimmy Carr.

Llandudno Venue Cymru.

Stand-up comedy.

Feb 22. Joe Longthorne. St Helens Theatre Royal. Singer.

Feb 22. Jurassic Adventures. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Family adventure show.

Feb 22. When Trolls Try To Eat Your Goldfish. St Helens Citadel. Family comedyadventure show.

Feb 23-28. And Then There Were None. Stoke Regent Theatre.

Murder mystery thriller.

Feb 24: That’s Amore. Runcorn Brindley. Fast-paced, passionate look at romance.

Feb 24-28. Classic Ghosts. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Feb 24-28. Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Southport Floral Hall. Musical.

Feb 24-28. Oh What A Lovely War The Musical. Manchester Opera

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

House.

Feb 25. Joe Longthorne. Rhyl Pavilion Theatre.

Feb 25: The Illegal Eagles. Runcorn Brindley. Tribute band.

Feb 26. Mercury - The Ultimate Queen Tribute. Manchester Palace Theatre.

Feb 26: The Crazy World of Arthur Brown (pictured).

Runcorn Brindley.

Rock icon.

Feb 26: The War of the Worlds.

Runcorn Brindley. H. G. Wells’ classic given an hour long startling and innovative interpretation.

Feb 26+28. Zippo’s Cirque Berserk.

Rhyl Pavilion Theatre.

Feb 27. Germaine Greer: The Disappearing Woman. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. One woman show Feb 28. Rumours of Fleetwood

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Mac. Salford Lowry. Tribute act.

Mar 1. Halfway to Paradise - The Billy Fury Story. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Billy Fury tribute.

Mar 1. Jurassic Adventures. St Helens Theatre Royal. Family adventure show.

Mar 1. RAF Swing Wing of College Band. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Mar 2-14. Blood Brothers.

Manchester Palace Theatre.

Mar 3. Dara O’Briain – Crowd Tickler. Preston Charter Theatre. Stand-up comedy.

Mar 3. The Dublin Legends.

New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Irish Folk Music.

Mar 3-7. Oklahoma. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Musical.

Mar 4. Dara O’Briain: Crowd Tickler. Stoke Regent Theatre.

Stand-up comedy.

Mar 4: Love’s Labour’s Won. Runcorn Brindley. Live cinematic screening from The Royal Shakespeare Company, StratfordUpon-Avon.

Mar 4. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac. Preston Charter Theatre. Tribute act.

Mar 4. Sex in Suburbia. Rhyl Pavilion Theatre. Brand new comedy featuring hit rock songs.

Mar 4-7: Whistle Down The Wind.

Runcorn Brindley. Presented by CODYS Mar 5. Dave Spikey “Punchlines” – Work In Progress. St Helens Citadel.

Stand up.

Mar 5: Katherine Jenkins.

Llandudno Venue Cymru. Mezzo soprano.

Mar 5. Sex in Suburbia. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Brand new comedy featuring hit rock songs.

Mar 5-7. Cirque Berserk. Stoke Regent Theatre.

Mar 5-7: Mad World My Masters. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Comedy. Captioned Thurs 5 March (7:30pm). Audio Described Sat 7 March (7:30pm) Mar 6. The Manfreds. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Mar 7. Brendan Cole. Preston Charter Theatre. Dance.

Mar 7. Ian McCulloch (Echo & The Bunnymen). St Helens Citadel. Solo show by Bunnymen frontman.

Mar 7. The Elvis Years. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Tribute to the King of Rock’n’Roll.

Mar 8. Back to Broadway. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Mar 8. Brendan Cole. Manchester Opera House. Dance.

Mar 10-28: Twopence To Cross The Mersey. Epstein Theatre, Liverpool.

New stage play of the famous musical.

Mar 10-14. Calamity Jane. Stoke Regent Theatre. New production of the classic musical.

Mar 10-14. Legally Blonde.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Musical comedy.

Mar 12: John Shuttleworth.

Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse.

Comic, singer, organist and TAKE ME HOME! radio star.

(Continued P 30)

0151 230 0307

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All Together NOW!

ARIES March 21 - April 20 Valentine’s Day could be something of a let down, when unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel plans. You might have to visit someone at hospital on or around the 18th, when the New Moon sends stress signals to serious Saturn. Life becomes much easier and breezier after the 20th. The early days of March are ideal for meeting someone special. Your financial situation will improve dramatically towards the end of March.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21 The early days of February are ideal for a creative collaboration.

Valentine’s Day could turn out to be a washout, especially if you’re planning to confess a crush on a friend.

Prospects for an enduring relationship will be much better with someone you have recently met. The Solar Eclipse on March 20th is perfect for launching a group effort or helping a charitable fund raising effort. Don’t be surprised when a respected authority figure develops a crush on you as March turns into April.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21 Be diligent about checking your messages, or you’ll miss an important appointment. The New Moon on the 18th brings a fresh opportunity, but there will be strings attached. You’ll be feeling restless at the beginning of March, but resist the urge to schedule a trip. Fortunately, friends will be a

CANCER June 22 - July 23 Early February is ideal for going on a romantic break. It doesn’t matter if you’re single or attached; you will experience love on this journey. An intense flirtation gives you an attractive glow throughout the second half of February. There are lots to get excited about in the beginning of March. Your star is on the rise.

Spending more time with friends will brighten your mood as March turns into April. All eyes will be on you.

SCORPIO October 24 - Nov 22

LEO July 24 - August 23 Valentine’s Day could get stressed and strained, due to some miscommunication about gifts. Your idea of a romantic present may be radically different from theirs. The New Moon on the 18th marks a power struggle. If you’re single, it may be because you expect too much of a romantic partner. If you’re in a relationship, use the closing days of February to make amends. A little tenderness will go a long way. Your broadminded optimism attracts lots of fans in early March.

RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . .

Love is in the air in the early days of February. The New Moon on the 18th puts strain on a close relationship.

Manchester Palace Theatre.

Musical Mar 16-21: The Full Monty.

Llandudno Venue Cymru.

Adaptation of the hit film.

Mar 16- 21: Anything Goes!

Liverpool Empire. Cole Porter’s award-winning musical comedy.

Mar 16-21: The Three Lions.

Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse. New comedy featuring England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup. Mar 17. Nathan Carter. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Music from the hottest property on the Irish music scene.

Mar 17. The Australian Pink Floyd Show. Preston Charter Theatre.

Mar 17. The Fureys. Manchester Opera House. Folk based music.

Mar 17-21: Hairspray. Runcorn Brindley. Award winning musical Mar 17-21. Oklahoma. Salford Lowry.

Mar 17-21. One Man, Two Guvnors. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Comedy.

Audio Described Sat 21 March 2:30pm,, Captioned Performance: Sat 21 March 2:30pm Mar 19. Moscow Ballet La Classique - Sleeping Beauty.

Preston Charter Theatre.

Mar 20-Apr 4: The Woman in Black. Blackpool Grand Theatre.

Billed as “the most terrifying theatre experience in the world.”

The opening days of February are wonderfully romantic. Valentine’s Day may be less satisfying, due to financial constraints. Try not to be too disappointed if you don’t receive the gift you wanted. Resist the urge to do battle with a colleague in mid-March.

A Solar Eclipse on the 20th is perfect for falling in love, getting engaged, or launching an art project. The final days of March will prove romantic, when your partner gives you a fabulous gift.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Have a heart to heart discussion with your best friend or lover about the frustration you’re experiencing. Your love life will sizzle with excitement as March gets underway. Creating a budget is strongly advised towards the end of the month, when your financial priorities will change.

LIBRA September 24 - Oct 23 VIRGO August 24 - Sep 23

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love. You’ll be forced to choose between two invitations on Valentine’s Day. Schedule plenty of romantic dinners as February comes to a close. An intimate relationship becomes a lot more serious during the second half of March. The final days of March are perfect for adding decorative touches to your home.

welcome diversion while you’re stuck at home. Be sure to attend a big surprise party. You’ll have a lot more fun than you expect. Your social life picks up as March melts into April.

WHAT’S ON IN THEATRELAND Mar 12. Yet Another Evening with Rick Wakeman. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. The music and anecdotal wit of an old age pensioner.

Mar 13. A Night of ELO. Rhyl Pavilion Theatre. Tribute band.

Mar 13: Count Arthur Strong.

Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse.

Mar 13. Forever Jackson.

Southport Floral Hall. Tribute act.

Mar 13. Murder One Night. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. An interactive murder mystery.

Mar 13. Nearly Dan. Sale Waterside Arts Centre. Homage to Steely Dan Mar 13. The Platters. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Mar 13-14. Omid Djalili IRANALAMADINGDONG. Manchester Opera House.

Mar 14. GAGA. Rhyl Pavilion Theatre. Tribute to Queen.

Mar 14: Jane Eyre. Llandudno Venue Cymru.

Mar 14. Joe McElderry: The Evolution Tour 2015. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Mar 14. That’ll Be The Day. St Helens Theatre Royal. Brand new rock’n’roll variety show.

Mar 14: The Illegal Eagles.

Blackpool Grand Theatre. Tribute.

Mar 16: The Elvis Years.

Blackpool Grand Theatre. Tribute.

Mar 16-21. Return to the Forbidden Planet. Stoke Regent Theatre. Rock Spectacular.

Mar 16-21. The Producers.

February/March 2015

A deep emotional rapport with a romantic interest makes the first days of February positively fabulous. You’ll feel like you are walking on a cloud of

...

Mar 20. Beyond The Barricade.

Manchester Opera House. Recreation of West End/Broadway hit songs.

Mar 20. Roy Orbison & Friends with Barry Steele. St Helens Theatre Royal. Tribute show.

Mar 20. The Houghton Weavers: 40th Anniversary. Sale Waterside Arts Centre.

Mar 21-Apr 18: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse.

Shakespeare’s magical comedy.

Mar 21. Rigoletto. Manchester Opera House.

Mar 22. Focus. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Music from the Dutch progressive rock group.

Mar 22. Madama Butterfly.

Manchester Opera House.

Mar 22. Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Preston Charter Theatre.

Mar 22. Russell Watson. Salford Lowry.

Mar 23-25. The Business of Murder. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Psychological thriller.

Mar 23-28: Jesus Christ Superstar.

Liverpool Empire.

Mar 24-28. A View From The Bridge. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Arthur Miller’s classic.

Captioned Thurs 26 March 7:30pm.

Audio Described Sat 28 March 2:30pm Mar 24-28. Calamity Jane.

You may feel fed up and moody on Valentine’s Day and it’s all due to a misunderstanding. Try not to take jokes too personally. The New Moon on the 18th forces you to be more realistic about a family matter. A relative might need extra care or a different living arrangement. Beware of promising more than you can deliver in the first days of March.

Extraordinary romantic luck is coming your way. If you’re looking for love, you will find it in an unusual place.

CAPRICORN Dec 22-Jan 20 Your positive attitude leads to a moneymaking opportunity in early February. Valentine’s Day could be stressful. The beginning of March augurs very well for your home life.

The Full Moon on the 5th warns against getting into religious or political discussions. Although you’re offended by someone’s beliefs, you won’t be able to change them.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb19 Your social life sparkles in the beginning of February but don’t expect too much excitement or romance this Valentine’s Day. Practice humility throughout the early days of March. Open yourself to new ideas.

Working with a group will allow you to turn a good idea into a great one. A plum opportunity comes your way on the 20th, when a Solar Eclipse improves your financial prospects.

The closing days of March are ideal for domestic pursuits of all kinds.

PISCES Feb 20 - March 20 Your creative juices will flow freely at the beginning of February. Valentine’s Day could turn out to be a deflating disappointment. The New Moon on the 18th warns against making drastic changes to your appearance. Am exciting opportunity will fall in your lap in the opening days of March. Keep your mobile charged as March turns to April, because you’ll be fielding a lot of calls. That’s the price you have to pay for being popular.

continued from Pages 28-29 Manchester Palace Theatre.

Mar 24-28: The Absence of War. Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse.

Stinging political drama.

Mar 25. The Meat Loaf Story.

Manchester Opera House.

Mar 26. Moscow City Ballet Giselle. Manchester Opera House.

Mar 26. That’ll Be The Day. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. The rock’n’roll variety show.

Mar 26-27: Three Men In a Boat.

Llandudno Venue Cymru.

Mar 26-Apr 18: Private Lives. Bolton Octagon. Noel Coward’s ground-breaking comedy. Audio Described: Thu 16 Apr, 7.30pm British Sign Language: Thu 2 Apr, 7.30pm Mar 27. An Intimate Evening with Russell Watson - Up Close and Personal. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Mar 27-28. Moscow City Ballet Swan Lake. Manchester Opera House.

Mar 27-29: Triple Bill Of Dance.

Runcorn Brindley. Presented by Kate Simmons Dance accompanied by the Soundscape Chamber Orchestra.

Mar 27-28: Little Shop of Horrors. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Highly-acclaimed musical.

Mar 28. Michael Jackson – King of Pop 2015. St Helens Theatre Royal.

Tribute act.

Mar 28. The Illegal Eagles.

Southport Floral Hall. Tribute act.

Mar 29. Sex in Suburbia. Stoke Regent Theatre. Brand new comedy featuring hit rock songs.

Mar 30. The Bootleg Beatles.

Southport Floral Hall.

Mar 30-31. Robin Hood. Rhyl Pavilion Theatre. Pantomime.

Mar 30-31: Sex in Suburbia.

Liverpool Empire. Brand new comedy featuring hit rock songs.

Mar 30-Apr 4. The King’s Speech.

Manchester Opera House.

Apr 1. Macbeth. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Contemporary recreation of Shakespeare’s thriller.

Apr 1. Sex in Suburbia. Southport Floral Hall. Brand new comedy featuring hit rock songs.

Apr 1: The Neil Diamond Story.

Runcorn Brindley. Tribute act.

Apr 1-5. Beauty and the Beast - On Ice. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Apr 2-6. Cirque Surreal - The Voyagers. Salford Lowry.

Internationally acclaimed fusion of circus, dance, drama and comedy.

Apr 3-12. Sleeping Beauty. St Helens Theatre Royal. Pantomime.

Apr 4. Showaddywaddy. Rhyl Pavilion Theatre. Retro inspired rock & roll.

Apr 4. The Chuckles of Oz. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Chuckle Brothers.

TAKE ME HOME!

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TAK

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February/March 2015

All Together NOW!

Two sets of children’s tools to be won TWO SETS of top-quality gardening tools for children are waiting to be won in this great competition.

They come from the renowned British firm of Bulldog Tools, which has made tools at Clarington Forge in Wigan for no fewer than 235 years.

The six tools in each £75 set are: fork, spade, rake, Dutch hoe, spring-tine lawn rake and garden broom.

They are not toys but are made in exactly the same way as Bulldog’s full-sized adult versions.

The spade and fork are solid forged from the firm’s unique manganese steel and the hardwood shafts are selected for their high quality and straightness of grain and are fitted with polypropylene handles.

The hoe and rakes have hardwood shafts and the broom is made of ash wood. The

shafts are 62cm (25in) long while the lawn rake has a 1.2m (4ft) handle.

Children getting into gardening can easily get frustrated by trying to manage over-sized adult tools or toy tools which are likely to bend or break when used for serious gardening.

Bulldog children’s tools combine correct size and weight with durability. In fact they are so tough that they are also ideal for use by wheelchair gardeners and people of shorter stature. n To enter the competition, answer this question: Which tool in the prize set has a 1.2m shaft? n Send your entry with your name and address on a postcard or sealed envelope, stating where you picked up your copy of All Together NOW! and what you think of the paper, to Bulldog Competition, All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive by Friday, March 28. n You can also enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk n For the huge range of Bulldog garden tools, go to www.bulldoghandtools.co.uk

Plant now for that autumn blaze

BEFORE AND AFTER . . . Peter Surridge with pot chrysanths Conaco Yellow

Mums the word N

OTHING brings colour to the garden in autumn more spectacularly than chrysanthemums.

Their hot hues such as red, orange and purple catch the eye and keep the spirit of summer soaring long after that season has officially ended.

To achieve that, though, we need to start planning now.

The best specimens are, of course, seen at chrysanthemum shows but beginners need not be frightened off by that.

Young “plug” plants bought direct from a specialist grower and given basic care bring dazzling rewards for a modest outlay.

There are varieties for flowering from September almost to Christmas and forms

ranging from classic large blooms to dainty sprays and massive mopheads to curious spider types.

Dwarf chrysanthemums especially developed for growing in pots are a great way to start.

Known as “pot mums” for short, they form a dome shape up to 50cm (1ft 8in) wide bearing literally hundreds - sometimes thousands - of small blooms.

Two matching pots, placed each side of a door, an arch or steps, look stunning, and they will fit in

the smallest courtyards. I get my chrysanths from the long-established specialist grower Woolmans (www.woolmans.com) which supplies pot mums come in shades of orange, bronze, red, pink, yellow and white.

The plugs arrive in April or May – the buyer stipulates delivery time.

People who have a greenhouse, conservatory or bright, glazed porch tend to opt for early delivery while others are probably wiser to choose the later alternative.

It is easy to plant the plugs individually in 9cm (3in) pots and follow the grower’s directions on care – feeding, watering and potting on.

“Pinch out” the tips of all shoots after about a month when the plants are growing well to encourage the formation of many more blooms.

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CHECKLIST FLOWERS: For an early display of summer flowers, sow antirrhinums, lobelias, pansies and English and French marigolds under glass with heat or on a windowsill in a cool room in March. Most need 16C-21C (60F-70F) to germinate, then the seedlings can be grown at 10C (50F).

SHRUBS AND TREES: Prune clematis, apart from evergreen kinds. Those that bloom in spring can be lightly trimmed for tidiness and to remove dead wood. On summer or autumn flowering types, cut down last year’s stems to two buds at the bottom of each stem.

PATIO: Prepare for spring any tubs containing long-term plantings like skimmias. Prune off dead or diseased leaves and twigs, scrape away as much compost as possible from the surface without disturbing the roots and replace it with fresh compost such as John Innes No 2. Use a lime-free (ericaceous) compost for lime-hating plants like camellias and azaleas.

LAWNS: In a mild spell, start tackling deep-rooted lawn weeds like dandelion, dock and buttercup with a long knife.

PONDS: If your pond freezes over, carbon dioxide can build up in the water and harm fish and wildlife. Ideally, install an electric floating pond heater.

Alternatively, float a large ball on the water to impede icingover. If the entire surface is frozen, melt a hole with the base of a saucepan of hot water. Don’t crack the ice - the shock waves are distressing to fish.

VEGETABLES: When the soil is reasonably dry, plant shallot bulbs firmly in well-raked soil with just the tips of the shoots showing. Sow broad beans and early peas such as Kelvedon Wonder and Cavalier.

FRUIT: Feed plants with a general fertiliser. Sprinkle it widely around them on a mild day, hoe it lightly into the soil and spread a mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost on top.

HERBS: Sow chives and tarragon under glass, and tender herbs like basil and coriander with heat in a greenhouse, a conservatory or on a bright windowsill.

GLASS: Reduce the risk of plants rotting by opening greenhouses and cold frames on sunny days but close them by mid-afternoon.

HOUSEPLANTS: Stop feeding plants which have flowered in winter but continue to feed those due to flower in spring. When cyclamen flowers fade, remove them by grasping the stem firmly and pulling it sharply away from the base.

All Together NOW!

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February/March 2015

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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Exercising weight (3-4) Information (4) Always (4) Daydream (7) Exhaust (4) Counterfoil (4) Squeeze (5) Charm (6) Butcher-bird (6) Bury (6) Leased (6) Enchantress (5) Concludes (4) Jab (4) Aerial (7) Nosegay (4) Sleigh (4) Makes flat (7)

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Wise men (4) Denuded (4) Worship (6) Going out (6) Sediment (4) Bill of fare (4) Circus swing (7) Connected (7) Dishonest person (7) Mixed together (7) Summer concerts (abbrev.)

(5) Lustre (5) Small restaurant (6) Milk curdling substance (6) Midday (4) Utters (4) Elapse (4) Ended (4)

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

QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: What does the letter M stand for in the famous cricket club name abbreviated to MCC? A Melbourne B Marylebone C Mysore D Mablethorpe

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: Which of these instruments is used to measure the degrees in an angle?

A B C D

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: What is an abacus used for?

A Counting B Measuring rainfall C Keeping time for musicians D Engraving metal

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: Which letter represents 50 in Roman numerals?

A M B D C C D L QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: On which Sunday is Father’s Day celebrated?

A Last in May B First in June C Third in June D Second in September

Forth Clyde Tay Dee

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Which unit of measurement applies to the power of lenses?

A B C D

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: Former Dragons’ Den ‘dragon’ Theo Paphitis made his fortune in which area of business?

A Mobile phones B Leisure and travel C Distribution D Retail QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which native English tree has the longest lifespan?

A Yew B Elm C Oak D Elder

Coulomb Siemens Lumen Dioptre

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: To a 6ft person standing on the shore approximately how far is the visible horizon at sea?

A B C D

1.5 miles 2 miles 2.5 miles 3 miles

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Which is the only one of these islands to lie south of the Equator?

A B C D

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: According to Tennyson’s poem, how many men took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade?

A 100 B 200 C 400 D 600

Sri Lanka Tonga Hawaii Jamaica

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: What was Geri Halliwell’s first UK No 1 hit as a solo artist?

A B C D

Mi Chico Latino Lift Me Up Bag It Up It’s Raining Men

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

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A B C D

Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. See Question 7

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: In the annual British Comedy Awards who was named Best TV Comedy Actress three times between 2010 and 2013?

A Rebecca Front B Victoria Wood C Catherine Tate D Miranda Hart

Dividers Protractor Slide rule Compass

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: Which is the longest river in Scotland?

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: Who or what is a marquee?

A The wife of a marquess B A member of the French resistance in World War II C A large tent D A shape of gemstone cutting

SUDOKU

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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!

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ EACH number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off.

Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

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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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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 tree.

STERLING

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Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

1. Sculptors 436 791 666 731 522 621 377 834 613 284 316 274 128 487 831 763 461 268 669 146 765 391 734 128 853 712 686 646 122 668 216 424 352 643 56

2. Grape varieties 526 278 726 163 756 466 814 744 461 744 122 237 638 172 884 612 427 366 629 194 633 517 364 556 617 546 417 958 263 7

817 729 466 632 437

3. Nat King Cole songs 866 196 864 194 361 413 255 146 156 831 538 184 373 123 156 831 782 738 781 666 215 472 186 367 438 822 531 773 836 317 645 315 874 154 33

4. Wedding anniversaries 745 837 152 231 279 782 517 277 447 312 677 371 745 514 867 913 426 663 173 275 136 372 531 244 621 465 317 833 517 829 126 725 175 284 686

5. James Bond novels 227 466 176 925 313 426 663 712 731 367 383 715 483 126 315 381 343 162 867 877 913 766 178 774 219 484 156 831 848 633 722 551 666 672 537

6. Passerine birds 973 617 624 617 433 192 482 451 766 418 478 741 252 252 473 173 343 192 725 371 244 332 423 317 339 464 178 275 464 128 553 462 417 595 275

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 tropical aquarium fish.

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

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S MAKE A DATE

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L Y A N I TRANSFORMER

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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?

C

E D

CHLAMYS 1) A form of

F

gout commonly occurring in the hand;

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

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

Clue: African antelope is the greater part of the subject.

____ +C=____C

2) A species of

1. The London and North Eastern Railway’s streamlined Class A4 4468 Mallard reaches a speed of 125.88 mph, the highest certified speed for a steam locomotive.

lily that has

2. The Beano comic first goes on sale, featuring the character Lord Snooty.

flowers;

creamy-white star-shaped

3) A short cloak

3. Ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev is born in Irkutsk, Russia.

worn by men

WAS IT? a) 1926; b) 1929; c) 1932; d) 1935; e) 1938.

Greece.

in ancient

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords guppy; neon tetra; black molly; angelfish; discus; tiger barb; green swordtail; southern platy; giant gourami; clown loach; Siamese fighting fish; oscar.

8 6 5 4 7 1 9 3 2

9 1 3 8 2 5 4 6 7

2 7 4 3 9 6 1 8 5

1 8 7 2 6 3 5 4 9

SUDOKU EASY

3 4 2 7 5 9 6 1 8

6 5 9 1 4 8 7 2 3

5 3 1 9 8 4 2 7 6

4 2 6 5 3 7 8 9 1

7 9 8 6 1 2 3 5 4

9 7 5 4 1 2 6 3 8

2 6 8 9 7 3 1 5 4

1 3 4 5 6 8 9 7 2

7 1 3 2 9 6 4 8 5

M G C O P

14 1

H

15 2

K

16 3

S

17 4

F

18 5

U

D W

19 6

T

20 7

X

21

J

E

Z

8

V

22

A

9

L

23

24

R

B

10

11

N Q

25 12

I

26

Y

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CROSS CODE

4 8 9 3 5 7 2 6 1

6 5 2 8 4 1 7 9 3

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

3 4 6 7 2 5 8 1 9

5 9 7 1 8 4 3 2 6

8 2 1 6 3 9 5 4 7

3

4 23 20 20

8

3

2

1 4

10 12

22 17 9

2

1

9

8

11

7 9 8 5 3 32 23

1

5

2

8

4

20

9 8 29

KAKURO MEDIUM

7

7 15

7 5

9 9

7 9 16

8 1 4 6 35

9 7 8 24

Accumulator Quiz 1 – B; 2 – C; 3 – A; 4 – D; 5 – D; 6 – C; 7 – D; 8 – A; 9 – D; 10 – B; 11 – C; 12 – D; 13 – D; 14 – B; 15 – A. Starspot Crossword Across – 2 Bar-bell; 7 Data; 8 Ever; 9 Reverie; 10 Tire; 12 Stub; 15 Press; 17 Allure; 18 Shrike; 19 Entomb; 21 Rented; 22 Siren; 23 Ends; 26 Prod; 28 Antenna; 29 Posy; 30 Sled; 31 Smooths.

Down – 1 Magi; 2 Bare; 3 Revere; 4 Egress; 5 Lees; 6 Menu; 10 Trapeze; 11 Related; 13 Twister; 14 Blended; 15 Proms; 16 Sheen; 20 Bistro; 21 Rennet; 24 Noon; 25 Says; 26 Pass; 27 Over.

Star Name: MADONNA

Word Wizard No 3 is correct. A chlamys was a cloak worn in ancient Greece.

Dialling Codes 1. Henry Moore; Jacob Epstein; David Nash; Auguste Rodin; Antony Gormley; Reg Butler; Antonio Canova; Michelangelo.

2. Lambrusco; Merlot; Pinot Grigio; Shiraz; Cabernet; Sauvignon; chardonnay; Zinfandel; Sémillon; Riesling; Sylvaner.

3. Too Young; When I Fall In Love; Let There Be Love; Stardust; Mona Lisa; Unforgettable; Pretend; Smile; Lush Life.

4. silver; lace; crystal; sapphire; copper; silk; ivory; diamond; pearl; emerald; china; gold; steel; ruby;

coral; platinum.

5. Casino Royale; Diamonds Are Forever; Live And Let Die; Octopussy; From Russia With Love; Thunderball; Moonraker.

6. wren; robin; pied wagtail; song thrush; blackbird; sedge warbler; chiffchaff; redwing; starling; bullfinch; skylark.

Spot Check A = 6; B = 1; C = 4; D = 5; E = 2; F = 3.

Missing Link silver; pink; road; up; cake; ear.

Tree: spruce.

Make a Date The year was 1938.

Transformer Topi + C = Topic.

34

All Together NOW!

February/March 2015

YOUR views are vital in this major new survey

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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ISABLED sports fans are being asked by the Government to take part in the largest ever survey of their experiences as spectators,.

The call comes after another poll suggested that as many as half of Premier League football clubs are operating “discriminatory” season ticket policies.

The research, by charity Level Playing Field, which campaigns for equal access to sports grounds and stadiums, found “disproportionately small” numbers of Premier League season tickets go to wheelchair users, while some clubs have complex preregistration schemes for disabled fans which are not imposed on other season ticket applicants.

Some exclude disabled people from using online ticketing services.

Ministers have described the situation at football grounds as “unacceptable”, and are calling on Britain’s 12 million people with disabilities to take part in the new survey to establish the most comprehensive view possible of their treatment at sports grounds around the country.

They are looking for opinions on everything from wheelchair access and disabled parking to accessible toilets, hearing loops and treatment by other supporters at live sporting fixtures. Organisers want to hear from fans of all sports – and in particular rugby, cricket, football, hockey, basketball, cycling and motor-racing.

Second class citizens Earlier this year, the Government called on Britain’s football leagues to take urgent action to redress the “woeful” lack of appropriate support and space for disabled spectators, reminding them of their legal obligations to provide adequate room and adjustments for disabled fans.

Research showed nearly half of Premier League football clubs do not offer half the wheelchair space they should for disabled people.

Minister for disabled people Mark Harper said: “For too long in this country disabled sports fans have been treated like second-class citizens at many sporting venues.

“We know the situation in football is unacceptable and it’s not only wheelchair access that falls short, but adjustments for people with all kinds of impairments. We encourage all sports fans with a disability to tell us of their experiences at sporting venues.” n To take part in the survey visit http://survey.dwp.gov.uk/index.php?si d=18657

Wheels of fortune W

HEELCHAIR Rugby has been given a fantastic boost with the announcement of a three-year sponsorship deal with BT. BT will become the Official Principal Partner of GB Wheelchair Rugby, as well as the Official Communications Partner.

David Pond, chief executive of GB Wheelchair Rugby, said: “It’s fantastic to have BT behind us as we continue to grow Wheelchair Rugby over the next three years.

“Not only will the BT GB team benefit from the partnership as they prepare for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, but we’ll be able to build our Club National Championships into a high quality event and get more people than ever playing the game in their local communities all over the UK.” Suzi Williams, BT Group Marketing and Brand Director, said: “Disability sport doesn’t just inspire us all to be the best we can be, it’s also about world class athletes and competition at the highest level.

“That’s why I couldn’t be more delighted to announce our new partnership with GB Wheelchair Rugby. We’re looking forward to working with GBWR, creating more possibilities than ever before for people to engage with, be inspired by, and have a go at the sport.”

England International rugby union star,

BT signs three-year deal with GB rugby

Mike Brown, an Ambassador to GB Wheelchair Rugby, said: “Wheelchair Rugby is fast and thrilling, with huge potential to grow.

“It’s fantastic to see the plans that BT and GBWR are putting in place to drive the sport forwards, enabling many more people to get involved.”

In 2015, the BT GB team will face seven of the world’s top nations in the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge at the Copper Box Arena in London from 12-16 October.

The BT GB national team is currently ranked No1 in Europe and 5th in the world and will be competing against London 2012 Paralympic medallists USA and Canada, plus Japan, South Africa, France, New

Stay ahead of the game . . .

Zealand and current world and Paralympic champions Australia.

Mike Brown said: “The BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge is a brilliant idea. It’s being staged right in the middle of the Rugby World Cup and will generate plenty of interest in Wheelchair Rugby at a vital time for the sport.”

BT is also supporting several GBWR community programmes. This year GBWR aims to create three new clubs around the UK and will develop six youth teams. By 2018, GBWR aims to have enabled 400 young people between the ages of 8-18 to take part in a six-week introduction to the sport.

David Pond added: “The BT Wheelchair Rugby community activity will allow us to begin developing the first ever wheelchair rugby national youth programme. It will also help us expand our current Sport England funded programmes to grow the sport.”

BT and GBWR will also work to increase the visibility of the domestic club competition through the BT Super Series and help develop the BT National Championships into a high quality event for players and spectators. This year the championships will involve 17 leading teams in a knock-out competition over the May bank holiday weekend, 2-4 May, at the Copper Box Arena, London.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

February/March 2015

All Together NOW!

35

SPORT MAD: Millie Forrest hurling herself into the big time

Magnificent Millie

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LOVE of sport and absolute determination to succeed against the odds has earned Paralympic discus hopeful Millie Forrest a sports scholarship from Edge Hill University.

The first year Coach Education student from Preston is currently ranked second in the country, and ninth in the world, in the F37 category.

Millie, who has cerebral palsy, which affects the left side of her body, says: “I’ve never let my disability get in my way.

“I was the only girl in the football team at primary school and I was in the girls’ football and netball teams at high school.

“My disability affects my grip and my ability to walk long distances but I’ve always been encouraged to play to my strengths by being in goal or in positions that don’t require too much running about.”

Millie discovered her talent for discus throwing during a school sports event at Sport City in Manchester. A disabled sport specialist from Wigan Harriers was impressed by her co-ordination and strength and invited her to train with the club.

“Through school I tried to compete in team events as much as my disability would allow but, for obvious reasons, I was

log on to

I want to show others the power of sport

unable to keep up with the improving standard of the other players,” says Millie.

“When I was spotted for my throwing ability, it gave me an opportunity to compete on my own terms on a more level playing field.”

Millie started competing in 2012 and within two years was representing Team GB at the World Junior Games, where she won gold in the shot put and silver in the discus. She also threw a personal best of 21.3m at last year’s England Athletics Championships.

Millie is now part of the British Athletics Parallel Success Academy Squad, which nurtures the next generation of sporting

champions, and has been awarded a Sportsaid award to support her through the critical early years of her career.

“I never imagined I’d be representing my country, it was an amazing experience to compete alongside athletes who’d been at the Commonwealth Games.

“I was so inspired by watching the 2012 Paralympics – I thought ‘I want to be there one day’.”

As well as training six days a week and juggling her academic work, Millie also finds time to volunteer at her local community gym, where she encourages young people of all abilities to get into sport.

“Sport has had such a positive impact on my life,” she says. “Playing sport not only built up my confidence and helped me fit in by being part of a team, it also improved my general mobility and balance. I want to share that experience with other young people to show them the power of sport.”

Millie’s talent, along with her commitment to inspiring others to fulfil their potential, made her the perfect scholarship recipient.

“I never expected to get the scholarship,” she says. “It will enable me to travel further afield to compete at the highest level and, hopefully, help me achieve my dream to compete in the 2016 Paralympic Games.”

GET YOUR SKATES SKATES ON ON

T

HE third UK Inclusive Skating competition takes place at Scotland’s Braehead Curling Ice Rink in April and organisers want to make it the biggest and best.

Funded through a Big Lottery Awards for All grant and supported by the National Ice Skating Association, the competition is being organised by Inclusive Skating, who provide opportunities for skaters with a range of physical or mental impairments.

A panel will individually assess each skater during classification.

Margarita Sweeney-Baird, founder of Inclusive Skating, said: “Our end goal is to develop a programme that will include all skaters with an impairment and allow them to participate in all competitions and events on an equal basis.

“This funding has allowed us to do just that. For the first time since the event’s inception we are able to extend its scope, opening up the competition to some of the most seriously impaired athletes.

“This year’s event will include a harness event that will allow even more skaters to take part.

“The system we have in place is transformational for disability sport, allowing able and disabled bodied skaters to compete in the same events.”

The event will also include the third Special Olympics GB National Championships in Figure and Speed Skating.

Nick Sellwood, chief executive of NISA, said: “Inclusive skating is becoming more and popular in the UK and this competition not only provides the opportunity for those skaters to participate in a competitive environment, but it also acts as the focal point within the inclusive skating calendar.”

The event takes place TAKE ME HOME! on the weekend of April 11-12.

. . . www.alltogethernow.org.uk

36

BE A PART OF THIS PAPER! All Together NOW!

February/March 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

F

OR THE past nine years your FREE All Together NOW! newspaper has been helping and inspiring 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.

Whatever you can afford to give will be gratefully appreciated.

You can either complete the form below, text a donation from your mobile phone (DONATE ATNOW to 88802), or commit to a regular monthly donation via the Charity Checkout link on our website at www.alltogethernow.org.uk All Together NOW! is unique. YOU can help secure its future – and make it even bigger and better for everyone’s benefit.

Thank you.

TOM DOWLING, editor Tel 0151 230 0307 news@alltogethernow.org.uk

T

HE Government operates a scheme called Gift Aid that allows charities to claim the basic rate tax on every pound donated.

So for every £10 you donated to All Together NOW!, the charity would be able to get another £2.50 from the Government!

Giving under Gift Aid means that so much more money can be raised at no extra cost to our donors.

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