Atn issue 71 dec jan 2017 web

NORTH WEST LAW FIRM IS OUR PROUD NEW PARTNER p21 TOP PRAISE FOR YOUR TOP PAPER

OH YES, IT IS! p28-29

OUR SUPER THEATRE GUIDE DECEMBER-JANUARY, 2017

p3 THANKS, SAYS STEVE p3

WIN! WIN! WIN! p31

YOU’RE A STAR, STAR MUM

to all our partners for their fantastic he past year. Without it, we just wouldn’t

p5

PAULINE IS OUR LUCKY CHRISTMAS HAMPER WINNER

opening doors . . . broadening minds . . . . . . and reaching

500,000

readers . . .

p17

THANKS, SAYS DAVE

p4

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All Together NOW!

What’s inside NEWS

NEWS

December/January 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

p2-6

MORGAN FOUNDATION

p7

p8

SIR BERT MASSIE

p10

CAREZONE

p11

UNITED UTILITIES

MERSEYSIDE FIRE

& RESCUE SERVICE

p12

SERVICE

p13

By JOHN PRING

GTR MANCHESTER FIRE & RESCUE

p14

MOTORZONE

DA VINCI MOBILITY

p15

INDEPENDENT LIVING CYCLONE MOBILITY TRAVELZONE

CONTACT BOARD LEGALZONE

p16

p17

p18-19

p20

p21

SKILLZONE

p22-23

THEATREZONE

p28-29

HEALTH

BOOKS/HOROSCOPE GARDENING

PUZZLEZONE

SPORT

p24-27 p30

p31

p32-33

p34-35

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.

0151 230 0307

Great call of China BROTHERLY LOVE: Chris and co on the Great Wall

F

OR Chris Wheatman an expedition along the Great Wall of China was more than a fund-raising effort – it was an emotional pilgrimage.

He was raising money for the North West hospice where his brother prematurely ended his life’s journey 10 years ago.

Chris’s brother would have turned 50 this year and after the epic trek in aid of St John’s Hospice, Lancaster,, he said: “It has been incredible.

“It was a kind of pilgrimage for my brother.

There are lots of places on the wall where you can leave notes in memory of loved ones and it is

wonderful to know that there are dedications to my brother thousands of miles away.”

Chris, from Kendal, Cumbria, was among a team of 31 supporters who raised nearly £90,000 for St John’s after trekking up and down the wall for up to seven hours a day.

Street and store bucket collections, lotto bonus balls, ABBA nights, dinner parties, coffee mornings, and more brought in the total of £86,000.

The trek was planned to mark 30 years of care at the hospice for people in north Lancashire, South Lakes and parts of north Yorkshire.

A walk on the wild side…

Editor: Tom Dowling

email: news@alltogethernow.org.uk

Legal Affairs, Corporate Social Responsibility, Philanthropy editor: Steve McDermott

Editorial Support: Gerry Corner

Advertising/sponsorship 0151 230 0307

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

NEXT EDITION

TUESDAY 7 FEBRUARY, 2017

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

Activists demand boycott of Mind

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HIRTY hardy souls – half of them with visual impairments – faced up to the challenge of a lifetime trekking across the wild Icelandic landscape.

Among them was Fazilet Hadi, from National charity RNIB, who is registered blind and began losing her eyesight aged nine.

The charity’s director of engagment, whose sight deteriorated through her teenage years and beyond, said: “I was expecting the trek to

be tough, but it really tested us all, with the whole group tackling river crossings and sharp descents in hailstorms and gale force winds.”

Fazilet took on the challenge alongside chairman Kevin Carey – also registered blind – and fundraising director Wanda Hamilton to support blind and partially sighted people. She added: “My fellow trekkers were wonderful, reaffirming my belief that you can achieve incredible things with the right support.”

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

DISABLED activists have called for a boycott of mental health charity Mind, and for its chief executive to quit.

Their demand came after one of Mind’s managers agreed to spend a year working with the Department for Work and Pensions.

Campaigners believe the charity has betrayed mental health service-users by failing to speak out strongly enough on benefit claimants who they say have been harmed, or even died, as a result of DWP’s much-criticised “fitness for work” test – the so-called work capability assessment.

Mind policy and campaigns manager Tom Pollard will be working with DWP on secondment as a senior policy adviser, working on areas such as the Government’s green paper on employment support for disabled people, WCA (work capability assessment) and support in jobcentres.

Paula Peters, a member of both Mental Health Resistance Network (MHRN) and Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), said Mr Pollard’s secondment was a “despicable, outrageous move”.

She called for a boycott of Mind shops, events and donations, and for chief executive Paul Farmer to resign.

She said: “We are furious at the callous disregard for people in mental distress.

“They have been silent while people in mental distress have taken their own lives over being found fit to work due to the WCA, left destitute after being sanctioned in the work-related activity group of ESA, or sanctioned on jobseeker’s allowance.”

Vicki Nash, head of policy and campaigns for Mind, said Mr Pollard would be advising on the most appropriate and effective ways to support and engage with people with mental health problems across a range of policy issues, and that his longstanding work on these issues gives him the expertise to advise the DWP. She added: “This is great opportunity to ensure that these policies are as supportive and effective as possible for people with mental health problems.”

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2017

MEET OUR NEW PARTNER – p21

NEWS

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Steve and Sally’s big day at the Palace

USINESSMAN Steve Morgan, and his wife, Sally, were among some very special guests at Buckingham Palace . . .

chairman of Redrow Homes.

“I’m also proud of the recognition that it gives The Morgan Foundation for the work that it does, making a real difference to the lives of those suffering from disability or disadvantage in our region.”

Steve has also been awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Chester in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the building industry and, in particular his creation of The Morgan Foundation.

THIS VITAL PAPER Steve was receiving a CBE for philanthropic services through his charity, The Morgan Foundation.

Since its launch in 2001, the charity has committed more than £35 million to charities and community groups.

“I’m delighted to receive the CBE,” said Steve, 63, who is also founder and

All Together NOW! gained another top accolade at the O2 North West Media Awards.

Judges said: “The fact that half of Britain’s 11 million disabled people are not connected to the internet shows just how valuable this bright, well designed newspaper is.

“The panel endorsed the comments made about the publication which said: “This is much more than a newspaper – it is the key that opens a thousand doors.” n All Together NOW! was Highly Commended in the Specialist Publication of the Year category, won by the Liverpool Echo’s Hillsborough supplement.

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Councils cut back on meals on wheels

STEVE and SALLY MORGAN

‘The key that opens a thousand doors . . .’

VULNERABLE older people in the North West are the worsed hit in the country when it comes to receiving Meals on Wheels.

Less than one on five of the region’s councils are now providing the service.

The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) reveals just 48% of UK authorities provide a service compared with 66% only two years ago.

NACC chairman Neel Radia fears continued cuts endanger vulnerable residents and place a huge strain on the NHS. He said: “This is a very worrying trend.

Meals on wheels is so much more than just a meal – it’s a vital preventative service, and prevention is better than cure. It helps reduce unnecessary malnutrition and malnutrition-related illnesses and is a lifeline to those who are alone and isolated with no support.

“Council budgets are under immense pressure but withdrawing a service that can help keep someone out of hospital is a false economy.”

Christmas dinners

FREE Christmas Day dinner parties are to be provided for more than 1,000 vulnerable people across Liverpool.

The inaugural ‘Yummy Scouse Christmas’ will see Neva 2 Latte, Liverpool Homeless Football Club, Voice in the City, the Whitechapel Centre and the city council working together to provide a special day for people who would otherwise have nowhere to go on December 25.

Businessman Simon Whitter, owner of Neva 2 Latte, spent time on the streets in Manchester as a teenager. He said: “We’re looking at making it a really special day to remember for those who come along, with food and entertainment provided.

“Nobody should feel alone this Christmas and I look forward to seeing this carried out with the help of both the businesses and people of Liverpool.”

More than 100 volunteers will be working on the project in the run up to Christmas. n People wanting to help out or nominate people to attend should visit www.facebook.com/yummyschristmasdi nner/ or can follow @yummysdinner on www.twitter.com

EDITOR Tom Dowling with Susan Black, director of communications at Liverpool FC

A HUGE thanks to all our partners for their fantastic support during the past year. Without it, we just wouldn’t be able to produce this free charity newspaper – TOM DOWLING, editor

All Together NOW!

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All Together NOW!

Bid to end rationing of free hearing aids THE Government is being urged to end the rationing of a lifeline for people with hearing loss.

Hearing aids have been available from the NHS since 1948. But health chiefs have decided to ration the supply of the free devices in north Staffordshire.

Now local politicians are calling on the health secretary Jeremy Hunt to review the policy.

“People with hearing loss tell us that hearing aids are their lifeline,” said Paul Breckell, chief executive of Action on Hearing Loss.

“They are a highly cost-effective intervention with very clear clinical benefits. Hearing aids are accepted to be the only viable treatment for people with mild hearing loss.

“We have been fighting against these baffling and unprecedented cuts since the policy was first considered by the North Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning Group in 2014, and this decision clearly shows the strength of local opposition from elected councillors in the North Staffordshire area. We will continue to campaign to over-turn the decision.”

New rail safety app

KEEPING deaf people safe is the aim of a new smartphone app launched by Network Rail.

Free to use, the app will help the UK’s one in six deaf people to use level crossings safely.

The Signly Network Rail app is part of a new campaign that aims to support people with a visual, hearing or mobility impairment when crossing a railway line.

Users, who can download it for free on Apple and Google, simply open the app, point their device at the Signlyenabled information and a sign language translator appears.

As well as launching Signly, Network Rail has also produced an accessible user guide.

This offers safety advice and information on audio, visual and tactile cues and also the warnings that are present at some of Britain’s level crossings to help users know when it is safe to cross the tracks.

The user guide is available in large print written English, plus BSL through the Signly Network Rail app, which also provides audio description.

Alternative formats can also be requested via Network Rail.

NEWS

December/January 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

You are our priority!

UNITED Utilities has been out and about, spreading the word about its new Priority Services scheme to customers across the North West.

The scheme provides a number of free additional services for its water customers who may need extra support due to age, ill health or disability.

Once registered, customers have access to a dedicated team to help with their 8QLWHG 8 WLOLWLHVà 3ULR particular needs.

ULW\ 6HUYLF additiona l support HV RDŽ HUV for water Rose Francis, from United Utilities, said: customer s “We’ve had a great response from our customers, and a lot of people also took away registration packs for parents, friends and neighbours too.” n To register call 0345 072 6093 or visit unitedutilities.com/priorityservices

Help whe n you need it most

WINNERS AND LOSERS

TOP PRIORITY: Rose at the Priority Services roadshow

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HE Government’s “bedroom tax” discriminates unlawfully against some disabled people who need an extra bedroom because of their impairment – but not against others, the Supreme Court has ruled.

In a landmark ruling, The Supreme Court said that ministers’ decision to apply the bedroom tax to disabled people who need an extra bedroom for a clear medical reason, and to families who need an additional bedroom for a disabled child who requires overnight care, was unlawful discrimination.

But other disabled people who need an extra bedroom for impairment-related reasons lost their battle against having to pay the bedroom tax, after the court ruled in favour of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The Supreme Court ruled that the Government had unlawfully discriminated against Jacqueline Carmichael and her husband, and full-time carer Jayson, from Southport, after their housing benefit was reduced by 14% as a result of the bedroom tax.

Overnight care workers

Jacqueline Carmichael has to sleep alone on a specialist bed, and there is no space for a second bed in the room, and so she and her husband need a two-bedroom flat.

The court also ruled that the Government had unlawfully discriminated against Paul and Susan Rutherford, who care for their disabled grandson and need a third bedroom for overnight care workers.

But the seven Supreme Court justices ruled against four other disabled people and carers, saying their extra needs could be met through the Government’s discretionary housing payments scheme - extra funds handed to local authorities by DWP - and that they had not suffered unlawful discrimination.

They also ruled that the bedroom tax did not discriminate unlawfully against a non-disabled woman whose home had been adapted to include a “panic room” to protect her from a violent ex-partner.

Supreme Court rules on ‘bedroom tax’

TV anger

Don’t let frozen pipes spoil your winter – Page 11

CHARITY chiefs have hit out at the makers of a TV programme entitled The Boy With No Brain.

Leading national charity Shine expressed concern over the Channel 5 programme that focuses on a serious health condition.

A spokesman for the charity, which received complaints about the programme, said: “Shine considers that the title has caused concern and a great deal of upset to some members and families.

“Hydrocephalus is a lifethreatening condition, caused by a harmful build-up of fluid in the brain.

“Many children with spina bifida also have or develop hydrocephalus, and the condition can occur later in life as result of injury or illness. “

Helping out

Dave’s £10K prize! prize

IN THE MONEY: Dave Kelly, left, and Sir Stelios HUGE congratulations to Dave Kelly and the team at Daisy UK, the Liverpool-based charity that’s helping disabled people do things they never imagined possible.

Dave, 48, was one of four finalists in the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs 2016 and returned from the London award ceremony £10,000 richer!

He said: “I am over the moon and proud. This really gives us a boost and helps all disabled people.”

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of EasyJet, said: “The interest in this year’s award — on our tenth anniversary — highlights the role entrepreneurs can take in helping combat unemployment among our disabled people.”

Dave lost his sight aged 30 due to the rare condition retinitis pigmentosa. He set up Daisy UK in 2004.

The overall winner was Alex Papanikolaou, whose Glasgow-based company, Freedom One Life, has developed a new powered wheelchair. n Daisy UK, Barnes Street, Everton Tel 0151 261 0309

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

WORKERS from the UK charity Hft spent a week at a Romanian disability centre.

Sign language, plus behavioural support and use of technology were among the topics covered

by Ben Ellis, Felicity Onens and Louise Bolton.

The trio travelled to Nicoresti in eastern Romania to work with the charity Crosscause, whose 11-member team supports 16 adults with learning disabilities.

Now mostly in their 30s and 40s, all of the residents grew up in state orphanages.

Ben said: “It made us so appreciative of what we’ve got. Some of them have lived quite awful lives.”

WELL DONE, MUM! All Together NOW!

December/January 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

LET’S PARTY: Pauline and her very happy family! Back row, from left, sisters Kirsty and Teresa; Paige (daughter). Children – Megan (daughter), left, Demi (niece); and Megan (daughter) Picture: KEN ALMOND

Pauline’s our lucky winner

M

UM of three Pauline Markham was on her way home after collecting two of her daughters from primary school when her mobile phone rang . . .

“I just couldn’t believe what I was being told,” says Pauline, from New Ferry, Wirral.

“I’d just been thinking of all the Christmas shopping I had to do – and then, right out of the blue, I was told I’d won a gigantic Christmas hamper!”

Pauline was the lucky winner of our sensational Park Christmas Empire Hamper competition – worth £549.

“It’s just absolutely fantastic,” Pauline

said. “I’ve never won anything before.

“It now means I won’t have all the worry about getting enough food to last us over the holiday. It’s all been done for me! I’m so grateful to the people at Park and All Together NOW! “The hamper is massive so we will be sharing it with my three sisters – Jennifer, Kirsty and Teresa.”

Park CEO Chris Houghton said “We are delighted that Pauline has won the prize. We are certain she will have plenty of goodies to make it a Christmas to remember.”

Almost 3,000 people entered the competition.

Plan for a magical Christmas 2017

● Spread the cost of Christmas 2017 with easy weekly instalments ● Choose from a wide range of gift cards and vouchers. Including Love2shop Vouchers that can be spent at over 20,000 high street stores. Plus, we are adding new retailers all the time to give you even more choice! ● Enjoy your Christmas shopping knowing it’s all been paid for in advance

Helping you plan your perfect Christmas!

Please send me a FREE PARK Christmas 2017 Catalogue

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ADDRESS: POSTCODE: TEL (incl Area Code):

ORDER ONLINE TODAY REQUEST A CATALOGUE

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Post to Park Christmas Savings, Valley Road, Birkenhead, CH41 7ED DATA PROTECTION: By placing an order with us and/or giving data to us you confirm that you understand and agree that the information you provide will be held on a Park Group database and that it will be shared by all companies within the Park Group. A full list of those companies is available by writing to the Data Controller, Park Group Plc, Valley Road, Birkenhead, CH41 7ED. Park Group plc shall be the data controller for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998. The information you provide will be used by us and any necessary third parties to provide you with the goods and services you request. Companies within the Park Group may wish to contact you for customer care purposes or to keep you informed about the latest offers, promotions, prize draws, and competitions, using post, telephone, e-mail, SMS and any other appropriate means, including new technology. If you wish to be contacted via email or SMS, please provide us with your e-mail address and/or your mobile telephone number as appropriate. If you do not wish to be contacted by any member of the Park Group for marketing purposes, please tick this box You should be aware that your account with Park is not a bank account or equivalent and that any pre-payments made to Park are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Your pre-payments are however held in an independent trust designed to improve protection of pre-payments made by you and agents in respect of orders. You can see full details of the trust on our website.

C P A CHRISTMAS improved security for savers

PREPAYMENT ASSOCIATION

®We

are a founder member of the CPA which has developed a Code of Practice, which we must adhere to in order to provide customers with the best possible service and to improve the protection of customers’ money.

Tel: 0800 130 0783 Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ParkChristmasSavings

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All Together NOW!

Carers also need to care for themselves

PEOPLE looking after older or disabled loved ones are missing out on vital practical and financial support with disastrous consequences, according to new findings.

They often don’t see themselves as carers and are missing out on support, say national charity Carers UK. In its latest report, the charity says it took over a year for more than half of the 5,800 people surveyed to recognise their caring role.

Almost one in four took over five years to identify as a carer, and nearly one in ten took over 10 years.

Some groups of carers, such as those caring for disabled children or people with mental health conditions, or caring at a distance, take longer than average to identify their role.

Nine in ten of carers also said they missed out on financial or practical support (or both) as a result of not identifying as a carer.

Heléna Herklots, chief executive of Carers UK, said: “For many people, looking after an ill, older or disabled loved one doesn’t have a name, it is ‘just something you do’.

“However, not recognising you are carrying out a caring role can be a barrier to accessing vital support.

“The longer it takes to identify as an unpaid carer, the more likely it is that carers will struggle without the support and advice they need.

“Frontline professionals, such as GPs, teachers and social workers, play a central role in ensuring carers are identified and then guided to support as early as possible in their caring journey.” n Carers UK Adviceline, 0808 808 7777

CAREZONE – p10

Burns game

YOU might call it playing with fire – but in this case in could help burns victims make a better recovery.

The Burns Game is a new interactive board game designed to help frontline healthcare professionals react quickly and effectively to an emergency.

Following a burn injury, patients receive immediate care from various emergency and healthcare professionals. This may include the fire and rescue service, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, paramedics, emergency department clinicians and first aiders.

Many of these professionals do not specialise in burn care, making accurate assessment and immediate management difficult.

Steven Jeffery, from the Birmingham Burns Centre, said: “Birmingham City University has used its expertise in medical education to develop this game in order to improve the initial management of burn injury, which can greatly improve the final result for the patient.” n The Burns Game, price £60 (exc. VAT, P&P) is available from Focus Games Ltd. at www.focusgames.com

NEWS

December/January 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Technology lets Jamie live his dreams

T

HE wonders of technology enable Jamie Preece to do everything from holding a conversation to driving a virtual car.

Jamie, who has cerebral palsy, used eye-tracking technology to guide the Duke of Kent through some of the work of the Aidis Trust.

“This technology has truly changed my life,” Jamie, 39, told the Duke via an electronic communication aid.

“It’s allowed me to do things I couldn’t have dreamed of.”

The Aidis Trust provides free computer support and advice for disabled children and the Duke was paying a special visit to the charity,

which has its base in Stockport, Cheshire.

Jamie told the Duke how, through Aidis’ support, he’s been able to learn to read and write, make telephone calls, and now has the confidence to go out on his own as he is able to interact more easily with people – something he found impossible to do before.

The Duke has been patron of the charity for 24 years.

Julian Lee, CEO at Aidis Trust, said: “We were delighted to be able to show the Duke of Kent first-hand the difference our charity is making locally and across the country.” n Aidis Helpline: 0808 800 0009 n www.aidis.org

STILL ROLLING –30 YEARS ON

‘

Shopmobility scheme helps thousands

their “scooting test” before setting off into town.

The service also offers short, medium and long-term wheelchair hire for people who fracture limbs, have visitors staying with them who need assistance or wish to take a lightweight chair with them on holiday.

Shopmobility is a charity that is fully independent of the council or other ACK in the mid-Eighties when agencies and has to raise its money each mobility scooters were still a year via its charity shop in Bradshawgate novelty, Shopmobility was (trading under the name of Preloved), its established to give more people the café and small shop in the Spinning Gate chance to visit a town centre. office, and from user charges.

Thirty years later the service, in Leigh, “Donations and purchases in our shops Greater Manchester, continues to give and café are greatly appreciated,” said people the chance to shop David, “and we urgently need volunteers to independently. staff our shops, café and office.

David Eccles, who has managed the “We also need trustees to help manage service, in Spinning Gate car park, since the organisation. Volunteers with a it opened, said: “Regular users see it as background in retailing, finance and a lifeline that enables them to retain business management would be most independence, get welcome to join the small board of the three out and enjoy current trustees. the retail and “I’m approaching retirement now, so it is All Together NOW! is a other services in essential that we find new volunteers to great way to reach out to Leigh town help to manage this valuable community ALWAYS A SMILE: people with disabilities, keeping centre – as service.

Volunteers Karen them in the loop with relevant well as “To find out more about our service visit our Lowe, Richard news and events. providing a website, call in to see us, or send us an Middleton, and Irene We stock it in our offices in Leigh and Wigan warm base in Goodhew (standing) email via our website and we will get back to and it’s very, very popular. the colder you. With your assistance Shopmobility We can’t wait for the next issue. months in which hopes to keep the wheels rolling for another pay £2 per hire for use of Best wishes for the future!” to wait for Ring 30 years at least.” one of a fleet of modern Irene Hunt (Leigh and Ride, or taxis. n Leigh mobility scooters.

“Users who come by Shopmobility, More than 500 people are currently car may also be able to get free 01942 777985 registered with the project, which also enables parking on Spinning Gate car park which n Wigan people to use similar facilities at Wigan town makes the trip even more convenient.”

Shopmbility, centre.

Open each day from 10am till 4pm, users 01942 776070 New users can call in to register and take

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HALF A MILLION READERS – AND GROWING

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

December/January 2017

Making a difference . . .

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 more than 500 organisations across the region,

Wales, Merseyside, West Cheshire and North Shropshire.

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

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

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

Happy New Year!

committing over £35 million.

This year we will be giving away more than £2 million to good causes.

Created in 2001 by businessman Steve Morgan CBE – founder and chairman of Redrow plc, and chairman of the Bridgemere Group of Companies – The Morgan Foundation supports charities across North

Let’s make life better for EVERYONE

Play time goes on!

WE ARE pleased to have awarded three years funding of £45,000 to St Cyril’s Children and Young People’s Project (SCCYP) in Belle Vale, Liverpool, to help with core costs.

W

HAT an incredibly tough year it has been for charities and community groups across our region – especially those who have been trying to help millions of vulnerable people.

LEFT: Morgan Foundation Massive cutbacks to social services has put an trustee Ashley Lewis with even greater strain on their limited resources.

Alma Howarth, the Play That’s why we at The Morgan Foundation are Work Co-ordinator, and determined to help in any way we can – and to children attending the make a difference. half-term play scheme n Since its establishment in 2001, The Morgan Foundation has committed £35 million to good causes. n Our bi-annual charity golf day in May this year raised an enormous £420,000 for the LEFT: Morgan young people in Foundation trustee Wolverhampton.

Vincent Fairclough n By the end of this financial at the Neuro year alone we will have Therapy Centre committed more than £2 million RIGHT: Jane Harris, to good causes. administrator of n We have also donated 45 The Morgan Smiley vehicles to help people Foundation, and get out and about. staff at Sundowns And we are not stopping there! n WE WERE delighted to hear of the new pre-school Makaton n THE Neuro Therapy Centre in Saltney has been awarded £75,000 If your group is doing some classes being held at Sundowns, the Wirral-based charity that from the Morgan Foundation. sterling work but needs help to supports people affected by Down’s syndrome.

The centre provides support and therapies to help manage the continue, or has a project that Makaton is a fantastic way of helping people communicate symptoms of a wide range of neurological conditions including will make a difference, contact using signs and symbols. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, motor neurone disease, and ME. us. We can’t promise that we The Morgan Foundation trustees were so impressed they The funding will go towards the cost of employing qualified will fund all your ideas, but we have provided three years funding to help with the costs. neurological physiotherapists. can guarantee that we will listen . . .

Easing the pain!

www.morganfoundation.co.uk Tel 01829 782800

The Morgan Foundation

@Morganfound

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All Together NOW!

Happy Christmas, ChAPS – £410,000K

FAMILIES living with autism across Cheshire have been handed TWO fantastic Christmas presents . . .

The Big Lottery and the People’s Health Trust have given Cheshire Autism Practical Support (ChAPS) grants worth more than £410,000.

It’s the perfect ending to the year, which has seen the charity move into new premises in Runcorn town centre.

Jo Garner, who set up ChAPS six years ago, said: “More and more families are reaching out to us for support and this gives us a huge boost, enabling us to increase and improve our service provision for families in this area. We’re delighted with our new office in Runcorn and can now offer more training and take on more staff.” n The Big Lottery provided £375,505; The People’s Health Trust, £35,444. n ChAPS, tel 0344 850 8607

Laura at the helm

SENSE, the national deafblind charity, of the has announced the name manager of its new £14m disability and community centre in Selly Oak, Birmigham.

Laura Benson will take the helm of TouchBase Pears when it opens its doors in spring 2017.

Currenty employed by Royal Shakespeare Company, Laura is qualified in British Sign language, and has undertaken a successful secondment developing programmes to make theatre more accessible to disabled people.

She said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to shape such an exciting and worthwhile project.”

Independence for Wales!

NEW Centres for Independent living (CIL) will open in Flintshire and Ceredigion in March – and be run and controlled by disabled people.

The Flintshire CIL will be run by the user-led Flintshire Disability Forum (FDF), and will provide services such as help with managing personal budgets; campaigning; recruitment and training of personal assistants; assistance completing application forms; and equipment hire.

The two new CILs were selected by Disability Wales, the Wales Co-operative Centre (WCC), and Dewis Centre for Independent Living, as part of the £318,000 Welsh government-funded Enabling Wales programme.

Disability Wales said it hoped they would provide a kick start to developing more CILs across Wales.

December/January 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

UN’s damning report on UK Would you pay

T

HE United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled People gives the UN powers to investigate whether a member State is violating the rights disabled people enjoy under the Convention.

Following protests by disabled people in the UK about the impact of Government cuts on services for disabled people the UN has investigated the UK and has just published its report. It is a damning document.

Among other findings the UN say that the bedroom tax, cuts to disability benefits and to social care, including closing the Independent Living Fund, had systematically violated the rights of disabled people.

It called for a Cumulative Impact Assessment so the total affect on disabled people could be assessed. It also pointed out that the procedures to enable disabled people to assert their rights through tribunals and the courts had also been undermined by the Government.

The Government is required to respond to the UN Report and has already done so.

Unsurprisingly the DWP boss, Damian Green, is frothing with indignation. According to him services have improved. Social care is well funded and the Government spends £50 billion pounds on disabled people.

He justifies the hated bedroom tax and cuts to Employment Support Allowance. In fact, the response from the Government is what we have come to expect. All criticism is misguided and if people cannot get up because their care package has been removed, then that is just in their imagination.

A flippant set of half-truths means ministers can wrap themselves in the warm blanket of serene complacency, safe in the knowledge that if the lies are big enough people will believe them.

Disabled people will continue to protest but now we have an independent report from the United Nations to support our case.

SOUNDING OFF SIR BERT MASSIE

more tax for this?

THE northern local authorities bore the brunt of reductions in funding from the Treasury when the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, not only reduced each year the grants to local authorities but also limited their ability to increase Council Tax. One result of this is that councils have had to ration social care for elderly and disabled people. Now the service is so threadbare that councils find they are not even able to provide the services the law requires them to provide.

Government has suggested combining health and social services but this is a smoke screen that just moves cash from a health service that is already skint to social care to help alleviate bed blocking. It fails to deal with the problem.

The Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, is suggesting a novel solution.

The law does not allow him to increase Council Tax by more than 2% without holding a referendum to see if people will accept a higher rise. He is proposing this so he can increase Council Tax by 10% and promises all the money raised will be spent on social care.

In the UK it is unusual to raise a tax for a predetermined type of expenditure, known as a hypothecated tax. For example Road Tax goes into the general pot in the Treasury and is not spent on roads.

If the referendum goes ahead it will illustrate whether people are willing to pay more tax to fund social care.

Of course, Government could raise more money by scrapping tax cuts given to top earners. What do you think of the idea?

PIP is so unfair

L

IKE many disabled people who have been receiving the Disability Living Allowance for many decades I assumed that when I received the benefit for life I would receive it until death.

That all ended when the Cameron government decided to abolish DLA and introduce the Personal Independence Payment which has a tighter eligibility criteria.

The intention was to reduce the number of people receiving the benefit.

One consequence is that 1,000 disabled people each week are losing their Motability car because they fail to qualify for the enhanced rate of mobility for PIP. Without this they do not qualify for a Motability car.

Those who can walk more than 20 metres fail the test.

I received a letter from the Department for

Works and Pensions informing me that my DLA was due to cease but I could make an application for PIP. If I failed to do so my DLA would stop and that would be the end of the matter.

To make an application for PIP I had to phone a given number to apply for an application form. I did so on the day the letter arrived. The phone rang and rang and rang for 40 minutes. Some disabled people could not even hold a phone that long. Then it was answered. It took 15 minutes to answer all the questions. I must have passed this test because it was agreed that I could be sent an application form.

More than two weeks later the 40-page form arrived. On the front there is a letter that gives a date just less that three weeks away, saying if I have not returned the form by then my DLA will be stopped and no PIP will be awarded.

Had the form been sent to me immediately

I would have had longer to complete it.

Getting together the medical evidence to accompany the form takes time and not everyone can do it in three weeks. In such cases it is essential to get an extension or the application will fail. I have now posted the form and await the outcome.

My impression is that this system is designed to make it difficult for people. Forty minutes to wait for a reply on the phone would flatten the batteries of many callers using mobile phones. People with mental health issues might find it too stressful.

When the 40-page form arrives many people will require help to complete it. Three weeks is not long enough.

In what is already a stressful process for many, could not the DWP behave with more efficiency and humanity?

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

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2017

All Together NOW!

9

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT . . . CALL US ON 0151 230 0307 or email sales@alltogethernow.org.uk

T

HE VOLUNTARY sector has lost a true champion for charities, the arts, and the underprivileged.

Edward Murphy OBE, director of Merseyside Network for Change, was renowned for his work in the voluntary sector.

Edward, 64, was educated in Liverpool before winning a place at Cambridge University.

He was chief executive of Liverpool Council of Social Service for 16 years before setting up Merseyside Network for Change (MNfC) in 2001 with its mission to stand beside the poor.

Always active in Liverpool’s regeneration, he served as chair of both

Liverpool City Challenge and Kensington New Deal for Communities and played a leading role in the New Deal for the Unemployed and Employment Zone initiatives.

For a decade Edward led the EU’s £500m Pathways to Integration programme of community development for economic development in Merseyside.

An expert and teacher in charity governance, he served scores of charities – including helping to set up the All Together NOW! charity newspaper – and was chair of the trustees of the Black-E, Britain’s leading Community Arts Centre, and of Merseyside Refugee Support Network.

In 2004 he received an OBE for his services to regeneration.

Mandy Moloney, who helped Edward to set up MNfC, said: “It’s the end of an era. Edward made such a massive contribution to Liverpool’s voluntary sector. His presence, wit and intellect will be sorely missed by the countless people he helped and all the very many lives he touched over the decades.”

All Together NOW! editor Tom Dowling said: “Edward was a giant in Liverpool’s voluntary sector. He was the first person we were told to visit when we set up the charity in 2004. He was a big fan of the paper and gave me lots of help and guidance.”

CALLING ALL CHARITIES

TEAM UP WITH THIS UNIQUE CHARITY NEWSPAPER – AND REACH HUGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE

HALF A MILLION READERS

PRINT and ONLINE

@ATNnews AllTogetherNowNews www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Call us NOW! 0151 230 0307

Volunteers Wanted!

Have you got a few hours to spare? Would you like to help blind and partially sighted people in Liverpool? If you can answer “yes” to these questions, then you are just the person we want.

Take their pet dog for a walk • Visit places of interest such as football matches, theatre, • concerts, etc.

Visit places of worship • Visit to the gym • Go for local walks • Go out on a tandem ride •

Could you help blind and partially sighted people to:-

If you would like to join our team, please contact Maria Schofield on 0151 221 0888 ext 203 or email Maria on mschofield@bradburyfields.org.uk

Supported by the Morgan Foundation

Daisy Inclusive UK Daisy Inclusive UK is a charity that helps disabled people fulfil their true potential by tuning into the frequency of the individual. With the ethos, “Make them laugh and they listen. Make them listen and they learn,” we hold a variety of clubs and courses designed to educate and inspire, bringing disabled and non-disabled together.

Our values are Care, Compassion and Empathy wrapped in a blanket of Integrity.

By using reverse inclusion, where activities are designed with disabled users in mind and then non-disabled are included, users gain the knowledge and empathy needed for inclusion.

Thanks to our track record in bringing the disabled and non-disabled together in an inclusive environment, we recently won the worldwide Beyond Sport Diversity and Inclusion Award.

We hold many community events, such as our Let’s Get Quizzical evening, Social Café, Bingo, Inclusive Sports and Activity clubs, Self-Defence, Internet Café and much more.

We are also a 3rd Party Disability Hate Crime Reporting Agency providing support and guidance to victims of disability hate crime.

Our fantastic training includes Hate Crime workshops, Visual and Disability Awareness through Sport and In the Workplace and motivational talks.

Situated at the Daisy Nucleus Academy (DNA – the building blocks of the community), 2 Barnes Street, Everton, Liverpool L6 5LB, we can also be contacted on (0151) 261 0309 or by email at info@daisyuk.com. View our website at www.daisyuk.com.

10

Shrinking care is ‘a national scandal’

All Together NOW!

90,000 in need

FIFTEEN thousand more UK families are applying for vital grant support compared to five years ago, according to the latest figures from Family Fund.

The charity’s Annual Review 2015/16 outlines the impact of the 89,423 grants and support services provided to families across the UK last year – the largest number in the charity’s 43 years of existence.

The report also highlights the extra costs that can be involved in raising a disabled or seriously ill child. n Tel. 01904 621115.

Able Amy

CONGRATULATIONS to support worker Amy Rowan who has scooped a top award for her dedication.

Amy, who works at Voyage Care’s Sanderling House in Formby, Merseyside, won the Voyage Care Excellence Award 2016 for Support Worker of the Year (Residential).

Amy said: “I am completely overwhelmed with receiving this award. I can’t believe I actually won! I love my job and I am just so happy I could give the best support to a service user who needed a new start.” n PICTURED: Amy Rowan with Jayne Davey

December/January 2017

T

HE treatment of disabled people by the Government has been condemned as a “national scandal”.

Almost half of disabled adults in Britain who say they need social care are not currently receiving any support, says a leading charity.

That adds up to thousands of people without vital help to get around their homes and out into their communities, according to Leonard Cheshire Disability.

The charity says the lack of social care is having a devastating impact.

In its new report, The state of social care in Great Britain in 2016, Leonard Cheshire Disability found: n Half of disabled adults who say they do not receive enough social care report being unable to work. n Two in five feel isolated or lonely; n Over half (56%) of those who do not receive enough support maintaining social and community links are unable to leave home when they would like at least once a week; and n 1 in 11 (9%) say they have spent more time in hospital due to ill health as a result of a lack of social care.

The charity estimates that as many as 2.7 million working age disabled adults in Great Britain could

SENIOR MOMENTS

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

PLEA: Lynne Noble is still waiting for the care that she needs

need social care to live independently, and that well over one million may not currently be getting enough support to do this.

Neil Heslop, Leonard Cheshire Disability’s chief executive, said: “It is a national scandal that thousands of disabled and older people do not have the support to do everyday tasks such as washing and dressing, and even more shockingly, no support to eat.

“A lack of social care creates a perfect storm of problems that significantly reduces the life chances of disabled people.

“The right social care allows people to stay well, be independent, get jobs, volunteer, have relationships and contribute fully to society.

“But as our research shows, dignified everyday care is simply not available to many people, and that is unacceptable.”

. . . with FRANK HARRIS

My year-long wait for help

S

INCE November 2015, Lynne Noble, 63, has been waiting to be given the right care so she can remain independent.

Lynne, who has cerebral palsy and was diagnosed with MS in 1994, said: “It had got to the point where my husband was caring for me nearly 24/7 and I realised that it would be selfish not to ask for help.

“I have spent a great deal of time and money trying to sort out my social care package, which would have been better spent helping to improve my quality of life.”

Council funding cuts also mean that 30 year-old Julie Sharp and her husband Sam, have no emergency care provision and can be left for days without support if their carers don’t show up.

Julie said: “Many times we have both gone to medical appointments in our night clothes because, although patient transport has turned up, we have had a break down in our personal care, and our council no longer provides emergency care.

“We no longer seem to matter to adult social care and it does not matter to them if we go without medication, food, drinks, a change of clothes or showers, all because we chose the direct payments option.”

HALF A MILLION READERS – AND GROWING – 0151 230 0307

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2017

All Together NOW!

Don’t let frozen pipes ruin your winter Dark nights, chilly weather and wrapping up warm; it can only mean one thing... winter’s here!

Getting your home ready for the cold weather and all it brings means you’re more likely to stay warm and happy and enjoy a hassle free winter.

Rose Francis from United Utilities said “We want our customers to enjoy winter without the worries of frozen and burst pipes and the misery that brings.

“The good news is it’s so easy to prevent this happening by making sure that your pipes in cold places are protected with lagging. It’s also useful to know where your stop tap is so you can turn off the water in an emergency.”

We’ve put together some handy hints and practical advice that will help you keep your home warm and welcoming this winter.

1. Wrap up your pipes as well as yourselves

2. Find your stop tap and check that it works

3. Keep snug with your heating on

Wrap your pipes with lagging to prevent them from freezing (or even bursting) this winter. Pay extra attention to the pipes in the garage, loft, or those outside your home, as these are the ones most likely to freeze when the temperature drops.

Your stop tap controls the flow of water into your home. It’s usually found under the kitchen sink, or sometimes in the cellar or garage. It’s handy to know where it is so you can turn the water off quickly if your pipes freeze or burst.

Keeping your central heating on low during a cold spell will prevent your pipes from freezing. Make sure the heating comes on when you're away too; you don’t want to come back to a flooded home after a relaxing winter break.

Your local DIY store should have everything you need; just remember to use waterproof lagging for any outdoor pipes.

Found it?

Make sure your stop tap is working.

It's also worth checking if your household insurance covers burst pipes.

Lots of modern boilers have a frost setting.

Handy for preventing frozen pipes when your central heating is not in full use.

Pipe lagging is cheap and easy to fit.

So you can be ready for winter in no time!

Find out more: unitedutilities.com/winterwise Registering for Priority Services is free and it means that you will benefit from additional services to support your particular needs, such as:

Help when you need it most We can all benefit from a bit of extra help at some stage in our lives. This could be due to age, ill-health, disability, mental health problems, financial worries or language barriers.

• • • • • •

Braille, large print, ‘talking’ bills and text relay service Nominate a carer, family member or friend to speak to us on your behalf Protection from bogus callers with a password protection scheme Support for dialysis patients Knock and wait service to give you extra time to answer the door if we visit Notice of interruptions to your water supply and alternative water supplies if your water is likely to be off for more than 12 hours • Help if you’re struggling to pay your water bill or have debt issues • Translation services

So if you, or someone you know, would appreciate a little bit of extra help, please call us for a chat on 0345 072 6093 or visit unitedutilities.com/priorityservices

11

12

All Together NOW!

December/January 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

How we cleaned up for Melissa

F

IREFIGHTERS and the family of a 12-year-old girl battling a rare genetic condition have thanked the Eccleston community for raising over £600 for two vital charities.

BUCKETS OF FUN – AND MONEY: Melissa with firefighter Kirsty Hornby and Watch Manager Steve McHale at the car wash fundraiser

Crews at Eccleston Community Fire Station held a car wash at the station in a joint fundraiser for The Fire Fighters Charity and Melissa Adams, from Eccleston, who was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome in 2006.

The event saw scores of cars washed, raising a grand total of £622.78.

Proceeds will go towards ‘Melissa’s Smile Fund’, set up by Melissa’s mum, Kat, and brother, Jacob, to provide Melissa with essential equipment she needs as she grows

up, and The Fire Fighter’s Charity, which provides treatment and support for serving and retired firefighters in times of need.

Kat said: “It was a fantastic day and such a great event for Melissa.

She enjoyed it so much, especially meeting new people and watching what was going on. She even helped clean a car and ended up in a soapy suds fight!

“We can’t thank the community enough for their generous support and donations. It means the world to us and will go a long way towards helping Melissa.”

Melissa’s condition means she is unable to speak, has poor mobility skills, suffers epilepsy, and requires 24-hour care.

A portion of the money raised from the car wash will help her family

create a sensory room, which will provide a place of calm for Melissa.

Watch Manager Steve McHale, who organised the event, said: “I met Melissa, Kat and Jacob at a charity event I attended earlier this year, which is when I first became aware of Angelman Syndrome and Melissa’s Smile Fund.

“When I realised that Melissa lives in Eccleston I asked Kat if they would like to participate in a joint charity car wash at the fire station, and they were more than happy to get involved.

“Many of the supporters brought young children who all wanted to look around the fire engine and meet Melissa, which was fantastic.” n www.melissassmile.weebly.com or follow @Melissasmile on Twitter.

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E-cigarette charger warning

LUCKY ESCAPE: An E-cigarette charger left plugged in for too long caused this . . .

F

IRE investigators are warning people not to leave e-cigarettes on charge for long periods, after an early morning fire in a Wirral home.

Firefighters were called to a property in Upton in the early hours after an unattended e-cigarette on charge caught fire.

A 32-year-old man was woken by his dog and together they were able to flee their home safely before firefighters arrived.

The man was given oxygen by firefighters after suffering slight smoke inhalation and taken to Arrowe Park Hospital for further checks.

Fire crews extinguished the blaze and Incident Investigators from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service later traced the cause to the e-cigarette device, which had been left on charge in the living room overnight.

Incident investigator Jo Stephens said: “E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular and it’s very important that people know how to charge them safely.

“This gentleman was very lucky that this fire did not claim his life; unfortunately he suffered slight smoke inhalation and the property was damaged by fire and smoke, but things could have been a lot worse.

“We would urge people never to leave their e-cigarette on charge while they are asleep or away from the house, and to always read the safety advice enclosed in the packaging.

“Our advice for e-cigarettes is the same as for many smaller electrical appliances such as mobile phones and laptops; don’t be tempted to buy cheap, unbranded chargers, don’t leave them to charge whilst you are out of the house or asleep and keep them well away from combustible materials.”

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2017

A friend dropping in . . .

Just call us and we’ll call on you!

All Together NOW!

How to beat the blues

n Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F). n Keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights. Breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections. n Don’t sit too close to heaters or open fires – radiated heat can cause your clothes or blankets to catch fire. n Use hot bottles and extra layers to help keep you warm.

Always wear a scarf outside in cold weather to protect your lungs from cold air. n Don’t delay in getting treatment for minor winter ailments like colds or sore throats. Visit your local pharmacist for advice on treatment before it gets worse so you can recover quicker. n Stay active by moving around and avoid sitting still for more than an hour – get up and make yourself a warm drink.

n Get financial support – there are grants and benefits available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. n Make sure your gas appliances have been tested and are working properly – faulty appliances can give off lethal carbon monoxide. For further details regarding Gas Safe registered engineers visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk n Contact your water and power suppliers to see if you can be on the Priority Services Register, a service for older and disabled people. n Call 0800 555 815 or visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk to book a Safe and Well Visit so fire and rescue staff can come and give advice on how to stay safe warm and well this winter. n Visit www.nhs.uk/staywell

Ten top tips to stay well and warm this winter

Please take l l e w & e extra care Be saf

Y

EARS of working to n Referring a prevent fires has neighbour or relative is taught fire and simple. Call 0800 555 815 rescue services that or visit poor health and cold www.manchesterfire.gov.uk may weather dramatically increases a person’s risk of suffering a serious put a person at greater risk blaze in their home.

Many people who sadly die in house fires are older, less healthy – and in the winter months they are often struggling to stay warm.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has always been at the leading edge when it comes to preventing fires and that is why we have joined forces with Public Health England’s Stay Well This Winter campaign.

For many years, our crews visited homes to install smoke alarms.

Now, when staff visit people they take into account lots of factors that

from fire. These include the person’s lifestyle and health as well as whether or not they have a working smoke alarm.

GMFRS call these ‘Safe and Well Visits’ and they have put staff firmly within the wider public health workforce.

As a trusted service with access to tens and thousands of homes each year, it is only natural for GMFRS to try to improve the health of its most vulnerable residents over winter and relieve pressure on hospitals and GP surgeries.

There are also a number of

ways that people over 65 or suffering from a long term health condition can protect themselves and stay healthy this winter:

n Make sure you get your flu jab. n Keep your home at least 18°C (65°F) if you can. n Take advantage of financial schemes and discounts to help you pay for heating. n Visit your local pharmacist as soon as you start to feel unwell – even if it’s just a cough or a cold.

During ‘Safe and Well Visits’ staff will be able to signpost people to the services they need to access to stay healthy and warm.

But you can help GMFRS keep its most vulnerable residents safe this winter too by referring people who need help for a ‘Safe and Well Visit’.

13

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

BEWARE and PREPARE!

G

ET YOUR de-icers, hats, scarves and wellies ready – winter is ready to strike with a vengeance!

IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, RICHARD GLADMAN, serves up top tips to get us al through safely to spring . . . n Keep the windscreen clear. Try to get scratches, abrasions and chips fixed as colder temperatures can worsen the damage. Invest in a new de-icer. n Check your tyres. 1.6mm may be the legal limit but anything under 3mm will see a potential fall off in grip and braking performance. n Dress appropriately for the weather. Too many drivers dress based on a working car heater! n Prepare a survival kit in the boot or on the rear seats.

Spare clothes, a torch, mobile phone charger, some emergency rations such as water and chocolate and a tow rope and shovel to help yourself and others.

0800 916 3028 www.alliedmobility.com

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FORD TOURNEO INDEPENDENCETM > Personalised seating layouts > Lightweight EasyFold™ ramp > Bluetooth® connectivity > Lowered floor option > Privacy glass > Parking sensors > Assist winch > Certified for larger & heavier wheelchairs

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Free UK-wide home demonstrations

Give them a gift to remember

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

A

RE YOU searching for something to help you with your mobility needs?

Or looking for that special present for a family member of friend that’s going to make that bit easier and a lot more life fun?

A walking aid, a wheelchair, a powered scooter or a handcycle – manually propelled or a powered variety?

Or do you need your car adapting with hand controls, or something to help you getting in and out of a vehicle?

If so, then make sure you check out the team at Da Vinci Mobility, one of the most innovative wheelchair manufacturers in the country.

Set up 15 years ago by wheelchair user

December/January 2017

All Together NOW!

. . . getting – and keeping – you mobile . . .

15

n EASY DOES IT: Da Vinci’s amazing clip on Trailrider

n Southport-based web designer Jamie Leeming is currently revamping our website so that we can tell lots more people about our fantastic range of products.

Please take a look at it. If you have any bright ideas on how we can make it better please do let us know!

www.davincimobility.co.uk

Vincent Ross, the company provides a wide range of mobility solutions for people with all sorts of needs.

“We can help so many people retain or regain their independence,” says Vin. Co partner Steve Curran adds: “Our team have the knowledge and personal experience to be able to offer people plenty of options and help them make the right choice.”

And it’s not all about hi-tech solutions…

Steve adds: “We can provide simple solutions to make life so much easier for everyone with a mobility issue – whatever their age and whatever their situation.

“We’re here to help. Just give us a call, or drop in at our showrooms and take a look at what’s on offer. You won’t be disappointed.”

Making life so much easier

DA VINCI’s mission to Germany went extremely well, says Mark Townley, the company’s car adaptation expert.

Mark and company founder Vin Ross spent four days at the worldfamous Reha Exhibition in Dusseldorf, and came away with a handful of new orders for their hand built Trailriders – and

made lots of new contacts.

“It was a great trip,” says Mark. “Fifity thousand visitors attended the show, which had something for everyone with a mobility problem.”

Many visitors were also impressed with the Da Vinci Trailriders that Mark and Vin used to

make their daily 10-mile return trek from the hotel.

The Trailriders, designed by Vin, clip onto a standard wheelchair, instantly converting it into a powered trike that’s capable of reaching in excess of 15mph – and a range of 20 miles per charge.”

16

All Together NOW!

£50,000 for bright sparks

DO YOU have a brilliant idea that could help improve people’s health and wellbeing?

If so, this is your chance to turn your ideas into money-making successes.

Now in its third year, Design Council Spark awards provides a 16-week programme of specialist expertise and bespoke one-to-one mentoring for 15 successful inventors, plus an initial grant of £15,000 for product development.

After finishing the course, finalists will join the Spark alumni community, allowing access to the Design Council’s world-class network and the chance to pitch for a further share of £200,000.

Entries are wanted in the following areas: n Health and well-being: products that help people live independently. n Energy and the environment: products that benefit the environment. n Home life: products for the home that improve the way we live. n On the move: products for transport that transform the way we move. n Sports and leisure: products that encourage an active lifestyle. n Something remarkable: for those bright ideas that don’t fit a specific category.

Arthritis Research UK, which invests in treatments and vital support for everyone affected by arthritis, will also be looking for innovative product ideas to further support their work to overcome the pain, isolation and fatigue that arthritis can cause.

One finalist will be awarded up to £50,000 of the £200,000 funding available if their product idea has the proven potential to assist those with the condition. n The deadline for applications is January 10. www.designcouncil.org.uk/ spark

December/January 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Could this be the key to your dream home?

F

INDING the home of your dreams at a price you can afford can be difficult at the best of times.

But if you have complex access requirements it can be almost impossible.

This is the reality faced by millions of disabled home-hunters each and every day as they struggle to find a suitable property that allows them to live comfortably and independently.

To help people find their dream hiome TheHouseShop.com have partnered with Disability Horizons to launch a FREE 32-page downloadable guide.

‘The Ultimate Guide to Finding an Accessible Home’ gives a detailed overview of accessible housing, and useful practical advice on what

home-hunters should consider when looking for an accessible home.

Nick Marr, co-founder of TheHouseShop.com, said: “We are really pleased and proud to launch our new accessible housing guide and we hope iy will provide crucial help to the millions of disabled people struggling to find a home that

allows them to live independently.

“With a rapidly ageing population, the demand for accessible and adaptable housing is set to increase dramatically over the next few decades, and we need to start paying attention to this important and undervalued sector of the market.

“Sixteen per cent of working-age adults identify themselves as disabled, but this figure jumps significantly to 45% for adults over State Pension age – showing quite how large the market for these types of properties has become.

“Estate agents, property developers, Government and anyone involved in the housing market should start paying attention to this huge untapped market and we hope that by starting the conversation we can create a bright future for accessible housing in the UK.”

Twelve Comfort thermometers to be won

I

F YOU are getting on in years and unable to move around as you used to, it’s vital you find ways to stay warm in your home.

But how do you know whether your home is warm enough?

We have teamed up again with Electronic Temperature Instruments to offer readers the chance of winning one of 12 stylish Comfort thermometers.

The ideal home temperature is 21°C in the living room and

18°C elsewhere.

If the room is too cold the body becomes more susceptible to respiratory diseases, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack or hypothermia.

A room that’s too warm can cause problems, such as eczema, lethargy, poor concentration, disturbed sleep and fatigue, not to mention wasted money on excessive heating bills.

The Comfort thermometer’s easy to read colour-coded digital display alerts the user

when the temperature has dropped to unsafe levels – and when it’s too hot.

All you have to do to stand a chance of winning a thermometer is to tell us the idea living room temperature. n Send your entries to All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive by Friday January 25. n Comfort thermometers cost £8.50 each (excl VAT), available direct from www.etiltd.com ordering code 810-135.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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December/January 2017

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THE SKY’S THE December/January 2017

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V

WHAT A BLAST!

V

IRGIL Tracy took time out from the hit ITV show Thunderbirds Are Go to pass on a few rocket-making tips to some potential young recruits to the International Rescue team.

He also handed out gifts brought all the way from his home, Tracy Island, to the children, who are receiving specialist brain injury rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust.

Virgil said: “I’ve had a great day with the children. I wish I could take the rockets back with me to show the International Rescue team members. I know they would be so impressed with the super creations that were made.”

Keren Holding, at The Children’s Trust, said: “The rocket making session with a real life Thunderbird star has been great fun, and inspired some brilliant creations.

Now all we have got to do is try to get them flying to Tracy Island.” n The Children’s Trust, based at Tadworth, Surrey, supports thousands of children with brain injury and families across the UK. n Tel 01737 365 000

IETNAM Airlines has introduced new and imp services to support passengers with reduced mob Eighty wheelchairs and 11 fork are available at airports across Vietnam. Specially trained staff also on hand to provide support assistance.

The airline’s twin-aisle aircraft including the next-generation Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner that operates its daily non-stop serv London Heathrow – also have im toilet facilities.

Comfortable priority seating w allocated in accordance with all requirements.

Passengers with limited mobil register when booking – eight h for domestic flights and 24 hour

The perfect break. . .

M

ORE respite holiday breaks for people who have suffered strokes – and their carers – are to be made available at three UK centres in January.

The Stroke & Aphasia Weeks were developed by disability charity Revitalise and the Stroke Association, following a successful pilot last February.

Revitalise chief executive Chris Simmonds said: “Our Stroke & Aphasia Weeks are a new addition to our portfolio of breaks and, alongside the very successful Alzheimer’s Weeks we have already been running for a number of years, are testament to our desire to provide better, more targeted support for the UK’s disabled communities.”

Claire Vincent, of the Stroke Association, said: “Many people who took part in the pilot last year hadn’t been away since their stroke.

“These holidays will give people a well-deserved opportunity to share experiences, build confidence, have fun and truly make the most of life after stroke.”

The respite breaks take place on January 14 at the charity’s Jubilee Lodge centre in Chigwell; and January 21 at Netley Waterside House in Southampton, and Sandpipers in Southport.

For those experiencing difficulties in securing funding, Revitalise and the Stroke Association have joined forces to subsidise the breaks. n Details – 0303 303 0145 or visit www.revitalise.org.uk/stroke n The Stroke Helpline, 0303 303 3100.

The holiday you deserve,

not just the respite you need We believe that everyone needs a break With 24 hour on-call nurse-led care and an exciting programme of excursions, activities and entertainment, we give disabled people and carers something truly unique – a break that feels like a proper holiday.

Call 0303 303 0145 quoting ALT1 revitalise.org.uk

bookings@revitalise.org.uk

ADVERTISE WITH US AND WE’LL GET YOUR MESS

LIMIT

ernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

December/January 2017

Help on hols if you have polio

proved

bility. klifts

are t and –

ices from mproved ill be safety

ity should ours’ notice rs for

international flights.

The airline has also introduced preferential fares on its domestic network – offering a 15% discount on all full fare economy class tickets, and on selected promotional economy class tickets. n www.vietnamairlines.com

German beachchair boom?

CUSHY: Guests enjoying the strandkorb’s comforts at Netley Waterside House

T

HEY’RE a familiar sight on German beaches …

Now they could also be a feature at UK seaside resorts.

The world’s first and only wheelchair accessible strandkorb – a traditional German covered beach chair – was given a big thumbs up by guests at Revitalise’s respite holiday centre at Netley Waterside House, overlooking Southampton Water.

The strandkorb was presented to the charity by Lower Saxony, Germany, in co-operation with the German National Tourist Office.

The event was organised to launch the “Feeling Fearless” travel guide that promotes accessible adventure activities in Germany, including skiing, abseiling and whitewater rafting.

Klaus Lohmann, director of the GNTO UK and Ireland, said: “Germany is open to all and our new webpage is designed to open up ideas for what you can do – not what you can’t – whether it’s cycling, tackling a climbing rope course in a forest, or skiing.” nwww.germany.travel/barrierfree

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

SAGES TO HALF A MILLION READERS . . . 0151 230 0307

THINGS are looking brighter for holidaymakers with polio, thanks to a new partnership between The British Polio Fellowship and travel agency, Not Just Travel.

A new travel website gives members a special “concierge style” service from a highly trained travel consultant who can look after their every travel need.

Ted Hill, the charity’s CEO, said: “Booking a holiday that ticks all the necessary boxes can be a nightmare.

“This service lets members speak to someone who will take their needs into account at the time of booking.

Best of all, the service is free.”

Established in 2001 Not Just Travel is one of the UK’s fastest growing travel companies.

Ted added: “This exciting partnership allows us to offer our members the very best services and prices, and for every holiday booked by our members, the charity receives a donation too, so it realty is the best of both worlds.” n Visit www.notjusttravel. com/bpf BPF. Tel. 0800 043 1935.

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All Together NOW!

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 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 292065 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

December/January 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Tulip time for our six lucky winners

THE SIX lucky winners of our super tulip competition are: Miss W Muir, Queens Place, Chester (“I picked up my copy of All Together NOW! at Countess of Chester hospital”) Mr T Barry, Glenby Avenue, Peel-Hall, Whythenshawe, Manchester (Wythenshawe Forum) Mrs S Cilgram, Meadow Croft, Hazel Grove, Stockport (ASDA Stockport) Miss Sophie Bowman, Landseer Avenue, Blackpool (Wilkinsons, Blackpool) Ms G Parr, Belmont Ave, Billinge, Wigan Katherine Comer, Dingwall Drive, Greasby, Wirral (by email)

All winners will soon be receiving packs of Woolmans’ dazzling tulip bulb collections, each worth £29.75 For the full range of Woolmans’ bulbs and flowers, visit www.woolmans.com

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

n WIRRAL WIRED Tel 0151 670 1500 n WEST LANCS HELPLINE Freefone 0800 220676 n ST HELENS DASH Tel 01744 453053

MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Disability Resource Centre Tel 0121 789 7365 n Disabled People’s Network Solihull Tel 0121 788 1544 n STOKE: Disability Solutions Tel 01782 683800 n WOLVERHAMPTON Elder and Disabled Group Tel 01902 448552

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

Tel 0118 983 5555 n HENSHAW’S 0161 872 234 Tel 0151 708 7055 n LIVERPOOL: Bradbury Fields.Tel 0151 221 0888: Action for Bind Tel 0151 298 3222 n MANCHESTER: Action for Blind Tel 0161 787 9252 n PRESTON: Action for Blind People Tel 01772 320550 n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682 8019 n ROSSENDALE Tel 01706 873256 n SIGHTLINE (North West) Tel 0800 587 2252 n WIGAN Tel 01942 242891 n WIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877

ORGANISATIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF n BIRMINGHAM Institute for Deaf Tel 0121 246 6101 n CHESHIRE Deaf Society Tel 01606 47831 n CUMBRIA Deaf Society Tel 01228 606434 n LANCASHIRE (EAST) Deaf Society Tel 01282 839180 n MANCHESTER Deaf Centre Tel 0161 273 3415 Genie Networks.

Tel 0161 941 4549.

Text 18001 0161 941 4549 n MERSEYSIDE Society for Deaf Tel 0151 228 0888 n ST HELENS: Deafness Resource Centre Tel 01744 23887 n WOLVERHAMPTON Centre for Deaf Tel 01902 420904 n N WALES Deaf Association, Tel 01492 542235

CARERS’ CENTRES

n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 nCUMBRIA 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 nLIVERPOOL 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 nDOLGELLAU Tel 01341 421167 n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436 n WREXHAM CARERS SERVICE Tel: 0800 276 1070

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2017

All Together NOW!

21

Meet our proud new partners

N

ORTH West law firm Harvey Howell Solicitors has teamed up with All Together NOW!

Specialising in family work and private clients, as well as in preparing wills, Lasting Power of Attorney and advising on inheritance matters, Harvey Howell will be helping readers on a wide range of key issues – and providing expert comment and opinion.

Dr Tony Harvey, who runs the Liverpoolbased company along with solicitor John Howell, said: “We know that the All Together NOW! charity is making an enormous social contribution across the region.

“Not only do we want to help the charity to develop the newspaper, we also very much want to reach and help readers who

We’re going to help YOU! TOP ADVICE: John Howell, left, and Dr Tony Howell

are experiencing difficulties – especially those families worrying about social care.”

Dr Harvey, who lectures in the UK and internationally, holds postgraduate degrees in ethics and law and is chairman and director of a number of companies, charities and not for profit organisations.

Co-partner John Howell is a trusted advisor to a number of major organisations including several police federations and national charities.

He said: “Millions of people affected by disability and ill health are so often denied information that would help them to lead more fulfilled lives.

“All Together NOW! provides this information in abundance.

We are proud and excited to be involved in the paper’s development.”

Office of Public Guardian also teams up with All Together NOW!

A lives.

NY one of us could find ourselves unable to make decisions for ourselves at some point in our

That’s why it is important to find someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to, or you simply no longer wish to.

The Office of the Public Guardian protects people in England and Wales who may not have the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves.

We also help people plan ahead for someone to make certain important decisions for them, should they become unable to do so because they lack mental capacity.

In addition, we support the Public Guardian in carrying out the legal functions of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and work very closely with the Court of Protection.

Over the past few months, All Together NOW! readers have been asking for more details about the Lasting Power of Attorney.

Well, quite simply, this is a way of giving

by Sally Jones

Head of Legal Office of the Public Guardian

someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you lack mental capacity at some time in the future or you no longer wish to make decisions for yourself.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney – one for a person’s health and welfare and another for property and financial affairs. You can choose to make one type or both.

During the coming year I aim to provide up to date information on this page about what the OPG are currently doing and why a Lasting Power of Attorney can be so important.

So make sure you continue to pick up your FREE copy of All Together NOW!

n The OPG is based across a number of offices in Birmingham, Nottingham and London and we employ over 1,100 people. n As Head of Legal, I work across all three sites, but am mainly based in Nottingham. n You can find out more by visiting the OPG website at: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ office-of-the-public-guardian

Let’s make this great paper even greater!

STEVE McDERMOTT

STEVE McDERMOTT, a former chairman and trustee of the Everton In The Community charity, wants to hear from North West legal firms wanting to team up with All Together NOW! A commercial and procurement lawyer for the Government Legal Department, Steve said: “My organisation encourages its lawyers to lend their expertise to not-forprofits and charitable organisations from a pro-bono perspective, and I couldn't think of a better charity to help.”

Steve, who has a keen interest in both corporate social responsibility and philanthropy, said: “This is an absolutely fantastic charity and community newspaper that’s helping and informing hundreds of thousands of people.

“I am sure there are many businesses and individuals who would want to be associated with this innovative and award-winning work.”

PROMOTE YOUR LEGAL SERVICES TO HALF A MILLION READERS . . . Tel 0151 230 0307

22

All Together NOW!

December/January 2017

Bullied, sacked…

NEWS UPDATE

£750k plea for ‘brave Britons’

W

T

ORKERS with multiple sclerosis are facing “disturbing” levels of discrimination.

HE Government is being called on to expand an awardwinning scheme helping military veterans into work.

The LifeWorks programme is achieving exceptional results, with 83% of unemployed veterans finding some form of employment, education or training, despite the vast majority having a health condition or disability.

Now Royal British Legion Industries, the national Armed Forces charity, has called on the Department for Work and Pensions to fund an expansion of the scheme that’s been running for five years.

Over 20,000 people leave the services every year, yet many struggle to find employment – costing the Government over £21million a year.

The programme takes five days to complete, with delegates benefitting from a further 12 or more months of remote support and coaching.

RBLI is now calling for £750,000 of investment from the DWP to fund a pilot of the LifeWorks scheme for people in the wider community who are unemployed, particularly those with disabilities and health conditions.

RBLI chief executive Steve Sherry said: “There are still many veterans out there who need our support and who we are passionate about supporting.

“However, I see no reason why our work should be limited to those who have served in the military.

“Our ambition now is to extend this service to another group of brave Britons: those living with disabilities and health conditions.

“It is unacceptable that in today’s society, disabled people who want to work struggle to find the right opportunities.”

Benefits app

A NEW Disability Benefits App is available to help people apply for Employment Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payment.

The c-App, funded by the Legal Education Foundation and Comic Relief, has already received 60,000 unique users in its first eight months.

Marie Casey, CEO at disability charity seAp, said: “The app is free, independent and anonymous and gives people the opportunity to try out and understand the questions they will face at their benefits assessment.” n www.cApp.org.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

“TIME FOR CHANGE”: Michelle Mitchell

Distressing examples of mistreatment include facing offensive and humiliating comments, feeling bullied, and being accused of “looking too well”.

People also said they had lost out on promotions, been forced out of work unfairly, and had requests for reasonable adjustments denied, in a survey by the MS Society.

Almost a quarter (24%) of respondents said their employer has treated them badly as a result of their condition, and a fifth (20%) say their work colleagues have done so.

Of those who said they faced mistreatment from their employer, an overwhelming majority (91%) said it was known that they had MS. And 85% of those who faced mistreatment

from colleagues said they were aware they had MS. Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of the MS Society, said: “Our survey clearly shows the need for a shift in attitudes to better support people with long-term conditions and disabilities to stay in work.

“It’s disturbing to hear of so many accounts of people being bullied and mistreated at work because of their condition, especially as people with MS are protected against discrimination under equality law.

“We know that some people with MS absolutely won’t be able to work, but for those who can, simple adjustments and supportive employers can make a huge difference.

“We want to see more positive workplace cultures that value the important contributions people with MS can make.”

■ MS Helpline: 0808 800 8000.

FAST TRACK: From left, Hilary Farmiloe (Aspire), Steve Ward (ukactive director), Penny Mordaunt, Minister for Disabled People, Joe Townsend and Michelle Smith (Matrix)

Unlocking the boardroom

S

CHOLARSHIPS are being offered to help fast-track talented disabled people into top jobs.

Successful applicants will receive expert teaching, training and mentoring during a week-long course at the fully accessible IESE Business School in Barcelona.

The 2017 Future Leaders Programme is aimed at preparing people for leadership positions in the physical activity sector and places worth £6,000 are up for grabs.

The LeadAbility Scolarship Programme, launched by not-for-profit health body ukactive, will initially provide the fully funded places and succcessful applicants will be selected by representatives from ukactive

and spinal injury charity Aspire. ukactive executive director Steven Ward said: “LeadAbility will unlock the door to boardrooms across the physical activity sector, levelling the playing field and offering the most talented disabled individuals a route to the top.”

Disability minister Penny Mordaunt said: “Everyone deserves the chance to fulfil their potential and pursue their goals, and I’m delighted to see LeadAbility supporting young talent and creating opportunities for more disabled people to reach senior leadership.”

Hilary Farmiloe, at Aspire, said: “This is exactly what is needed to remove the financial barrier and encourage companies to invest in the development of disabled people

as industry leaders.

“Only when we have disabled people represented across the sector, including senior leadership positions, will we know we have succeeded in making this sector truly inclusive.”

Despite making up 15% of the workforce, disabled people remain significantly less likely to be in some form of employment.

At senior leadership level, non-disabled people are three times as likely to earn over £80,000 as disabled people – and twice as likely to be board level directors.

■ Contact Jak Phillips, tel 0207 400 8631 ■ Email: jakphillips@ukactive.org.uk n www.ukactive.org.uk

REACH HALF A MILLION READERS . . . . 0151 230 0307

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

December/January 2017

... just for having MS A

NDY DAVIES says he had worked as a business development manager for a small business for five years when he found out he had MS.

The episode that led to his diagnosis left him with severe mobility and cognitive problems, and he was signed off work for several months.

He says at the time, his employer was fantastic and reassured him that his job was secure.

When he was ready to return to work, Andy, 51, says the atmosphere had completely changed: “They tried to offer me a new contract with completely unfavourable conditions – fewer hours, less money, no sick pay and on a three month-rolling basis.

“There was no way I could accept it. I was then asked to attend an occupational health assessment but I found the assessor had no understanding of MS and hadn’t even seen my medical notes. Within weeks of the

LISA’S DIARY

assessment, I was fired on the grounds of ill health.

“I was devastated. I felt like this was a decision that had been made even before the assessment; they thought I couldn’t do my job properly because of my diagnosis,” added Andy, from Liverpool.

“I knew this was wrong, so I took legal action.

It was a hard battle, but after three years I won my case for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination. Since then, I’ve successfully launched my own digital marketing consultancy.

Disabled staff survey shock

B

RITAIN’S private businesses are being urged to change the culture around disabled employees after the results of a shocking survey.

The new study suggests workers become less happy as firms take on more people who have disabilities According to an in-depth analysis of data from hundreds of UK companies, levels of job satisfaction are likely to fall as the number of staff with disabilities increases.

Disturbingly, the fall in job satisfaction is confined exclusively to workers who are not disabled and is found only in the private sector, the research found.

The conclusions were reached after an indepth analysis of data from hundreds of UK companies by a team from Nottingham University Business School.

And they cast doubt on the effectiveness of current workplace disability strategies, said Dr Getinet Haile, who led the study.

“The fact that only non-disabled workers report lower job satisfaction seems to suggest some form of discrimination,” he said.

“But the fact that all the findings relate specifically to the private sector indicates that some sort of cultural or organisational failure may provide a more credible explanation.

“Wherever the blame might lie, it’s clear that the private sector has some distance to go

Let’s dance in the New Year

n MS affects more than 100,000 in the UK n Symptoms typically appear when people are in their 20s or 30s n MS attacks the nervous system, it’s often painful and exhausting and can cause problems with how we walk, move, see, think and feel. n It’s is unpredictable and different for everyone.

“DEVASTATED”: Andy Davies

Their presence puts colleagues on a downer

before it can be confident these issues are being dealt with effectively.”

Previous research in this field has focused largely on the disadvantages disabled workers suffer in the employment market and in terms of their earning potential.

There have been very few studies into how their introduction to a workforce impacts on the wellbeing of their fellow employees – whether positively or negatively.

The research sought to shed fresh light on this question by analysing data from the most recent British Workplace Employment Relations Survey, carried out in 2011.

Containing information representative of every business in the UK with five or more employees, the survey uses a variety of measures to assess job satisfaction.

Dr Haile cross-referenced these with statistics for disabled worker numbers to reveal a “significant” relationship between workplace diversity and workforce wellbeing.

He said: “Overall job satisfaction declines as

“FAILURE”: Dr Haile

both the percentage of workers with disabilities and the number of disabilityfriendly policies and practices increase.

“Further analysis shows this decline is confined to workers who aren’t disabled, which raises some serious questions about workplace diversity in the UK private sector.

“In particular, it highlights the importance and urgency of promoting a corporate culture that’s genuinely appropriate to the needs of a diverse group of employees.

“Needless to say, the answer isn’t to somehow shy away from diversity in the workplace. That would simply be to deny the reality of the situation on every level.

“Instead we need to build on all the good work that’s already been done by informing and designing even better workplace policies and practices to tackle the problem.

“One answer may be more formal training for managers and co-workers to raise their awareness of the value of championing diversity and accommodating all employees.

“Whatever the solution, this represents a wake-up call for anyone who believes issues such as these have long since been addressed and should no longer be of concern.” n Workplace Disability: Whose Wellbeing Does It Affect?, published by the Institute for the Study of Labour, Bonn, is available at www..iza.org/dp10102.pdf

Hello again!

BUSINESS has been really busy since my last column.

Our ‘Lisa Simpson Inclusive Dance ‘translator’s awareness day’ was a huge success.

The event, at Merseyside Dance Initiative in Hope Street, Liverpool, was well attended and we got really positive feedback and comments.

Everyone said they would recommend the workshop to colleagues as well as friends and family.

The next translators’ course will be at MDI in February. The event is open to people with or without a disability and you can take part by dancing, having fun and keeping fit or learning to translate via the Simpson board.

Just a reminder, for those reading my column for the first time, the Simpson board is a simple but fantastic tool with words, diagrams and symbols, which are needed to create dance movements.

It allows non-verbal choreographers like myself to communicate using their eyes, or users can point to what moves a dancer should create.

Where a choreographer has limited or non-verbal communication a trained translator can then verbally translate the choreographer’s instructions to dancers.

If you would like to learn how to become a translator or are interested in our workshops we would love to hear from you, contact 07814232189 Finally, on behalf of all of us at the LSID team, I wish everyone a great Christmas and New Year. See you in February!

REACH HALF A MILLION READERS . . . . 0151 230 0307

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24

All Together NOW!

Warning over insulin trials

PEOPLE who have diabetes are being urged to seek medical advice before changing insulin devices.

Makers of new insulin delivery systems have been contacting people with the condition directly, inviting them to take part in trials, according to reports.

Now the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has warned that changing devices can risk low blood glucose (hypogycaemia), too much blood glucose (hyperglycaemia).

It could also result in diabetics getting the wrong dose, risking a potentially life-threatening complication.

John Wilkinson, MHRA’s Director of Medical Devices, said: “We have been made aware that people have been approached to trial a new insulin delivery system.

“It is vital people use insulin delivery devices which are recommended by their diabetes specialist and we urge everyone not to make changes to their device or delivery system without first seeking guidance from their specialist.

“Speak to a qualified healthcare professional if you are unsure or if you have any questions.”

Natasha Marsland, senior clinical advisor at Diabetes UK, said: “People with diabetes should never stop using or change their insulin devices, which include insulin pens and insulin pumps, without first discussing with their healthcare team.”

December/January 2017

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Have a choc-filled Christmas – but make it a dark one!

Y

by Callum Melly founder of BodyIn8.com

OU might not be able to have your cake and eat it – but you can have chocolate and burn off stored body fat!

But your chocolate does have to be at least 70% dark chocolate – the higher the cocoa concentrate the better!

Ideally you should be looking for cacao-rich foods such as 100% raw chocolate or raw cacao nibs, which are rich in natural raw cacao. n Cacao, the purest form of chocolate you can consume, is rich in anandamide, which is known as the “bliss” molecule which can naturally boost your mood and create a sense of euphoria. n Cacao is rich in PEA or phenethylamine, which triggers the release of endorphins and pleasurable opium-like neurochemicals which can act as an

aphrodisiac as well as increase libido. n Cacao can also boost serotonin levels in the brain, which is another feel good chemical; these chemicals can then boost brain calming hormones that can relax us if we are feeling stressed and restore feelings of well-being. n Cacao is rich in flavonoids, which boast antiinflammatory health benefits as well as complex antioxidants also known as polyphenols.

Flavonoids and polyphenols can protect against cardiovascular disease, reduce the risk of stroke, improve blood circulation, reduce “bad” cholesterol & prevent hardening of arteries. Polyphenols antioxidants can also protect our cells from premature oxidation or destruction and help us to look and feel younger for longer! n Cacao thins blood and can prevent blood clots. n Hot cacao before a meal can also help us to consume fewer calories within the a day and lead to a natural calorie deficit and weight loss. n Cacao also contains MAO inhibitors, which can suppress your appetite.

These are just a few of the amazing health benefits of raw cacao!

So next time you are about to pick up a sugar laden milk chocolate bar, perhaps choose a healthier dark chocolate or raw cacao alternative.

NATURE’S WAY: Anandi, the sleep guru, cured her longterm insomnia with an ancient natural therapy

Sleep guru’s secrets

I

T took a 3,000-year-old medical system to cure Alison Francis’s 15 years of insomnia.

Ayurveda, a natural health therapy from ancient India, finally freed Alison from sleeplessness and the depression that stemmed from it.

Better known as the sleep guru Anandi, she was offered various remedies before coming across Ayurveda. Among them was sleeping tablets, which she tried for one night before realising they were not for her.

Ayurveda uses different exercises, including breathing techniques, to maintain balance.

Anandi believes that if her life goes

out of balance, then she suffers and Ayurveda teaches how to sustain balance.

“The custom-tailored Ayurvedic approach is the key to getting longterm results and total relief from insomnia,” she says.

The sleep guru has some useful tips for All Together NOW! readers that can help improve a night’s sleep: n Avoid caffeine and alcohol. n Lengthen and deepen the breath which calms the mind. n A busy mind is never going to sleep well – a daily ritual that nurtures the soul is vital for relaxed slumber. n Go to bed early and avoid

technology. Perhaps read a book. n Enjoy a diet with plentiful fruit and vegetables. n Turn the lighting down in the evening. n Avoid heavy conversations before bed time. n Keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter.

More helpful tips will soon be found in Anandi’s first book called ‘Breathe Better, Sleep Better’, which offers practical tools that can help detox the digestive system, calm the nervous system and stimulate the circulatory system. n www.thesleepguru.co.uk

Just be glad you weren’t born a lemur

IF YOU worry you’re not getting enough sleep, you might take heart from the news that we need a lot less than our closest animal relatives.

Humans are exceptionally short sleepers, getting by on an average seven hours a night, compared to other primates – like southern pig-tailed macaques and gray mouse lemurs – which need up to 17 hours, a study shows.

The reason, say US scientists, is that our sleep is much more efficient, meaning we spend a smaller proportion of time in light stages of sleep, and more time in deeper stages.

The dream state, known as rapid eye movement, or REM, is the stage of sleep that most restores the body, and makes up nearly 25% of our overall slumber. For many primates, REM sleep barely climbs above 5%, researchers found.

“Humans are unique in having shorter, higher quality sleep,” said anthropologist and study coauthor David Samson of Duke University in North Carolina.

Shorter sleep freed up time that could be devoted to other things, like learning new skills and forging social bonds, while deeper sleep helped to cement those skills, sharpen memory and boost brainpower, Samson said.

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Don’t kill the LIFESAVERS December/January 2017

A

NTIBIOTICS have saved billions of lives. But they are rapidly losing their powers.

‘Antibiotics: Handle with Care’ was the theme of a special week aimed to spread the word that they are a precious resource and should be preserved.

Health professionals from across Liverpool Community Health raised awareness of antibiotic resistance and encouraged colleagues, patients, family members and friends to make a pledge about making better use of antibiotics.

Alison Butt, head of Medicines Management at LCH, warned: “Antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at an increasing rate.

“Over 35 million antibiotic courses were prescribed nationally by GPs last year, but the more antibiotics are used, the

more resistant bacteria will become to them.”

“There are very few new antibiotics in the development pipeline, which is why it is important we use our existing antibiotics wisely and make sure these life-saving medicines continue to stay effective for future generations.” n Antibiotics should only ever be used to treat bacterial infections.

They do not work for colds, most coughs, sore throats, earache or viral infections, and your body can usually fight these infections on its own n Antibiotics should be taken at regular intervals, they should never be shared, and the full course of treatment should be completed – not saved for the future. n Find out more about becoming an antibiotic guardian at: www.antibioticguardian.com

It’s time to look after yourself IN THE PICTURE: Alison Butt, centre, and staff helping to get the message across about antibiotics

N

HS patients and staff are being urged to educate themselves on Self Care this winter by understanding what they can do to look after their own health better, and that of their family.

Self Care simply means taking better care of precious NHS resources and greater responsibility for your own heath by taking good care of yourself and living as healthily as possible.

Five simple steps of self care include: n Look after yourself by keeping active and choosing a healthy, balanced diet. n Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet for managing any common, self-treatable conditions at home such as coughs colds, sore throats, and flu like symptoms. n Consider seeking advice and treatment for any minor ailments or common winter illnesses from a pharmacist rather than your GP. n If you have a long-term health condition such as diabetes, COPD, arthritis or asthma,

self-care is also about understanding your condition and how to live with it and manage it well. n If you are over 65, pregnant, have a long-term condition, or are a carer you should also ensure that you have a free NHS seasonal flu vaccine, available from your GP. Dr Ann Hoskins, Medical Director at LCH, said: “At this time of year doctors surgeries, Walk-in Centres and hospital A&E departments can become extremely busy,

and self care is about knowing when to choose to self treat at home, and when to seek further support from local health services.

“Figures show that one in four people who access A&E could have either self-treated at home, or used another more appropriate service such as their local pharmacy, doctors surgery or an NHS Walk-in Centre for advice or treatment instead.”

GP Dave Webster, Interim Associate Medical Director for LCH, said: “Self Care is about us all taking some responsibility for our own health by choosing a lifestyle that helps prevent illness and keeps us well.

“For example, we know that over 400 deaths in Liverpool could be prevented every year just by doing the recommended 30 minutes of moderate exercise, for five days per week. Even if this seems too difficult, doing something is always better than doing nothing when it comes to your health.

“The fact is that everyone can choose to be a bit more active, whether that’s taking the stairs instead of the lift, getting off the bus a stop early, or walking to the local shops instead of driving.“

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SCREAM ABOUT IT

Don’t suffer in silence We offer free and confidential help and advice to anyone affected by domestic violence or sexual assault. Call SAFE Place Merseyside on 0151 295 3550 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) or visit:

www.safeplacemerseyside.org.uk DON’T put up with domestic violence, say LCH’s Safeguarding Team and the Sexual Assault Referral Centre who are supporting 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence 2016.

Statistics suggest that 25% of women and 16% of men are affected by domestic violence during their adult lifetime.

Debby Wilson, Domestic Abuse Specialist Nurse for LCH, said: “Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust is committed to supporting all of its staff and patients to recognise abuse when it’s happening, and empowering people to live their lives free from all forms of abuse.

“The 16 Days of Action is an opportunity for us as health professionals to reflect and renew our commitment to supporting those caught in cycles of abuse, as well as celebrate all of the positive work that is already taking place.”

She added: “If someone is hurting you, threatening you or making you feel frightened, powerless or ashamed, or if someone tells you it’s your fault when they are hurting you; then you are suffering domestic abuse.

“If someone prevents you from socialising or seeing your friends or family members, if someone is forcing you to work for them and not allowing you any personal freedom or choice over your life; then you are suffering domestic abuse.”

Shelly Stoops, Service Manager for SAFE Place which is the Sexual Assault Referral Centre for Merseyside, added: “If any members of the public have been affected by sexual abuse, violence or assault, whether it happened recently or at any time in the past, we’d also encourage them not to suffer in silence but to contact us for advice, support or counselling.

“You can speak to one of our highly trained Safe Place team at any time.

“Our confidential helpline operates 247- 365, and we can support you either with or without police involvement.” n 16 Days of Action: 25 Nov - 10 Dec

To find out more, visit . . . www.liverpoolcommunityhealth.nhs.uk

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2017

MEDICAL NOTES

UK 10th in league table of skin cancer

THE UK comes 10th in a new league of those countries most susceptible to skin cancer.

The table was compiled by cosmetics company Derma.plus, whose research highlights the inequalities in health care spending across the globe.

The research shows that skin cancer is more prevalent in developed countries. The combination of UV factor levels and skin-tone create an environment where skin cancer is more likely.

Countries such as New Zealand and Australia, which have some of the highest incidences of skin cancer, also have some of the lowest death rates due to high levels of health spending.

“The incidence of both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers has increased dramatically over the past decades,” said Professor Dietrick Abeck, chief medical advisor for Derma.plus.

“Worldwide, more than three million non-melanoma skin cancers and 150,000 melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed each year. One in every three cancers diagnosed is a skin cancer.”

Skin cancer claims a life every 10 minutes and the study aims to highlight the precautions and prevention that can be taken across the world to combat the disease.

Death rates from the disease have doubled since 1990.

App may save lives

A NEW app to help identify moles and other skin conditions that need looking at by a doctor is already saving lives, say the makers.

SkinVision has launched the first certified skin cancer risk analysis app in the UK for the three most common types of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Caroline Salmon says the app saved her life. The 49-year-old mum of two from Cambridgeshire, says: “I noticed that a freckle on my right leg had begun to subtly change size and shape.

“I came across the SkinVision app on Facebook. After taking a photograph and analysing the freckle I saw the reply was ‘high risk’.

“The freckle was confirmed as a melanoma and I was sent off to the hospital at Addenbrookes Cambridge Hospital to have it removed.” n SkinVision can download the SkinVision app with a one-month free trial: https://skinvision.com

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Volunteers needed for vital research

AMPUTEES are being asked to take part in new research to help understand and improve movement for people with belowthe-knee limb loss.

It is hoped the study will provide an insight into how the leg muscles of below-the-knee amputees function, and how this affects movement and co-ordination.

People aged 20 to 45 are being recruited for a three-year project at London’s University of Roehampton.

The research could provide interventions to improve amputee movement and health, as well as new knowledge of muscle disuse and disease.

Dr Neale Tillin from the university’s Department of Life Sciences, said: “The most recent reports show there are around 3,000 below-the-knee amputations in the UK each year, and yet there is very little research

exploring the effects this has on their muscle function and movement patterns.

“This research will give us a deeper understanding of how amputation affects muscle function, and how this relates to changes in movement and coordination, helping to reduce the risk of dilapidating diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

“It will also guide and inform research for other groups who might be more prone to muscle-waste problems, like the elderly or those with a heavily sedentary lifestyle.”

Previous studies have shown that people with unilateral amputations completely change their movement pattern which impacts balance, confidence in their movement, as well as confidence in sporting activity.

It is often found that increased pressure is

stressed on the intact limb, predisposing amputees to joint disease on the intact-side and muscle and bone wastage in the amputated limb.

The team will conduct research to fully understand how amputees move and how their able-bodied counterparts move by comparing their motions in walking, running, stepping and jumping. As well as movement, comparisons will be made in muscle strength and muscle activity.

The volunteers will be asked to visit the laboratory on three occasions for two-three hours a time.

A LIFE CHANGER

P

EOPLE living with aboveknee limb loss in England are waiting for a decision from the NHS that could change their lives.

If funding for microprocessor controlled prosthetic knees is approved hundreds of people could benefit from one of the safest and most popular MPKs on the market.

MPKs help amputees walk with a much more stable and efficient gait while reducing the chance of stumbles and falls.

Ottobock’s C-Leg 4 has a complex sensor system, adapting to the user’s natural gait pattern, even at various speeds, whether on level ground, going down stairs, or on slopes.

People can navigate difficult surfaces such as forests, sand and gravel. The system also has a stumble recovery function, reducing the risk of falls.

“Being able to stop and stand still without thinking, change your speed of walking, or take a step backwards should not be a luxury,” says Kiera Roche, founder of national charity LimbPower.

“This would be a huge win for those living with above-knee limb loss. The application of this policy would be life-changing for hundreds of people.

“I have met so many who have been trapped by the limited capabilities of their current prosthesis.

“Giving them the possibility to be able to go out without the fear of

n Contact Dr Neale Tillin, neale.tillin@roehampton.ac.uk. Tel. 0208 392 3542, or Dr Siobhan Strike, s.strike@roehampton.ac.uk. Tel. 0208 392 3546.

Amputees agonising wait for NHS cash decision

hurting themselves is priceless.

This is why I have backed this policy from the start.”

Someone who knows the benefits of an MPK is Gillian McBain.

For the first 10 years after her amputation, Gillian was a competitive swimmer.

Back then she was only concerned about getting from her car to where she wanted to go and back again.

“As long as my prosthesis got me from the house to the car and the car to the pool or gym that was all I asked of it,” she said.

Gillian was then offered the chance to use a C-Leg – and hasn’t looked back!

“This was the start of my life returning to something along the lines of what I used to know.

“It’s allowing me to do the things that I loved doing before my amputation.”

The perfect tonic . . .

TRANSFORMED: Gillian out and about with her C-Leg

HALF A MILLION people

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

December/January 2017

MEDICAL NOTES

Urgent warning over 2,500 defibrillators

IT’S JAW DROPPING: Crocodiles’ ability to adapt to their environment could be of help to us humans

CROCODILE DOC W

E have long assumed we were the most advanced species on earth, perhaps due to our brains, and our ability to communicate and manage the environments we live in.

But as Professor Craig Franklin has found, there are members of the animal kingdom who are – in some respects – far better than us at adapting to their circumstances.

Craig is an animal ecophysiologist and zoologist at the University of Queensland, Australia and iDirector of Research for the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, a wetland conversation area of 135,000 hectares on Australia’s Cape York.

Impressive

Steve Irwin achieved international fame as a conservationist and wildlife expert before he was tragically killed by a stingray injury.

Craig’s team, alongside Steve’s daughter Bindi and the rest of the family, has undertaken arguably the longest and largest tracking programme of its type anywhere in the world, monitoring the locations and body temperatures of over 150 crocodiles.

“We’ve been surgically inserting transmitters into the crocodiles, and today have over five million individual recordings from our 150 animals – a really impressive amount of data.

“The reason that we measure the crocodiles’ body temperature is that it governs, to a major extent, the

All Together NOW!

How animals help improve our medicine

physiology of organisms, from how they move to how they process food and how long they can stay underwater.

“Where we have made some large advances is the understanding of body temperature patterns. It is quite surprising that in the tropical river system in which we are working, the crocodiles’ body temperatures conform to their aquatic environment – it mimics the temperature of the water.

“That goes against the paradigm for crocodiles in that they bask and warm up. That doesn’t seem to be the case with our animals.

“We have had some beautiful results that show that a small increase in water temperature has a huge impact on the crocodiles’ ability to hold their breath underwater.

“We’ve seen crocodiles dive for up to seven hours at a time.”

This is just one example of Professor Franklin’s studies into how life evolves to meet the physiological challenges associated with extreme environmental conditions.

One species that shows remarkable adaptation to an environment humans

are reading these pages

would consider hostile is the greenstriped burrowing frog, an amphibian which survives in the arid Australian desert despite having a permeable skin.

“They are an amazing group of animals,” said Craig, “which can remain underground, entombed in clay burrows, wrapped in a mucous cocoon, for years at a time in between rainfall.

They are completely immobile and inactive and enter a state of dormancy called aestivation.

“What is remarkable is that when the rain does come, their muscles haven’t wasted away, despite not having fed or used their muscles for the long period of dormancy.

“Our interest is in how the frogs prevent muscle wasting, or muscledisuse atrophy. This is of huge significance to human medicine because of its implications on the treatment of patients in casts, or those who are bed-bound for months at a time.

“In space, in a micro-gravity environment, an astronaut’s muscles waste away quite dramatically, yet these frogs have solved that problem.

“I think that looking at mechanisms such as the frogs’ defence against muscle disuse atrophy, and working out which genes are turned on and off, could have an impact on medicine in the future.”

n Professor Franklin presented his findings to the World Extreme Medicine Conference in Edinburgh in November.

tel 0151 230 0307

MORE than 2,500 defibrillators being used in public places may not work properly.

The company which make the devices – Physio-Control – is asking individuals and organisations to check if they have the following models installed at their venues – LIFEPAK CR Plus and LIFEPAK EXPRESS Automatic External Defibrillators (AED). component (reed switch) that can intermittently become stuck in the closed position. This could fail to deliver a shock to resuscitate a patient.

Those responsible for the defibrillators should check that the serial number listed in their confirmation sheet matches the serial number on the label located on the back of the device.

When the on/off button is pressed and the lid is opened a voice prompt may fail. If voice prompts are not activated within five seconds, the device should be removed and the manufacturer’s customer support contacted to arrange for the reed switch to be replaced.

If the voice prompt is initiated within five seconds, they can still be used but should continue to be monitored in line with their routine check process until contacted to arrange for the reed switch to be replaced.

If you have one of these defibrillators and have not received the manufacturer’s safety alert, you should locate the serial number on the label on the back of the device and call the manufacturer’s customer support or visit their website to see if the device is affected. n Contact Physio-Control: 0808 258 0094.

Kidney deaths rising DEATHS from chronic kidney disease among men and women are increasing worldwide.

Between 2005 and 2015 deaths caused

by CKD rose by 32% to 1.2 million, says a new Global Burden of Disease study.

In 2015, Latin America had the highest CKD death rates in the world.

More than half of Mexican patients who develop kidney failure did so as a result of diabetes.

An additional concern is emerging epidemics of death due to unexplained CKD in younger adults in Central America, as well as in India and Sri Lanka.

Once CKD has advanced to complete kidney failure, the only options for prolonging life are long-term dialysis or kidney transplantation – complex and costly interventions which are not accessible to the general population in many countries.

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All Together NOW!

Nov 18-Jan 14: Cinderella. Octagon, Bolton. Five rats, one romance, no cheese!

Audio described, Dec 2, 7pm; BSL, Dec 9, 7pm; Captioned, Dec 16, 7pm.

Nov 25-Jan 14: Scouse on the Run. Royal Court, Liverpool. Gags, songs and silliness!

Nov 25-Jan 21: Aladdin: The Wok ‘n’ Roll Panto. Theatr Clwyd, Mold.

Nov 26-Jan 21: Beauty and the Beast. Everyman, Liverpool.

Legendary double-act Adam Keast and Francis Tucker back are back with the rock ‘n’ roll panto.

Nov 29-Jan 28: Billy Elliot. Palace Theatre Manchester. Set in a northern mining town, the inspirational story of a young boy’s struggle against the odds to make his dream come true.

Dec 1: The Searchers. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Dec 2: The Johnny Cash Roadshow.

Southport Theatre. Clive John is the ‘man in black’.

Dec 2-Jan 7: Little Red and The Big Bad Wolf. Unity, Liverpool.

Starring Natalia Campbell, Simone Lewis, Harvey Robinson and Luca Rutherford. BSL, Dec 10, 2.30pm and Jan 3, 2pm; Relaxed performance, Dec 16, 6pm.

Dec 2: Stand By Me. Ben E King and Drifters Revue. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Dec 3-Jan 8: Aladdin. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Amy Childs and Harry Derbridge (The Only Way is Essex) among the cast.

Dec 4-7: Faulty Towers: The Christmas Dining Experience. The Lowry, Salford.

Dec 5: The Houghton Weavers. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Dec 6-15: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The Lowry, Salford. Starring Jason Manford as Caractacus Potts, Claire Sweeney as Baroness Bomburst, and Phill Jupitus. BSL, Dec 15, 7.30pm; Audio described, Dec 18, 2pm; Relaxed, Dec 22, 2pm; Captioned, Jan 10, 7.30pm.

Dec 7-8: Horrible Christmas. The Lowry, Salford.

Dec 8-Jan 8: Cinderella. Regent Theatre, Stoke. Jonathan Wilkes, with Christian Patterson and Simon Nehan as the Ugly Sisters.

Dec 8: Take on Take That. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute act.

Dec 9-31: Snow White. Southport Theatre. Home and Away star Lynne McGranger as the Wicked Queen and Justin Fletcher as the Magic Mirror.

Dec 9: Dr Hook. Grand Hall, Preston. After a series of sell-out shows in Australia and New Zealand, the band are back in the UK. Dec 9-Jan 7: Peter Pan. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Starring Mark Little, Derek Moran, Juliet Cadzow and Sean Jones.

Dec 9-Jan 8: Aladdin. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Starring CBBC’s Barney Harwood, Grand Steve Royle (BBC Radio Lancashire), Holby City’s Mark Moraghan, Radio Wave 9.65fm’s

December/January 2017

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BOX OFFICE CONTACTS BOX OFFICE CONTACTS BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre: 01253 290190 BOLTON Octagon: 01204 520661 LIVERPOOL Empire: 08444 999 999 Everyman & Playhouse: 0151 709 4776 Royal Court: 0870 787 1866 Unity 0151 709 4988 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 PRESTON: Charter Theatre: 0845 344 2012 RHYL: Pavilion Theatre: 01745 330 000 RUNCORN The Brindley: 0151 907 8360 SOUTHPORT: Floral Hall: 0844 847 2380 ST HELENS: Theatre Royal: 01744 756000 STOKE: Regent Theatre: 0844 871 7627

CHRISTMAS

Hayley Kay, Philip Meeks, and comedy magician Mark James. Audio described, Dec 17, 2pm.

Dec 9-Jan 8: Aladdin. Opera House Manchester. Starring Sherrie Hewson, John Thomson, and Ben Adams.

Writer, director – and one of the best dames in the business – Eric Potts as Widow Twankey! BSL Performances: Thu 15 & Fri 16 Dec, 7pm. Relaxed performance, Fri 30 Dec, 1pm. Access team, tel 0161 245 6605.

Dec 9-Jan 14: The Star. Playhouse, Liverpool. The Big Brilliant Music Hall Show.

Magical, mesmerising music hall days.

Michael Starke, Eithne Browne, Michelle Butterly among the star line-up.

Dec 10-Jan 8: Cinderella. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Olivia Birchenmough as Cinders, Alsion Hammond is the Fairy Godmother, with Tom Ryan as Buttons. Audio described, Dec 15, 1.30pm; BSL, Dec 18, 5pm; Relaxed performance, Jan 5, 7pm.

Dec 10-31: Aladdin. Theatr Cymru Llandudno. Starring Welsh Rugby star Gareth Thomas. BSL Performance, Dec 17, 2.15pm. Relaxed performance, Dec 17, 1pm Dec 10-Dec 31: Snow White.

Liverpool Empire. Jorgie Porter (Snow White), Leanne Campbell (Wicked Queen), Liam Mellor (Muddles).

H

AVE a right old knees up, laugh, cry, and be dazzled and amazed down at The Star … The Playhouse in Liverpool is being ‘transformed’ into a music hall for the Christmas period (and January!) – and Jack Rigby (left), Michael Starke, and Helen Carter guarantee a night to remember!

Dec 11: Richard Durrant Candleit Christmas. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. Musical midwinter charm from the UK’s favourite barefoot, stand-up, un-classical guitarist – a world class virtuoso, compelling storyteller and genial host.

Dec 12-Jan 5: Jack and The Beanstalk. Charter Theatre, Preston. Starring Phil Walker, Linda Nolan, Ian Good and Charlotte Dalton, who returns after wowing last year’s audiences with her amazing vocals.

Dec 13: Christmas Party Night – Abba Forever. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Dec 13: Christmas Gothic. The Brindley, Runcorn. Three seasonal tales of terror.

Dec 15: Christmas Party Night – Ultimate Dirty Dancing. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Dec 15: Jenny Colquitt. Local singersongwriter is back at The Brindley, Runcorn.

Dec 15: Manford’s Comedy Club. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Dec 16-19: Santa Saves Christmas. The Brindley, Runcorn. A festive, interactive, song-filled show family show particularly suitable for 2-7 year-olds.

Dec 16: Take Phat Christmas Party! The Brindley, Runcorn.

Tribute act. All proceeds to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Dec 17-24: Storytime with Santa. Floral

Pavilion, New Brighton.

Dec 17-Jan 15: Cinderella. The Brindley, Runcorn. BSL, Dec 22, 6pm; Relaxed, Dec 30, 1pm Dec 18: Christmas with Blake.

Festive songs and comedy. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Dec 19: The Big Band at Christmas. The Brindley, Runcorn. Swing ‘n’ sing-along into Christmas with the unique Five Star Swing Big Band show.

Dec 20-31: The Tommy Cooper Show. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. Daniel Taylor brilliant wearing the famous Fez. Dec 21: The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza – Starring The Osmonds.

Grand Hall, Preston.

Dec 24: White Christmas. The Brindley, Runcorn. The classic Christmas film.

Jan 5-7: The Marriage of Figaro. Liverpool Audio described, Jan 7, 7.15pm Jan 7: Legend of a Band. Grand Hall,Preston. Moody Blues tribute band.

Jan 8: Whitney – Queen of the Night.

Liverpool Empire. Tribute act.

Jan 9-14: Lord of the Dance – Dangerous Games. Liverpool Empire. Starring Morgan Corner.

Jan 12-15: Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Great fun and adventure with Wirral’s popular

HOW YOU CAN PLAY A STARRING ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF THIS

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2017

SHERRIE HEWSON and John Thomson star in Aladdin at the Opera House, Manchester (Dec 9-Jan 8).

BSL Performances: Thu 15 & Fri 16 Dec, 7pm. Relaxed performance, Fri 30 Dec, 1pm.

Just relax . . .

TREATS GALORE T

SINGING star Sonia (Fairy Superior) and Rebecca Lake (Cinderella) head the cast in The Brindley’s panto

panto group, The Chrysanths Pantomime Society.

Jan 13: Die Fledermaus. Charter Theatre, Preston. Operetta.

Jan 13: The Simon and Garfunkel Story.

Regent Theatre, Stoke.

Jan 14: Beyond The Barricade. Charter Theatre, Preston. West End hits by principal performers from Les Miserables.

Jan 15: Waterloo. Charter Theatre, Preston.

New tribute show.

Jan 16-21: The Commitments. Liverpool Empire. West End musical comes to Merseyside.

Jan 16: The Nutcracker. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Russian State Ballet of Siberia.

Ballet for all the family.

Jan 16: An Evening with Tom Paxton. The Lowry, Salford.

Jan 17: MACCA – The Concert. Southport Theatre. Emanuele Angeletti stars as Paul McCartney in a celebration of the life and music of a legend.

Jan 17: Coppelia. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Russian State Ballet of Siberia. Magic in a doll maker’s workshop.

Jan 18: Swan Lake. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Russian State Ballet of Siberia. The greatest romantic ballet of all.

Jan 19-20: Jack Whitehall: At Large. Regent Theatre, Stoke.

Jan 19: Manford’s Comedy Club. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Jan 19-Feb 11: Educating Rita.

Octagon, Bolton. Willy Russell’s award-winning play. Audio described, Jan 26, 7.30pm; BSL, Feb 2; Captioned, Feb 9, 7.30pm.

Jan 20-21: Rapunzel featuring Rumpelstiltskin. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jan 20: The Tina Turner Experience. The Brindley, Runcorn. Energetic show charts Tina’s life and career.

Jan 21: The Johnny Cash Roadshow. Regent Theatre, Stoke.

Jan 21: John Shuttleworth: My Last Will and Tasty Mint. Playhouse, Liverpool. Can agent Ken Worthington pull out the stops and make John a star before his retirement?

Jan 21: Musical Mayhem. The Brindley, Runcorn. Very best of West End and Broadway’s musical theatre.

Jan 21-Feb 4: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The Lowry, Salford.

Jan 22: Beyond The Barricade. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. West End hits sung by stars of Les Miserables.

Jan 22: The ‘Neil Diamond Rocks’ Tour.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. John Hylton’s tribute to the rock legend.

Jan 22: Sleeping Beauty A Magical Ballet.

The Brindley, Runcorn. Ballet pupils of A.T. School of Dance & Footloose Theatre School.

Jan 24-28: Evita. Liverpool Empire. Musical.

The story of Eva Peron of Argentina - the poor girl made good.

Jan 24: I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.

Theatr Cymru Llandudno. Barry Cryer,

HE Brindley is just one of a number of our North West venues that’s including assisted performances to help people get the most from the shows.

They are staging an adapted and relaxed performance of Cinderella – and a British Sign Language interpreted show.

Opening night is Saturday December 17. The curtain goes up for the BSL version on Thursday 22 December at 6pm.

The relaxed performance is on Friday 30 December at 1pm.

Tony Hawkes, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Jeremy Hardy, Jack Dee and Colin Sell among the bill.

Jan 25-Jan 29: Faulty Towers The Dining Experience. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jan 25: Brain Dump 2017: Ross Noble.

Theatr Cymru Llandudno.

Jan 25-26: John Shuttleworth: My Last Will and Tasty Mint. The Lowry, Salford.

Jan 25 -28: Hamlet. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Bringing Shakespeare’s tragedy to life with some fine local actors.

Jan 26: Bon Giovi. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Tribute act.

Jan 27-28: Thriller Live. Southport Theatre.

Tribute act.

Jan 27: Roy Orbison & The Travelling Wilburys. The Brindley, Runcorn. Paul Hopkins and friends’ tribute act.

Jan 27-Feb 25: Brick Up 2 – The Wrath of Ann Twacky. Royal Court, Liverpool. The Kingsway three are back and the Wirral is not going to take this lying down!

Jan 27: All Night Long: Brendan Cole. Theatr Cymru Llandudno.

Jan 28: The Best Of, Ultimate Gold, Greatest Hits Tour: Jimmy Carr.

Theatr Cymru Llandudno.

Jan 28: Roger McGough and Brian Patten with LiTTLe MCHiNe. Playhouse, Liverpool. A fine selection of vintage, classic and surprising poems set to music.

Jan 29: MACCA – The Paul McCartney Story.

The Runcorn Brindley. Emanuele Angeletti as Paul McCartney.

Jan 30: Giselle. Liverpool Empire. Ballet.

Jan 30: Brendan Cole: All Night Long.

Palace Theatre Manchester.

Jan 31: The Johnny Cash Roadshow. Palace Theatre Manchester. Tribute show.

Jan 31-Feb 1: Swan Lake. Liverpool Empire.

Ballet.

Jan 31-Feb 4: Evita. Regent Theatre, Stoke.

Eva Peron musical.

Feb 1: The Simon and Garfunkel Story.

Palace Theatre Manchester.

Feb 2-3: Show Us Yer Tips. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Feb 2: The Simon and Garfunkel Story. Liverpool Empire.

Feb 3: Beyond The Barricade.

Liverpool Empire. A concert of popular songs from West End shows performed by ex cast members of Les Miserables.

Feb 3: The Elvis Years. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Feb 3: Motown’s Greatest Hits: How Sweet It Is. Palace Theatre Manchester.

Feb 4: Stand By Me. Liverpool Empire. Roller coaster of a show, with great music.

Feb 5: Rumours of Fleetwood Mac – Hits to Blues. Palace Theatre Manchester.

Feb 7-11: Sunny Afternoon. Liverpool Empire.

Musical telling the story of The Kinks.

UNIQUE UNIQUE CHARITY CHARITY NEWSPAPER . .. . SEE SEE BACK PAGE PAGE FOR FOR DETAILS

29

Books

30

All Together NOW!

When the robots are left in charge Aalot’s Revenge, by M H Shakir, Matador, £9.99

WITH people living longer and the over 65 population on the increase, clinician M H Shakir wondered what would happen if medical advances meant we could prolong human life.

Described by BBC News as “one of the hottest topics on the planet right now”, artificial intelligence is an area of developing interest and it was these two contributing factors that inspired Buckinghamshire-based Shakir’s debut novel.

Set in a dystopian world faced with an increasing population, there are no solutions except to take advantage of the use of artificial intelligence to care for the elderly citizens.

Bitter for having been born severely disabled, Aalot blames his parents’ selfish ways for his situation.

He decides to infiltrate the minds of his parents by adapting the technology that aids his disability.

Having taken control of his father, he causes him to risk everything by launching a project to reintroduce human-like robots as a solution to the shortage of carers for the elderly.

Both illegal and highly controversial, the project reignites past fears regarding what are referred to only as the “troubles”, situations that occurred when robots became totally independent.

Free from the GP The Key to Mental Health, by Kelly Niven, Amazon, £3.50

AFTER the birth of her second child, Kelly Niven struggled to regain her mental health.

After making some easy and painful life changes, Kelly came to realise that it’s more than possible to live with happiness and prosperity without succumbing to the drab four walls of a doctor or therapist’s clinic.

Her book is written from her own experiences and showcases a simple, medication-free way to remove symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety.

“The key to mental health is about being true to yourself,” she says. “Sometimes that means leaving someone you don’t love, sometimes it means leaving the one you do.

“The book comes in two distinct parts.

The first is something of an autobiography of my life, the onset of my mental health issues and the rollercoaster of triumph and defeat I went through to eventually emerge victorious.

“The second part morphs into a self-helpstyle guide for those looking to rid themselves of depression and anxiety – covering everything from a history of the mental health system all of the way down to challenging personal growth strategies that anyone can easily deploy.”

December/January 2017

ARIES March 21st - April 20th

conserve your resources. The Full Moon on the 14th will bring some additional money from an inheritance, legal settlement or insurance refund. The New Moon on the 29th will prompt you to acquire some valuable skills. Expand your repertoire. Love, adventure and leisure will characterise the opening days of 2017. On the 12th, the Full Moon will expose some gaps in your knowledge. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and additional training. Nobody will look down on you for wanting to further your education.

The New Moon on the 28th could allow you to work from home a few days each week.

It will be hard to get a dream off the ground in early December. Try not to get discouraged when an authority figure criticises your initial attempts. Patience and perseverance will pay off. The Full Moon on the 14th brings exciting news about your family. During the second half of the month, you will try to keep a low profile.

2017 begins in a quiet, understated way.

Instead of plunging right into the thick of things, you will gently test the waters. Quiet, contemplative activities will give you the emotional strength to assume big career responsibilities. As January draws to a close, you’ll become more and more sociable. A gathering on the 28th is worth attending; Come out of the shadows and into the light as February approaches.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st

A team project will be very frustrating in early December. The Full Moon on the 14th will help you earn extra money. The second half of the month will invite you to expand your horizons.

Taking a trip for pleasure will be a welcome change of pace on the 29th. That’s when the New Moon will make it possible to break away from the old routine. Rubbing elbows with VIPs will be a trend during the first half of January.

Whether you’re looking for love, want a job or feel compelled to showcase your creative work, get out and network. The New Moon on the 28th will attract a welcome career opportunity.

Don’t hesitate to apply for a new job in the tech industry. This position will give you fame, acclaim and a very nice salary. At long last, you’ll be able to enjoy the creature comforts you adore.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st

The Full Moon on the 14th is ideal for making a serious commitment. Getting engaged or married is a distinct possibility. If you’re already in a serious relationship, you may launch a business partnership. Someone who is in the grips of an addiction needs to be confronted in the second half of the month. The New Moon on the 29th will give you the strength to communicate some hard facts to a loved one who needs help. You’ll be basking in the public spotlight in the opening days of January. This is a terrific time to make a sales pitch or public appeal. People will respond warmly to your wit, intelligence and humanity. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to manage a collection or fund.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd

It will be difficult to find fulfilling work at the beginning of December. The Full Moon on the 14th will allow you to rest, relax and recuperate from a stressful assignment. Are you single?

You could meet someone special near the 29th, when the New Moon attracts lots of romantic attention. If you already have a partner, go on a trip with your amour. Spend the opening days of 2017 touring a city that has fascinated you since childhood. If you can’t take a trip at this time, you can always armchair travel via the internet or a movie. On the 12th, the Full Moon could make you quite emotional. You’ll be ready to cut ties with a relative who is always overstepping their boundaries.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd

Be realistic about romance at the beginning of December. The Full Moon on the 14th will bring the successful conclusion to a group project.

Use this success as a launching pad to bigger and better work assignments. The New Moon on the 29th is perfect for

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RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . .

launching a fitness regime. Taking more exercise will give you an attractive glow that will be difficult to resist. Financial gain through a marriage, business partnership or investment deal could arrive early in the New Year. Beware of a temptation to lash out at people who try pushing your buttons with teasing remarks. The New Moon on the 28th is ideal for embarking on a partnership of some kind.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd

Be respectful of a loved one’s desire for privacy in the early days of December. The Full Moon on the 14th marks a turning point in your domestic life. This is a great time to buy or sell a property. If you’re looking for love, you could find it during the second half of the month. The New Moon on the 29th invites you to launch a creative project. Two heads are better than one in the early days of January. The Full Moon on the 12th will put strain on a friendship. On the 28th, the New Moon could mark an exciting job offer. Not only will this position offer a lot of mental stimulation, but it will also have some impressive perks.

LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd

Work won’t offer much creative fulfilment in the opening days of December. Your love life will be far more promising. The Full Moon on the 14th brings the successful conclusion to a legal matter. It will be a relief to move on to greener pastures. Focus on your home life during the second half of the month. The opening days are January are perfect for sprucing up your wardrobe or updating your look in some way.

The Full Moon on the 12th could find you facing off with an unbearable authority figure. By the time the New Moon rises on the 28th, you will get a terrific offer. You’ll get the full support of your best friend or romantic partner. Good things come to those who wait.

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd

Don’t feel pressured into buying expensive gifts at the beginning of December; it’s better to

Family won’t be very supportive at the beginning of December. You’ll have to be your own cheerleader, especially if you’re planning a bold move. Raising money for a good cause will give you a new lease on life. The Full Moon on the 14th marks an exciting turning point in an intimate relationship. The second half of December will be filled with exciting moneymaking opportunities. The opening days of 2017 offer a welcome opportunity to recover from the Christmas season. Stick close to home, spending quality time with your relatives and pets. As January comes to a close, you’ll get some good news on the 28th. That’s when the New Moon will help you reconnect with a fun loving neighbour or relative.

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th

Be careful about sending sensitive emails and messages in the early days of December. The Full Moon on the 14th will mark an exciting turning point in an intimate relationship. Don’t make promises you cannot keep during the second half of December. The New Moon on the 29th could prompt you to change your look.

The opening days of the New Year will be pleasantly pleasing and relaxing allowing you to talk with upbeat people who bring out the best in you. On the 12th, the Full Moon will put strain on a close relationship. You’ll have to strike a better balance between your personal and professional lives to keep this romance alive.

There is more to life than getting ahead.

Relationships are more precious than gold.

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th

Money will be tight at the beginning of December. The Full Moon on the 14th will bring the successful conclusion of a creative project.

Are you single? You can meet someone special at a library, bookshop or classroom. Your charisma will be powerful during the second half of the month. You have a good chance of making money from your creative work in early January. The Full Moon on the 12th may prompt you to change your routine in a radical way. By the 28th, you’ll look like a brand new person. Use the energy of the New Moon to undergo a dramatic makeover.

PISCES February 20th - March 20th

It will be difficult to get an authority figure’s approval in early December. The Full Moon on the 14th could prompt you to relocate or make changes to your domestic life. Getting a little extra privacy will keep stress at bay. You need to draw a strong boundary between your private and public lives. The New Moon on the 29th is ideal for planning a big party. All eyes will be on you in the early days of January. Your enhanced charisma will attract love, money and creative opportunities. The New Moon on the 28th could find you adopting a lower profile. .

Focusing on positive influences that fill you with hope will also be therapeutic. Do your best to avoid toxic people and tense situations.

HALF A MILLION PEOPLE ARE READING THESE PAGES

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December/January 2017

All Together NOW!

TEN chances to win new stars of the garden

elongated mini-plum tomato which BRILLIANT new flowers and combines superb flavour with striking delicious vegetables are the colours - “Artisan Blush Tiger” (pink stars of leading seed firm blush on golden skin) and “Artisan Thompson & Morgan’s 196Pink Tiger” (pink and gold stripes) – page catalogue for 2017 – for both greenhouse and outdoors. and we have TEN £30 Climbing Bean Mamba, which vouchers for our winners to produces double the yield of the spend on seeds from the former favourite Cobra, with no drop top-quality range. in flavour.

Among the flowers are To enter the competition, answer this such delights as: question: How many pages in Thompson Phlox “Sugar Stars Mixed”, & Morgan’s 2017 catalogue? with prolific starry purple n Send your entry with your name blooms on 25cm (10in) stems. Simply scatter the and address on a postcard or sealed NEW FLOWERS: Nasturtium ‘Chameleon’ and Phlox ‘Sugar Stars’ seed in any sunny border for envelope, stating where you picked months of colour. up your copy of All Together NOW!, daisy-like flowers on 30cm (1ft) stems in late Nasturtium “Chameleon”: The flowers look to T&M Seed Competition, All Together NOW!, summer. as exotic as orchids and also change colour – The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool T&M’s new vegetables include: from red to pink to cream with a crimson L14 2EP, to arrive by Friday, January 27, or Pea Eddy, mildew resistant so perfect for a blotch. enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk late harvest from early August sowing but can Berkheya purpurea, nicknamed the “purple n The winners will receive a catalogue with also be sown in spring for summer crops. sunflower”, which produces a neat, groundtheir voucher. For the full range of T&M’s Artisan Tomato series, a new class of hugging rosette of foliage and silvery violet, seeds, go to www.thompson-morgan.com

NICE ‘N’ EASY!

A

S we all grow older it makes sense to reduce the tough stuff – and make life that bit easier.

That does not mean scrapping all your favourite plants and crops but taking a realistic look at the way you garden.

Identify the severe and time-consuming chores and aim to limit them, either by investing in more efficient tools and machinery or changing the garden. That could mean replacing a vegetable patch with a patio, a lawn with a water feature, or bedding plants with shrubs.

A lawn demands regular attention - not to mention expense – if it is to be kept in good condition. It could be replaced with a pool, requiring less work yet creating greater interest, or partly replaced with low-maintenance pebbles, rockwork and low-growing perennial plants such as thyme, true geraniums or the self-sowing daisy Erigeron karvinskianus – easier to grow than to say.

If you can’t bear to sacrifice your lawn, look elsewhere for labour-saving gambits. Beds of bright bulbs and annual flowers need changing twice a year while heathers – often colourful, always tidy – need no more than an annual trim and feed.

If rhododendrons or azaleas flourish in your soil, summer-flowering heathers, varieties of Calluna vulgaris, should do so too. If not, winter heathers, especially the Erica carnea range, with ferny

LABOUR-SAVING: Pebbles can replace lawns. Inset: summer shrub Hypericum

foliage ranging from bronze to golden green, normally do well.

Anyone who has created the all-summer glory of a herbaceous border packed with colourful perennial flowers, from delphiniums to day lilies, will not willingly dig it up.

However, the annual chores of staking, tying, dead-heading, feeding and, most of all, dividing the roots regularly, could threaten to become too much. In that case, a collection of flowering shrubs or non-invasive climbers, needing only annual feeding plus occasional pruning, could suddenly assume great allure.

Evergreens like the winding Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, or the easy-care shrub Viburnum tinus give all-year cover and both bring the bonus of winter flowers.

Undemanding yet free-flowering summer shrubs include Hypericum ‘Hidcote’ (pictured) and the woody forms of potentilla.

Among climbing plants which add autumn interest are clematis species such as Clematis tangutica, with yellow bells followed by fluffy seedheads.

Trees are another attractive, low-maintenance feature of any garden with space for them. Small to medium species include mountain ash, combining spring flowers with summer fruits and autumn leaf tints; hawthorn varieties which are not too thorny like Paul’s Scarlet (double-red flowers), Rosea Flora Pleno (double-pink) or Plena (doublewhite); dwarf maples which have brilliant autumn leaves; and flowering crab apples which look superb in blossom and have bright autumn fruits – those of the popular variety John Downie are scarlet and orange.

Those who are determined to garden the hard way well into old age need to take another approach: get the smoothest-running wheelbarrow you can afford, the best mower for your kind of lawn, a powered hedge-cutter, and – if your soil is heavy – stainless steel tools.

Some tips to minimise stress and strain on the back and joints: n Ensure tools have long enough handles to avoid over-stretching. n Do not carry heavy loads: If possible, break down loads and use a wheelbarrow. Don’t be too proud to ask someone for help. n Try to keep a straight back, whatever you are doing. A permanently bent posture is one of the main causes for tension and backache. n Use a padded kneeler or a low stool to get closer to the ground. n Take regular breaks!

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31

CHECKLIST

FLOWERS: Tidy up flower

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

SHRUBS AND TREES: If frost is severe enough to lift the roots of autumn-planted shrubs, firm them back in after the thaw.

Heavy snow can break branches of evergreen trees and shrubs so brush it off. Virginia creeper and other rampant climbers on house walls should be pruned well clear of gutters and windows to allow for the new year’s growth.

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

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

PONDS: Clear fallen leaves from the surface before they sink and pollute the water. When ice covers the pond, allow gases in the water to escape by using a saucepan of boiling water to melt a hole. Never use a hammer to break the ice as the shock waves can harm fish.

VEGETABLES: Plant shallot bulbs during mild weather, in well-raked, firmly-trodden ground to which a general fertiliser has been applied. Plant firmly with just the tips of the shoots showing to discourage bird attack.

FRUIT: Cut down the canes of autumn-fruited raspberries to ground level but not the young green canes of summer-fruiting varieties. These should be tied to wires stretched along the row.

HERBS: Pot up roots of mint in 22cm (9in) pots and keep them under glass to provide early shoots when they will be most appreciated early next spring.

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

HOUSEPLANTS: Water only when the compost is nearly dry but continue to feed varieties still to flower such as Christmas cactus. Make sure plants have enough light, but don’t leave them on a windowsill at night after the curtains are drawn between glass and curtain.

All Together NOW!

32

December/January 2017

The Accumulator Quiz

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

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Broke free (7) Straight line (4) Rotating rod (4) Rock garden plant (7) Cordon ---- (4) Footway (4) Backless seat (5) Fight (6) European capital city (6) Memorised (6) Eccentric (inf.) (6) More subdued (5) After deductions (4) Nautical mile (4) Fall back (7) Mother (4) Welsh emblem (4) Edible root (7)

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Figure skating jump (4) Jacob’s twin (4) Prairie wolf (6) Handgun (6) Slightly wet (4) Strip of wood (4) Ancient city (7) Pull out (7) Firedog (7) Free sample (7) Tilt (5) Romeo (5) Higher (6) Implement of war (6) Test (4) Ensnare (4) Seaweed (4) Cattle (4)

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: Who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the 2011 film The Iron Lady?

A Penelope Wilton B Meryl Streep C Julie Walters D Gwyneth Paltrow QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: Which member of the rock group U2 adopted the stage name Bono?

A David Evans B Adam Clayton C Paul Hewson D Larry Mullen

South Dakota Nevada Kentucky Montana

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: What is the capital of Morocco?

A B C D

Casablanca Tangier Fez Rabat

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: What is the claim to fame of Svetlana Savitskaya?

World ice-dance champion Joseph Stalin’s wife The first woman to walk in space The first Soviet ballet dancer to flee to the West

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: What name is given to the fruit of the wild rose?

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: In graphic design, what are the opening words of the most frequently used placeholder text?

A B C D

A B C D

Haw Sloe Hip Quince

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: The TV series Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax are the work of which screenwriter?

A B C D

Lynda La Plante Kay Mellor Sally Wainwright Abi Morgan

Porta lacus Lorem ipsum Mi libero Nullam finibus

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Which UK paper size is 52mm x 74mm?

A B C D

A5 A6 A7 A8

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: Which is the longest running motoring event in the world?

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: What is the meaning of the medical term ventricose?

A B C D

A B C D

24 Hours of Le Mans Monte Carlo Rally Indianapolis 500 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

Subject to blood clotting Being unable to bleed Having varicose veins Having a swollen stomach

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

3 9

A B C D

Bono, U2’s lead singer. See Question 6

SUDOKU

4 1 6 8

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: In which US state are the Black Hills?

A B C D

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: Which mountain overlooks Cape Town?

A Table Mountain B High Gable C Sugar Loaf Mountain D Da Gama Peak

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ACROSS

chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120.

QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: Which comedian retired from showbusiness in February 2005 on his 90th birthday?

A Ronnie Barker B Dave Allen C Cyril Fletcher D Norman Wisdom

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: In which sport is a shuttlecock used?

A Curling B Badminton C Darts D Lacrosse

★

★

Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: What is a capercaillie?

A A type of Highland fling B A Scottish party with singing and dancing C A large game bird D A female haggis

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DIFFICULT

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REACH 500,000 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.

MEDIUM 4

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ADVERTISE HERE 0151 230 0307

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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?

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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1 []â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

2 ABC

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

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DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE

All Together NOW!

December/January 2017

Each pair of words has a missing word between them that acts as a link to both (e.g. FRONT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DOOR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MAT). The initial letters of the six answers (reading downwards) will spell out a Greek island.

2. bottled water brands 384 261 726 173 553 474 661 865 842 122 239 193 551 278 217 872 128 986 613 454 122 782 172 662 173 774 371 427 764 283 177 217 872 846 673

3. eponymous things 729 674 663 183 339 123 271 743 328 767 142 733 642 153 682 731 472 669 176 484 164 268 463 133 774 719 433 516 222 326 421 688 162 466 542

4. magicians and illusionists 866 691 266 737 142 779 146 834 641 328 431 252 463 132 843 126 773 734 353 172 851 326 435 717 434 374 331 263 176 914 277 912 522 578 663

5. stars of theatre 264 352 152 672 879 143 462 163 693 512 837 216 236 625 313 524 631 724 431 642 423 512 729 367 317 884 431 436 742 551 543 817 247 342 37

6. countries with a monarchy 666 226 126 367 721 864 833 154 643 661 728 271 527 261 793 336 186 483 312 722 136 472 837 163 843 752 637 133 662 751 667 929 184 245 263

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 nine American National Basketball Association teams.

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 11?

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

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1) A kind of thickset spaniel, originally bred at Clumber in Nottinghamshire; 2) A heavy clay, favoured for brick manufacture due to its dense texture; 3) A thick porridge, traditionally made in southern Ireland and served on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day.

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2. All handguns of more than .22 calibre are banned following the Cullen Report on the Dunblane School massacre.

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3. In a joint operation Russian and US forces enter Bosnia.

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

Clue: Takes more than a lot to give protection for plants.

WAS IT? a) 1992; b) 1993; c) 1994; d) 1995; e) 1996.

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ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords: Los Angeles Lakers; Boston Celtics; New York Knicks; Toronto Raptors; San Antonio Spurs; Brooklyn Nets; Houston Rockets; Chicago Bulls; Orlando Magic.

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Down â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 Axel; 2 Esau; 3 Coyote; 4 Pistol; 5 Damp; 6 Slat; 10 Babylon; 11 Extract; 13 Andiron; 14 Handout; 15 Slant; 16 Lover; 20 Taller; 21 Weapon; 24 Exam; 25 Trap; 26 Kelp; 27 Oxen.

Star Name: MICHAEL ASPEL

Word Wizard No 1 is correct. A clumber is a breed of spaniel.

Dialling Codes 1. tunnel; mole; root; worm; water; cave; lava; miner; badger; train; fossil; electricity cable; sewer; water pipe; rabbit.

2. Evian; San Pellegrino; Volvic; Abbey Well; Aqua Pura; Buxton; FIJI; Acqua Panna; Perrier; Harrogate Spa; Strathmore.

3. saxophone; teddy bear; sideburns; gardenia; leotard; Granny Smith; nicotine; Ferris wheel; macadamia nut; magnolia.

4. Tommy Cooper; Harry Houdini; David Blaine; David Copperfield; Paul Daniels; Siegfried and Roy;

Harry Blackstone.

5. Angela Lansbury; Idina Menzel; Audra McDonald; Elaine Paige; Michael Crawford; Ruthie Henshall; Liev Schreiber.

6. Monaco; Andorra; United Kingdom; Qatar; Japan; Sweden; United Arab Emirates; Netherlands; Denmark; Norway; Thailand.

Spot Check A = 1; B = 5; C = 2; D = 4; E = 6; F = 3.

Missing Link remark; human; one; dress; easy; sail. Island: Rhodes.

Make a Date The year was 1996.

Transformer Much + L = Mulch.

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December/January 2017

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Fair play for wheelchair users C AMPAIGNERS have hit out at the lack of opportunities for wheelchair users to take part in sport.

National charity Wheelpower said there could be “no excuses” for allowing the shortage of accessible activities to continue.

Their call for action came as a new survey made it clear that the success of the London 2012 Paralympics are not being followed up on.

Half of all wheelchair users questioned in the survey said there was a lack of suitable opportunities for them to take part in any form of sport or physical activity.

And more than one in three said there was still a lack of accessible venues.

The cost of specialist equipment often needed

by wheelchair users to take part in sport also continues to be a significant barrier. More than seven in 10 wheelchair users surveyed said they would like to be more active in the future.

Just over half of those asked travel for more than 30 minutes to take part in some form of sport or physical activity.

The survey highlighted that travelling distance can be a barrier to being more active.

WheelPower chairman Kevan Baker said: “The report paints a compelling picture of the challenges faced by wheelchair users.

“Their voices can no longer be ignored, and there can be no excuses for inaction. “There is a clear need for providers to better understand the needs of wheelchair users in sport and activity.”

FITTING FINALE: Lucy Shuker hoping for more glory at the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters

Brits to show we are the Masters!

B

RITAIN will have four representatives when the world’s best wheelchair tennis players take each other on in London.

Paralympic gold medallist and Wimbledon men’s singles champion Gordon Reid and Rio quad singles silver medallist Andy Lapthorne will be among the sport’s elite at the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters.

Tournament success throughout the year has ensured Reid (world No.2), Lapthorne (quad world No.4), Jordanne Whiley (world No.5), and Lucy Shuker (world No.8) will all fly the flag for Britain.

The world’s top eight ranked men’s and women’s players and top six quad players take part in the Masters.

Reid, from Helensburgh in Scotland, said: “I know you are only as good as your last match

and that the competition will be really intense at the Masters.

“I’m just going to knuckle down and work hard to give myself every opportunity to win this title.

That would be a dream finale to my year.”

Lapthorne, who claimed singles silver and doubles bronze in the quad division in Rio, will be aiming to win his first ever Masters title as the Eastcote player competes in front of a home crowd in East London.

The women’s singles will see Whiley, 24, from Ickenham, a two-time Paralympic doubles bronze medallist and two-time British Open champion, aiming to add to her run of form.

Whiley will be joined in the women’s draw by her Rio 2016 bronze medal-winning doubles partner Lucy Shuker, 31, who earned her Masters qualification by winning the US Open USTA Championships for back-to-back titles.

New move to get blind women into sport EXERCISE FOR ALL: Time to break down the barriers

ONLY one in 10 women who have a visual impairment take part in sport or exercise for more than half an hour a week.

Now a new report is aiming to remove the barriers preventing them from being more active.

The report – Small Changes, Big Difference – is the first of its kind to explore how sport and physical activity affects the lives of visually impaired women.

Leading national charities Women in Sport and British Blind Sport carried out research which looked at the specific challenges visually impaired women can face when looking for sporting opportunities.

The report recommends easy to implement changes such as providing a tour of facilities to help customers overcome a lack of confidence, and getting to know customers personally.

Alaina MacGregor, chief executive of British Blind Sport, said: “With this information to hand we can go on to provide practical advice and guidance.”

Ruth Holdaway, head of Women in Sport added: “Through this new research we have learnt about the important similarities and differences in the barriers and motivators affecting visually impaired women when it comes to playing sport and being physically active.”

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2017

Champion Andy is first in the cue

W Open.

ARRINGTON’S Andy Burton picked up his first World Disability Billiards and Snooker gold medal at the Hull

Burton, who was among four players competing from Warrington Deaf Snooker League, secured victory in the Group 8 class with a 3-0 win over Hull’s Richard Gott.

The high break prize was won by Mike Bryan who hit 39 during the group stage.

Paul Smith, from Stevenage, defeated WDBS debutant Nick Neale 4-1 in the final of the Group 7 competition for players with visual impairments.

Having lost 3-0 to Neale in the group stages, Smith turned the tables in the final to become the third player so far to win multiple WDBS titles.

There was some consolation for Neale, however, as in addition to making it through to the final, he also took home the Group 7 high break prize for his opening day run of 40.

Group 7 semi-finalist David Baker defeated Hull’s Kevin Bentley over a single frame in the Challenge Cup event.

GOLD MEDAL: For Warrington’s Andy Burton

Man with the Mark of a true champion

THERE was also lots of skill and excitement at the WDBS’s event in Gloucester.

The Group 1/2 event for wheelchair players saw Oxted’s Graham Bonnell complete a successful defence of the title that he won almost a year ago with a 2-0 victory against Glyn Lloyd in the final.

T

ABLE tennis champion Mark Allen continues to prove that nothing can stop him winning.

The sporting star who has received a double lung transplant, was named Sporting Champion of the Year at the Your Champions awards.

Judges were hugely impressed with Mark, who only has 23% lung capacity.

The 44-year-old press officer with Halton council, carried the torch at the 2012 London Paralympics, and took gold in both the singles and doubles at the 2016 European Heart And Lung Transplant Championships in Finland.

Mark was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis – which

Bonnell won all three of his group matches for the loss of just two frames, before defeating Mark Parsons and Lloyd for victory.

Group 3 saw a new winner crowned as Nigel ‘Bandit’ Coton, from Goulceby, Lincolnshire, came

CHAMPION: Mark with Olympian Roger Black, Stephen Stewart, Director SP Manweb, ScottishPower, and Carl Wood, regional MD for Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales

caused mucus to develop in his lungs – when he was nine months old.

Already challenged with limited lung capacity, he later fell ill with pneumonia while working as an English teacher in Korea in 2005.

Doctors then caused damage to his trachea by leaving him ventilated too long, he said.

This also had serious consequences for his lungs, which deteriorated rapidly, leaving him in a life-or-death situation, needing a double lung transplant.

Mark received his double lung transplant at The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle but suffered rejection in 2006, leaving him with just between 20

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through to claim his first WDBS title. The 54-yearold, who plays with one arm following nerve damage as a result of a motorbike accident at the age of 17, first defeated 2015 winner Daniel Blunn 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final, before repeating the feat against last year’s runner-up Andrew Harper in the decisive match.

Blunn claimed the overall high break prize of £100 – provided by the Paul Hunter Foundation – with his opening day run of 49.

The Group 4/5 competition saw a second player defend their Gloucester title from last year as India’s Raja Subramanian saw off newcomer David Moore to take victory.

With six breaks over 30, he survived a close match against Cwmbran’s Adam Leighton in the quarter-finals, before defeating countryman Vishal Malhotra in the semi-finals and Moore for the title.

The Challenge Cup was won by Daniel Lee, who edged out Birmingham’s Russell Broomhall in a one-frame final.

For the first time the WDBS also held a Learning Disability Snooker Festival with the support of Special Olympics Gloucestershire.

The next WDBS tournament will be the 2017 Manchester Classic on 10-12 March at Q’s Sports and Entertainment Bar, Manchester As in 2016, the event will be open to players with physical disabilities (Groups 1-5). n WDBS: Tel. 0117 317 8200.

and 25% overall lung capacity. Sport has always been an important part of my lifestyle and I keep as active as my lungs will allow,” said Mark at the award ceremony in Chester.

“Winning medals at the European Games just goes to show people that you don’t have to let your health problems get in the way of living life to the full.

“I’m a walking demonstration of just how important and amazing organ donation is.

“The main aim is to raise awareness of how being on the donor register can make the world of difference.”

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Sensory rooms for football fans

FANS of Premier League football clubs who have sensory difficulties could be provided with their own special facilities.

All 20 Premier League clubs can now apply for funding to provide sensory rooms, which will give fans the chance to watch games from a window, in a calm environment away from the noise and crowds.

The first sensory room at a football club was opened by Sunderland last season in conjunction with Kate and Peter Shippey, who were inspired to work with the club so their children and other sports fans on the autism spectrum could enjoy live football.

BT and the Premier League have teamed up with The Shippey Campaign and disability sports charity the Lord’s Taverners to fund the sensory rooms.

Suzy Christopher, from BT, said: “The Premier League and BT Disability Programme is about making sport more inclusive, and providing sensory rooms in football grounds is a practical way to make a real difference.”

Premier League executive director Bill Bush said: “The sensory room at Sunderland AFC is a great example of how a matchday experience can be created for fans with sensory difficulties.

This partnership will enable more of our clubs to install these areas.”

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OUR FREE and favourite All Together NOW! charity newspaper is helping hundreds of thousands of people.

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If you are taking part in a fun run – or ANY fundraiser – please consider doing it for All Together NOW! and we’ll feature your efforts.

You can also help by making a charitable a donation to All Together NOW! You can either send us a cheque, text a donation on your mobile phone (DONATE ATNOW 88802), or commit to a regular monthly donation via the Charity Checkout link on our website www.alltogethernow.org.uk All Together NOW! is the only paper of its kind in the UK. Together we can secure the newspaper’s future – and make it even bigger and better for EVERYONE! Thank you TOM DOWLING, EDITOR All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Registered Charity No: 1106387 n Tel 0151 230 0307 n info@alltogethernow.org.uk

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