Livability News Aug2011

Summer 2011 Issue 11

news Growth and Change

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Building starts in Norwich

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Transition into adulthood

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A living legacy

Livability is the new face of John Grooms and the Shaftesbury Society

Message from Mike

E-learning project core management team - Medical Director Dr Chhabra, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, President Prof Biering-Sorensen at ISCoS, Livability's Head of Overseas Development Stephen Muldoon and Lisa Harvey from the University of Sydney (l-r)

Dear all, Change is rarely easy. I’ve been thinking about some of the changes that I have been through in my life: from soldier to civilian, from bachelor to husband and father. Those periods of change have been some of the most challenging and most rewarding times of my life.

Change is even more of a challenge for disabled people. There is often so much to bear in mind: Will a new home be sufficiently accessible? Will a new job be supportive enough? Will moving area mean a loss of benefits? At Livability we are committed to helping disabled and disadvantaged people through times of change – helping them to make choices and live life to the full.

That’s why we are so proud of stories like Louise’s (see centre spread).

During her time at Hinwick Hall College, we have helped her to prepare for independent adult life. We have encouraged her to build up her skills and we have seen her confidence grow. Her successful work experience is one more important step towards the future. Our vision is that disabled young people like Louise can have a future full of exciting opportunity.

Thank you for your support. It’s thanks to you that we are able to help disabled and disadvantaged people prepare for their future.

Mike Smith OBE Chief Executive 2

Spreading know-how through the net In the last issue of Livability News we wrote about the work of Livability Overseas, which is sharing knowledge about spinal injury management and rehabilitation across Asia. We wanted to let you know about our new developments from the last few months.

Livability is leading a new and innovative international project which will use the internet to spread educational resources around the world. Many of the healthcare practitioners who really need this knowledge live in relatively isolated areas, such as our partners in Kathmandu. Using the internet is a fantastic way of sharing information quickly and cheaply. Unlike traditional textbooks, internet resources can be quickly updated. The resource, when complete, will be available free of charge to practitioners, hospitals, universities and training facilities around the world. It will provide up-to-date educational support and knowledge to those who are unable to travel for training because of the high costs associated.

Livability Overseas is working with the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, University of Sydney and the International Spinal Cord Society to develop the e-learning package which will cover all aspects of spinal cord injury management. Over 200 experts in the field are currently working on developing the content for the elearning resource. We hope to demonstrate a draft version later this year in Sri Lanka, at a conference of the Asian Spinal Cord Network. This will be a great opportunity to get feedback from those who work in this field across many different countries.

Our aim is to produce this range of e-learning resources for use in 2012. It will be launched at the 51st International Spinal Cord Society Conference scheduled to take place in London in September 2012. We hope that it will be widely used by thousands of practitioners, enabling medical professionals around the world to learn more about spinal injury management and rehabilitation, and ultimately to change the lives of those around the world who suffer spinal injuries.

Thank you to all those who support Livability’s overseas work. We hope you continue to share our vision for a world where all disabled people are able to make choices and enjoy the independence and freedom they deserve.

Making a splash at Dolphin Court

Canon Richard Bowett and local MP Chloe Smith with John Grooms Court residents and staff

Building starts in Norwich We are delighted to announce that building work has started at John Grooms Court, Norwich. Over the next year we will be carrying out an essential renovation project: building a large second floor conservatory. The extension will give residents a bright new space to meet and relax. And for those who don't feel like going out during the winter months, it will be a warm place to enjoy the winter sunshine and beautiful views over the city.

The project also involves installing a new lift; large and powerful enough to carry a bed or a heavy powered wheelchair. This will give residents new freedom to move about the building.

We have been raising money for this project since the end of 2008. Many individual supporters have sent in generous gifts and we want to say a huge thank you to all of them. Together, we have raised over £680,000. Supporting this appeal has helped to ensure that our residents will live in a home which enables and encourages independence and quality of life.

The launch event was attended by Canon Richard Bowett, local MP Chloe Smith, as well as residents and staff of John Grooms Court. Mike Flavell, John Grooms Court manager, said, “The launch event was a great way for us to celebrate the start of this crucial building work and also an opportunity to look back at a very successful fundraising appeal. John Grooms Court is a very special place and with this new development work we can continue to offer the best facilities, care and support to all our residents.”

Residents at Dolphin Court in Essex recently invited some of our supporters to see the difference that their gifts are making. The guests were given a full tour of the Essex residential care home.

Afterwards, they decided to form a friends group to encourage other local people to get involved and raise vital funds for Dolphin Court.

The friends group ranges from 15-yearold Emma to Alfred who is 92, but they are united by their desire to help out at Dolphin Court. They have started meeting every month and plan to raise £35,000 for a new minibus. Their first fundraising effort was a plant sale, which raised around £1,000. Since then, they raised another £1,200 through an Indian-themed dinner dance event.

The group’s initial events have gone very well, so there are more in the pipeline, including a fish and chip supper and a Christmas carol service. If you live in the Southend area and would be interested in joining the friends of Dolphin Court, they would love to see you! Alternatively, why not set up your own friends group to support Livability work near where you live? Contact Kerry on 020 7452 2112.

Thank you from Victoria Education Centre We wrote to you recently about the Sparkle appeal for VEC. Some of you might have heard from Lucy, a former VEC student, asking you for your kind support so we can revamp the facilities. So far we have received an additional £40,000 from friends and supporters like you and we are receiving donations all the time so we hope to begin construction next summer.

There are so many disabled children like Molly and Matthew who will benefit from our new hydrotherapy pool, who look forward to those precious moments of freedom that being in the water gives them. Thank you so much for helping to turn their dreams for a new pool into reality.

We’re so grateful for your continued support.

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Transition into adulthood Like most students on work experience, Louise has mastered the art of making the perfect cup of tea. She’s been answering the phone, filing and photocopying, and even has her own desk. It has taken a few months to settle in, but now Louise is going to the office without her support worker, Sally, to accompany her.

“I like being in the office,” says Louise. “Sally has stepped back now, which was difficult at first, but I have kept going and I have got used to it. I enjoy it.”

Life beyond college looks promising for 22-year-old Louise, who has learning difficulties and mild cerebral palsy. She has spent the last three years studying at Livability’s Hinwick Hall College, a specialist college for 16-24 year olds with a wide range of physical disabilities and learning difficulties.

Now it is time for her to graduate, and she has a wide range of skills to carry into her new life.

In a project pioneered this year, Louise is one of 20 Hinwick students to take on a work experience placement. She has spent some of her final year at Hinwick working at Livability’s Lifestyle Choices office in Bedford. “I’ve learned practical skills, like how to use a laminator and a stapler,” says Louise. “But I’ve also learned how to get on with people in the office.”

Hard at work with Lifestyle Choices

Filing and organising

Moving from full-time education to life in the wider world can be a traumatic and difficult time for disabled people. Livability works hard to make the transition as smooth as possible, by equipping its students with solid life experiences as well as transferable skills. “During the past year the work experience programme has proved to be an extremely valuable enhancement to the lives of the students” says Sally Matthews, support worker and work experience co-ordinator at Hinwick. “It gives them the opportunity to develop and transfer their skills in realistic working environments.”

“During the past year the work experience programme has proved to be an extremely valuable enhancement to the lives of the students” Some employers are still reluctant to take on disabled work experience students, but Sally believes there is much to be gained from the opportunities offered by the college. “Work experience raises the students’ self-esteem and selfworth,” she says. “And it can open doors to an exciting future.”

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Throughout her time at Hinwick, Louise has steadily grown in confidence. “When I first started, I was nervous about leaving Mum and Dad,” she says. “I’m an only child, and I missed seeing them every day.

But now, they don’t hear from me very often because I have become so independent.” She has learned important skills, such as how to manage her money and go shopping – even how to wash her hair. “I’ve learned to use shampoo and to bend over to wash my hair with the shower,” she says. “But the best thing about Hinwick is having my own flat – my own space. I’ve made friends here, especially my best friend Jade. I know we’ll keep in touch when we leave.”

“I have become so independent” Of all her new experiences at Hinwick, it has been her work experience in particular which has really given Louise the chance to blossom. Sally says, “When Louise came to Hinwick she was a shy young lady with low self-esteem. On the work experience programme, we have seen her confidence grow.

She has developed new skills and it has enabled her to look at her future in a whole new light. She now knows that supported employment could be an option for her when she leaves college and it is one she would like to pursue.”

A lot of thought goes into the future of Hinwick students. There’s a dedicated staff member whose job is to help students make plans for their future. In fact, this process starts right at the start of every student’s time at the college, when they are invited to write a ‘destination statement’ about their goals for the future. Students and staff also regularly meet with parents, social workers and other advisors to make sure those future plans are on track.

During her future planning meetings, Louise identified an interest in photography. She has learned to download photos as part of the ICT Work experience raises the students' self-esteem and self-worth

Louise putting her practical skills to the test

qualification she has gained at college. Now, when she leaves Hinwick, she plans to study photography at another specialist college. The confidence she has built up during the work experience programme means she has high hopes and every chance of success for her working life. “In the future, I’d like to sell the pictures I have taken,” she says. “I’d also like to work in a camera shop or photographer’s studio – but I haven’t decided yet.”

We want to support disabled people throughout different life stages, making change possible.

Helping disabled people to develop and move forward in their lives is right at the heart of Livability’s work. It’s not only the driving force behind our school and colleges; expanding disabled people’s horizons is something we strive for in all of our services.

For example, our Lifestyle Choices advisors help disabled people to access new learning, leisure and employment opportunities. And our Enterprise Agency trains and supports people who want to explore self-employment.

Many organisations simply provide care to meet today’s needs. But Livability is committed to thinking about our service users’ future: meeting the challenge of changing circumstances, capability and aspirations. We want to support disabled people throughout different life stages, making change possible. Please help us continue to care for disabled people’s future as well as take care of their needs by making a donation today.

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On a mission

A living legacy We recently received a lovely surprise in the post: a letter from John Groom’s great-granddaughter, Yvonne. She wanted to share her happy memories of John Grooms’ work and the orphanage John Groom himself set up in Clacton-on-Sea, as well as leave us a lasting legacy in the form of some company shares she inherited from her aunt.

Small and significant steps of transition In places like Jawalke in India, women from the Dalit, or ‘untouchable’ caste must carry a broom so they can sweep away their footprints. This is to avoid contaminating the feet of those from higher castes who also use the road.

For those of us in the West this sounds extreme. But what about the disabled and disadvantaged people in the UK whose own steps of achievement are often disregarded? Livability cares passionately about recognising and celebrating the individual and communal steps of everybody, whatever their background or ability.

If we take God’s word seriously, we know that in Genesis, right at the start of the Bible, he creates all people equally and demands that all who follow him respect the footprints of all whom we encounter. The importance of marking progression in life helps dignify, value and ensure people have hope in their futures. There is no better example of people dignifying the ‘forgotten’ than Jesus, who continually spent time with those written off by society.

So often our society values people according to how much they can produce or consume. Surely our primary mission is to recognise, encourage and celebrate the achievements made by people, whether or not others see them as significant. We believe that no footprint is insignificant.

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Adam Bonner is director of Livability's Community Mission team, helping churches transform their communities.

Yvonne used to live in the house next to the orphanage in Clacton where John Groom had lived years before and she has many happy memories of the fête days that were held in the summer holidays which her father used to help organise. “They attracted hundreds of visitors and much excitement was generated by the various types of race… three-legged, sack jumping, wheelbarrow… such innocent fun that doesn’t seem to occur these days.”

When war broke out, her family went to live near Mill Hill, not far from the Edgware ‘crippleage’, as it was then called. As a young child she was taken to the factory where the women produced silk flowers; “It was my first contact with disabled people”.

She lost touch with John Grooms work when she moved with her husband to Melbourne, Australia. After she gave birth to a disabled daughter, however, she became involved in an association that worked towards closing institutions and moving disabled people into community houses. She writes, “I realised how advanced John Groom’s ideas were, for I remember the women living at Edgware all had their separate bedrooms and were encouraged to work for a living and support themselves way back in the 1930’s.”

In the 1980’s, Yvonne travelled back to England, where she visited our home in Edgware, now Brookside House. There she met some of the residents, who were former flowergirls and actually remembered her father from when he worked in the factory and helped out at the fête days. In Yvonne’s words, “The work you do has expanded beyond John Groom’s wildest dreams.”

It is wonderful to hear reminiscences about our work from years gone by. At Livability, we treasure memories like these. We would love to hear from you too; how did you first become involved with our work? Please write to Alastair Emblem at our Scrutton Street address with your memories and thoughts or if you would like to know more about leaving a gift to Livability in your will.

The flowergirls’ spirit lives on through Livability

Livability events

Events calendar

Hello from the events team!

It was wonderful to meet so many of you at our garden party at Latchetts this summer.

This year the gardens looked better than ever, the weather was great and I must say the cakes were even tastier than last year! And thanks to your generosity, we raised over £8,000 for Livability’s vital work.

Kerry's cakes went down a treat at Latchetts

And thank you to everyone who completed the Livability Crossword Challenge. We had a great many entries and I am pleased to announce the winner of the competition is Miss BL Greenall from London. Second prize is awarded to Miss S Robinson from Surrey and third prize to Mr A Harvey from Kent. Congratulations go to each of them.

The next big event for our team is our Autumn Leaves concert on 8 October. Esther Rantzen is our host for the evening and will be joined by the Salvation Army Concert Band as well as special guest Brian Conley. Brian will be sharing some of his hits from award winning musicals such as ‘Me and My Girl’ and ‘Jolson’.

Now that the summer holidays are over, we need to start thinking about Christmas. This advent season looks like it’s going to be busier than ever, with a great range of Livability events to choose from. There will be a carol service at Harrow School on 5 December, another at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London on 13 December and a third at St Augustine’s church, Thorpe Bay, Essex on 15 December. All three will have a great selection of seasonal music and readings.

Autumn Leaves concert Saturday 8 October, Cadogan Hall, London Join us for an autumn evening of song at the beautiful Cadogan Hall.

Host Esther Rantzen will be introducing music from the Salvation Army Concert Band, Brian Conley and other special guests. Tickets will be available from the Cadogan Hall box office. Call 0207 730 4500 or visit www.cadoganhall.com

Shaftesbury lecture Thursday 13 October, Harrow School Our traditional lecture at Harrow school will this year be given by goldmedal winning paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. To register your interest in the lecture, please contact the events team.

It’s going to be an exciting few months for the team, and I look forward to seeing some of you at one of our great events.

Kerry, Head of Corporate Partnership and Events

Opening doors to art This summer, Livability is sponsoring the Greenbelt arts festival for the second time. Greenbelt is an eclectic Christian arts festival that takes place in Cheltenham over the August bank holiday weekend.

It’s four fantastic days of music, drama, talks, film and dance.

Tanni Grey-Thompson

Livability carol services

Greenbelt want to open their doors to disabled people, so we are working with them to create an accessible festival. We will bring in ramps, hearing loops, accessible toilets and a wheelchair hire scheme.

At the same time, Greenbelt will offer discounts to people on Disabled Living Allowance and free tickets to their support workers.

Each year our carol services are completely sold out, so why not register your interest with the events team now? We will let you know as soon as tickets are available, to avoid disappointment.

We are particularly excited to sponsor a festival performance by Candoco, a dance company of disabled and non-disabled people.

Now 20 years old, it is the UK’s first dance company to focus on integrating disabled dancers.

For more information on any of these events please contact the events team on 020 7452 2115 or email events@livability.org.uk

It’s great to be working with a festival that, like Livability, wants to create more choices for disabled people.

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Livability Autumn Leaves Concert A night of music and voice at Cadogan Hall 7pm, Saturday 8 October 2011 Our host Esther Rantzen, invites you to an evening of music with the Hendon Band of the Salvation Army and joined by the voices of Britain's best loved entertainer Brian Conley, Soprano Kate Dowman, and the Finchley Children’s Music Group.

Book early to reserve your tickets to this spectacular autumn concert. Call the Cadogan Hall box office on 0207 730 4500 or book online at www.cadoganhall.com Proceeds from ticket sales go to Livability, supporting thousands of disabled people and their families throughout the UK.

Livability is the new face of John Grooms and the Shaftesbury Society Registered charity No: 1116530

How to order It’s really easy to order your Christmas goodies from Livability. Choose from the following options and your order will be with you within 7 – 10 working days. Please note as we approach Christmas orders may take a little longer.

Post Simply complete the below order form and pop it into the FREEPOST envelope provided to: FREEPOST RSHU-ZJKL-LCZK, Livability, 3 Mercury Centre, Central Way, Feltham, TW14 0RN

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Queries We will make every effort to deliver your goods to you as quickly as possible. You should receive your order no later than 10 working days after you have placed it with us. If you have any questions about our Christmas range or your order give us a call on 020 7452 2121 Contact details Please ensure all your details are provided below so we can process your order and ensure speedy delivery

Please order by Monday 12th December to ensure your items arrive before Christmas.

Livability Christmas Range 2011 Order Form Code Description LIV01 CITY OF DAVID LIV02 BABY JESUS IN A MANGER LIV03 EVENING SERVICE LIV04 BEARING GIFTS WE TRAVERSE AFAR LIV05 BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS LIV06 CHRISTMAS EVE LIV07 HIDING IN THE SNOW LIV08 LITTLE ROBIN REDBREAST LIV09 ADVENT CALENDAR LIV10 LIVABILITY SHOPPING TROLLEY LIV11 ROBIN IN THE SNOW LIV12 THE BLEAK MIDWINTER LIV13 THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS LIV14 A BUSY CHRISTMAS Postage and Packaging Goods up to the value of £20 = £3.25 £20.01 - £40 = £4.95 Goods over the value of £40 = £8.75

Price £3.95 £3.95 £3.95 £3.95 £3.95 £3.95 £3.95 £3.95 £3.95 £1.95 £2.75 £2.75 £2.75 £2.75

Quantity

Total Price

Sub Total P&P Order Total

Please fill out your details below.

Title I’m/we’re enclosing a cheque/PO made payable to Livability

First Name: Surname:

Please debit my/our Mastercard/Visa/Amex/Delta/Maestro (please delete as appropriate) Card No.

/

Address: Security Code Start Date

Signature:

(the three digit number on the back of the card) Expiry Date

Issue No. (Maestro only)

Date:

Postcode:

50 Scrutton Street, London, EC2A 4XQ Tel: 020 7452 2121 Fax: 020 7452 2001 supporterservices@livability.org.uk www.livability.org.uk Registered charity no:1116530 Registered in England no: 5967087 Livability is a company limited by guarantee

TRADE

Please pop this form, with your cheque or postal order if appropriate in the envelope enclosed and send to: Livability, FREEPOST, RSHU-ZJKL-LCZK, 3 Mercury Centre, Central Way, Feltham, TW14 0RN. You don’t need a stamp.

Livability Christmas Range 2011 Welcome to our Christmas range 2011. We have streamlined the collection this year to only offer you the designs you want. We have some brand new designs as well as old favourites. All card packs priced at £3.95 and include 10 cards with envelopes. Plus don't miss out on our fantastic sale.

City of David Message inside reads: With Every Blessing for Christmas and the New Year 126mm x 172mm (approx) Code LIV01

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas Message inside reads: With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year 140mm x 140mm (approx) Code LIV05

Baby Jesus in a Manger

Christmas Eve

Message inside reads: With Every Blessing for Christmas and the New Year 172mm x 126mm (approx) Code LIV02

Message inside reads: With Every Blessing for Christmas and the New Year 126mm x 126mm (approx) Code LIV06

Evening Service

Hiding in the Snow

Message inside reads: With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year 172mm x 126mm (approx) Code LIV03

Blank for your own message 140mm x 140mm (approx) Code LIV07

Bearing Gifts we Traverse Afar

Little Robin Redbreast

Message inside reads: With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year 140mm x 140mm (approx) Code LIV04

Message inside reads: With Every Blessing for Christmas and the New Year 126 mm x 126mm (approx) Code LIV08

Advent Calendar Beautifully designed traditional advent calendar – follow the story of Christmas with pictures and Bible text behind every window. The calendar also comes with a red envelope so you can easily send it as a wonderful gift this Christmas.

1 calendar for £3.95 244mm x 345mm (approx) Code LIV09

Livability shopping trolley key ring Always searching your pockets at the supermarket for that £1 coin for the trolley – this is for you! Livability’s shopping trolley key ring has a snap off token for quick release which replaces the need for a coin. Also this makes a great addition to any stocking or homemade Christmas cracker.

1 key ring for £1.95 Code LIV10

Sale!

All sale items are fantastic value at £2.75 for a 10 pack.

126mm x 172mm (approx) Code LIV11 Code LIV12

Code LIV13 Code LIV14