Livability News Summer 2013

2013

Issue 14

news A place where we all can grow

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News and Updates

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Boost for Enterprise

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A Trio of Royal events

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

Message from Dave

News and Updates...

Dear friend, Hello, and welcome to the spring issue of Livability News.

This issue of Livability News contains inspiring stories of how our amazing students get to develop their life skills and gain more confidence every day.

Our colleges provide them with work experience opportunities and the ability to enjoy a variety of learning and leisure opportunities in a supportive environment, giving them the best possible start in life.

Our Bromley Nash College has received a “Good” rating after an inspection by OFSTED, confirming our place as a leading provider of specialist education.

Our Community Mission team, through “How is my neighbour?”, are making a real impact in putting disabled and disadvantaged people at the heart of local communities.

However, there is still much to be done.

A difficult economic climate means that there is a real risk that disabled people could become more and more isolated within our society, and one day simply be forgotten.

We also want to keep innovating in all our services to be able to provide the best possible standards of care and support to the thousands of disabled people, and their families, who put their trust in us.

Livability has always been about giving disabled people choices and empowering them to take control of their own lives.

It is only made possible because amazing people like you choose to give.

Together, we can build a better future for our service users and for disabled people in general.

Thank you for your continuing support.

Best wishes,

Livability Overseas peer counselling

Livability Overseas Like many women in rural Nepal, Laxmi used to regularly climb trees to collect fruit and fodder to feed her animals.

“When I fell from the tree and injured my spine I was told that I would never walk again. I was afraid because I did not want to be a burden to my parents.”

Despite these fears Laxmi now lives a full and rewarding life thanks to her own determination and the treatment and support she has received through the overseas work of Livability.

Laxmi spent four months at the Livability supported Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre (SIRC) in Nepal. Laxmi underwent an intensive programme of physical rehabilitation and peer counselling to provide emotional support and advice.

“While I was at SIRC, other people with a disability showed me how to do things for myself and this gave me confidence. Now I live completely independently.”

Livability works in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to improve local services for people like Laxmi. The focus is on providing training and development opportunities to medical staff to improve the services provided by local organisations. This approach means that the improvements will continue long after Livability's support has moved on.

Most recently Livability has supported the launch of an online learning tool that teaches spinal cord injury management and has courses suitable for all levels of the medical team. www.elearnSCI.org has been accessed by over 15,000 people from across the world since its launch in September 2012.

Livability has been shortlisted for the UK Charity Awards as a result of this innovative and pioneering project. The winner will be announced on June 13th.

Dave Webber Interim Chief Executive

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The Livability Overseas programme is making a significant and positive difference to the lives of many thousands of people across Asia like Laxmi. Your support will help us to continue and expand this important work.

Enterprise Awards winners with Livability staff and Tommy Walsh.

Boost for Enterprise In its first year Livability’s Enterprise Agency helped more than one hundred disabled and disadvantaged people gain the skills, the knowledge, and the confidence to set up and run their own business.

To celebrate its achievements, the Enterprise Agency held its first Awards ceremony in December 2012. Winners included David Scates who set up a graphic design business and Jeremy Carson whose range of 100% natural shower products for men went into production in February 2013.

Prizes were presented by TV personality Tommy Walsh who runs his own landscaping and building business and was a familiar face on the BBC’s Ground Force programme for many years.

And this year the Agency has even more to celebrate: it was recently awarded a contract by the Department of Work and Pensions to provide self-employment training to disabled and disadvantaged people in all North London boroughs.

For more information about the Enterprise Agency and the Award winners visit www.livability.org.uk

Did you know that only 7.5 per cent of people with learning disabilities are in paid employment?

LET ME IN is our new campaign.

Through this we aim to change society’s perceptions of disability so that disabled people can live life to the full with real choice, independence and opportunity in their everyday lives.

We will be working with disabled people to help them get what they deserve and remove the unacceptable barriers to high quality education, employment, suitable housing and full participation in social activities.

In September 2013 we are launching ‘Let Me Work Week’ an initiative that will demonstrate to employers the benefits of supporting disabled people to enter the workplace.

You can support our LET ME IN campaign by • Giving a gift • Signing up to our campaign

Thanks for your support We have a lot of people to thank for helping the Enterprise Agency get up and running.

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The Royal Bank of Scotland, which provides a finance expert for one of the course workshops.

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The Haberdashers’ Foundation, which donated £10,000 to launch the Enterprise Agency and recently donated another £10,000 to help keep it running this year.

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Readers of Livability News whose generous donations help disabled people all over the UK be what they want to be.

• Praying for the success of our campaign For more information Call 020 7452 2121 Email LetMeIn@livability.org.uk Go to our website www.livability.org.uk/letmein Twitter @livabilityuk #LetMeIn

Livability needs your support to continue to help disabled people live their lives to the full. Please complete and return the donation form on the back page or at bottom of the letter. Thank you.

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A place where we all can grow Is taking care of your garden one of your favourite pastimes? In our survey last year more than half of Livability News readers listed gardening as a hobby.

That’s not surprising; it’s a great way to get some exercise and you can enjoy the fruits of your labour – whether that’s a grand floral display or delicious home-grown fruit and vegetables.

But did you know that in Livability’s education centres, gardening is a big part of the education curriculum? It is an activity through which these young people can benefit in many ways including appreciating the natural world, enjoying a sense of achievement and gaining valuable work experience.

Team working Getting on with other people is just one of the life skills that students learn through their work-related experience.

While working in the garden and allotments, each young person is given individual tasks but to achieve some objectives they need to work together as a team. And some of these projects produce fantastic practical results – the vegetables grown in the allotments are cooked and served up in the Nash canteen!

Experiencing working life Stimulating the senses The sensory garden at Nash College provides students with an opportunity to enjoy and interact with the world around them. Plants are specially selected for their distinguishing characteristics such as a strong scent, bright colour or distinctive texture that help students with sensory impairments experience nature.

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Students also get work placements with local employers such as country parks, golf courses and garden centres carrying out tasks ranging from collecting litter to mowing lawns. Through this initiative they gain experience in customer service and learn to mix with people outside of the college.

Such work-related experience builds students’ selfesteem and confidence and allows them to contribute to society.

A trolley load of help Breaking down barriers College staff have worked hard to overcome employers’ initial reluctance to take on disabled students and our education centres now have excellent longstanding partnerships with several local businesses.

Sally Matthews from Hinwick Hall College said: “The employers treat the student the same as a paid employee and give them the same opportunities to progress. Feedback from employers is very positive and they are astounded at how dedicated the students are, and how committed they are to work.”

A blooming great achievement Robert is a 22 year-old student at Livability’s Nash College in Bromley, Kent. He has learning disabilities as well as hearing and visual impairments.

Working in the garden has helped him grow in many ways. At first, he was extremely quiet and passive and tended to wait for staff to do things for him. But he steadily gained confidence in his abilities and now initiates things himself. He doesn’t mind getting dirty and loves planting and weeding.

In the spring, Robert was delighted and proud when the freesia bulbs he had planted grew and bloomed into beautifully coloured and scented flowers that he and the other students could enjoy.

Doing work experience in a garden centre when in a wheelchair presents some challenges. But one thing students at Livability’s Hinwick Hall College learn is to take a problem-solving approach to such challenges – a skill that Dan used to very good effect.

Driven by the desire to do the job he enjoys as independently as possible, Dan came up with the idea of using a wheelchair-adapted supermarket trolley to help him work more effectively.

But where would he get one? Equipped with his ‘can do’ attitude and support from his tutor Dan wrote to local supermarkets confidently explaining his idea and asking them to help.

His letter was clearly persuasive. The first to make contact was Billie, Asda’s Community Life Champion, who immediately provided a trolley.

Tesco kindly donated a gift voucher and Sainsbury’s suggested he contact Wanzl, a worldwide trolley supplier. Wanzl has since taken the time to visit Hinwick Hall College to find out more about how they may be able to help.

Richard Hockney, Horticulture Lecturer and Plant Centre Manager, has been Dan’s tutor since last September. He said: “Dan has found new inspiration with his trolley – it helps him do more things independently and he’s keen to show it off to staff and customers. Currently he is helping move around the bedding plants and making up plant displays. Daniel has a very positive attitude to work; he is very keen to help out and always smiles.”

A big thank you to everyone who gave so willingly and generously to help Dan.

Livability colleges for young people age 16+ •

Nash College, Bromley, Kent, www.nashcollege.org.uk

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Hinwick Hall College, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, www.hinwickhallcollege.co.uk

What can I do?

Help us continue to give students the support and confidence they need to live a more independent life by donating today.

Please fill in the form on the back page.

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On a mission

Facing the challenge of dementia

A recent study by the Young Foundation highlighted the increased isolation experienced across the UK. The research shows how this affects our resilience and ability to deal with difficult experiences.

There are currently 800,000 people with dementia in the UK, and by 2020, that number will reach 1 million. Dementia impairs people’s ability to remember, think and make choices, transforming everyday tasks such as using the bus, or shopping, into frightening challenges.

Livability has just launched ‘Dementia Friendly Churches’ – a campaign to help churches respond to this growing challenge. We will be giving churches practical advice and training, and starting a research programme to find and share examples of good practice.

The good news they found, however, is that to go from feeling

Do you know someone living with dementia? Here’s some advice from Trevor Adams, Livability’s dementia expert:

isolated to feeling supported takes knowing just one person that could be called upon at a time of crisis. This is something we

• Avoid correcting what people with dementia say

can all help with. In fact, this is something Jesus directly talks about when asked what the greatest commandment is. He replies: “Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbour as yourself”. (Mark 12:29-31) Jesus was always talking and showing people love in action – as a verb, not just an emotion. Similarly whether looking at Livability’s Community Mission work with churches, our residential centres, education sites, Lifestyles or any other part of our work, you find us rolling up the sleeves and actively putting love into action. For more than 160 years we have been asking how our neighbours are faring and choosing to get involved.

However, to continue our vital work long into the future we rely upon donations from our loyal supporters.

People with dementia often say things that are not accurate, but may mean something important to them.

Correcting them can reinforce their sense of failure.

• Watch what people with dementia say with their body We all express ourselves through our bodies, as well as the words we speak. People with dementia may struggle with language, but still use body language to express themselves.

• Help people with dementia look good We all feel better about ourselves when we are dressed neatly and are well groomed. Support people with dementia to pick out clothes that make them look good.

• Always assume people with dementia understand what you are saying Just because someone has dementia, does not mean they cannot hear what is being said around them. Be careful not to make unhelpful or disparaging comments in front of them.

Now, more than ever, we need friends, supporters, volunteers and prayers to help us in this mission.

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

anxious with dementia feel Two thirds of people help them feel rch chu r you ld cou or depressed. How loved? safe, respected and

A Trio of Royal events Our Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, is really getting to know the breadth of services offered by Livability.

In early February HRH visited Nash College, Bromley. She chatted with students creating their works of art; received a quick lesson in some of the technologies used to aid communication; and was introduced to the innovative sensory gardening class.

Just over a week later, she joined more than 100 representatives from charitable trusts and corporate organisations, Members of Parliament, and Livability staff in the launch of our LET ME WORK campaign. This high profile occasion was the start of our drive to get employers to take a more pro-active approach to employing disabled people.

The third event, held in May, celebrated Livability’s past and looked forward to its future. In her speech, Princess Anne noted that for 160 years we have been empowering people to live the life that they want and deserve by adapting our services to meet changing needs.

The Princess’ support has been fantastic in helping us maintain the public profile of our excellent services. We are extremely grateful to the Princess Royal for her dedicated work over a number of years and the depth of the understanding she has for our cause.

Join us at our open house and garden day Livability supporter Richard Kyle invites you along with your friends and family to an Open House and Garden Day on Saturday 6th July 2013 at Bridge House, Woldingham, Surrey. The house and garden boast stunning views across the North Downs and Surrey countryside, nestled in a place that is recognised for being an area of natural beauty and great landscape.

Guests will enjoy the house and stunning terrace garden with food, drink, entertainment, and pleasant talk between friends and Livability staff. The open day will run from 3.30pm to 8.30pm with guests welcome to arrive at their convenience. Tickets are £25 per couple or £15 per individual, with all proceeds being donated to Livability.

We would be delighted if you could join us.

To reserve tickets email fvalencia@livability.org.uk or call 020 7452 2032.

‘Why I have included Livability in my will’ Retired teacher Gordon Bloomer has been interested in our work since the 1950’s when he started supporting the Shaftesbury Society because of his interest in the history of education. He went on to write a thesis for the University of Manchester on the Ragged School Movement, which was of course the original foundation of the Shaftesbury Society.

Gordon cared for his wife Pearl for 10 years when she was suffering from Alzheimers, until her death in 2006. “This prompted me to become even more interested in helping to meet the needs of people who have disabilities,” says Gordon. “So when I was last updating my will, I decided to include a gift to Livability in support of the excellent work they do.”

What can I do?

For more information on leaving a gift to Livability in your will please contact Alastair Emblem or Jennifer Ledfors on 0207 452 2118.

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‘I raised funds for Livability by participating in two London Marathons.

What could you do?’

To take part in a sponsored event please email events@livability.org.uk or call 020 7452 2115.

Alternatively you can help too by filling in the donation form below.

Please help Livability continue to change people’s lives.

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I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify.

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Please let us know if your circumstances change Email is a great way for us to communicate with you as it is very cost effective and enables us to dedicate more money to helping disabled people.

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It is our usual policy to acknowledge donations. However, if you do not wish to receive an acknowledgement please tick here.

If you would like to find out about leaving a gift in your Will to Livability please tick here.

Please pop this form, with your cheque or postal order if appropriate in the envelope enclosed and send to: Livability, Freepost RSYJ – HGEK – RGBX, 126 Fairlie Road, Slough, SL1 4PY. You don’t need a stamp.

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