Autumn 2009
Issue 5
news The first day of term
Make a wise investment Disabled young people are twice as likely to leave school with no qualifications. But Livability is working to change that. Leaving us a gift in your will could transform a young life, paying dividends far into the future. Remember Livability in your will. For more information, please contact Alastair Emblem on 020 7452 2118. 2
Livability creates choices for disabled people and brings life to local communities. We trace our history back to the Victorian pioneers Lord Shaftesbury and John Groom. Today we offer a wide range of support and education for disabled people and also provide churches with resources to impact their communities. Livability’s president is Baroness Howarth of Breckland and our royal patron is HRH The Princess Royal.
Contents The first day of term
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News
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Events
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Why I support Livability
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A note from Mary
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Police rescue 7
Gardeners’ world 9
Spotlight on Talbot Manor 11
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The first day of term Thanks to you, Michael is just one of 25 new students enrolling at Hinwick Hall for the very first time. As you’d imagine, the first day of term at Hinwick Hall College is much like that of any other college or university. Nervous first years wander around with their parents clutching maps of the campus, new teachers get accustomed to their classrooms and staff put finishing touches to the halls of residence which will soon be bursting with students and their belongings.
Settling in to his new room
Michael making himself at home
Of course there are differences; Hinwick is a specialist college providing learning support to young people with physical and learning disabilities. Many of the young people are exploring the grounds in wheelchairs and parents are meeting their children’s new physiotherapists. One student who has just arrived with his parents and sister is 19-year old Michael. It’s a big day for all of them; although Michael has been in fulltime education since he was five, he has never lived away from home before. Michael doesn’t seem fazed. He’s a lively confident lad and he already loves Hinwick. The family visited three colleges and Michael was adamant that Hinwick was his favourite. On his induction day, he was already planning how he would deck out his bedroom. Michael who has Downs Syndrome will stay at Stable Mews, a 12 flat complex for students who are ready to embrace independent living. Each 4
Michael shows his arty side
Getting to grips with an interactive whiteboard
flat comprises of a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. Here, fully supported by his key worker, Michael will learn how to get up himself, wash and dress every morning, prepare meals and keep the place clean and tidy. The aim is that after three years at Hinwick, Michael will have the necessary skills to live in supported housing. Many other important lessons will be learnt at Hinwick too: how to catch public transport, how to find the way back home, how to budget, how to do a supermarket shop and a hundred and one other life skills that most of us happily take for granted. Principal Liz Auchincloss emphasises the importance of this. “Our goal is to prepare our students for the next stage in their lives. Life is tough, especially for these young people and we want them to be ready. If they leave us with the skills to thrive in adult life, it’s a dream come true for them, their parents, us – everyone.” Michael’s sister Shiobhain echoes Liz’s views. “Up until now we’ve been very protective of Michael. If people stare at him in the street and he gets distressed, we’re there to soften the blow. Learning to cope with these situations on his own will be difficult for him but invaluable in the long run.” As well as learning essential life skills at Hinwick, Michael will continue his education. Every student receives a personal timetable made up of core subjects such as numeracy, reading and writing, and modular subjects such as horticulture, art, music, dance and, Michael’s favourite, drama.
The Hinwick appeal has enabled us to transform abandoned rooms into beautiful modern flats, making room for 19 new students. 5
With his timetable set, his bags unpacked and introductions made, it’s time for Michael to wave goodbye to his family. You can tell that mum, dad and sis are delighted to be leaving Michael somewhere he feels so comfortable but they make no secret of the fact that they’re not looking forward to the quiet car journey home. “Don’t worry. Trust me.” Michael tells them, and Shiobhain and her mum dissolve into tears. Michael and the other 24 students starting Hinwick this term are extremely lucky to be there. Hinwick only used to be able to accommodate 41 students, but that number has now risen to over 60 thanks to a Livability appeal in April this year.
The first day at college can be tiring
Two weeks later A couple of weeks into the start of term we revisit Hinwick to see how Michael is getting on. His key worker tells us that he’s settling in well. He’s already learning how to make his own breakfast and is becoming a dab hand at scrambled eggs. To everyone’s surprise he also made a fruit salad and ate it, which is a major breakthrough considering that he would never try fruit at home. Michael’s academic work is coming along too with him excelling in writing and computing. Perhaps the most heartwarming thing of all for Michael’s family to hear is that he’s making friends. He plays football every night after lectures and has joined So Dancers an independent dance and drama group in nearby Wellingborough. From talking to Michael on the phone, his family is convinced that Hinwick is going to be the making of him. In his sister’s words, “This is Michael’s time to shine.”
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Everyone at Hinwick, as well as all the parents and students, would like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated. The appeal enabled some disused rooms to be turned into staff rooms and offices and the current administration block to be transformed into four large new teaching spaces. Donations also paid for sensory equipment and adjustable desks that Michael and his new friends will start using within the next few days. If Livability supporters need any proof of how their kindness and generosity is helping people with disabilities to live life to the full, Hinwick Hall is it. As the last of the parents prepare to leave, students are settling into their new accommodation and preparing for a welcome disco that evening. Again, it’s much like any other college or university. And of course, that’s the point. Hinwick gives people with physical and learning disabilities the same life experience as other young people their age. It’s a place they can experience the fun of living in a shared flat, experiment with cooking, embrace subjects they’re interested in, make lifelong friendships and enjoy many social activities. It’s the chance of a lifetime. If you’d like to make a donation to Livability which could help young people like Michael at Hinwick Hall, please call X, visit X or send a cheque in the post to X.
News Police rescue Norfolk Constabulary has named Livability as its charity of the year. Our campaign to redevelop John Grooms Court in Norfolk aims to raise £850,000. Speaking for the police force, chief constable Ian McPherson says, “Times are tough in the current economic climate, but I urge anyone to get involved and support this campaign so that the plans on paper really do become a reality.” The plan is to extend the building so that another six disabled people can enjoy the choice and freedom which our support services bring. Chief inspector meets his match in Norwich
Plain sailing
Steve Rowland, a client from Bedford Lifestyle Choices, enjoyed a day of sailing in Milton Keynes with Sailability, a sailing club with specially-adapted boats “The whole day was brilliant but my favourite part must have been initially taking to the water,” said Steve. “It was such a surprise how easy the adapted boat was to handle.” Steve used to enjoy sailing, but his disability meant that he hadn’t been in a boat in over 12 years. “It felt so great to be back on the water – like getting my freedom back.” Sailing is one of many activities that Lifestyle Choices clients can get involved in. Livability staff supported Steve by making all the arrangements and driving him to the club.
Steve at the helm 12 years ago
Icanho Fundraising update Jane was enjoying life when she suffered a sudden and debilitating stroke.
Steve had such a good time that he’s looking forward to his next sailing trip. “It was wonderful,” he said. “I give it full marks.”
You may remember receiving a letter from her earlier this year as she wrote to tell you about the specialist care she receives at Icanho, Livability’s brain rehabilitation centre in Suffolk. Hundreds of supporters have since sent us much needed gifts and kind words of support, raising more than £68,200 for Icanho and the essential services that Livability provides for so many disabled people around the country. 7
Making a difference in Bradford Bradford Christians are tackling homelessness in a more coordinated way thanks to Livability’s community mission team. Like every city, Bradford’s homelessness challenge is more than simply a case of finding housing. The problems include mental health, substance abuse and unemployment, making it a sometimes complex issue. Earlier this year, the team organised an event called No Room, inviting representatives from many of the churches and Christian organisations that work with homeless people in the Bradford area. Livability’s Ruth Smith says, “Lots of churches are running programmes like soup runs, but they haven’t
been connecting with each other.” Thirty attendees spent the day discussing their projects and finding out what others are doing. This type of information-sharing can save churches from duplicating services. One church had been thinking about setting up a new furniture project, but they discovered that another local group was thinking of doing exactly the same thing. Following the event, the group has decided to form a new homelessness network. They hope to not just coordinate their work, but develop a united voice to influence city-wide policy.
Get ready for a
Livability Christmas Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Christmas seems a long way off but it quickly creeps up on us. This year have a Christmas to remember with Livability events, cards and gifts. We will hold our carol service in St Martin-in-theFields, London on 14 December. This landmark church on Trafalgar Square has been refurbished over the past few years and is now more beautiful than ever. Our traditional Epiphany service takes place on 4 January 2010 at the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula within the Tower of London. The beefeater's
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church is steeped in history and a wonderful place to celebrate the season. This year we will also have a wide selection of Christmas cards and gifts – diaries, calendars and keyrings are among the more popular items. Last year our Christmas card sales generated more than £20,000 to support disabled and disadvantaged people across the country. This year, with your help, we’d love to do even better.
St Martin-in-the-Fields is a beautiful venue for our carol service
Gardeners’ world Flowers, music, facepainting and cream teas – Livability supporters enjoyed our first ever garden party this summer.
Events calendar Golf day 6 November Selsdon Park Golf Club, Croydon is the venue for this year’s golf day. We are looking for teams of four and individuals to play on this championship course. The club also has a beautiful hotel which is offering Livability supporters a special rate of just £49 per night for two people sharing. So why not turn the golf day into a weekend getaway?
Footsteps of Moses 5-9 November Join BBC Radio 2’s Canon Roger Royle on a five-day journey through Sinai, Egypt. Stay in a Bedouin run eco-lodge, hike through the picturesque Sinai valley, visit the world’s oldest functioning Christian monastery, trek Moses Mountain and spend a relaxing day on the beach in Sharm el-Sheikh. No previous trekking experience is necessary and the challenge is open to people of all ages and abilities.
We were thrilled to use the beautiful grounds of Great Ote Hall, near Burgess Hill in Sussex. It was all the more special as the gardens with their ancient oak trees are rarely open to the public. Although it was a blustery day, visitors enjoyed wandering in the garden, browsing stalls and listening to a local brass band.
Christmas carol service 14 December Our carol service will take place in St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square. The evening will be hosted by Pam Rhodes with music from Chantage, which was BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year in 2006. Tickets to this wonderful evening of hymns, carols and readings will go on sale in October.
As well as refreshments and quizzes, there was a very popular jewellery-recycling project, with guests bringing in old unwanted pieces for us to sell. We collected two boxes full of donations including six silver pocket watches and a beautiful diamond ring.
Epiphany service
There were also fascinating lectures by horticulturists Dr Dean Marston and Edward Elchin, who shared expertise on year-round gardening and growing organic fruit and vegetables. If you would like to host a Livability garden party, please get in touch with our events team on 020 7452 2115. Supporters and service users enjoy a grand day out
3 January 2010 Our annual Epiphany service is a chance to thank God for his blessings over the past year and to entrust the new year into his hands. It takes place in the ancient Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula in the heart of the Tower of London. Tickets are strictly limited for this intimate service, so book yours in plenty of 9 time.
Message from Mary
Why I support Livability We are always interested to hear from supporters telling us how they came to be involved in our work and what Livability means to them today. Mrs Andrews in Redhill sent us this beautifully written letter.
Dear supporter. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this edition of Livability News. We’ve packed it with more stories and news than ever. I find it so exciting to hear about people whose lives are changing thanks to Livability. Some changes are huge, like Michael’s exciting move to college. Others are less dramatic but no less significant. For Steve from Bedford Lifestyle choices, getting out onto the water was a significant step in developing his confidence and living the life he chooses.
Dear Livability, Having read the article in the summer Livability News, I wondered whether you would be interested in my story. I am now in my nineties and have had contact with John Grooms since I was a little girl.
Stories like these remind me that just like our service users rely on Livability staff to support and enable them, our charity relies on you. Without your support, we would simply not be able to work with people like Steve and Beth. Whether you are able to support us with regular contributions or just the occasional gift we are very grateful.
When my own family came along in the 1950’s, we visited Edgware a few times and my daughters were fascinated to see the forgetme-nots and pink roses being made, as well as the clever paintings done by holding the brush between the teeth or even the toes.
The economic situation is affecting us all, and many of us have less disposable money than last year. Your support is not something we take for granted.
When my father died it was his wish that instead of flowers, donations be sent to John Grooms. He asked me to endeavour to carry on supporting the charity. With my limited means I have tried to do so.
Thank you for all you do,
I can now look back over the years and praise the Lord for his many blessings on a charity which started with a small need.
My father (who died in 1979 aged 97) met John Grooms on several occasions which made a lasting impression on him. Consequently he supported the charity in his small way whenever possible and I was taken as a child to see the ‘Flower girls’ at work.
Yours sincerely Mrs Andrews Mary Bishop, Chief Executive
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What does Livability mean to you? We would love to hear your thoughts about the charity, and why you decided to support us. Please contact Jamie Williams at jwilliams@livability.org.uk or Livability, 50 Scrutton Street, London, EC2A 4XQ
Spotlight on
Talbot Manor If your mental image of a residential care home is a silent, austere institution then spending five minutes at Talbot Manor would change your mind forever. This Livability property is home to 12 young people who are full of life. The sound of Abba blares from a stereo, residents hang out in the bright new conservatory – making plans to go off into town. Talbot Manor is a few minutes outside Bournemouth town centre with its shops, colleges and endless leisure opportunities. Staff encourage the residents to make choices about their lives and then support them to make those plans a reality. Beth, 30, is a great guide to the home. She has lived at Talbot Manor for 12 years. “I love living here for lots of reasons, but I think the main thing is that all my friends are here,” she says. “The other thing I really like is the staff. They support us if we want to try new things.” Beth has recently returned from a holiday with Nicky, one of the other residents. “We went to a holiday centre in Southend, which was brilliant! Nicky and I have been friends since school so we love going on holiday together.” But far from the post-holiday blues, Beth is busy planning more trips – one to see her parents in Dorchester and the other to meet up with her fiancé in Sherborne.
Talbot Manor is a great place to live
Talbot Manor is a great example of Livability's work – making sure that Beth and her friends have the chance to make plans for the future and live life to the full. 11
“I have seen first-hand the inspiring work of the charity and the difference it makes in the lives of disabled and disadvantaged young people. What inspires me is the tremendous dedication of staff and the real independence they offer to disabled people.” HRH The Princess Royal
Livability 50 Scrutton Street, London EC2A 4XQ Tel: 020 7452 2000 Fax: 020 7452 2001 info@livability.org.uk www.livability.org.uk
Livability is the new face of John Grooms and the Shaftesbury Society
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