Livability news May 2010

Spring 2010

Issue 7

news Stepping out

Gardeners’ world Join Livability this summer at our open garden days We are hosting summer events for Livability supporters in spectacular English gardens.

As well as the chance to explore exquisite gardens, we will be offering refreshments, entertainment and the chance to buy your own plants and gardening supplies.

Saturday 10 July

Latchetts, Haywards Heath, Sussex

Sunday 18 July

Jenningsbury, Hertford Heath, Hertfordshire

Suggested donation ÂŁ10 per ticket.

For more information telephone 020 7452 2115 or email events@livability.org.uk

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 Your legacy

5

Staff & supporters

12

Finding hidden treasure

13

Events

13

Open garden days

14

A holiday romance 6

A big step for a little girl 8

Personal budgets 14

Message from Mary

African inspiration Victoria Education Centre and Sports College (VEC) has always understood the positive effect that sport has on the lives of disabled and disadvantaged people. Last year, VEC started working with Mbeleni Primary School in South Africa to build links through the International Inspiration programme, a government-led initiative inspired by the 2012 Olympic Games.

Dear supporter, It’s easy to take things for granted.

Whenever we do something regularly, the novelty soon wears off. It just becomes one of those things that we do.

Walking is one thing I rarely give much thought to. I walk around my house, climb up and down the stairs in the Livability office, stroll to the shops, rush to the train station, never really thinking of the miracle of walking. But the story of Danielle reminds us that walking is something to be grateful for. This determined 9-year-old has recently begun to walk, thanks to the physiotherapists at Victoria Education Centre.

Similarly, when I think about holidays, my main challenge is finding time to take a break. Then I have to decide where to go away. I never have to worry about hunting for a holiday destination that I can access. But for so many disabled people, holidays are all but impossible as hotels are simply not built with them in mind. Vera and Barrie are a couple who do not take their holidays for granted, they cherish the special time they spend at the West Shore.

I hope that the stories in this edition of Livability News will challenge you, as they have me, and inspire gratitude for all that we have.

Thank you for your support,

Mary Bishop, chief executive 4

International Inspiration seeks to use the power of sport to unite schools and communities across the world through the power of high quality and inclusive physical education, sport and play.

Sebastian Coe, chair of London 2012 says: “Our vision is to use the power of the Games to inspire change – and changing lives is the driving force behind our plans…Victoria Education Centre and Sports College’s involvement is another key step towards delivering that.”

One of Livability’s core values is to work in partnership, not just with those who use our services, but with their families, local communities and other organisations. So far this partnership has included visits to and from both schools as well as an African drumming lesson in the VEC sports hall, which was an absolute delight. “It’s such an honour to be one of the 150 schools taking part in this incredible programme,” enthuses vice principal Sue Stratis. “We believe that the cultural and educational learning curve we are on will be an invaluable resource when working with pupils at VEC to help build lives of independence and choice.”

Thank you Easter already seems a long time ago, but we want to say thank you to all who were able to give to us over that special time of renewal and hope. We wrote to you about Hugo (right), one of the service users at Lifestyle Choices in Bedford. After miraculously surviving a vicious attack, Hugo came to Livability. We supported him as he rediscovered his passion for sport and took up archery. But Hugo’s accomplishments on the archery range are only a fraction of what he has achieved in the last few years. His confidence and self-esteem are increasing through getting out of the house and meeting new people. His balance and coordination are improving through being physically active. Thanks to our kind supporters, we can continue our vital Lifestyles work in Bedford, Northamptonshire and Plymouth, and we are planning to extend our work into north London as soon as possible.

What will your legacy be?

That is the big question being asked this year by the Christian Legacy consortium, a group of leading Christian charities including Livability. We have launched the campaign to encourage people to think about what they are going to leave behind.

Today’s Church owes a huge debt of gratitude to faithful Christians of the past, who have left us such a valuable inheritance – famous people like Shaftesbury, Wesley, and Wilberforce, as well as millions of ordinary people. But what will be the legacy of our generation?

The Christian Legacy campaign wants to challenge every Christian to decide what they want to hand on to the future.

The campaign started with a series of adverts in leading Christian magazines, featuring well-known Christian writers, speakers and personalities and their vision for the future. The campaign then developed by featuring the visions of the chief executives of member charities, including our own Mary Bishop. Later advertisements will include ideas sent in by members of the public.

The Christian Legacy consortium is hoping to remind people just how important their legacy can be, and to encourage them to leave a legacy to their favourite Christian charities when writing their will.

Christian Legacy adverts have been appearing in leading Christian publications

Stolen minibus Stuck inside with no way to get out: that's the experience of disabled people from our Lifestyle Choices centre in Northamptonshire after their only minibus was stolen.

Choices are hoping to buy a new minibus as soon as they can, so that their members can get out and about and take part in the activities that they love.

Like anyone, they had been looking forward to a summer of trips and visits, enjoying the good weather. But for disabled people, it's all the more important as isolation can be a real problem. In fact, Lifestyle Choices was set up specifically to challenge the problems of loneliness by supporting disabled people to become active in their local community.

And now, without their wheelchair-accessible minibus, many plans will have to be cancelled.

Based in a fairly rural area, the centre is not served by public transport, and with a new minibus costing around ÂŁ30,000, this is a dreadful blow. Lifestyle

Minibuses are vital for our service users to get out into the community

5

A holiday romance Like most of us, Vera and Barrie look forward to their annual holiday. But it’s certainly not something they take for granted.

For Vera and Barrie, holidays are a chance to relax, have fun and spend time together as a couple. They have been married for 26 years and have always enjoyed going away together. But a few years ago, a stroke left Vera paralysed on her left side and dependant on a wheelchair. Barrie became her fulltime carer.

For many disabled people like Vera, finding a holiday that meets their needs is a frustrating and often disappointing process. As one disabled holidaymaker remarked after a particularly unsuccessful vacation: “The hotel’s idea of an accessible bathroom meant leaving my wheelchair outside and struggling into the shower. After months of planning, my break was in tatters.” This loss of dignity is all too common for disabled people and leads to feelings of isolation and frustration.

Livability is working hard to solve this problem. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live life to the full, whether disabled or not. So our

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eight self-catered holiday homes and two hotel-style properties offer holidays that are fully accessible.

Since discovering Livability Holidays, Vera and Barrie have rediscovered a sense of freedom. Every year they visit the West Shore in Llandudno, Wales.

There they enjoy a fully accessible holiday that meets all Vera’s needs and allows them to have fun along the way. “It’s like a second home to us,” says Barrie. “We have been to the West Shore seven times, and we just keep coming back. It has everything we could possibly want in a holiday and Vera feels so special and taken care of.”

Speaking to the couple, it’s clear that Vera’s stroke was a terrible blow for both of them. But what is also obvious is that they are still very much in love. They cherish going on holiday because it gives them time to spend together as husband and wife.

‘Everything is taken care of for us by the staff at the West Shore, so I really get to spend quality time with Vera’

“Our holiday is the one place where I know there will be nothing standing in the way of Vera and I having an excellent time,” says Barrie. “The food is fantastic, the staff are friendly and understanding and the room has every facility Vera needs. She can enjoy a holiday where her dignity remains intact, and where being disabled isn’t a barrier for her.”

Vera and Barrie’s holiday at the West Shore traditionally lasts for a week. “We never run out of things to do,” says Barrie. “There is so much to see and do around the area. And we are never restricted by transport because the West Shore’s private accessible minibus is available to take us out on our day trips. We would never get this level of care in a traditional hotel. We are able to enjoy our holiday the way we want to enjoy it. Nothing stands in our way.”

couples and friends are able to enjoy themselves without the usual barriers getting in their way.”

This summer is another busy one for the Livability Holidays team. Our self-catering properties and our hotel-style options, the West Shore in Llandudno and the Promenade in Minehead are booking up quickly. Thanks to your support, Livability can open up holiday opportunities to hundreds of people like Vera and Barrie every year.

If you would like to find out more about Livability Holidays or to book a holiday of your own, please contact Livability Holidays on 08456 584478 or visit www.livability.org.uk/holidays

For many people taking a Livability holiday, it is often the first time they have been able to go away together as a family. “This is why Livability Holidays are so important,” says Andy Hibble, manager of the West Shore. “Families are often forced to choose between not going away and leaving a disabled relative in respite care. Taking a Livability holiday ensures that nobody is excluded and that families,

7

A big step for a little girl When Danielle was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at six months, her parents didn’t know if she would ever be able to walk by herself. Thanks to Livability staff at Victoria Education Centre and Sports College (VEC) and nine years of determination and perseverance, Danielle has taken her first independent steps.

Starting to walk has opened up a new world of opportunities for Danielle

Last September, when a teacher asked Danielle’s mother, Marie, if she’d like to see Danielle walk, Marie assumed that Danielle would be using her walking frame as usual. Marie told us: “I went to the sports hall and watched Danielle from behind a partition. She didn’t know I was there. And when I saw that she could actually walk a little way by herself without any help whatsoever, I cried my eyes out! Every parent wants to see their child take their first steps, but when you have waited nine years it’s just so overwhelming.”

A very special school It’s largely thanks to the long-term help of Livability supporters that Danielle was able to take her first steps in the sports hall that day. Your generosity helps fund Danielle’s school, Victoria Education 8

Centre and Sports College, where pupils enjoy the very highest standards of support and therapy.

The school is on a mission to give the best possible start in life to children with physical disabilities and associated neurological and learning difficulties, offering advanced levels of care that simply aren’t available in mainstream schools. It has around 100 pupils from nursery age through to 19 and whilst a few are residential students, most live at home with their families and attend the school each day.

Danielle started going to VEC when she was just two and a half and has continued as a day pupil ever since. Marie told us she looked at many different schools, but had no doubt that VEC was the best option for Danielle. The small class sizes, friendly, specialist care and safe environment all help to reassure Marie that Danielle is in very good hands.

Dedicated teachers and therapists

very tight, but the warm water helps to relax them.

And, of course, playing in the water is great fun!

When Danielle took her first unaided steps in the sports hall, it was a landmark achievement. But it was by no means her first. Two years previously, Danielle had already reached another important milestone when she stopped being reliant on a manual wheelchair and started using a walking frame.

It’s not surprising that Danielle loves to be in the water. Most youngsters enjoy floating and splashing around, but for children like Danielle who have cerebral palsy, the benefits of being in the water are magnified many times over.

Danielle’s physiotherapist, Andre Kirby, works with her intensively every day. He told us that the progress Danielle has made with her walking over the last couple of years has had far-reaching effects.

In order to help the children's muscles relax, the water in the VEC pool is kept at a much higher temperature than the swimming pool in a local leisure centre. The heated water eases the tension in Danielle’s over-tight muscle fibres.

“When I first started working with Danielle a couple of years ago, she was still in a manual wheelchair.

She was entirely dependent on somebody else to get to where she wanted to go. Without someone else’s help, she couldn’t get to the people she wanted to talk to. Since she’s been using a walking frame, she can decide for herself who she wants to talk to. She’s chosen her own friends, which is something most of us take for granted. So she’s much more sociable and a lot happier.”

Amy Hunt, who is the lead learning support assistant in Danielle’s class, agrees: “Danielle’s confidence has really developed alongside her walking skills. She’s much chattier than she ever used to be and she has a fantastic sense of humour.”

The wonders of water When meeting Danielle, it’s pretty clear that she is happy at school. She loves nearly every aspect of school life and is extremely enthusiastic. Her particular favourite activity is definitely swimming. Like most of the pupils at VEC, she swims every week. Her condition means that the muscles in her legs are often

While Danielle enjoys the water, physio Andre is using games to encourage stretching exercises to increase her flexibility. And the resistance of the water helps build up Danielle's muscle strength. It's all valuable physical training and while her body's getting a brilliant workout, Danielle's having a whale of a time!

Although Danielle loves being in the pool, getting in and out of the water is not quite such fun.

The waiting game At the moment, Danielle and her fellow pupils typically spend the same amount of time getting in and out of the swimming pool as they do in the water. So for an hour-long session, they typically only spend 30 minutes in the pool. That's because the pool, which is now 27 years old, still has its original hoist, which is very slow and awkward to use compared to new-style hoist facilities.

Naturally, Danielle and her friends find this pretty frustrating! It’s also very frustrating for their therapists, who know that the relaxing and invigorating time the children spend in the pool is undermined by the ordeal at either side of the hydrotherapy session.

In capable hands: Danielle works with physio Andre 9

We very much hope, however, that this situation will change before too long. Livability has launched the Sparkle Appeal to raise funds for a brand new hydrotherapy pool and therapy centre. This is a really exciting project because it will give Danielle and her fellow pupils at VEC – as well as other disabled children in the community – the first-class environment they clearly deserve.

What’s next for Danielle?

Danielle's mum is on hand during a physio session

Danielle’s life has changed so much since she started to be able to get around independently – first with a frame and now, for short distances, by herself. But her physiotherapist Andre is keen to keep her moving forward. Each individual physiotherapy goal he sets is small and incremental, but he knows just where he wants her to head next.

Andre says, “We’re working towards self-initiation of walking. We want her to be able to initiate that first step by herself. We also want her to be able to stop during her journey and change direction. And beyond that, we’d love to see her learn to adapt her speed.

Danielle enjoys the achievements she’s made and I enjoy working with her. She always remembers the last goal we have set her – and we haven’t stopped yet.”

On the day that we met Danielle, she showed great determination and strength of character. Nothing was going to get in the way of her walking and showing us what she could do.

Architect's drawing of the new pool we have planned

Livability’s vision is for disabled people to realise their full potential and achieve real independence in their lives. And with her first independent steps under her belt and new progress every day, it’s obvious that Danielle’s future is looking incredibly bright.

Danielle's school-mate enjoying hydrotherapy

10

Personal budgets – is England ready?

Next March, the way the care system works will change radically. Livability set out to discover how prepared the government is.

March 2011 will see one of the biggest shake-ups of the care system in decades. For the first time, disabled people will be given control of their own care budget, instead of government bodies deciding what types of support, therapy, housing and leisure activities they are entitled to. Disabled people will be given the chance to make their own decisions. They will be able to spend their Personal Budget how they choose.

Livability is excited about the advent of Personal Budgets. They aim to give disabled people greater choice and control over their own lives – something which is at the heart of all our work.

However, when we talk to disabled people, very few of them have heard about this new system. As a result, the Livability campaigns team felt it necessary to do some research to find out just how prepared the country is for this major change.

Our research We used a professional polling company to conduct interviews with over 500 young disabled people.

They were asked if they had heard of Personal Budgets, and what kind of changes they would like to make to their lives once they had one.

Because Personal Budgets will be run by local authorities, we also wanted to see how prepared they were. So we phoned half of all the local authorities in England – over 100 of them – and asked if they had any information they could send us. We also visited their websites to see whether they had any information online, and how good it was.

The results The results were disappointing. They show that with only a year to go, very few disabled people have been told about these major changes. Local authorities have not made the effort to communicate with people who live in their area. In fact, most local authorities haven't even put information up on their websites. If the government is serious about giving disabled people choice and control of their lives, it would be a good idea to let them know!

Spreading the word Livability has worked hard to get this research into the public eye. We started by sending the results to all MPs and local authorities. We also contacted the press, asking them to write about this issue.

Subsequently, Livability has been invited to speak to a number of local authorities, to help them prepare for March. We hope that our campaign has encouraged local authorities to communicate better with their disabled residents, and spread the word about Personal Budgets.

11

Adding a bit of sparkle Diana Newbury is in charge of fundraising at Victoria Education Centre. We asked her about her work:

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Every day when I come to work, I see how together, staff and students are constantly achieving incredible things and how when this work is complete, VEC will be able to help disabled children and their families for many years to come. I feel so satisfied and grateful when a big cheque comes in because it means we are getting closer and closer to our goal.

Tell us a little bit about Victoria’s fundraising appeal.

We’ve called it the Sparkle Appeal, and its aim is to raise £4 million so that we can completely transform our sport and therapy facilities. We work with disabled young people in a holistic way – so physiotherapy and hydrotherapy are vital parts of their time at school, alongside standard lessons. This building work will completely change the way we are able to work with disabled children in helping them achieve real independence and choice.

What is your best Livability memory?

I was there the day Danielle (see page 8) took her first steps. What I saw in that moment was the result of her constant determination and hard work. It solidified my purpose for working here and I knew then that if I showed the same determination and tenacity as Danielle, I would be able to achieve great things!

What does the Sparkle Appeal mean to you?

Being able to work at VEC with all these amazing children and staff is such a privilege. I’m not a nurse or a teacher so usually I wouldn’t get to be a part of this incredible work.

If you could say one thing to our supporters, what would it be?

Thank you. Thank you for your generosity. Every day I see first-hand what can be achieved because of what you have given us.

Why I support Livability I worked in social housing for over 20 years and I see its provision as key to unlocking a healthy society.

But bricks and mortar alone do not make a home and that's where organisations like Livability come in. Livability changes people’s lives by giving them opportunities and the confidence to take control. I run a lot, but at least once a year I like to run a marathon for more than just a medal. Running for Livability lets me do that, as I know that in a tiny way I am contributing to transform someone's life.

Stephen Wakeford

Supporter Stephen completes the marathon.

Thanks to you A big thank you to Mrs Audrey Osborne and her friends for their fundraising efforts for John Grooms Court in Norwich. They organised a bring and buy sale and coffee morning which raised over £170. Mrs Osborne, who generously hosted the event, said that it was a great success and good fun too.

The money will go toward our building project, creating five new flatlets in our Norwich home. Thanks to the support of Mrs Osborne and her friends, we are a step closer to achieving that goal.

12

On a mission

Disabled people have an important role to play in the Church

Finding hidden treasure At Livability, we believe that disabled people have an enormous amount to offer to church life. However, too often barriers are put in their way that hide the contribution they can bring; too often the gifts and faith of disabled people are a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The barriers faced by disabled people are not just physical access to premises, but access to information and understanding.

As a partner in the Churches for All coalition of Christian disability charities, we are working to dismantle these barriers.

This year there will be three major initiatives to encourage and help churches include disabled people in every way possible. First, Livability will participate in the Churches for All zone at the Christian Resources Exhibition in Surrey from 11-14 May. The zone will include interactive activities, seminars and workshops to stimulate and inform church leaders.

Then, on 6 June, Churches for All is promoting Disability Sunday.

A resource pack called Finding Hidden Treasure has been put together to help congregations engage more fully with disabled people.

Visit www.churchesforall.org.uk to download a free copy.

Finally, on 7 October there will be the first Churches for All conference in London. Livability is currently helping to put together the programme of speakers and seminars that will address issues of concern to churches, including theological aspects of disability, recognising everyone’s gifts, and enabling churches to become more welcoming.

For further details on any of these events, please contact Alastair Emblem on 020 7452 2118.

As I write, I’m on an evening train returning from leading a workshop for a Salvation Army project in Sunderland. As a Livability community mission advisor, I had been asked to evaluate their work and help the team implement some new recommendations.

Based in one of the poorest wards of Sunderland, it’s as inspiring as the community projects featured in Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire programme. Like many of the projects visited by the cheque-book-in-hand undercover millionaires, this project was started and is energised by its Christian faith. This same radical faith drives Livability to work for peace, justice and true community for our neighbours both locally and globally.

Jeremiah 29:7 says: ‘Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.’ Jeremiah reminds us of the lifestyle that Christians are called to, wherever they may find themselves.

Although Channel 4 viewers may not know the Christian ethos driving the schemes, the communities they serve are better places because of the inclusion, compassion and staying power the projects demonstrate.

This to me is true community mission in action.

Adam is a Livability community mission advisor, helping churches transform their communities.

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Events calendar Golf Day Friday 25 June Selsdon Park Golf Club, Croydon is the venue once again for this year’s golf day. We are looking for both 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?

City Charity Cup football challenge Friday 16 July Hosted by former England and West Ham defender Alvin Martin, the City tackles disability in this 5-a-side football tournament. Test your skills in a penalty shoot-out against an ex-England goalie. Many other competitions and prizes throughout the evening. Enter your team now.

Saturday 10 July

Hike Hadrian’s Wall

Latchetts, Haywards Heath, Sussex

What could be better than a summer’s day spent in a beautiful English garden?

Enjoy a lovely day out with your family or friends wandering through the gardens and browsing market stalls. Relax with tea and cakes on the lawn while listening to a brass band. As well as refreshments and gardening quizzes, there will also be lectures by leading horticulturists and an area to purchase plants and cuttings.

10-12 September Spend three days walking 25 miles along the remaining sections of Hadrian’s Wall. The walk passes through some of Britain’s most spectacular countryside. Spend time in Northumberland National Park and finish at Brocolitia Roman fort.

Featured in Sussex Life as a top 25 garden to visit, Latchetts garden is full of variety and imagination. The fine lawns show off colourful borders with mature and new trees, roses, dahlias and many other plants and shrubs. There are beautiful water features, a water garden, raised vegetable beds, a fruit cage, a labyrinth, a sunken garden, and a Christian garden, as well as stunning vistas. You’re sure to be inspired!

Royal Parks Half Marathon

Jenningsbury, Hertford Heath, Hertfordshire

Sunday 10 October This half marathon winds its way across four royal parks; Hyde Park, St. James’s Park, Kensington Gardens and Green Park. As always, this spectacular run promises to be one to remember!

For more information on any of these events please call the events team on 020 7452 2115 or if these events don’t take your fancy, why not organise your own? For a community fundraising pack, contact Kerry on 020 7452 2112.

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Livability open garden days

Sunday 18 July Featured in the Sunday Telegraph, Jenningsbuy has acres of stunning wildflower meadows designed by award-winning landscape and garden designer Julie Toll. A 17th-century farm house sits surrounded by a thousand-year-old moat. Wander through the garden admiring the carnassias, tradescantias, ox-eye daisies, and orchids. Follow the path past a large pond, a bog garden, primulas and a fernery. The pond features large koi carp and water lilies and is edged with wild and cultivated plants. The Daisy Roots Nursery will be open for you to purchase plants and cuttings.

Tickets for the open garden days are complimentary, however a suggested donation of £10 per ticket would be greatly appreciated.

Tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please call our ticket hotline to reserve your tickets 020 7452 2115 or email events@livability.org.uk

‘Prayer is the nerve that moves the hand of God.’ Livability’s prayer diary helps you to pray for us with more insight and focus.

The diary is sent out three times a year.

It includes weekly prayer requests and items for praise. Articles about our latest work will help inform your prayers.

Join the hundreds of Christians who support us with their prayers. To sign up for Livability’s prayer diary please phone 020 7452 2021 or email info@livability.org.uk

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Inspiration What does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Livability 50 Scrutton Street, London EC2A 4XQ Tel: 0845 264 1194 Fax: 020 7452 2001 fundraising@livability.org.uk www.livability.org.uk

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

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