Sunrise Spring 2015

Page 3 Magical weekend in Wales

Page 6 - 7 2014 Competition winners

Page 8 -9 Promises to keep.

A seniors plea

Sunrise 2015 - Issue 1 - Spring

Eggciting times at Penmakers Court

Welcome

Getting away

In this issue...

Welcome to the first issue of 2015.

We hope you have lots of exciting plans for the year ahead… do let us know if you hope to do anything unusual. We’d love to cover it in the magazine to inspire our readers.

As always we’ve struggled to fit all the news into this 20-page edition. So our apologies if your article didn’t make it in this time and look out for it in Issue 2.

We’re delighted to announce the winners of the Sunrise 2014 competition. Judging took place in February and although making the final decision was tricky, our panel of judges eventually reached their decision.

Around the schemes

4- 5

Customer David Gates writes about seizing the day in his article Promises to Keep which deals with the trials of getting older… and gives encouragements to keep going.

Competition winners

6-7

Promises to keep

8-9

The Issue

10 - 12

The Issue this time is Technology: Terrifying or Terrific? We spoke to a range of readers about their thoughts on technology and found opinions to be very mixed. We’ve also included a round-up of tips about how to stay safer online and at the cashpoint.

Remarkable residents

16 - 17

We discover how chickens are providing a little entertainment at Penmakers Court and meet a couple of Remarkable Residents who tell their stories.

Also in this edition: Author Lynn M. Cochrane talks about her writing; Wendy Baker tells of her experiences when she visited the Menin Gate in Ypres and we update you on the next performance by The Incredibles.

Of course there’s all the regulars including our call for you to keep your stories and letters coming in - we couldn’t put Sunrise together without your help.

Best wishes

Home to roost 19

Coming to a scheme near you… Join the team The Sunrise editorial board is an ever-changing mix of people who make sure we cover the issues that you’d like to read about.

The meetings are friendly and informal and you can get involved as much or as little as you like.

In January we visited Langley Court in Wolverhampton to talk to residents and pick up their stories.

If you’d like the Sunrise team to visit your scheme speak to your scheme manager or email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk

We’re looking for volunteers from across the schemes to act as local ‘subbies’ to collect news items that may be suitable for Sunrise or even take photographs.

Our subbies act as an informal point of contact for the Sunrise team – there’s no pressure to provide a stream of news - they tip us off if they hear of an event or experience which may make an interesting read.

If you’re interested in joining the team, please contact Nigel or Catherine at sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk

All around the world WIN £20 If Sunrise goes global you could scoop a prize

Laura Edwards & Heather Bishop Editors

Copy deadline The deadline for items for Sunrise Issue 2 is Friday 22 May 2015 2

If you’re lucky enough to be planning an exciting holiday this year make sure you pack a copy of Sunrise in your suitcase.

Have a photograph taken of yourself reading the magazine in a far flung destination and send it in to us on your return.

We’ll publish the best pictures and the most unusual one sent in before 30 September will win a £20 voucher.

Kings and queens of the castle A five-night stay at Bodelwyddan Castle in North Wales was enjoyed by 70 customers keen to sample the latest Magic Moments event.

The Customer Involvement team arranged a fun-filled stay at the Victorian castle - pronounced ‘boddlewithan’ - which boasts first class facilities and a wide range of entertainment.

Christmas quizzes, walks around the extensive grounds, Tai Chi, ballet, bell ringing and reindeer racing all formed part of the festive fun.

“I thought the price of the trip was very good value for money too and I look forward to 2015’s Warner break.”

John Evason from Langley Court, Wolverhampton, also enjoyed his break. He said: “I had a great time. The facilities and entertainment were excellent.”

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(see the ba

Pictured from left: Timelesia Davis and Hazel Groves from The Briarwood

Customers had the chance to see a pantomime as well as enjoying the evening entertainment.

Vi Gormer, from Wharf Court, Melksham, said: “I thought the trip was very good.

I was in very good company and it was lovely to meet up with the Birmingham residents I met at last year’s Warner trip to Holme Lacy.

“I did lots of walking round the grounds and went to the evening entertainment every night which I really enjoyed.

Vi Gormer (left)

with Sue Felthan

email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540

from Wharf Cour

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Around the schemes Oakwood scoops gold… again!

Congratulations to Oakwood Lodge which scooped a prestigious gold medal in the National Housing for Older People Awards for the second year running.

The scheme in Willenhall took the honours in the Housing With Care 45-59 units category. It previously won a Silver award in 2011 and two Golds in 2013.

More than 3000 residents took part in the 2014 UK-wide consultation which saw a total of 257 schemes nominated in the 35 categories.

One resident said: “Everyone at Oakwood Lodge helps to make it a really nice place to live. Our feedback about activities and involvement is really valued and we can all contribute to our little community.”

Scheme manager Sue Edwards said: “These awards mean so much as they are nominated for by the customers themselves. It’s great that they are happy and proud of where they live.

“Oakwood Lodge is a happy and friendly scheme… there’s always laughter here with the customers and the staff team. I’m very proud of Oakwood Lodge.”

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Food bank boosted by donations The Melksham food bank Pictured are Jea d and Trevor was delighted to receive Painter with the ncolIreleclantion boxes of items kindly donated by the residents of Wharf Court.

Each Christmas residents at the scheme give food items which are usually made up into hampers to be raffled off to boost the scheme’s social fund.

It was suggested that this year the scheme might ‘give something back’ so the collection was donated to the local food bank.

Wendy (left) and friend Nicola lay the wreath at the Menin Gate.

We will remember them A Sandby Court resident used her skills to create a hand-made wreath to lay at the Menin Gate in Ypres.

Wendy Baker from Chilwell, Nottingham, cross stitched the centre and four of her friends knitted the poppies to make a lasting tribute to the soldiers who died during World War 1.

Wendy explained: “My husband Terry served in the Sherwood Foresters for six and a half years.

“Each year we visit Ypres with Old Robin Hood Rifles ExNCO’s Club in Nottingham. We thought it would be a lovely gesture to make a wreath in honour of the soldiers of the Robin Hood Rifles and Sherwood Foresters who lost their lives in the Somme and Ypres conflicts.”

The Old Robin Hood Rifles.

The Regiment was formed over 150 years ago and at the start of WW1 it became part of the Sherwood Foresters Regiment.

The Battalion of the Robin Hood Rifles lost so many men in one day, it was feared the Battalion would be lost forever The total of fatalities lost in the Robin Hood Rifles and Sherwood Foresters during WW1 was over 11,000 men.

Wendy and the group travelled to Ypres, Belgium, in November for the annual Remembrance Service at The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing which is dedicated to the 90,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient of World War I.

Your incredible stories set to take centre stage…again!

After the success of The Incredibles project last year, the Customer Involvement team is launching a follow-up.

Last year’s production, Tea and Sandwiches, produced in conjunction with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, brought together inspiring life stories from a diverse range of customers.

Their experiences were performed by The Incredibles, a company of actors made up of customers from across Midland Heart.

Wendy said: “As the wreaths are thrown away after a few days, the organiser of the poppy laying service asked us if we could either take it home or leave it in the Ypres Cathedral as it would be a shame to have such a beautiful thing thrown away.

“My friend Nicola, who was with me on the trip, is married to an Ex-Coldstream Guardsman, so we took it to the shop in Ypres that is dedicated to the Guards Regiment Memorabilia.

“We told the owner of our plight and he said he would be honoured to keep the wreath in his shop as a tribute.”

Celebrating 25 glorious years

After recording the wealth of material from people in Mental Health, Inclusion and Older People’s services they then worked with a director and playwright from The Rep to create the script.

Two of Midland Heart’s Older People’s services celebrated their Silver Jubilee in recent weeks, Eastwood Court in Redditch and St Nicholas Court, Coventry.

If your scheme has got a significant anniversary this year, please let us know.

Su Moss, from the Customer Involvement team, said: “We’re very excited to be able to run The Incredibles project again. This year’s production will be performed on stage on 21 May as the curtain raiser before The Rep’s main show, Little Voice.

Eastwood Court Residents at Eastwood Court marked the 25th anniversary of their scheme with a high tea and live entertainment from accordion player and singer David McFegan.

The following day the company will put on two more performances at Midland Heart services to showcase their work.”

The rear of the Menin Gate where people leave red poppy cards with dedications to family members who lost their life in the conflict.

Scheme manager Diane Parker said: “It was a very enjoyable afternoon and everyone had a good time, singing along to many of the songs.”

The 25 retirement flats were built on the former factory site of Foulkes and Danks in the then village of Astwood Bank in 1989.

“Astwood Bank was later put into the boundary of Redditch and lost its village status, much to the disgust of the locals,” Diane explained, “although the village still has its own carnival and cricket team and still has a village feel.”

Turn to page 15 for the report on the celebrations at St Nicholas Court.

email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540

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The winners

What you say – the written word in poetry, a short story or a written observation.

What you see –

Joint winners: Jim Gilbert, Shannon’s Mill, Leek & Cynthia Ho, Broad Meadow

paintings & photographs

Winner: Catherine Spooner, Aylesdene Court, Coventry

Runner-up: Lynn Cochrane, Lydon Court, Sheldon

Runner- up: Cynthia Ho, Broad Meadow, Dudley

JUDGES COMMENT

“It was very difficult to agree on a winning poem. To start with we had all chosen seven different ones. We then narrowed it down to four but we were completely divided about which should be the winner so we chose two.”

Steven Broadley

JUDGES COMMENT

Sunrise Competition 2014:

The Results

“The colours in this painting made me think of The Yellow Submarine film. I liked the style and the choice of colours. It is a very skilful piece of work.”

Dave Goddard

One of the joint winners of the poetry section was a submission from Joe Gilbert from Shannon’s Mill, Tamworth, which is shown below.

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for… we unveil the winning entries in the closely contested Sunrise competition.

We will feature the other winning entry in a future issue along with other highly commended entries from Vivianne Hayes, Wellington Mill, and Mrs P Moore, Home Meadow Court.

We received a wide range of entries from around the schemes, so a big thank you to everyone who entered.

The judging panel met up at the Pen Museum in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter on a chilly February morning.

Our three judges from Inclusion Services, Mental Health Services and Older People’s Services, spent some time selecting the best entries.

They decided that with so many craft entries in the What You See category, a new section should be created to separate them from the paintings and photography.

There was much deliberation – and heated discussion – particularly during the judging of the written word section, but they finally reached agreement and named the winners.

Once the business in hand was concluded, everyone had the chance to relax and browse the fascinating displays.

The museum, which opened in 2001, contains an amazing collection of over 5,000 objects related to the Birmingham Steel pen trades and the history of writing, including working machinery.

Meet the judges

What you see –

crafts and handiwork

I was in Good Hope on Ward 12,

Winner: Wendy Baker, Sandby Court, Bramcote

My problems to solve,

Runner-up: Eva Nicholls, Aylesdene Court, Coventry

I had test after test, Breakfast, lunch and dinner were good, Especially the pud, And now I’m on Ward 26, The Cedarwood Suite.

JUDGES COMMENT

Between here and the hospital,

“I am an ex-soldier so I was obviously drawn to the hand-made wreath of poppies. It was very ingenious and a lot of work went in to it.”

Andrew Sinclair

It’s hard to beat, The staff are so very kind, They give me peace of mind, They help me to live independently, So I’m going to give 100 per cent, To the best of my ability.

Then there’s Charlie, I’ve never once heard her shout, Always dashing about,

Andrew Sinclair, Trinity Close

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Dave Goddard, Malvern Court

Steven Broadley, Firsbrook House

And is as sweet as sugar barli’ Jim Gilbert, Shannon’s Mill, Tamworth

sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540

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From the horses mouth

Promises to Keep?

A plea from a senior for seniors Write on…

Many thanks to David Gates from Born Court in Ledbury, who entered an entertaining article dealing with the trials of getting older into the Sunrise competition.

Here’s an excerpt which includes encouragements to keep going…

I have to admit that it’s scary. It’s yet more uncharted territory. Yes, I am approaching the watershed of the mid-seventies. What does this mean for me and for others moving towards this point in life apart from the benefit of a free television licence?

Also, what does this mean for other family members such as children or grandchildren?

Many younger people are inclined to write off the senior as a person in decline. After all, we don’t have the same vigour or health and our ability to keep pace with modern technology is not always adequate.

I have to put my hand up and admit that there is some truth in the view of these people. For many of the mid-seventies this is a difficult time, yet this does not preclude, in fact, it ought to encourage effort.

Can I offer a plea on behalf of my fellow seniors? Please - where possible and I realise that there will be times when it isn’t - give us the benefit of the doubt.

Many of us wish to continue to make a valid contribution to the

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lives of other citizens, be they teenagers, ‘thirty-something’s’ or our contemporaries.

In Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening the final stanza reads:

The seventh and even eighth decades can be both enjoyable and productive. Think of the many authors, actors and musicians who live, write and perform at this time of their lives. Many older people have voluntary and productive, sparetime occupations.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

Before I conclude let me address my contemporaries in the Three Score Years and Ten Club with yet another plea - let’s continue to show them what we’re made of.

After all, as someone has wisely said: age is a matter of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter… so, let’s go for it.

Many years ago I discovered the work of Robert Frost (18741960) an American poet and playwright.

But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

Someone may ask to whom we made these promises. It may have been to our husband or wife. It may have been to ourselves, but does it really matter? The fact is that we have unfinished business and that is enough.

Perhaps you, like me, feel that life’s journey cannot yet be finished. I still wish to do and strive.

There remains in my life the feeling that there are still “promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And Miles to go before I sleep.”

If you would like to submit an article, short story or poem, please email it to us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk If you prefer to post your submission please ask your scheme manager to contact us and we will supply the address.

Wedding bells at Langley Court After 30 years together, devoted couple Ivor Barlow and Gwyneth Westgate decided to make it official by tying the knot in August, 2014.

The couple, who are both profoundly deaf, met in 1984 at a sign language club in Wolverhampton.

The attraction was instant and they began talking when Gwyneth asked Ivor for help.

“She had no patience so she found signing quite difficult,” he remembered. “We were both quite lonely and quickly became friends.”

Ivor, a former aeroplane fitter, said: “We have always been very happy together and I love her so much so getting married seemed the right thing to do.”

The couple, who live at Langley Court, Wolverhampton, with their nine-year old dog Patch, were married at the city’s Registry Office on 22 August.

Gwyneth told Sunrise: “It was a lovely day and being married to Ivor has made me very happy. He’s my best friend and I love him very much.”

email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540

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The issue...

Technology:

Terrifying or Terrific?

There’s no doubt about it, technology can make our lives simpler as well as giving us access to more information.

But as always there’s a downside. Using certain technology such as cash points or shopping/banking online can make you vulnerable.

We look at the ways you can protect yourself and talk to residents to see if technology is making a difference to their lives.

Stay safe at the cash point Choosing a cash machine Make sure you check the machine before you use it for any signs of tampering.

Examine the machine for stick on boxes, stick on card entry slots etc.

Using a cash machine Be aware of your surroundings. If someone is crowding or watching you, cancel the transaction and go to another machine.

Remember to take your card with you.

Enter your PIN safely - use your spare hand as a shield. Do not accept help from “well meaning” strangers and never allow yourself to be distracted.

NEVER write down your pin or choose a number which is easy to guess eg. 1234.

Leaving a cash machine Discreetly put your money and card away before leaving the cash machine.

If you lose your card in a cash machine, cancel the card immediately with the card issuer’s 24-hour emergency line, which can be found on your last bank statement or on the Card Watch website www. cardwatch.org.uk .

Dispose of your cash machine receipt, mini-statement or balance enquiry slip with care.

Card fraud also happens in the home Do not verify bank details at home in unsolicited telephone conversations. Always call the person back using the advertised customer telephone number, not the telephone number they may give you.

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“I think most technology is rubbish. I’m not interested in the internet at all, I’d much prefer to sit down with someone and have a straight-forward chat.

I never liked typewriters either and I think it’s too late for me to learn how to use computers now.

“We have had problems with our television recently.

We’ve been told that a new mobile phone mast is blocking the signal which is very annoying because when I am housebound and I rely on the television.

“My friend does all my banking for me these days but when I was able to go to the bank I would never use the cash point. It always felt much safer to use the counter service.

“I do have a personal alarm so I suppose that is technology which works for me.”

Ida Mannion, Langley Court, Wolverhampton “As my wife Gwyneth and I are profoundly deaf technology really makes a big difference to us.

“We have minicom in our flat to help us communicate and I have a mobile phone linked to a keyboard so I can text to keep in touch with my friends and my family.

“My brother Graham sorted a mobile phone and keyboard out for me three years ago which is much easier than typing on the phone itself.

“We bought an ipad a few months ago but I’m still learning how to use it.”

Ivor Barlow, Langley Court, Wolverhampton

“The internet has been a revolution in my life. Last year I joined Facebook and got back in contact with former Royal Engineer army mates that I knew in the 70s and never thought I would meet or hear of again. It seems every army unit has a Facebook group where vets like me can chit chat about old times and organise reunions.

“I use Coventry central library computers to get online and as it’s usually full of folk using the computers or using the free WiFi, I take my laptop as well.

“I still have a phobia about buying anything online as I will not give my bank details for fear of getting my account wiped out.

“Now I am waiting for Midland Heart to catch up on technology and provide WiFi in the community room.

“When that happens I guess it will be as busy as the library. My friend Dorothy is 75 and is getting computer lessons from the library and has a Facebook account as well now.

Jack Kybird, Birdgrove Court, Coventry d book group for Midlan Jack has set up a Face tion comments and Heart housing associa and heart find it by typing ‘Midl suggestions. You can arch box. e ants group’ into th se housing association ten

“I’ve never used a computer and I don’t have any interest in learning. I certainly haven’t a clue about the internet.

“I buy The Times every day, listen to the radio and read books instead. I do plan to get a mobile phone at some stage although it is likely to be a basic Pay As You Go phone.

John Evason, Langley Court, Wolverhampton

Stay a step ahead of the cyber thieves The internet is a vital part of life for many of us for information, email, social media, shopping and online banking.

It is a wonderful resource providing you take steps to stay safe online…

Virus software This is a must for everyone whether you use a PC, laptop, tablet or smart phone. Virus software such as Avira or AVG, which are free, will protect your device from hackers trying to access your information. Check out the Play Store and Apple App Store.

before you log in.

Make passwords safe Hands up who hasn’t used their mother’s name or that of a pet as their password.

These are far too easy for hackers to crack! Ideally a password should be long and include numbers and letters in both upper and lower case. Try to use different passwords for different accounts.

Never give your four digit bank card pin number – it isn’t required online.

Online banking Never respond to an email from your bank – your bank will never send an email asking for details. These emails are sent by criminals attempting to get hold of your account and log-in details. If you receive an email like this you should contact your bank and let them know.

Never click on any links contained in the email.

Watch out for imitation websites – always check you have an https connection

Look for the padlock icon in the browser bar. If you don’t see the padlock, don’t log in.

Keep your details safe.

Safe online shopping Only shop with reputable sites. If a site you have never heard of is advertising an amazing offer… don’t trust it.

Facebook Friends should be people you know. If you don’t know them, they could be thieves getting your details to steal your identify for online fraud.

Check your privacy settings on the Facebook homepage.

You have a range of options to control who sees the information you post.

Take care of the information you post – never include your address or contact numbers or indicate when you’re likely to be on holiday or leaving your property vacant.

Downloads Only download from reputable sites. Don’t download movies or music for free – you’ll be breaching copyright and are also making your devices vulnerable to viruses.

email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540

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Community champions

The issue: continued

Customers lead the way in planning new look website Midland Heart is investing in a new website specifically designed to improve its service offering to customers.

The project, which was launched in 2014, is well underway with customers playing a key role in the development of the site.

A range of elements across the site have been enhanced with customers in mind, including the ‘search for a home’ function. This particular section has been developed to make it simpler and quicker to find a home with (or without) the add on services or support that matter to our customers.

Other sections have also been developed to offer customers additional support or improve the way they access the resources available to them, this includes a customer involvement section and a money advice section which will even have it’s own budget calculator.

Kat Willis, Marketing and Communications Project Manager, said the organisation is keen to improve and revitalise its own website, making it easier to navigate and including a wider range of information.

She said: “Our website is an important resource for our customers and after feedback we believe there’s much more we can offer our customers”.

Customer input will continue during the development of the website primarily through customer focus groups and regular project meetings.

Raj Shroff, Deputy Director of Care and Support, added: “We’re really excited to be taking positive steps towards improving our customer website, we’ll see accessibility options improved and content become more customer focussed.”

Did you know?

The Midland Heart website has 32,000 unique visitors every month.

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Daisy’s collections help local people

A 'write’ inspiration Lynn Edwards scribbled down her first poem at the age of eight and hasn’t stopped writing ever since.

She discovered her skill as a storyteller during “boring” needlework classes at junior school when she kept her classmates entertained as they worked their straight seams and fancy embroidery stitches.

At the last count Lynn, who publishes under her maiden name, Lynn M. Cochrane, has written an incredible 644 poems.

Many of her short stories are also in print in a variety of anthologies and she’s currently working on the final novel in a trilogy.

“I have written a number of novels over the years. They are unpublished but I view them as training grounds where I am learning my craft,” Lynn, from Lydon Court, Sheldon, explained.

“My novels are a combination of science fiction, fantasy and horror, but without the gore, I hasten to add.

“Science fiction has always fascinated me and it is a vehicle for being able to address inequalities and variants.”

Lynn, who spent much of her working life as a geography teacher at a school in nearby Alum Rock, tries to maintain the discipline of working life by writing during office hours, aiming for around 400 words a day.

Daisy Thevathasan has devoted a lifetime helping others and doesn’t see why she should change even though she’s in her eighth decade.

On reaching retirement age Daisy, who orginates from Sri Lanka, began working as an immigration translator with West Midland Police, a role she continued for 12 years.

Fridays, however, are set aside to edit the weekly newsletter and service sheets for Yardley Baptist Church, where Lynn is a member of the congregation. She also devotes time to editing anthologies produced by members of the Cannon Hill Writer’s Group.

In her free time she volunteered with Age Concern visiting the elderly who had become lonely and isolated after becoming housebound.

Lynn takes her inspiration from a wide range of sources, from day-to-day observations and family relationships to ancient sites and nature, the latter prompted during happy hours at the allotment she shares with sister Alli.

“I’ve always had a great interest in life so I can take inspiration from anything and anywhere,” she explained.

“Writing brings me great pleasure and I have the same sense of pride in my early work as I do in my more recent endeavours.

“I’m always writing poems. It’s almost as if they catch hold of my hands and won’t let go until they’ve been attached to paper… or the current electronic equivalent.”

The great-grandmother now devotes much of her time to collecting for the local food bank based at Trinity Church close to her home in Milton Court.

Poppyscape Blood on the grass.

The poppy fields glow, Embers of a Flanders storm That raged and ranted Across the wall of time ago, And since the aftermath, Gentle swayings of Delicate stems Red-topped remembrance In a new dawn.

Lynn M. Cochrane

Recent collections include unwanted crockery and carrier bags to support the local appeal.

She said: “I always like to do my part to help others who are less fortunate and I have such good support from everyone at Milton Court. They are always so generous with their time and donation and I am very grateful for their help.”

email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540

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Home at last

Silver Jubilee for St Nicholas Court

Midland Heart is one of the biggest providers of homelessness services in the Midlands, working with over 6000 customers each year to give them the access to accommodation and housing related support which helps people to maintain their independence.

Scheme manager Nalin Popat pulled out the stops to throw a party to remember to mark the scheme’s Silver Jubilee.

Balloons, a buffet and live entertainment ensured a great turnout from the 27 flats at the service in Radford, Coventry

The organisation has a range of services, from direct access accommodation, floating support and our Homeless Service Centre in Birmingham.

Sunrise takes a look at one entrenched rough sleeper, Alan King, 64, who was supported into accommodation.

After years of sleeping on the streets Alan King spent the winter months in the warm and comfortable surrounding at St Eugene’s Court.

Alan, 64, had been in and out of homeless services across Birmingham and was known to the outreach team, but he repeatedly lost his accommodation following street drinking sessions.

Early last year Tony Feeney, a Peer Support Worker based at the Homeless Services Centre (HSC), was assigned to Alan’s case by Donna Regan from the outreach team.

Alan leaves the streets for new life at St Eugene’s 14

Donna and Tony secured Alan a room at St Eugene’s in Digbeth service last July. Tony said: “Alan settled in quite quickly and is doing well thanks to the support work offered by the staff at St Eugene’s.

“He’s a lovely man and is very wellliked so it has been rewarding to see him settled in a safe place. No one should be living on the streets but especially not someone of older years.”

Tony discovered that someone had access to Alan’s bank details and as soon as his pension was paid into his

account, it was withdrawn, leaving Alan penniless.

As Alan didn’t have any ID getting the account closed down was a lengthy process, despite the involvement of the Department of Work and Pensions and Social Services.

Tony explained: “Thankfully his bank account was eventually closed and he could finally access his pension.”

Elaine Jackson, the scheme’s longestserving resident, was at the heart of the celebrations. She moved in to St Nicholas Court two months after it opened in February 1990.

She said: “My husband and I sold our house in Radford to move here as we were getting older and never regretted it. It was a good move for us. I have always felt warm, comfortable and safe and I love having the company.”

Elaine, 90, added: “There have been quite a few changes here over the years but we’re all like one happy family.”

Also at the celebrations was John Scoffham, representing his late wife Gill, who was manager at St Nicholas Court for the first nine years.

The couple live on-site at No. 6 and John said: “They were very happy times.

Being here brings back a lot of happy memories for me.”

Alan was encouraged to start a payment plan with staff giving him a daily allowance to help Alan manage his finances.

Tony explained: “It’s particularly important that he has a greater control of his cash because he is known among the rough sleeper community as being something of a ‘soft touch’ when it comes to giving away money.”

Tony added: “Working with Alan has been so rewarding, particularly since he’s such a lovely guy. It is great to see him settled and happy in a comfortable home… which is just as it should be.”

Scheme manager Nalin Popat (centre) with Elaine Jackson and John Scoffham

email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540

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Remarkable Residents

A life in nursing fulfilled Doris’s ambitions The outbreak of WW2 meant that Doris Plumb’s childhood dream of becoming a nurse was put on hold.

Her widowed mother had three children to care for so after leaving school Doris, now a lively 93, worked as a secretary to boost the family’s finances.

She said: “I’d wanted to become a nurse since the age of 11 when my appendix was removed. At the start of the war my brother was called up so I needed to get a job.”

But she didn’t give up hope and in 1943, at the age of 22; she was able to follow her dream after being accepted as a trainee State Registered Nurse (SRN) at Dudley’s Guest Hospital.

Doris, who has lived at Broad Meadow for more than two years, explained: “It was a small hospital but that meant the training was extremely thorough and the nurses were able to do some of the work junior doctors would usually do.

“We started at the very bottom, learning to make beds and emptying bed pans. It was a hard way but definitely the best. You use all your senses when treating patients and that can’t be learnt in a classroom.

Doris loved the training even though the hours were very long and the pay was low. Convoys of injured military

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personnel were flown from the front lines into Birmingham Airport and many were brought by train to the Guest Hospital for care.

“We treated many soldiers who had returned from Burma,” she explained. “If you were on night duty when the wards were quiet sometimes you would hear a bed rattling, which was usually a clear indication that the patient was having an attack of malaria.”

Doris qualified as a SRN in 1947 and married almost immediately, and although she left the hospital, she continued as a hospital service reservist and volunteered with a first aid group, the Wolverhampton No 2 Mobile Unit.

When her sons started school Doris secured a coveted role as the only practice nurse in the Midlands at that time, in a five-doctor GP surgery in Bilston covering morning and evening surgeries.

“In those days the doctors had to employ nurses themselves so the positions were very rare,” she explained. “I was very happy there, so much so that I stayed for 26 years.”

Doris also became interested in the benefits of yoga, both physical and mental, and trained as a Pranayama yoga teacher, a discipline which places emphasis on breathing and relaxation.

“I still practice the breathing and relaxation techniques today,” she revealed. “When a teacher couldn’t cover her class here at Broad Meadow one day, I was asked to step in. I was a little nervous but you never forget the basics.”

Doris added: “Nursing opened up a whole new world for me and I learnt so much during my working life and met many lovely people. I feel very fortunate.”

Diane took the time to care It takes a very special person to become a foster parent and Diane Spittle obviously had the caring qualities needed for one of the most challenging of roles.

Diane, from Broad Meadow, had four children of her own but opened her home to more, fostering 12 children, including a four year old boy with severe learning difficulties.

Matthew was placed in Diane’s care, initially on a short-term basis, but ended up staying for almost five years.

Diane told Sunrise: “I’d always wanted to foster children.

Even as a teenager I had this image in my head of lots of children to care for and I’d try to talk my mum into fostering.

“When my first marriage broke up I applied to be a foster carer and the first child I was asked to look after was Matthew.

“He had been in hospital in a special unit for quite a while because his mother couldn’t care for him.

“He had severe special needs and he was quite a handful so initially he lived with me during the week and went back to the unit at weekends.

“He’d had a difficult start in life and because he’d already been in care before he came to me, he was upset and unsure.

He couldn’t be expected to move in with a stranger and immediately be happy and settled.

“But as I got to know him I could see that he understood a lot more than others had originally thought so I always behaved as though he did understand and taught him to open his eyes to the world around him. Before he’d used all his brain power to do naughty things.”

Matthew lived with Diane and her family for almost five years but a change in her family circumstances meant she could no longer care for him. Fortunately he was able to move back home with his mother, supported by a couple who fostered him part-time.

“It broke my heart letting him go,” she said. “I was so very attached to him. It’s so hard saying goodbye to children you foster but Matthew obviously had a very special place in my heart.

“He is 38 now and I still send him birthday and Christmas cards, although I don’t know if he receives them.”

“In the early days he would only sleep for three hours a night, he’d bite me and punch me, and it didn’t seem like things were getting any better. I’d been told that he never smiled or laughed.

After her years as a foster carer Diane married again and had her fifth child. She then became a registered childminder, a role which kept her busy for 16 years until she retired at the age of 61.

“Then one day as he bit me I said, “Matthew, you can keep biting me because it might hurt me but I will still love you”.

That was the turning point.

She added: “They were happy days. Caring for children is hard work but if you can establish boundaries early on, they are so rewarding.”

email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540

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Eggcitement

Home to roost Five residents at Penmakers Court are encouraging everyone into the garden… whatever the weather.

The chickens, which hatched last April, have become firm favourites at the Smethwick scheme, keeping everyone entertained with their antics.

The scheme activity coordinator purchased an incubator early last year to hatch living eggs as a one-off project, with the aim of selling any resulting chickens.

When ten eggs hatched the five cockerels had to be sold to farmers, but residents were keen to keep hold of the remaining five chickens.

So a hen house was purchased and the chickens were welcomed with open arms.

Scheme manager Kerry Hartshorne explained: “Our customers spent hours watching the eggs as they were due to hatch. Some even came down in the middle of the night to see how they were doing.

“Of course when it was time to sell the chickens everyone had fallen in love with them and no-one wanted to see them go.”

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The chickens are cared for by staff and an enthusiastic group of customers, who are happy to collect the eggs, feed and clean the hen house.

Kerry added: “Four customers play an active role in caring for the hens. One gentleman in particular, who has experienced mental health issues, has really flourished since their arrival.

“It’s as if he’s a different person now he has an interest and creatures to care for.

It’s wonderful to see.”

Hen Power boosts wellbeing

Keeping chickens is a proven d improve way to reduce isolation an ing health and wellbe . t launched in The Hen Power project, firs er people to old the North East, encourages g. get involved with hen keepin health category After being shortlisted in the y Awards the of the 2014 National Lotter

by Equal Arts, innovative programme, run er areas of the is now being extended oth country. benefits of The team has also seeing tings its work in dementia care set ion uct red a ing with staff report tic ho syc ti-p in the use of an medication.

Puzzles

Crossword

Living the good life

Chickens not only make gre at pets, th ey also contr ibute sustainab to a more le lifestyle .

Today aro u n d a mil household s in Britain lion now keep chickens, enjoying fresh egg as well as s getting e from their njoyment antics.

Across 1 Food fish (8) 5 Having the skills and qualifications required (4) 9 Long for (5) 10 Run into (7) 11 Car mechanic (informal) (6,6) 13 Fastener – English F1 racing driver (6) 14 Constrictor (6) 17 Beyond reform (12) 20 Cool drink (4,3) 21 Grim (5) 22 Pluck – viscera (4) 23 Tincture of opium (8)

Down 1 Select – implement (4) 2 Young hare (7) 3 Near certainty (3,9) 4 Fuss – scam (6) 6 Vigorous (5) 7 Uncle Tom Cobleigh and all (8) 8 Deliberately obstructive (informal) (6-6) 12 Courteous (8) 15 German painter at the court of Henry VIII (7) 16 Ferocious fish (6) 18 Summit ridge (5) 19 Prudish (4)

Wordsearch

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Congratulations to the winner of the word search in Issue 4 2014 was Mr P.J McClusky from Uxbridge Court. A £20 Love2shop voucher is on its way to you.

At the time of putting this issue together, the ground was icy and there was a bitter chill in the air.

We’ve based our word search puzzle on Spring flowers this time as hopefully, when this issue lands on your doormat, your gardens will be bathed with sunlight and the first flowers of the season will be in bloom.

There’s a £20 Love2shop voucher for the S H Q V O E P U I Y P K H L P B O C W Q first correct entry out of the bag, so make sure you send in your Word Search entry H M E Q N K G W P F P V L O P A K N I Y to be in the running.

A E M C R V K J I I V E H Y A C I N T H Post your entry to: Wordsearch Winter T W J J A V E J T T B Z N D D A S I M B 2014, Sunrise, Midland Heart, 20 Bath

Q Z H W A F B M V E K D T J N J K M G C Row, Birmingham B15 1LZ R X Q Z J X A U U W H F M S X N Z L C M Final deadline for entries is Friday 22 May 2015 G B L B T W Z L X F Q Y L U D P I L U T Please note the competition is only open A P P X I H B Z U K J Z P N U L H B J Z to Midland Heart customers with only one

Q K Y R E A S W R X U Q C J W S B V U N entry per customer.

A Q N E U T F U M F O G C V D C N R A C Snowdrop Iris

Crocus Tulip Daffodil Hyacinth Name Address

Primula Pansy Primrose Bluebell

L C D Y O Y V J Y K N Z A D Y D V U N D

E J V P Y H P P X G J L Y B G P V U S R I N V K D G X R I A U V U S F G D Z B A O Z Y R Q A R I G M I R R J I T R M Q E Y D N O M F Q M I Z P C X L B U N O T C

J S S B E A A R I H O R B J P R N W Q X

W I I T B T P O S X K O P V D Z M D T S P O R D W O N S S U P C L I D O F F A D U T I I O Q N E I S O U P Y S N A P X X

Telephone

J S M A L B N N U J S S R B F X R V R V

email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540

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Make 2015 a year of magical moments The Customer Involvement team have already planned a busy year of Magic Moments events.

Les Miserables

From Calvert Trust holidays and a Warner Holidays break to fishing trips and fun days, there are lots for activities for customers from Older People’s Services to get involved in.

Your chance to see the West End’s longest running show.

Posters advertising events will be displayed on the noticeboard in your scheme but you can also contact the Customer Involvement team direct.

Thursday 21 May – Friday 22 May

Speak to Louise Ellis for Magic Moments events, Older People’s Services: louise.ellis@midlandheart.org.uk Mobile: 07920500035 Or, Laura Edwards who organises Magic Moments events for ExtraCare and Learning Disabilities services. laura.edwards@midlandheart.org.uk Mobile: 07920500036

IN THE NEXT ISSUE…

Masquerade Ball – A Magic Moments special in Coventry

We are happy to make the contents available on tape, large print, braille or in a different language.

We also subscribe to the Language Line interpretation service.

If you need help communicating with us or understanding any of our documents, we can arrange for a Language Line interpreter or translator to help you.

If any of these services would benefit you please contact us.

email us at: sunrise@midlandheart.org.uk or call: 0345 60 20 540

Travel to and from your services, overnight stay in a central London hotel… and much more £175 per person.

Limited availability so book soon through Louise Ellis or your scheme manager.

Graham Scott – is awarded the Arctic Star

Customer Awards – the ceremony and the winners