A WELCOME FROM OUR CEO CAROLINE
You might not believe this, but our best community connectors have been our animals. Building on from the summer Animal Roadshows in the community, we are so pleased to bring back our inclusive Animal Magic sessions at the weekend People of all ages and abilities have been able to come Thompson House to meet and care for the many animals on our farm and equestrian centre.
The sessions have been fantastic finding out where people are from, how they heard about us and sharing with them the story of the charity and all the amazing opportunities we provide
Nearly all of families visited for the first time and were not only enjoying themselves but asking questions about what else we did and how they might be able to benefit from our other events and services was really telling It has been fantastic how many people really want to get involved and support the charities work.
Connecting with our community has enabled us to develop some amazing work placements for our member trainees, expanding their knowledge and experience in the real world of work
Basically, in opening our doors to people we have realised that our potential impact and reach is far wider than Monday to Friday – so many individuals and families out there need opportunities at the weekend, to meet others and benefit from our inclusive approach.
It certainly focused our minds to be even more ambitious about ensuring we are a community asset, both for and with the people who we support. That’s why we’ve run a series of workshops for families in subjects such as housing support – but also been able to project such a positive story about My Life that people are now coming to these events and wanting to find out about job opportunities with us
And opportunity has always been a watchword for My Life It’s the name of one of our services, of course But opportunity drives the charities business strategy, which builds on the pathways we give our members and people in various themed areas and gives them a chance to reach for their dreams and ambitions, gain qualifications, potential careers, work placements by creating networks in their communities
We were invited to the Master Saddlers Hall in London recently, as we have been selected to be one of only 15 riding centres in the country, the only one in the NW, to be part of the British Horse Society’s Everyone’s Welcome programme This programmes ambition is to embed equality, diversity and inclusion into all UK riding centres
This is a significant opportunity for Thompson House Equestrian Centre, as we will be fully supported to deliver this model which will benefit so many people across the wider community Look out for more opportunities for more people bringing the joy of horses to more peoples lives.
Every day, we get people, schools, colleges, classes, care homes and many more organisations coming to us and asking if they can take advantage of these opportunities we offer The answer is always yes And that’s what this newsletter is for, too – a chance for everyone to see what we do, why we do it, the impact we have on the people who come to My Life and the positive outcomes we achieve for all
WHAT'S ON
TERROR at THOMPSON HOUSE
Cometrickortreatingaroundourscary villageatThompsonHouse
Whodarestoknockonthedoorsandbe trickedbyawitchorwizard?Experience ourhauntedhousewithghosts,ghouls, fortunetellers,aliensanddevilswaitingto chillyoutothebone!
Thepartywillcontinuebeyondthescary village WearehostingaHalloweenParty nightwithfantasticliveentertainment from7pmuntil10pmonthesamenight.
29th October 5-10pm
PONYDAYS
Wednesday23rdOctober&21stDecember, 10am–3pm
Call01257676003formoreinformation
PONYPANTOANDCHRISTMASMARKETS
Monday23rdDecember
Call01257676003formoreinformation
MYLIFEPRODUCEANDANIMAL ROADSHOWAT STANDISHCHRISTMASMARKET
Saturday30thNovember comeandsayhello!
ANIMALMAGIC
12thOctober10-12/19thOctober10-12&1-3 26thOctober10-12
£3perperson
BookingviaEventbrite https://mylifelegacy.eventbrite.com
Book via Eventbrite (NO booking Fee) or call 01257 472900
mylifehalloween.eventbrite.co.uk
COMMUNITYCOFFEEMORNING
Monday4thNovember10-12noon
£350perperson
Call01257472900tobookoremail info@my-life.org.uk
ORCHARDLIFEHALLOWEENSPECIAL
Thursday31stOctober10-12:30
£10perperson
Call01257472900tobookoremail info@my-life.org.uk
CHILDREN'S ANIMAL PARTIES
From £16.50 per child. Get to meet our animals - chicken, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, goats, pigs. Learn all about working on a farm, where our animals eat and sleep.
Includes hot or cold food, unlimited juice From £16 50 per child
To book call 01257 472900 or email info@my-life.org.uk
LEGAL TRAINING WORKSHOPS
HUGH JONES SOLICITORS
Wearedelightedtobehostingaseriesoffreeworkshopsfor familiesandthewidercommunity-everyoneiswelcome, includingprofessionalssoyoucanhelpmorefamilies.
Thesearerelevantforeveryonewithalovedonewithdisabilities, mentalhealthissues,olderparents,childrenandyoungpeoplewith SENDandmore Followingonfromoursummerworkshops,families said“Thoughtprovoking-learningnewthings-ourresponsibilitiesweneedtounderstandmore”,andwearelookingforwardtomeeting friendsoldandnew
TheseworkshopsstartinOctoberandcontinueinto2025witha choiceofmorning(10-12)orevening(6.30-8.30)session. Theworkshopswillbeheldhereinourclassroomsonoursite inStandish.
PleasereserveyourspacebygoingtoourMyLifeEventbritepage
https://mylifelegacy.eventbrite.com
Wills and Trusts
CharlotteCrawford HeadofPrivateClient WillsandTrusts
2024 17thOct-10-12 28thOct-630-830
2025 8thMay-10-12 19thJun-10-12
Mental Capacity/ Health and Welfare
ChrisGallagher HeadofCourtof Protection
JillRushton DirectorMental Capacity/Health &Welfare 2024 18thNov–10-12 25thNov–10-12 2025 15thMay-10-12 5thJune-10-12
Deputyships
DavidJones Directorof Deputyships
2024 14thNov–6.30-8.30 2025 22ndMay-10-12
WE ARE HIRING PERSONAL ASSISTANTS
Are you looking for a unique and varied role which provides a real sense of satisfaction and makes a real difference to people’s lives?
The roles themselves are varied and widespread too; you could be helping a young man in Bury who loves fishing, golf and gardening and just wants access his local community so he can meet some friends. It could be making a positive difference to another young man in Burnley who has a keen interest in attending music events, going for walks and swimming and needs someone to help promote his independence
And let us tell you about the wonderful Rebecca in Ormskirk She loves telling jokes, trips to the cinema and creating a splash at the local swimming baths Your role as her Personal Assistant / Support Worker will be to assist her with household chores, and accessing all the things she wants to do
These are just three examples of how much fun there is to be had when you join our team as a PA Currently there are also positions in Appley Bridge, Shevington, Barnoldswick, Whelley and Eccleston.
WE ARE HIRING SUPPORT WORKERS
If the answer is Yes, then the PA roles we have at My Life are a great way to not only feel fulfilled in your job but also become integral to the success of the charity WhenweaskpeoplewhytheylovebeingSupportWorkersatMyLife,
At My Life Opportunities in Standish, they could be helping the individuals they support to learn about independent living skills, horticulture, animal care or catering. They could be taking them to the gym, or pool, or football sessions.
Andwhattheyallsayisthattheyloveworkinginateamtomake theseopportunitieshappenforpeople-whichiswhywehave industryleadingretentionratesandmanygoontofulfiltheir professionalambitionswithMyLife
Weputasmuchinvestmentinouremployeesaswedothepeople wesupport-withsuchhighlymotivated,inspirationalindividuals wecanmakearealdifferencetotheirlives.
- A summer of inspirational, inclusive events
As My Life Ambassadors, Clare Roberts and Tracey Tolley fulfill a hugely important role – ensuring that My Life’s incredible work is not only experienced by as many people as possible but also that we celebrate exactly what it is that makes My Life so special.
This month, they’re looking at how a summer of amazing inclusive events has not only been enjoyable, but instructive, educational and inspirational
WHAT PEOPLE SAID:
The dedication of everyone involved shines out
Quality of the parties - really superb, good volume, lovely dancing, great singers
The party in the tents were brilliant and my son absolutely loved them
My daughter loved the parties in the tent and we will be visiting soon to see what else you have to offer
We didn’t know what to expect as we have never been to My Life before.
The refreshments and lunch were first class!
This has been a very informative and knowledgeable experience, TRULY EXCELLENT!
INCLUSIVE PARTY NIGHTS
Over seven weeks from July to September over 800 people from across the North West came to dance the night away at our themed inclusive Party Nights.
HARVESTING TALENT WORKSHOP
The Harvesting Talent Workshop in August focused on recruitment strategies and the new CQC framework, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase the work of My Life and offer networking with other professionals. The event was attended by 42 people with presentations from 4 speakers.
MY LIFE OPEN DAYS
Also in August we hosted two Open Days at our Standish Site 120 people visited on the first day and 140 on the second
MY LIFE AMBASSADORS
- where education meets celebration M Y L I F E A M B A S S A D O R S
- A summer of inspirational, inclusive events
WHAT PEOPLE SAID:
I was given more information about the subjects I attended which has helped me to get more help from My Life.
The housing workshop was very informative and I learned lots of information
The refreshments and lunch were first class!
The events were very informative and interesting I’m surprised by how much I don’t know. I have gone from not knowing where to start to having a plan
Always fun and friendly events. My daughter and I love coming to events at My Life!
INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYER WORKSHOP
September saw us host an Individual Employer Workshop. This workshop was brought back by popular demand and led by Becky Rourke of Fish Insurance – the first and biggest insurer of those employing Personal Assistants. Becky has a wide knowledge of this specialist area and made some of the complicated subjects much easier to understand. This event was attended by 35 people.
HOUSING WORKSHOP
A panel of experts in disability, support and housing joined 60 individuals and families to discuss housing options
THE COURT OF PROTECTION AND ME
On September 10th we hosted our workshop The Court of Protection and Me- Jill Rushton of Hugh Jones Solicitors joined us to talk about property, financial affairs, and when the Court of Protection should be considered. 45 individuals and families attended.
MY LIFE MY MOMENT AND RE-MADE FASHION SHOW
On September 6th we hosted our annual My Life My Moment show, featuring ReMade @ My Life. 150 guests saw amazing performances as well as set design, construction, costumes, catering and comparing.
It was fantastic to celebrate a night where everyone’s skills, gifts and talents came together.
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND COMPLIANCE
- ensuring excellence at every step
This month, we wanted to explain what it is we do in the Quality Assurance & Compliance Team, and why it’s so much more than a box-ticking exercise - or just another phrase for safeguarding Quality Assurance is about continuously improving the standards of care we provide Our ultimate goal is to ensure we are delivering a service that is consistent, safe and person-centred.
We also need to work within the regulatory landscape in health and social care - which is complex. Various bodies oversee the standards of care we provide, and part of our job is making sure that we meet all those standards - as well as invest in training for our staff so they can ensure the standards are upheld
So, some of the key focus areas for our Training & Development pathway are…
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
There is a growing focus on mental health within services, which includes ensuring staff have the appropriate tools to handle complex cases My Life have their own dedicated professionals, including a Mental Health Champion to support with mental health wherever possible.
AUTISM & LEARNING DISABILITIES AWARENESS
Oliver McGowan training, personcentred planning and positive behavioural support Working within the health and social care sector we can see that alongside training there are areas for development and transformation that we have already taken steps to cover
F2F safeguarding training, Mental Capacity Act & Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Wigan SAB Tier Reporting Workshops SAFEGUARDING
CLINICAL SKILLS
Medication administration (in line with the STOMP agenda), dysphagia, gastrostomy, anaphylaxis, infection, prevention and control
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
With the rise of digital health tools and remote care, there is an increased demand for QA mechanisms to evolve. My Life use various digital tools for record-keeping, offering new ways to enhance our care and providing the opportunity to continuously learn and improve through data analysis.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH EXPEDITION 2024
InSeptember,21ofourmembersembarkedonanexciting adventuretoTheKepplewraycentreintheLakeDistrict12ofthemattendedtocompletetheirexpeditionsforthe DukeofEdinburghAward.Wehadparticipationacrossall levels—Bronze,Silver,andGold.
Duringthethree-dayadventure,theyengagedinvarious activities,includingcanoeing,abseiling,gorgescrambling,and archery.Everyonethoroughlyenjoyedtheexperienceand successfullycompletedtheirrespectivechallengeswith flyingcolours.
TheGoldparticipantswillnowhavethehonourofreceivingtheir awardsinLondon,atthePalace
Itwasevidentstraightawaythatourmemberswerehavinga fantastictimewitheachandeveryoneofourstaffandmembers workingtogetherandsupportingeachothertoenableusto conquermanychallengesandachieveourgoalsinsuchafun andactiveway.
WE ARE HIRING TEAM MANAGERS
At My Life, Team Managers are Leaders who care.
Empowered to make decisions that enable people who need to support to maximise their life opportunities, they don’t just believe in the concept of personalised support, they live it
Our Team Managers lead by example, monitoring the wellbeing of both those we support and those who are providing that support. They are fundamental in the operational day to day running of support packages –and we treat them as such.
Apointment of Neurodiversity and behaviour support Team Manager
We are currently looking for a specialist and experienced Manager who has a strong awareness and understanding of current models and thinking within the field of Autism and Neurodiversity.
You will be someone who has the values, skills and emotional intelligence required to bring together a specialist team supporting two vulnerable adults to authentically live their best lives.
This is an excellent and unique opportunity that does not come around too often. The right candidate will be able to provide management oversight of a community service based in Preston, regulated under the CQC framework, as well as the opportunity to share their passion and confidence in training others in understanding models related to Neurodiversity and behaviour support as part of our training team.
You need to have understanding, drive, empathy, enjoy learning whilst inspiring others. You will work with individuals, families and the team around each individual to enable and encourage everyone to be the best they can be You must be a confident driver with a clean licence
If this could be you, please apply now
FIELD OF DREAMS: AN INSPIRING FOOTBALL
SUCCESS STORY FOR OUR STANDISH LIFE OPPORTUNITIES MEMBERS
My Life Opportunities at Standish have been overseeing football sessions for members for some time now We’ve found it’s a fantastic way for people not just to get active, but to feel part of a team and build new connections and confidence
Theteamhasalsobeguntotakepartinlocal footballcompetitions,themostrecent,the BuzzHubMiniTournamentinStHelensbeing ourthirdandmostsuccessfulHaving reachedafinalinaprevioustournamentand lostthiswasacaseofthirdtimelucky!
OurteamwasLewisNelson,PaulKearney, EvanSephton,AnthonyHardyman,Phil Barber,JackGriffinandAbbyEtchells. Theywereamazing,showingbothhowmuch theyhaveimprovedandwerewillingtowork foreachotherthroughouteachgame.They showedamazingcomposureinthefinal, winning3-2inapenaltyshootoutwhereLewis madetwoincrediblesaves
Thisvictorygaveourmemberssomuchjoy, anditwasaveryproudmomentwhenthey realisedalltheirhardworkanddedicationin traininghadpaidoff.Theyarealreadylooking forwardtomoretournamentsinthenew year Thecoachesweresoproud,too!
“Ihavebeeninvolvedinfootballforover40 years,”saysKarenPlatt.“Iwasluckytoplay forManchesterUnitedLadiesFCintheearly 1980sbeforetheteamdisbanded.Iwenton toplayformylocalteam,theoriginalWigan LadiesFC,whereIhadmanyhighsbothasa playerandamanager,untilmyretirement fromthegame.
“When I started to work for My Life it was only a matter of time before I wanted to get members involved in the beautiful game and so Martin and I got together to start training with them at Standish Leisure Centre.
“Friday's win was probably one of my proudest moments, beating any of my personal achievements. These people make us proud every day and they deserved this success and it will give them added confidence going forward.”
Fellow coach Martin Lowe, who is also a coach at Shevington FC, agrees that the tournament win was one of the proudest moments of his working life
“To see the hard work myself and Karen put into the training sessions, and most of all the effort the players put in and to see their faces when they picked up the trophy is one I will treasure for the rest of my life. I live and breathe sport and love teaching it, especially with our fantastic members.
My Life is also in the running for the Wigan Council Believe Sports Awards for Inclusion in Sport at the beginning of October
CRAFTING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS AT LIFE OPPORTUNITIES IN LEIGH
Life Opportunities in Leigh teamed up with the town’s Youth Hub to host workshops as part of a drive to bring people together in the local community.
Suzanne Morris, deputy manager of Leigh Youth hub, asked our Art Group to offer workshops to the local community as part of their coffee morning drop ins.
We set up a watercolours session – and our members really enjoyed the social element of this, showing off their talents and speaking to people about the activities they do at My Life
It’s a really important aspect of our vision for My Life Opportunites – not just offering activities but giving everything we do a purpose and outcome; in this case extending our members’ networks, making them feel a part of a community and giving them a confidence and pride in their own skills and gifts
PROPOSED EQUINE DUKE OF EDINBURGH PROGRAMME
We have an idea – tell us what you think!
WE KNOW AT MY LIFE THAT:
Opportunities for Children and Young People for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are limited
Inclusive opportunities for Children and Young People are not very common
Inclusion happens when people with the same interest participate in things together.
Friendships can be made through active participation.
Wehavethoughtaboutthislongandhardandhavedesignedaninclusiveopportunityfor childrenandyoungpeoplewithSENDandtheirpeerstosharetheirloveofhorses.Weare applyingforfundingtomakethishappen,butneedtoknowifyouthinkit’sagoodidea–your voicematters.
Thepotentialopportunitywillbeaspecific‘Equine’DukeofEdinburghBronzeAward Programme WewillbeworkingwiththeDofEasanopenawardcentreandtheBritishHorse SocietyasanaccreditedcentreandpartoftheBHS‘EveryoneWelcome’pilot.Itwillbeopen toallage14to25yearswhowouldliketocompletetheirBHSChallengeAwards/RDA AwardsalongsidetheBronzeDukeofEdinburghAward
*Ifyou’realreadydoingyourDofEBronzeAwardyoucanstilljoinintocompleteyour volunteeringelement.
What will we work through?
SKILLS
Horse Knowledge and Care, Creative crafting, photography and more
VOLUNTEERING
Help with dressage, RDA groups, pony days and Fundraising
INTERESTED?
PHYSICAL
Riding, caring for horses, grassland management and rider fitness.
EXPEDITION
A residential expedition trip with horses.
The Funders will need to know there is a demand, if you or someone you know would be interested please email info@my-life.org.uk with ‘EquineDofE’ in the subject line before 25 October 2024, and we will send you our information/ consultation pack to help with our funding application If we are successful the project will start after Easter 2025
THOMPSON HOUSE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
THE BHS CHANGING LIVES THROUGH HORSES PROGRAMME
The BHS Changing Lives Through Horses program at Thompson House Equestrian Centre is thriving, with three students actively participating and working towards their Explorer Awards. These students are learning essential horse care skills and developing a deeper understanding of equine management through hands-on experience
THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF WORKING WITH HORSES
More and more of the BHS’s Approved Centres are joining the Changing Lives through Horses (CLtH) programme. Participants are quickly discovering that the transformative power of working with horses, combined with a focus on developing key skills they can use throughout their lives, has led to increased confidence and self-esteem, as well as lasting friendships – both human and equine!
CLTH OUTCOMES
CLTH focuses on 6 main outcomes –confidence, teamwork, communication, responsibility, building relationships and perseverance Using horses as a medium to develop these skills, and working in maths, English and science into their curriculum.
SUCCESS IN RETURNING TO SCHOOL
One participant has joined us again for another term and has begun to go back to school on a nearly fulltime basis with TA Support. The idea is always to get the children/young adults back into education but using the CLTH programme to gain the skills they need to feel comfortable in a school/college environment
WELCOMING NE
College students have also joined us on the CLTH programme. They have previous horse experience but are developing the skills to advance into a potential career with horses. They are currently learning and developing these skills which would make them suitable candidates for an apprenticeship - or take the skills they have developed into any industry
Being a CLTH centre, we are subject to CPD both with the horses and with people We are expected to take part in any CPD sessions related to SEN which helps our understanding to develop students the best we can. We are in a good position as the charity specialises in providing opportunities to people with disabilities or learning difficulties, so our staff already have a good understanding and experience tailoring sessions to people who may need a different method of delivery
AN INCLUSIVE APPROACH
In addition, our adult horse care group meets every Thursday, where members who are funded through social care continue to enhance their equine knowledge and practical skills They are working alongside the RDA Proficiency Awards, making steady progress in their understanding and confidence around horses This inclusive approach is enriching lives, building confidence, and fostering a love for equestrian care.
CPD
MY LIFE SUPPORT
MY LIFE'S CQC-REGISTERED SERVICE CONTINUES TO GROW
My Life Support is continuing to grow and thrive, and we now have two new Team Managers and a Registered Manager join us All will be valuable assets to help with our plans for the future.
LYNDSEY BARCLAY
We are also proud to have Lyndsay Barclay join the Management team - this is an internal promotion and proof of our commitment to staff development Lyndsay will be supported by the team within her new role over the coming months.
RACHEL WOODWARD
Rachel Woodward joined us in mid September as Registered Manager. It’s a position for which we have advertised many times, simply because we know how important it was to recruit the right person for My Life, rather than the available person! We’ve had to be patient, but we’re delighted to have
Rachel with us; she has more than 20 years experience working in a variety of roles within the NHS and, for My Life Support, she will be the last, vital piece of the puzzle in our desire to have the right team in place.
Support
DEDICATION AND TEDDY'S ACHIEVEMENT
Staff have worked incredibly hard while we have been going through these adjustments, and we’d like to say a massive thank you to them for their continued hard work and dedication
Proof of that dedication came with the news that one of the people we support, Teddy, made the transition from primary to secondary mainstream high school education this term.
That’s an incredible achievement for our team but most of all Teddy. What an incredible example of the importance of personalised care
STABLE DOOR CAFE
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF GARETH
We recently posted a Day In The Life video featuring an incredible young man on our Catering & Hospitality pathway. It was a real reminder of the journey people go on everyday at My Life; it begins with Gareth writing a shopping list, counting the float and driving off to our suppliers to buy the ingredients we would need for that day’s service
Once he’s back at Stable Door, he’s then seen clearing tables, preparing drinks orders, manning the till and finally filling in his logbook with all the things he’d achieved and learned that day.
This real-life, work-based pathway is proving so popular and worthwhile; we can’t wait to see what Gareth does next
TAYBAH
And Gareth’s not the only one; Taybah started on the catering & hospitality pathway just over a month ago and too has achieved so much in the short time she has been with us From stock control to knife skills, high standard food creativity and presentation to food safety, she’s obviously at home in a cafe environment But what’s also been pleasing to see is the relationships she’s begun to develop with customers and peers.
CONGRATULATIONS TO WAQAR
Waqar's skills have also progressed immensely in the kitchen since he joined usso much so he now helps out in the pop-up kitchen as kitchen assistant. His jobs could be anything from preparing the salad items for the week ahead, grating cheese and getting sandwich fillings ready for lunch time, washing up, baking and so much more
Waqar needed a lot of support when he first started, with small step-by-step instructions to help with the tasks he was given
However, as he practiced, he became so much more independent and focused on his tasks; staff are able to give Waqar a job and he will complete this with little to no prompting throughout.
Waqar has also recently passed his level 1 food hygiene and safety, using his knowledge from working in the cafe to relate this to his course – and we now hope that he will go even further, into volunteering in the community on a catering and hospitality pathway.
WEDDING BELLS
And finally, with our Catering and Hospitality team supplying and dressing the chairs for a wedding at Wigan Town Hall it’s proof that our approach to get people into working in their communities rather than “just’ on the My Life site is bearing fruit; we had a fabulous day and worked so well together.
MY LIFE CHALETS
A VITAL FACILITY
Our three fully accessible chalets available for respite care, transition into independent living and short breaks are continuing to be a vital facility for people who might need support to live a good life - and their families.
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Two My Life members that have been accessing the chalets over a number of years have recently progressed and moved onto their own supported living Others recently used the chalets while their houses were being adapted to make them suitable and accessible for their needs – another way in which they are a home away from home for people who might otherwise feel isolated or ignored.
It’s a source of some pride that the chalets and our chalet support team have given people the confidence and independent life skills to be able to either transition into their own places, or feel that they can come to My Life while their domestic arrangements are being improved and continue to progress.
And that pride extends to staff members who have been with us for some time –they have gained similar confidence and skills dealing with and caring for people in the chalet environments to enable them to progress within the company into more senior roles, or more full time roles
