ISSUE 25
Welcome to StarNews
Chief Executive Lynette Barrett with student Tom
September marked the start of this new academic year at National Star, with all the opportunities and potential that comes with new beginnings. We are so proud of our wonderful new student accommodation and The Ingram Discovery Rooms, an independence and assessment suite, which were kindly opened in October by supporters Jack Thorne and Rachel Mason (page 4). This specialist accommodation will give students the best start in their journey to adulthood. As soon as you step through the doors, that sense of student pride and potential is tangible. I feel very privileged to be the custodian of National Star, a charity I have proudly
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been part of for more than two decades. To provide the best care and support, we need to recruit, and retain, the best staff. Like so many of those who work here, I started in a different job, as a part–time care worker. National Star saw my potential and provided me with the opportunities to develop my skills. Seeing and believing in that potential of our employees and those who we support is the very lifeblood of National Star. Everyone deserves the opportunity to develop their potential, and disability should not be a barrier. Former Principal, Kathryn Rudd, who I was fortunate enough to call a good friend and colleague, believed passionately in that potential. It was Kathryn who set up her fund before her untimely death (page 14).
Lynette with student Sam and his dad Rob
She understood those barriers and what young people can achieve if given the chance.
campaign has gone from an idea to a new logo being used by hundreds of venues.
Student Sam, who has launched a campaign to raise awareness around non–visible disabilities, is a young man who is determined to tackle those barriers (page 6). When Sam started at National Star, he struggled with anxiety and even leaving the house was a challenge. Since joining National Star, he has grown in confidence and developed skills to pursue his passion, which is to have an alternative blue badge which represents non–visible disabilities. In just a year, his
Thanks to the incredible commitment of our supporters, hundreds of young people with disabilities, like Sam, have been able to flourish with National Star. There are hundreds more who need that opportunity. Together with our supporters, National Star can be there for those young people. Thank you for being part of our journey.
Lynette Barrett Chief Executive, National Star
Ullenwood Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 9QU Email enquiries@nationalstar.org Tel 01242 527631
www.nationalstar.org National Star is a working name of National Star Foundation which is registered in England and Wales, company number 00522846, charity number 220239. Registered office Ullenwood Manor, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 9QU
Students and guests at the official opening of Scott House, Bradbury House and The Ingram Discovery Rooms
Our home from home National Star’s new £6 million specialist accommodation has opened its doors and welcomed 12 students to their new home from home. The facility is based on–site at Ullenwood and is split into two adjoining residences – Scott House and Bradbury House – and includes The Ingram Discovery Rooms, an independence and assessment suite. The building replaces Elizabeth House, our former student residence in Gloucester, which became unsuitable for many of the young people National Star supports. The building project was made possible thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses, trusts and foundations. The new residence provides spacious ensuite bedrooms fitted with overhead
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tracking hoists, wide corridors that can accommodate large electric wheelchairs, fully accessible kitchens and relaxing landscaped gardens. There are also sensory and break–out spaces to support those with autism, sensory processing disorders and behavioural challenges. The Ingram Discovery Rooms (pages 12 and 13) is a space to assess the support
Rachel and Jack touring the new facility
needs of new students, and it will also help current students learn how to use the latest technology to support their future independent living skills. Jaspar, a second–year student who moved into the new residence from Elizabeth House, used his AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to share that he has been settling in well.
The residence, which is modelled on National Star’s student accommodation Bradbury Gardens in Cheltenham, will support residents to learn to live more independently, develop their life skills, build self–confidence and better support their learning and development.
Olivia enjoys living on campus Student Jaspar loves his new room
‘I’m loving it,’ said Jaspar. ‘My bedroom is huge, much bigger than the one I had at Lizzy.’ Frances, who uses a power wheelchair, agreed that the residence is more accessible, and shared that because her bedroom door opens automatically with the press of a button, she can go in without needing to ask for support. This added independence was not an option at Elizabeth House.
I’m loving it. My “bedroom is huge,
much bigger than the one I had at Lizzy.
Jaspar
”
Student
Olivia praised the benefits of living on–site at Ullenwood, indicating that she now spends less time travelling to and from her classes and therapies. ‘I get a lie–in in the mornings,’ said Olivia. ‘There’s a disco here on Friday nights, too.’
Jack Thorne chats to student Jack
Visit www.nationalstar.org/brighterfuture to watch a video tour of the new residences. 5
Student Sam proudly displaying his newly designed blue badge
Star campaigner Sam National Star student Sam has launched a campaign to make the blue disabled badge more inclusive for people with non–visible disabilities. The 21–year–old has a chromosomal condition called DiGeorge Syndrome and he survived a pineoblastoma brain tumour as a child. He was inspired to launch his campaign because he and his family
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have often been challenged when using disabled parking spaces. ‘There are many people like me with disabilities that affect our mobility over time which means we need wheelchairs for when we are tired,’ said Sam. ‘However, because we can walk a lot or a little of the time, we get many people questioning our need for a disabled badge
Sam’s campaign was officially launched in September. It has garnered support from the Cheltenham business community, including Cheltenham Borough Council, Cheltenham BID, Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce, Visit Cheltenham and The Cheltenham Trust. An A5 window sticker of Sam’s alternative disability logo has been printed and businesses and organisations are being encouraged to display them.
Sam with Lindsey Holland, Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce, at the launch of the new badge design
asking if we are disabled or not, especially if we don’t look disabled on the outside.’ In consultation with other young people with disabilities, Sam launched an alternative disabled logo. It shows two able bodied people with a third person in a wheelchair and the wording: ‘Some disabilities are visible. Some are not. Take care of each other.’
Sam has been passionate about this campaign for years. He gave a speech on it when he was in Year 8 at school. He has decided now is the time to act. ‘Only 7% of disabled people use a wheelchair. The existing blue badge logo isn’t relevant for the other 93% of people with disabilities. It’s time for a change,’ added Sam.
You can show your support for Sam’s campaign by signing his petition to make the disability badge more inclusive. Visit https://bit.ly/SamsCampaign 7
Fundraising stars Rotary Club stars
After choosing National Star as its Charity of the Year, The Rotary Club of Cheltenham North fundraised with a variety of events including a carol concert, the Cheltenham Wine Festival and Cheltenham Fireworks. They donated an incredible £10,800 to our Building a Brighter Future Appeal.
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Poppy’s miles for National Star
Second–year student Poppy pledged to walk a half marathon for National Star, covering 13 miles / 21 kms, over two months. Poppy benefitted enormously from the opportunity to build muscle and strength in her legs, and thanks to her incredible determination, she raised £1,633.
Nicola’s sky–high fundraiser
Nicola, the mum of National Star student Justin, took on our out–of–this–world Wing Walk earlier this year. Her fearless fundraising raised a fantastic £3,075 for our charity.
David’s pedal power David, a popular staff member at one of National Star’s long–term living residences, saddled up to complete a John O’Groats to Land’s End cycling challenge in aid of our charity. He raised over £1,300 for young people with disabilities.
We’d love to hear from you if you think you could organise a fundraising event in aid of National Star or take on one of our challenges. Get in touch with our Fundraising team by emailing fundraising@nationalstar.org or calling 01242 524478. 9
Liam is proud of his journey towards independence
Liam’s newfound confidence Before Liam started at National Star in Hereford, leaving the house and mixing with people made him anxious. He didn’t leave his home for two years and trying to fit into mainstream school was a crisis point for him.
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‘I felt very isolated and insular,’ said Liam. ‘I didn’t really leave the house much. National Star has given me methods to deal with anxiety.’ What attracted him to National Star’s Wessington Court Farm was the farm dog Fred. ‘I just find being around animals is easier than humans,’ said Liam.
‘Animals are more relaxed and you don’t have to worry about what you say as much.’
go away for a few days without his family for the first time, demonstrating just how much he had developed at National Star.
During his two–year work outcome and personal development programme, Liam transformed into a confident young man. He went from finding it difficult to eat with his peers to leading life skills questions and delivering a presentation to students and staff. He maintained a work placement with a small group of people in a charity eBay shop.
‘Before I started college, I couldn’t walk to the end of the road because I’d turn white – you could literally see the blood drain from me – but to be at such a starting point meant that things could only improve. Now I feel much more confident and all round happier.
After leaving college, Liam began volunteering two days a week on the till of a busy charity shop. He also managed to
‘Without National Star I would not be as confident as I am now. I am stronger both physically and emotionally and am ready to face the future.’
Liam at his leavers’ ceremony presentation with tutor Jonathan
Discover how our work–related learning programmes can equip young people with disabilities with the confidence and skills they need to get a job. Visit www.nationalstar.org/workoutcomes 11
Discovering greater independence Every day National Star students are harnessing assistive technologies to develop their independence and give them greater control over their environment. The Ingram Discovery Rooms, based within National Star’s new residence at Ullenwood, are designed to give students hands–on experience with technology that can be used in a residential setting, preparing them for a more independent life after college. The rooms, which comprise of a kitchen, lounge and an ensuite bedroom, are also used for assessments.
Dan in The Ingram Discovery Rooms
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While Amazon Alexas are commonly used for playing music or adding items to shopping lists, the Ingram Discovery Rooms utilise the technology to make everyday actions such as opening the curtains, turning the lights on and off and even boiling the kettle accessible with a simple voice command. Students can choose to relax and self–regulate their emotions by asking Alexa to turn on a projector that provides sensory lighting. Non–verbal learners are able to access the technology via an iPad.
When former student Rachel, who has severe visual impairment and cerebral palsy, first joined National Star, she was dependent on others for everything from getting up in the morning to checking her emails and turning on her TV.
Dan road testing the smart fridge
Alongside Alexa technology, a smart fridge allows users to see what’s inside without even opening the door, while giving reminders about expiry dates and even suggesting recipes to try. ‘The technology provides our learners with increased independence and a reduced reliance on others,’ said Maizie Morgan, Assistive Technology Technician. ‘They can trial the equipment and explore different ways of using the technology in a way that works for them, within a supportive environment and with specialist input on hand. For some of our young people, this is the first time they have been able to control the environment around them – the joy it brings to them is huge!’ Off–the–shelf domestic technologies are used across National Star to support students in their day–to–day activities because this technology is transferable once they leave college.
Rachel’s benefitting from smart technology
Our multi–disciplinary team worked with her to find the latest technology and equipment to enable her to be more in charge of her own life. By the time Rachel left college, she could answer and send emails independently using Speaking Emails, and use smart technology to control her TV, listen to music and control the lighting in her room. She also learned how to use an AI (artificial intelligence) app which describes food products, reads printed material and can even give a description of a person. Thanks to the development of her independence and skills for life, Rachel was able to fulfil her ambition of moving away from home and into her own place.
By supporting National Star, you are enabling students to access the specialist equipment and facilities they need to grow their independence and prepare for life after college. Please donate at www.nationalstar.org/donate 13
Kathryn’s legacy When Kathryn Rudd, a former Principal of National Star, sadly passed away, it was her wish to leave a legacy to the charity that would celebrate and support young people with disabilities. New resources, equipment and technologies can provide life–enhancing opportunities to people with disabilities, supporting their independence and ability to live their best lives. But, as Kathryn knew, these are often expensive and not available to everyone. The Kathryn Rudd Opportunity Fund will help realise her dream to level the playing field, providing new opportunities to those young people who would benefit from them.
Former Principal Kathryn Rudd
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‘I’ve seen directly the power of newly developed innovation and technology on the lives of young people and their families,’ said Kathryn. ‘National Star have a team of highly skilled specialists who work together with the young person and the technology to provide tailor–made solutions. They make the impossible possible.’ This blend of innovative technology and specialist know–how was demonstrated earlier this year when National Star trialled the InnowalkPro, a piece of physiotherapy equipment designed to improve the fitness of people with disabilities.
and her upper limb function. Other students experienced an improvement in their resting heart rate, reduced leg spasms and improved oxygenation to their muscles, supporting stamina and performance. One student, who had previously felt unmotivated in physiotherapy sessions, commented: ‘I love this so, so, so much. I want to spend 9 hours in it.’ The money raised through the Kathryn Rudd Opportunity Fund will help National Star purchase life–changing specialist equipment like the InnowalkPro, ensuring that young people with disabilities have the chance to live their lives as independently as possible. Student Shannon with physiotherapist Olivia Williams
For five weeks, National Star’s physiotherapy team worked with 30 students to test the machines, which work like a cross trainer for wheelchair users. The students used the InnowalkPro for 30 minutes three to four times a week, and the impact on their mobility, strength and head control, as well as their energy levels, was significant. One student was able to stand daily when he was unable to before, kick his legs with more strength when swimming and even begin walking to his pool sessions, managing 22 steps. Another was able to improve her posture within her wheelchair
Student Aidan on the InnowalkPro
If you would like to leave a lasting legacy like Kathryn, please consider leaving National Star a gift in your Will. Telephone 01242 524478 to find out more. To donate to the Kathryn Rudd Opportunity Fund please visit: www.nationalstar.org/donate 15
Fly high for National Star
Choose your challenge Ready to soak up a sunrise or fly high for young people with disabilities? Signing up for our Sunrise Walk or Wing Walk are just two ways you can have fun, feel good and raise money for National Star at the same time. The Sunrise Walk takes place on 17 March 2024. Participants will set off from Ullenwood, Cheltenham, at 5.40am, and walk a beautiful 13km circular route that offers stunning views of the Cotswolds. Walkers will then be able to take in the breathtaking sunrise before enjoying some refreshments at the end of the challenge.
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COOK, who joined us on the Sunrise Walk last year and raised over £1,000 for our charity, said: ‘What a fantastic experience! We may not have been fast, but we had a lot of fun. Teamwork and laughter carried us along.’ The sky’s the limit with National Star’s Wing Walk, taking place on 6 June 2024 at RFC Rendcomb Airfield in Cirencester. With the roar of the engine in your ears you’ll stand on the wings of a Boeing Stearman biplane, flying up to 120mph and experiencing a thrilling series of flypasts, zoom climbs, steep dives and banks. Watched by your friends and family, it’s an out–of–this–world adventure you’ll never forget. Nicola Bird,
COOK, Sunrise Walk participants
who has taken on the National Star Wing Walk, said: ‘The Wing Walk is an opportunity of a lifetime, just like going to National Star, so it’s a great combination.’ All proceeds from the Sunrise Walk and the Wing Walk will go towards National Star’s work with young people with complex disabilities. Other upcoming fundraising events include the return of the Comedy, Curry and Quiz Night, a sell–out success in 2023 featuring a special performance by Lost Voice Guy.
Student Hannah meets Lost Voice Guy
Get involved Sunrise Walk
17 March 2024
Wing Walk
6 June 2024
Comedy, Curry and Quiz Night Summer 2024
Find out more about our Sunrise Walk and Wing Walk, as well as other fun fundraising events, on our website: www.nationalstar.org/support-us. You can also donate at www.nationalstar.org/donate 17
Reagan at his leavers’ ceremony
Reagan’s bright future Reagan is getting ready to attend a mainstream college – something his family never thought would be possible. The 21–year–old is taking an Independent Living Skills course at Coleg Gwent. ‘Two years ago, we would never have entertained the idea of Reagan going to Coleg Gwent,’ said his mum Rhian. For Reagan, who has autism and learning disabilities, managing his anxiety is his biggest challenge. He has limited speech so it can be difficult for him to express himself. At National Star in Wales, Reagan was able to build a relationship with staff members. They understood what made him anxious and helped him to develop ways to manage expressing those anxieties.
Reagan accessed physiotherapy, occupational therapy and support from the charity’s Emotional Wellbeing Service. This combination of therapies and specialist teaching with a constant team around him who made him feel safe and supported, enabled Reagan to flourish. ‘His confidence and self–esteem have hugely improved,’ said Rhian. ‘Because he felt safe, he was happy at National Star. His speech and understanding have come on.’ Reagan’s progress has been so great that he received the Most Progress in Learning Award at the National Star in Wales Leavers’ Award Ceremony. ‘During his time at National Star Reagan has blossomed. His progress has been massive and we are so proud of him,’ added Rhian.
Discover more about how learners flourish at National Star in Wales by visiting: www.nationalstar.org/wales 18
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Play National Star’s lottery to transform the lives of young people with complex disabilities for just £1 per entry. Find out more and join online by visiting www.nationalstar.org/lottery
National Star is a working name of National Star Foundation which is registered in England and Wales, company number 00522846, charity number 220239. Registered office Ullenwood Manor, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 9QU