StarNews - Issue 24

You can feel the excitement in the air at National Star as students and staff get ready to see the new student accommodation welcoming its first residents.

Although we will not be using the building officially until September, a small number of students will be ‘road testing’ the new building in the summer term to ensure that everything is as it should be for our new residents.

We are beyond grateful to the trusts, foundations, businesses and the community that have got behind our Building a Brighter Future Development

Fund. Your generosity means the world to everyone at National Star, especially the young people with complex disabilities that the charity supports to live as independently as possible.

Everyone has pulled together. National Star student skiers, as well as enjoying an unforgettable learning experience on the slopes of Andorra (page 5) were among the first fundraisers to get behind our ‘Go Far, Be a Star’ campaign raising £600 towards the new building. The local business community, schoolchildren (page 8) and groups of friends stepping out as part of our Sunrise Walk (page 12) can also be rightly proud of the contribution they have made towards our development.

Demand for our education and long–term living services continues to grow and we cannot rest on our laurels. We are heartened by the fact that we know we can rely upon supporters like you to help us touch more lives in 2023 and beyond. Thank you.

Lynette Barrett Chief Executive, National Star

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

Dancing for joy with student trial

Student Jack has walked outdoors for the first time and hopes to dance at his wedding thanks to an innovative piece of equipment called the Mollii Suit, which helps with body tone.

Jack, who has cerebral palsy, is one of seven National Star students who have been chosen to take part in a trial of the special full body suit which can stimulate and relax muscles to address the imbalances caused by neurological conditions.

The Exopulse Mollii Suit is worn for just one hour, with its impact lasting for up to 48 hours. All the students taking part in the trial are already showing promising changes in the control of their movements.

Improvements were seen in gait for those that were walking whilst others reported reduced pain, ease in using an eye gaze AAC communicator and also functional gains in terms of bed mobility and the improved use of upper limbs.

It is thanks to the excellent reputation that our physiotherapists have in the field of neurological physiotherapy that the students were given the opportunity to trial the suits.

Before trialling the suit Jack said he felt like he couldn’t control many of his movements, especially his right hand.

Jack is so excited to have been selected to take part in the trial and is already seeing huge changes to his body tone as a result. He said: ‘I hope the suit will make me less tired so that I can walk to my class. My girl Bethan is my huckleberry and I want to dance at our wedding on our own,’ said Jack.

Jack in the Exopulse Mollii Suit

Jack walks outside for the first time

Going far for National Star

National Star supporters are going the distance for young people with complex disabilities by signing up to our Go Far, Be a Star fundraising challenge. National Star Physiotherapy Assistant Jack Bennett is swimming the length of the English Channel in memory of a student who died.

Jack started the challenge, which will see him swim 21 miles and just over 2,000 lengths, in January.

‘I have been a confident swimmer my whole life, and the pool has always been a big part of my life. However, it’s the first time I’ve taken on a challenge like this,’ Jack said.

‘At National Star I worked closely with a student who passed away, and one of the best memories I have with that student is swimming with them and supporting them

in the pool. They loved swimming, so I wanted to do something in honour of them.’

Jade Claridge, Behaviour Support Practitioner at National Star, has pledged to walk or run 100 miles throughout May. It was important to Jade that her challenge coincided with Mental Health Awareness Week (15 – 21 May).

‘I think it’s really important to link physical exercise with mental health and wellbeing,’ said Jade.

‘I started to run at the start of lockdown. It was a scary world, not knowing what was going to happen. I discovered running and found that a balanced amount of exercise had a massive positive impact on my mental health.’

Jade hopes to smash her £200 fundraising target.

Jack is swimming the distance to France Jade will cover 100 miles

‘I will always have a passion for supporting a wonderful organisation like National Star. I see every single day the incredible impact that we have on the students.’

Former National Star students have also been keen to get involved. Molly Lane is raising money by swimming 20 lengths of her local pool, over a 20–week period.

Stars who have gone far

As part of Go Far, Be a Star, fundraisers are able to choose their challenge, as well as the distance. There is no registration fee and the challenge can be completed any time.

So far more than £3,000 has been raised from the challenge, with the proceeds going towards National Star’s Building a Brighter Future Development Fund.

National Star students recorded their ski miles for the challenge when skiing in Andorra, raising £600.

National Star colleagues Claire Smith and Charlotte Davis walked the 124 miles around the Ring of Kerry, without even setting foot on Irish soil! They smashed their £750 target.

National Star student Leo raised £327 by completing a race around the mobility maze at Ullenwood within 30 minutes.

Fourth–year

Kirby and her trusty

rode 70 miles through the glorious Cotswold countrywide, raising £500.

Katie cycled 100 miles on her trike around our Ullenwood campus, raising £290.

It’s easy to go far for National Star. Find out more by visiting: www.nationalstar.org/beastar

steed Smarty

student

Driving student independence

National Star students don’t let wheelchair malfunctions or technology fails get in the way of their learning thanks to the support of a specialist on–site team.

The Student Technology team, based at Ullenwood, offers immediate solutions and repairs for both wheelchair users and those who rely on technologies to make their voices heard, use switches or access computers. Being on–site, the team can provide immediate support and ensure that students don’t have to wait long without their essential equipment.

‘If, for example, a student’s communication aid isn’t working, and they had to go externally, they could be waiting for days, maybe even weeks, for a replacement part or for someone to come out and look at it,’ said Maizie Morgan, Assistive Technology Technician.

‘By having us on–site, we can provide solutions there and then. It’s not very often that a student will have to go more than a few hours without a voice or a means to get around independently. We work quickly because we know how important it is that students don’t lose their independence.’

Imogen is learning to drive her wheelchair

The team work closely alongside their Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) colleagues, which helps to personalise support for the students.

‘The OT and SLT teams have one–to–one sessions with the students, so they have a special insight into their specific needs.

‘Together, we can troubleshoot and come up with solutions that are best for each individual student.’

The team currently support third–year student Imogen, who has been benefitting from weekly wheelchair driving lessons using Smart Platform technology. The lessons provide Imogen with the opportunity to learn the cause and effect of switch driving in an environment that is safe and with support at hand if she needs it. Imogen controls her wheelchair using a knee ‘wobble’ switch.

‘The sessions are stimulating and enjoyable for Imogen. She’s determined to make the most of them and by improving her use of the switch, she’s gaining greater autonomy over her movements,’ said Maizie.

‘It’s amazing to see her driving around campus and choosing where she wants to go!’

For Maizie, she can’t imagine a more rewarding role than one where she can help keep young people with disabilities as independent as possible.

‘I love knowing that I am making a difference to young people’s lives, ensuring that they are never without their voice and enabling them to participate in education, continue with their passions and socialise with friends. I couldn’t be prouder to work in such a hardworking and student–focussed team.’

It’s thanks to supporters like you that National Star can purchase specialist equipment to enable students to live as independently as possible. Donate today: www.nationalstar.org/donate

The Student Technology team

Fundraising stars

Celebrating 25 years in business

Our friends at The Property Centre have donated over £5,000 to National Star after celebrating their 25th year in business last year. We are beyond grateful for the incredible support!

Ecclesiastical get hands–on

Thanks to donations through their Movement for Good giving scheme and employee volunteering days, staff from Ecclesiastical have raised over £3,000 for National Star. Staff volunteered their time to cut back hedging and clear paths at Greensteps, our learning centre in Cheltenham. ‘We chose National Star as it was very clear, following a visit to their site, what incredible work they do to make a massive difference to young people’s lives,’ said Lynne Hood, Senior Analyst at Ecclesiastical.

Gloucestershire Hauliers

Gloucestershire Hauliers have raised an incredible £15,500 for National Star since they started supporting the charity in 2017. They raise money at their annual dinner dance. ‘We are very grateful for their continued support. It is a superb evening where we get the opportunity to talk to the guests about the difference their support makes to young people with complex disabilities at National Star,’ said Catrin Viveash, Head of Fundraising at National Star.

A fundraising non–uniform day

Cheers to DEYA

The Crypt School in Gloucester held a non–uniform day in aid of National Star and two other charities, raising a brilliant £439.83 for us!

National Star partnered with Cheltenham brewery DEYA to create a special collaboration beer. The proceeds of the 4.5% pale ale went towards our public appeal to build new specialist accommodation at Ullenwood, raising a fantastic £1,614.68.

We’d love to hear from you if you think you could organise a fundraising event in aid of National Star. Get in touch with our Fundraising team by emailing fundraising@nationalstar.org or calling 01242 524478.

Student excitement mounts for new accommodation

Members of National Star’s 10–strong Student Union were given VIP access to the construction site at Ullenwood so they could have a sneak peek of progress being made on–site.

Construction work started on the new specialist residential accommodation in July last year and within a few short months the new buildings began to take shape.

Students were able to see that windows have been fitted, electrical work installed

and rooms plastered as contractors Speller Metcalfe continue to make progress on the development.

The Student Union toured our new accommodation

Tom discovers more about construction

around the site. Solar panels will also be installed as the project nears completion.

Students have been fully consulted on the interior design features of the new accommodation, choosing the colour palette for soft furnishings and communal areas.

See the vital work of National Star first–hand by booking your place on one of our supporter tours at Ullenwood. You’ll have opportunities to see student–run social enterprises, therapy suites, a student residence and the construction site of our new residential accommodation. Visit www.nationalstar.org/ ullenwoodtour

The wide corridors make the building easy to navigate for students using large electric wheelchairs and there was a sense of excitement in the air as the students visited each room in turn, chatting to the construction team and enthusiastically asking questions about what was next in terms of finishing the project.

Sustainability has played a key role in the development of the accommodation. The sedum roof is now in place, as well as the energy efficient heating and a means to harvest rainwater for irrigation of the area

It’s not too late to support our Building a Brighter Future Development Fund with a donation. Visit www.nationalstar.org/brighterfuture

Bea loved looking around the new accommodation

Rising and shining for charity

Scores of amazing fundraisers laced up their walking shoes and braved the early morning chill to join us for our second ever Sunrise Walk. The 12–kilometre circular walk set off from Ullenwood, Cheltenham, at 6.15am. Our fundraisers, ranging from groups of colleagues from a number of local businesses to seasoned walkers, had plenty of opportunity to get to know each other as they soaked up the stunning views around the Cotswold Way.

Student Katie stepped out for her college

Vanessa, Claire and Jude from COOK Cheltenham

For Bamboo Technology, this was the first time that they had signed up for a fundraising event in aid of National Star.

‘It was great to be part of the Sunrise Walk this year. The camaraderie between everyone taking part created a fantastic buzz!’ said Emily Giles, Marketing Manager at Bamboo Technology.

‘We’re really pleased we could raise some money for National Star and highlight the great work they do. Having the walk start and finish at the Ullenwood campus really brought home why we were all taking part!’

Vanessa, Claire and Jude, who work at COOK Cheltenham, are not only work colleagues, but walking buddies too, with a passion for supporting our charity’s work with people with disabilities. Despite a bit of rain, they found the unique experience to be tough but rewarding.

‘What a fantastic experience! It was a lot wetter and muddier than we expected, but teamwork and laughter carried us along,’ said Claire Foote from COOK.

‘We may not have been fast, but we had a lot of fun, and we are so proud to have raised well over £1,000 for National Star.’

The event raised more than £10,000 for our charity, helping to transform the lives of young people with disabilities.

Missed out on our Sunrise Walk? Don’t worry, you can take on a walking challenge as part of our Go Far, Be a Star fundraising campaign. Discover more: www.nationalstar.org/gofar

CLC Striders taking part for the second year running

Doggies are welcome

Whole team approach to challenging behaviour

Challenging behaviour is not a disability or diagnosis but more a way of communicating for many students and residents at National Star.

People with a disability are more likely to display behaviours that challenge others. As a charity, National Star invests heavily in training staff to provide person–centred, individual support so that we can improve the lives of those in our care.

Behaviours that challenge others are almost always a form of expression, a way of telling others something that may indicate an unmet need. Our experienced staff would say there is no single cause for challenging behaviour.

Environment, relationships with others, discomfort or frustration can all cause an episode of behaviours that challenge.

Caroline out for lunch with her mum Sally

Since being in the care of National Star one former student, now long–term resident Caroline, has learnt how to manage her own behaviours that challenge, recognising that she needs a safe space to be calm and manage her frustrations.

Care and support staff and residential teams are given quality time to get to know the people they’re supporting. They focus on understanding how a student or resident communicates their needs and wishes and report every episode of behaviours that challenge so that we can learn from them going forward.

Caroline’s experienced support team recognise the triggers to her behaviour and support her to access a sensory space to relax.

At National Star we are fortunate to have many highly experienced specialists, including positive behaviour support practitioners, talking therapists, music therapists, drama therapists and clinical psychologists, who are part of our Emotional Wellbeing Service.

They are lynchpins in the multi–disciplinary teams of speech and language therapists, residential teams, key workers, occupational therapists, personal learning co–ordinators, tutors and physiotherapists, who work together to lower the likelihood of a student’s challenging behaviour.

Our whole team approach is making a significant difference to students, residents and their families. Many parents now feel more confident in taking their young people out for a meal or shopping in a crowded town centre for the first time. They are enjoying inclusive family life that many of us take for granted.

The family of one former student, Tallulah, was told by many colleges that they could not accept her because of concerns for her safety. But during her three years at National Star the team learned to understand what triggered her behaviour so that Tallulah could enjoy a life similar to other young people, going out for family meals and enjoying pop concerts.

‘Her life is so much better than we dared hope,’ said Tallulah’s parents, Maggie and Peter.

‘If you had told us that our daughter would socialise with others and simply be a young woman like anyone else her age, we would never have believed you,’ they added.

The emotion wheel helps students better understand their emotions

How far will you go in National Star’s new fundraising challenge? You choose the challenge, you decide the distance.

GO FAR BE A STAR

Whether one mile or one hundred...

Run, walk, swim, cycle, hop, scoot or GO FAR however and wherever you like

Every penny you raise will help transform the lives of young people with disabilities creating a future full of exciting possibilities.

www.nationalstar.org/gofar

Help us keep our promise to future generations

Gifts in Wills are critical to National Star so that we can continue to invest in building a brighter future for students and their families.

Over the past twenty years, money left to the charity in Wills was used to convert the former Principal’s house into suitable accommodation for students with autism and behaviours that challenge. The Summerfield Centre, a multi–purpose building currently being used as a welcoming space for day students was also funded, in part, thanks to a legacy.

Gifts from legacies help support our Development Fund, which enables

us to commit to important projects, like the construction of new student accommodation at Ullenwood.

A supporter from Cheltenham remembered us in her Will and her son was delighted to know that his mother’s legacy to the charity will help provide specialist facilities and accommodation.

Even a modest gift could make a huge difference to National Star, allowing us to keep our promise to future generations of young people with complex disabilities. The promise that we will be there for them in the future and there for them when they need us most.

Students boost job skills

National Star students are improving their future employment prospects thanks to a growing partnership between National Star and The Folk of Gloucester.

Students are boosting their employability, customer service and hospitality skills by running the café every Thursday from 10am to 2pm.

Delicious jacket potatoes, sandwiches, cakes and hot and cold drinks are served every Thursday during term time, giving students the chance to chat to customers, operate the till and work in the kitchen.

The Folk of Gloucester is the former Gloucester Folk Museum in Westgate Street, Gloucester. The building is now operating as an inviting events, education and exhibitions space.

Student Sydney said: ‘I am enjoying learning how

to work in a café, learning how to communicate with others that I don’t know and how to serve food and wash up.’

Alex Cooke, Operations Manager at The Folk of Gloucester, said: ‘We are delighted to host the fantastic students from National Star. I can see so many opportunities for Gloucester Civic Trust and The Folk of Gloucester to give students excellent opportunities and experience. The food produced by the students at the college is fantastic.’

National Star has a proven track record in helping young people with visible and invisible disabilities gain their first job or long–term volunteering position.

Former students now work at The Ivy Restaurant in Cheltenham, DEYA Brewery and various other independent businesses across the country.

Sydney about to serve customers

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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