StarNews - Issue 26

Welcome to StarNews

National Star’s vision is for a world in which people with disabilities can be in control of their own lives and be equal and active people.

From the moment a student begins to learn with us at National Star we work with them to plan their life after college. That’s why we were thrilled when Jack, one of our talented work outcomes students, secured a paid valeting role, at the end of his course (page 13). The job combines his love of transport and keeping things spick and span. Thanks to his new position he is well on the road to independence.

Some former students are not so lucky as they struggle to find suitable places to live after college. We are working together with fellow disability charity Together Trust to undertake some research to discover more about the challenges young people and their families face once they leave education.

At the time of publication, the results of the survey have yet to be analysed but we will be sure to report back the findings in a later edition.

We were thrilled when Radio 5 Live invited students to guest edit a recent

Chief Executive Lynette Barrett with National Star in Wales student Poppy

Drive programme exploring these issues (page 18). We were excited when the students’ unique insights helped to spark not only a national debate on the issue of

housing for people with disabilities but also how difficult it is for them to access appropriate education and care.

Managing your own home in the future takes organisation and planning. Thanks to our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, run for the past 30 years by colleague Richard Brand, students like Tom and William (pages 4 and 5) are putting these skills into practice, training to become young DofE leaders themselves.

We need ongoing support from people like you, who help fund our work so that we can give young people with disabilities the opportunities they deserve.

Could you ‘Go Far and be a Star’ and take on a fundraising challenge for us in the coming months (page 20)? Or organise a community activity like some of our fundraising stars? (pages 16 and 17).

Thank you for your ongoing interest and commitment to National Star.

Lynette Barrett Chief Executive, National Star

Leading the way to independence

Not content with achieving their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, Hereford students William and Tom are now helping their peers to achieve the coveted award.

The pair are being supported by National Star to train as DofE young leaders, working alongside staff in planning orienteering and volunteering activities

as well as helping with sport and teambuilding sessions.

Tom and William have been using their organisational skills to work with National Star’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Leader Richard Brand. They lead small groups of students on orienteering trips to a rendezvous point, helping them with their map reading and compass skills.

Staff member Katja with William and Heather

Recently the young leaders, who both have learning disabilities, have also led boccia hoop sports sessions, creatively embedded navigational skills by playing the battleships game with DofE participants and led litter–picking volunteering mornings in Hereford city centre.

‘I really enjoy encouraging and motivating other students when they are doing well with their map reading and compass skills. I am also there for them if they are struggling and talk to them to help them keep going. Being a young DofE leader has helped me to care and listen to the needs of others,’ said Tom, who hopes to become a lunchtime supervisor at his former primary school when he leaves college.

Young leader William said: ‘Being a young DofE leader is really fun. It’s helped me to be more organised and I like helping.’

William likes helping others

National Star staff member Richard Brand was recently publicly recognised for his incredible 30 years of dedication to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

Richard’s passion for guiding students through expeditions and commitment to improving their confidence has helped scores of learners at National Star, including Tom and William, over the years. Over 100 learners have achieved their bronze, silver and gold awards since 2007.

Richard has helped provide once–in–a–lifetime opportunities taking students on trips to Buckingham Palace and enabling them to achieve things they never thought was possible.

Former student Rich said: ‘Visiting to see Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh and receiving my Gold Award, that day has stayed with me forever.’

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award enriches the curriculum and provides opportunities for additional outcomes for students. The support that National Star receives as a charity enables this to happen.

Tom guides Josh on the orienteering route

Students’ lives transformed by technology

Four National Star students spoke to hundreds of people at Bett, a leading education technology show to explain how technology has transformed their lives for the better.

Jaspar, Dan, Jack and Aidan explained how they are achieving their potential thanks to the use of technology when they spoke in front of an audience of hundreds of people at Bett UK.

They shared their insights into some of the challenges faced by young people with disabilities, highlighting the barriers to education, social inclusion, and independence.

They then described how, by using innovative technologies, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and adaptive software, the lives of young people with disabilities can be transformed.

Students captivate the audience at Bett

‘Technology is power,’ says Jaspar. ‘My eyes, thanks to the technology, have super powers. I can move independently driving my chair, control my music, the lighting in my room, the curtains, my computer. And flirt, well doesn’t everyone?! I am 20 years old after all,’ he added.

Jack, a proud Brummie, said: ‘The impact of technology on my life has been massive. It enables me to listen to my music and

music is important to me because of my dancing. Music also helps me relax.

‘Without technology I would have never been able to ask my fiancé Bethan out on a date. I could never have asked her to marry me. Now my biggest wish is to have my own voice so that when I give my wedding speech, I sound like me,’ he added.

Aidan is passionate about Esports and praised his National Star team for the efforts they have made to embrace technology to help him settle into college.

Dan, who has his own blog on Facebook ‘Disability Matters with Dan’ talked to the audience about how the Mollii suit, a full body garment which works to switch off muscles that are overactive while stimulating ones which are underactive has changed his life.

‘By using the Mollii suit I have less pain in my legs. I have even been able to reduce the amount of medication I take to control the pain. That means I have had less side effects and I don’t have as much fatigue. Now I can make the most of college life,’ said Dan.

Chief Operating Officer and Principal of National Star Simon Welch said: ‘As a leading specialist college we have a team of dedicated professionals who are constantly exploring ways of introducing new technologies to enhance the lives of students with disabilities. Our aim is to ensure that students are fully equipped for life after college.’

It’s thanks to people like you that the charity can continue to invest in the latest technologies to enhance the lives of young people with disabilities. Donate today www.nationalstar.org/donate

Rising and shining for charity

More than 120 fundraisers put their best foot forward for people with disabilities and braved the elements to join us for our annual Sunrise Walk.

Spirits were high as fundraisers ranging from groups of colleagues from local businesses, National Star students, families and seasoned walkers, got to know each other as they soaked up the stunning views around the Cotswold Way.

The 13–kilometre circular walk, kindly sponsored by Bevans Chartered Surveyors and Coombes Everitt Architects set off from Ullenwood, Cheltenham, at 5.40am.

Other local businesses stepped up to support the event, including Creed Foodservice who supplied all the food, and volunteered two members of staff, to help with refreshments after the walk. Staff from St James’s Place, helped to run the registration desk and also took part in the walk itself.

Zigs Exercise were on hand after the walk to offer soothing massages for walkers for a small donation to National Star and Take Five Healthcare participated in the walk, marshalled some of the route and sponsored the event signage.

The St James’s Place Wealth Management team

The Sunrise Walk would not be possible without our dedicated band of volunteer marshalls, many of whom volunteer their time year after year. We salute you for your commitment to National Star!

StarBistro customer Jessica was one of the individual walkers who completed the walk in memory of her husband Clive.

‘My husband Clive died suddenly of a heart attack in January and I decided to complete the Sunrise Walk as I step out and get used to doing my own thing. We both liked StarBistro and came a lot before lockdown. Although he would not have enjoyed taking part in the walk himself, I know he would approve of the cause.’

The event raised more than £14,300 for our charity, helping to transform the lives of young people with disabilities.

The ‘Be more Clive’ walkers

Participants from Coombes Everitt Architects

Ski experience challenges fears and builds confidence

Twelve National Star students have challenged themselves to experience life in the fast lane when they travelled to Andorra to ski as part of an educational experience.

For months, the students worked with National Star’s education and therapy teams to prepare for the trip. For many, it was the first travel experience without their parents as young adults. The students faced so many new experiences. Some had never travelled on an aeroplane before heading to Andorra.

One student, Sam, had a fear of heights, but by the end of the week he was one of the first students to use the resort’s new £12m chair lift to go to the top of the mountain!

Nathan was another student whose confidence soared during the trip. He started the week as a sit skier but was keen to try skiing as an ambulant skier. Seth had never been away from his family for so long and he developed his independence during the trip. He especially enjoyed having his own room.

Student Sam

The day student has always had trouble with his balance and co–ordination, but the trip helped develop his confidence in both areas.

Initially Seth said that he had wobbly knees but got stronger as the week progressed and was proud to eventually travel the whole length of the slope.

The ski instructors said Seth was the first ambulant National Star student for many years to have mastered a blue run!

Socially, Seth developed positive relations with fellow students, staff from National Star and the new staff he met at the resort.

He also enjoyed a Guinness or two as part of the group’s après ski experience.

Seth’s mum Alison said: ‘Seth returned from the trip full of stories and experiences that he will remember forever. He had never skied before in his life. He was able to learn a new skill and make such progress during the week which was fantastic.’

Ski Experience Leader Andy Woolway said: ‘The ski experience was an opportunity for everyone on the trip to use their life skills and communication skills in a new and very different setting, not to mention the physical and mental challenges of the ski slope.’

The ski experience demonstrates the determination of National Star students to be active citizens in control of their lives. Your support helps us to enable them to achieve this. Donate today www.nationalstar.org/donate

Student Seth

Student Dylan

Trustee takes to the skies

Are you ready to take to the skies like Chas Howes and wing walk to raise money for young people with complex disabilities?

Trustee Chas will see his adrenaline soar as he undertakes an out–of–this–world wing walk adventure for us.

With the roar of the engine in his ears he will take in awe–inspiring sights as he flies up to 120mph and experiences a thrilling series of flypasts, zoom climbs, steep dives and banks.

Chas admits that when a National Star student asked him to take on the challenge

he had a sudden rush of blood to the head and said yes on the spot.

‘The thought of the wing walk doesn’t scare me in the slightest. I think the experience is going to be just like going on a rollercoaster,’ said Chas, who has been a Trustee at National Star for 10 years.

‘Having seen firsthand how important it is to raise additional funds for the charity so that we can invest in new facilities, innovative technologies and more, I am really motivated to smash my fundraising target,’ he added.

It’s not too late to sign up to join Chas on our wing walk challenge. Register today www.nationalstar.org/wingwalk

Trustee Chas with student Olivia

Jack steps into work

Work Outcomes student Jack is looking forward to a brighter future after securing a paid valeting job.

National Star’s experienced job coaches have worked with Jack for over 12 months setting up various work placements for him, which combined his love of transport and his attention to detail.

He has undertaken various work placements including being part of the housekeeping team at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Cheltenham.

Jack is a stickler for ensuring things are clean and tidy and did incredibly well in all his placements. When he started a placement with the transport team at National Star Jack realised he had found his vocation.

Jack soon became a valued member of the team and enjoyed chatting to the drivers and transport office staff. He showed such flair and enthusiasm for the job, that he applied and was successful in securing a permanent role.

Work Outcomes Co–ordinator Nicola Noah said: ‘Jack has worked hard at all his placements. He is a very different person to the shy, young man who joined National Star two years ago. His mum says he is a changed young man. We are so full of pride for all that he has achieved.’

Jack never stops smiling and proudly talks about his new job to people he meets.

‘It’s amazing to have a paid job. It’s the thing that I love. National Star College helped me to learn about being on time and teamwork. I am so happy,’ said Jack.

Discover more about National Star’s work programmes at www.nationalstar.org/workoutcomes

Jack is proud of his new role

Friday night club vibes

What young person does not enjoy a good boogie with friends on a Friday night?

That’s why the VIBE pop–up nightclub was born at National Star.

Every Friday night the theatre at National Star, Ullenwood, is transformed into a nightclub with bright, sensory lights, pumping Club music and giant inflatables. Benches, beanbags and sofas are positioned around the dancefloor for students and residents to relax with their friends.

Senior Learning Support, Oli Slater runs the weekly VIBE nightclub. He says: ‘My plan is to provide students with an immersive, energising evening which allows them to express themselves and create lasting memories while they enjoy Club music.

‘Some students come to VIBE week in, week out and we regularly attract more than 40 clubgoers.

‘Some love to hit the dancefloor and others enjoy the sensory experience of the changing lights. Everyone is encouraged to mix socially.

‘Dancing has mental health benefits, as well as improving co–ordination, strength and balance,’ added Oli.

Students Ben, Jakub and Liam with the bar they designed

Laura enjoying the music

Residents from our long–term living accommodation Foundation House have also visited VIBE to join in the fun.

Students have been at the heart of the project, designing the nightclub brand VIBE and creating a pop–up bar where they can buy drinks and snacks.

Students working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award ‘volunteer’ to run the bar each week.

One non–verbal student smiles from the moment he arrives, until the moment he leaves.

His keyworker Ellie said: ‘Angus loves the music and gets great pleasure from the various lights and sensory light set–ups. He’s also a people watcher and enjoys watching others having fun. VIBE is definitely one of the highlights of his week.’

Fundraising stars

Advancing up a fundraising gear

Gloucester–based Advanced Removals and Storage has named National Star as its charity of the year. The team took part in the Sunrise Walk. They will also support the charity by donating a cash sum for every move they complete in 2024 and are encouraging their customers to do the same.

Eyes

down, look in for a great fundraising evening

Thanks to Emma Goodman in Hereford who organised a bingo night for more than 100 people in aid of National Star recently, raising £1,136. Emma knows people who benefit from our services and this compelled her to support us.

Hoburne names National Star as its Charity of the Year

Thank you to holiday company Hoburne who have donated an incredible £2,142.70 to National Star. They will be fundraising for us during 2024 with a variety of events and are donating £1 for every holiday booking over this period.

Corporate sporting event success

Paul Garlick worked at a bar in Andorra when he met National Star students on the ski experience. He never forgot their ‘can do’ attitude. When he returned to work in the UK he took part in a corporate challenge for National Star, raising an impressive £2,035. Well done Paul!

Corporate support at its best

Gloucestershire Hauliers support National Star

The Gloucestershire Hauliers’ Association has raised a stupendous £3,500, following their annual dinner dance. It’s thanks to supporters like the Hauliers that we can continue to invest in specialist equipment and other resources needed by students and residents.

Digital Marketing agency Wagada raised £3,000 for National Star after they named us as their charity of the year. They undertook a series of fundraising challenges during the year including tackling the 24–mile Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge as well as encouraging training customers to donate money in lieu of paying for course fees. Thanks so much for your support.

Do you know a local business that is looking for a charity to support?

Encourage them to get in touch with our fundraising team by emailing fundraising@nationalstar.org . We promise to support them every step of the way in raising money for young adults with disabilities.

Students shared views on national radio

National Star students broadcasted to the nation when they hosted BBC Radio 5 Live Drive at our campus in Ullenwood.

The 5 Live team asked National Star students to guest edit their programme, focussing on what was important to them. The main topics were the challenges to access specialist education and what happens after they leave college.

The programme also featured an exclusive interview with National Star’s Student Union President Laith and the Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza. Families from National Star were also involved in the broadcast.

The show touched a nerve with many listeners who contacted the programme to reinforce what the students were saying. Ensuring young people with disabilities have a voice is part of

our vision for a world in which they can be equal and active citizens in control of their own lives.

Laith invited Dame Rachel to visit National Star and meet the students. She said she would be delighted to. Watch this space!

National Star’s CEO Lynette Barrett who also took part in the programme said: ‘This programme enabled the students to be heard. We’ve been overwhelmed with the response and so very proud of the students who have been involved.’

As part of helping students with disabilities play an active role in society, we’re helping them to prepare to vote in the General Election. Our Student Union election will mirror what happens in a General Election with polling booths and showing their ID.

National Star supports young adults with disabilities to express themselves with confidence. Support our work today www.nationalstar.org/donate

Student Laith with presenter Clare McDonnell

Yes, I want to help transform the lives of young people with disabilities

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