DRM- Disability Review Magazine

DRM DISABILIT Y REVIEW MAGA ZINE

DISABILITY NEWSBEAT

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 19

VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRLINES supports Hidden Disabilities BOXER JOE packs a punch despite Erb’s Palsy

How LYNETTE DICKINSON went from a wheelchair to visualising yoga poses to walking again

LOVE HEMP CBD is improving people’s lives LOVE-LOVE TENNIS for all abilities!

REAL STORIES: Living with my son’s autism | Going to gigs with MS | Running a business despite dyslexia DIVERSITYLIVING AND INDEPENDENT INCLUSION Affordable Homes for IN THE WORKPLACE Everyone

MONEY SAVING TIPS CONSIDER THIS! & DISCOUNTS FOR Adoption & Fostering DISABLED PEOPLE

FITNESS ADVICE COLLABORATION FOR WHEELCHAIR Careers for USERSPeople Disabled

Meet the

Global Game-changers Undergraduate and Graduate careers in Law ÂŁ45K Starting Salary

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Want to do headline-grabbing work that drives innovation around the globe? Then bring your unique worldview to a team of fresh-thinking, forward-looking lawyers who work seamlessly across practice areas, industries and time zones. From space exploration to cybersecurity, and renewable energy to driverless cars, we’re drawing on our collective expertise to help clients transform the world and the way we live our lives.

We are the Global Game-changers. You could be too.

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D R M CONTENTS

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WELCOME

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WELCOME to a new look Disability Review Magazine, which includes our popular Disability News Beat, plus information on all disability categories – vision impairment, deaf and hard of hearing, mental health conditions, intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, autism spectrum and physical disability.

CONTENTS

Disability does not discriminate, it can happen to any one of us, in any form. Our aim is simply to include all of our readers by sharing informative articles, inspirational stories and

20 You can still run a business if you have dyslexia!

some life-improvement solutions.

DRM

04

Best wishes The DRM Team

DR M | S PR ING/ S U M M E R 2 019

Employment & Education: 13 Collaboration is Key Helen Cooke discusses the effectiveness of the Disability Act

16 Breaking Employment Barriers for the Disabled MyPlus Consulting outlines the career possibilities for disabled employees

Cary Thompsett shares her business start-up story

23 Fun to Learn Learning Support Assistant Kim-Maree talks about teaching methods

Independent Living: 28 A mum’s perspective on autism...

Nicki Rodriguez shares her parenting story

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CONTENTS D R M

64 Cover Story and Image 32 How CBD is improving people’s lives

Lynette Dickinson

Find out more about the ‘healing’ oil extracted from hemp

Executive Editor

38 Affordable Home Ownership

Art Director

Lee Gatland

Advice on buying your own home with a government led scheme

Richard Hejsak

Managing Editor:

45 From Wheelchair to Walking Lynette Dickinson shares her inspirational story of how she went from wheelchairbound to walking again

74

Motoring & Mobility: 51 How to Live your Best Life from Your Wheelchair

73 Love-Love Tennis

Helen Rebello explains why being in a wheelchair provides a unique life advantage

The Tennis Foundation and Lawn Tennis Association team up to turn tennis into a sport that all abilities and communities can enjoy

54 The Motability Scheme

Adoption & Fostering:

Helen Dolphin shares her story of how The Motability Scheme helped her gain independence and informs how others can also drive despite disability

74 Consider This!

Thinking of adopting or fostering a child with a disability? TACT Lead Practitioner Mercia Jackson provides advice

Travel & Leisure:

Proofreader: Ara E Lee Ara@sevenstarmedia.co.uk

SALES TEAM: 01959 574 556 sales@sevenstarmedia.co.uk Published By SEVEN STAR MEDIA LTD 184 Main Road, Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent Tel: 01959 543659 www.sevenstarmedia.co.uk Disclaimer: Disability Review Magazine (DRM) is published bi-annually (twice per annum) by Seven Star Media Ltd. No part of DRM may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted to any form without permission. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of Seven Star Media Ltd, and are included to provide advice only. No content is a substitute for professional medical advice. During printing, images may be subject to a 15% variation. © Copyright of content belongs to individual contributors with the magazine copyright belonging to Seven Star Media. All rights reserved. Please either keep this magazine for future reference, pass it on for somebody else to read, or recycle it.

64 I don’t get free tickets to the cinema, but...

Ellen Marshall explains how she still manages to enjoy travelling and going to gigs as someone with Multiple Sclerosis

66 Virgin Atlantic helps those with hidden disabilities overcome travel challenges Find out how Virgin is committed to making flying accessible to all

Disability Sport: 70 Joe packs a punch despite Erb’s Palsy An interview with boxer Joe Hughes about his Erb’s Palsy and his mother’s MS w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

Jordan Martin Jordan@sevenstarmedia.co.uk

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Adam, Liverpool

“My lawyers handled my case brilliantly.

I cannot speak highly enough of the services they offer.� + Specialist brain injury, spinal injury and Court of Protection lawyers + Proven track record of high value settlements + Access to top quality rehabilitation + National UK coverage with home and hospital visits

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Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Managing finances following a brain injury

It’s important that the finances and welfare of the most vulnerable members of our society are protected; that’s the job of the Court of Protection.

When someone suffers a serious head or brain injury, their mental capacity can be affected and they may no longer be capable of making decisions for themselves. In such cases, a Court can appoint someone to make or help make decisions on their behalf and act in their best interests.

Q: What is a deputy?

If someone becomes mentally incapable of handling their welfare and/or their property and financial affairs, and a Lasting Power of Attorney isn’t already in place, it’s necessary for the Court of Protection to appoint a deputy to manage those affairs on their behalf.

A deputy looks after the best interests of the person who lacks capacity. The deputy’s responsibilities will include: • Budgeting • Arranging payments

Members of the Court of Protection Team at Slater and Gordon

Q: What do professional deputies do?

Q: What are Personal Injury Trusts?

A professional deputy is an independent and regulated alternative to appointing a family member or a friend.

If someone has capacity to manage their finances, they should consider sheltering their award in a Personal Injury Trust (PIT).

This would usually be a lawyer with specialist expertise in the Court of Protection process, mental capacity law, finances and investments.

If someone claims means-tested benefits, any compensation money they receive may affect their entitlement to benefits and other statutory services. If their compensation, when added to the value of their own capital, exceeds fixed limit (such as money in a bank account, savings or investments), their means-tested benefits will reduce or may stop altogether.

The professional deputy must act in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and their role is very extensive. They’re responsible for liaising with the litigation solicitor during personal injury and clinical negligence claims.

They’re also responsible for the budgeting and management of interim payments, agreeing the implementation and recommendations for care, therapies, accommodation, specialist equipment and associated work.

Q: What happens when a claim settles?

• Investing damages awards

Once a claim settles, any compensation award will need to be properly managed and budgeted – and wisely invested. This will require the deputy to advise on investment strategy and to appoint investment advisers. The deputy will review their performance and meet annually with an investment managers to oversee investment and risk strategy of the investments.

A deputy works closely with the client and, where appropriate, their family. They help them to make as many decisions as possible for themselves, empowering them to manage their own finances where possible.

The deputy will meet at least annually with the client (usually more) and/or his/her family and work closely with all individuals concerned to enable the client to make as many of their own financial decisions as possible.

• Completing annual reports, accounts and tax returns • Liaising with healthcare and medical professionals • Buying, selling or adapting property • Applying for welfare benefits

Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

The law provides that personal injury compensation money which is held in trust for an individual’s benefit will normally be disregarded when assessing their entitlement to benefits such as Income Support, Tax Credits, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.

A PIT provides a way of ensuring that individuals retain their entitlement to means tested benefits after receiving compensation for a personal injury.

A well-drafted trust deed with supporting advice is a must in these circumstances.

Offices throughout the UK.

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D R M NEWS

DRM

DISABILITYNEWSBEAT Children who need adopting

Inclusive Activities Parasport powered by Toyota is the new way to discover inclusive local opportunities to become more active – by highlighting inclusive activities and one-off events which able bodied and disabled people can do together, they hope Parasport can inform and inspire people to discover something new. Check out more on: www.paralympics.org.uk

Success despite disability Multi-award-winning hairstylist Vicki Lord, has been deaf in one ear since she was a child; despite her disability, her success has led her to materalising her dream of owning a salon, which officially launched in Canterbury in April this year, “It is strange because I don’t think about my hearing when I am styling hair, and then I realise that it is important to tell people sometimes, but I think it helps me relate to lots of people, and I always pay attention to what people are saying, because I need to lip read as well as listen with my good ear.” Follow Vicki on Instagram: @vicki_lord_hair

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“Some children waiting for adoption have mild or severe disabilities. In general, people tend to adopt children with no disabilities but all children need a secure home. We are looking for adopters who are willing to help meet the needs of these children. We offer ongoing support and training, so that you can help a disabled child to reach their full potential.” Find out more: www.barnardos.org.uk

Selma Blair raises awareness of MS Selma Blair reveals on Instagram that she has lost her eyelashes due to MS or the associated medication... she talks about her family and friends, and the sensation of fresh flowers as a house-bound person coping with multiple sclerosis. The actress was diagnosed with the condition last year, but admits in several media interviews that she had been struggling with symptoms for years. It is apparent from her online profiles and media interaction that she is raising much awareness about MS. Join Selma’s 1.3 million (plus) followers @selmablair on Instagram.

NEWS D R M

Healing Touch Research studies suggest that the Healing Touch is effective for physical and mental relaxation, pain management, anxiety and stress reduction, and increasing one’s sense of wellbeing. Hugging, massage, and even a gentle tap on the shoulder all equate to human touch. For spiritual reflection on this subject visit: https://amma.org

Counting pennies for Multiple Sclerosis sufferers Those with MS have had to budget carefully over the past couple of months with disability benefit cuts making future finance uncertain for many. “It is estimated that around 16,600 MS sufferers will lose out on PIP support because of the government’s 20-metre rule – which bans anyone who can “safely” walk 20 metres from receiving the higher rate of mobility support,” The Independent reports.

James Moore - best newcomer at the National Television Awards James Moore, Emmerdale actor who has Ataxic cerebral palsy won best newcomer at the National Television Awards in January and shares in an interview with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Scolfield that he would like to use his position to support other disabled actors to get roles.

Twitter is a platform James uses to do this, @jamesmooreactor

Facebook says sorry In April 2019, Facebook apologised to Simon Sansome for asking him to remove one of his photographed adverts of an artistic nude on his disability Facebook page, which has over 12,000 followers. The photograph is of Vicky Balch, who lost her leg in the Alton Towers accident in 2015. Simon states on his blog spot that he responded to Facebook with “I would like to inform Facebook; I have no intention of removing this image as it is a picture of a wonderful brave woman showing off her disability”. Read the full story on www.abilityaccess.blog DR M | S PR I NG/ S UM M E R 2 019

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NEWS D R M

DRM

DISABILITYNEWSBEAT

More on the entrepreneurs behind the UK’s fastest growing CBD brand Tony Calamita and Thomas Rowland love reading the Trustpilot reviews posted by their customers. “Our customers are buying CBD to help them deal with pain, anxiety, depression and sleep problems,” says Tony, cofounder of Love Hemp CBD products. “We’re often told it makes a real difference to their lives.”

The pair, who grew up on the same road in Thornton Heath, London, and were in the same class at school, knew they would be launching more than a business... The creation of the Love Hemp brand has helped to bring a CBD revolution to the UK. CBD oil is already a billion-dollar industry in the thirty American states where cannabis has been legalised, and has celebrity fans including Michael J Fox, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kristen Bell and Oprah Winfrey.

Derived from the hemp plant, CBD does not make you high. The botanical extract of the plant is created by gently pressing its leaves and flowers.

Last year, Tony and Thomas launched Love Hemp Water, the UK’s first functional spring water infused with CBD, into Ocado, Holland & Barrett, and Sainsbury’s. According to Ocado’s buying manager, Vimal Solanki, it has been “a hit” with customers.

Love Hemp’s other premium CBD infused products now include body salves, oils, hemp extract drops, sprays and e-liquids. Launching soon are CBD infused chocolates, jelly domes and face masks – All are certified THC-free, have been third-party tested under strict laboratory conditions and have a guaranteed CBD concentration.

“Cannabidiol is such an incredible product which is going to be making waves over the next decade and to be part of that movement is big for us. It can change people’s lives,” says Tony, who takes CBD as part of his daily routine.

Tony and Thomas set up Love Hemp after Rowland’s father was diagnosed with bladder cancer, “I stumbled across CBD after researching the Internet for anything that might help him with his condition,” says Rowland, “He died on fireworks night, but out of something bad has come something good.”

The pair spent £3,000 of their savings on stock and SEO

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setting up the business and have seen sales surge into the millions since then. Today, the business is the UK’s leading range of trusted CBD products with a 5-star rating on Trustpilot.

Tony says: “There’s a growing understanding of the wide-ranging benefits of cannabis oil to health and wellbeing and it’s great to see mainstream retailers like Holland & Barrett championing CBD products.

Finding a dose that works for you is important and it is not unusual to need to make a few tweaks until you get this right. Most people will see results within a few days or weeks.” As a food supplement, the maximum adult daily dose is 200mg.

Find out more on: www.love-hemp.com

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Lets’ talk

DNA Individuality: it’s in our makeup.

We’re home to more than 1,500 lawyers from all backgrounds, working across 26 international offices.

So you’ll find diversity, individuality and inclusivity are in our nature. Share these values with us and explore a bigger world.

Get the full story at www.mayerbrownfutures.com

Americas | Asia | Europe | Middle East

E D U C AT I O N & E M P LOYM E N T D R M

aspire to work, to recognise the benefits that employment brings, to want to contribute to society and to see what is possible.

To close the employment gap between those who have a Helen Cooke, disability and those Director of MyPlus who don’t there is still much work to be done. However, it is achievable if everyone recognises the role they have to play and ensures they deliver their part.

Working together, we can maximise the chances of successful employment outcomes and realise that they can for disabled people work and can contribute. and benefit from the Yet here in lies another huge talent pool that is challenge: Far too often, waiting to be tapped into. disabled people either don’t want to Our vision at MyPlus is to ensure that work or don’t realise that they can. There having a disability or long-term health is much work to be done to raise the aspirations, and motivations of disabled condition doesn’t prevent anyone from people to aspire to work, to achieve and to having the career that they want to have. contribute in the same way as their nonTo help achieve this, our focus covers a disabled counterparts. number of the areas mentioned above.

The third area that is absolutely crucial We work with employers to ensure are role models. I am not talking about they recognise the talents of disabled Paralympians or the other high-profile individuals and help them adapt their disabled people we often see in the media, recruitment and development processes since these are difficult to relate to. Rather, to be truly inclusive. We provide career I am talking about ‘normal’ disabled advice and support to disabled students people, who enjoy a successful and and their parents/carers to help them fulfilling career despite their disability. raise their aspirations. We work with And finally, there needs to be the universities to ensure they share the infrastructure in place; this includes resources we create with their students. accessible transport, housing, affordable We provide a platform for every day role parking in cities, moveable benefits, models; disabled students and employees and so on. If this isn’t easy to access, it to share their stories of realisation and prevents a huge barrier which can appear success to inspire disabled individuals unsurmountable. with a desire to progress.

So, who’s responsibility is all of this?

I would argue that the stakeholders are numerous and to make real progress we all have to recognise the different roles we For more information : have to play. From employers who need Students’ Club website for to recognise the talent pool and ensure they are genuinely inclusive; to parents careers advice and suppor t for and teachers who must enable young disabled individuals : https :// people to see what is possible and raise myplusstudentsclub.com their aspirations. It includes medical and Recruiters’ Club page for employers : rehabilitation staff who must promote the https ://w w w.myplusconsulting. benefits of working to those who become com/about - recruiters disabled, and careers advisers and job Universit y page for careers/ centre workers who must be trained to disabilit y advisers : https :// provide specialist careers’ advice to those myplusstudentsclub.com/forwho have a disability. universities/ It obviously includes our government Stories page for careers inspiration : who must ensure the infrastructure is https ://myplusstudentsclub.com/ in place. And finally, to the individual stories/ themselves who has a responsibility to

Collaboration is Key Director of MyPlus Consulting, Helen Cooke discusses the effectiveness of the Disability Discrimination Act in the year of its 25-year anniversary When it comes to employment, the facts are stark: there are 7.6 million disabled people of working age in Britain, of whom 51.5% are in employment, compared to 81.7% of non-disabled people. This suggests that, whilst progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. But what is it that needs to be done, and who needs to do it?

Let us start with the what: Firstly, we need to ensure that employers recognise the huge talent pool of disabled people that, if the statistics are anything to go by, are still being overlooked. We also need to ensure that employers are knowledgeable and capable of engaging with disabled people, supporting them through the recruitment process and continuing to provide support once they have joined the workforce. Employers must also be able to retain individuals who become disabled and enable them to continue to reap the benefits of being able to work.

However, for employers to successfully recruit and retain disabled individuals, disabled individuals must want to work, w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

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Realising your experiences can help others.

That’s when it hits home!

“I was registered as disabled in my 20’s due to Meniere’s disease. It caused severe tinnitus and vertigo, leading to dropping out of university, weight gain and depression.

This lasted into my 30’s when I had surgery to correct some of the problems. It worked, but I permanently lost hearing in one ear. I also developed arthritis, so I’m still disabled.

While ill I met my husband. He suffered from mental health problems and suicidal tendencies. It was a lot to handle but made me realise I had skills I wasn’t using. I investigated volunteering and was signposted to Home Group.

I established an arts therapy session which had up to 20 people attending, each with varied needs.

At Home Group, we ensure our colleagues find the right support to be the best they can be.

Here are some ways in which we do this...

We’re a disability confident employer offering flexible and adaptable working options.

Creating an online space for colleagues with disabilities to share experiences and support each other.

Next I volunteered on peer mentoring programmes. I feel like I made a massive difference to a lot of lives.

I realised that what I wanted to do with my life was help others. I learned to drive and secured my first paid role at Home Group as a Support Worker.

After gaining further experience of working with mental health problems and homeless families, I applied for a role at Home Group’s young people’s service in Gateshead and haven’t looked back.

My experience shows that all you need is to believe in yourself. Support is always out there – especially at Home Group.”

A range of health related benefits including trained mental health first aiders and access to a 24 hour counselling service.

We’re a Mindful employer and proud to support the national ‘Time to Change’ campaign.

To find out about our current roles, visit

www.homegroup.org.uk/careers

Home Group Limited (Charitable Registered Society No.22981R) Home and Communities Agency Registered No: L3076

Meet the

Global Game-changers Undergraduate and Graduate careers in Law ÂŁ45K Starting Salary

48 Global Offices

2600 Lawyers Worldwide

50 Training Contracts

55 Vacation Schemes

26 Countries

Want to do headline-grabbing work that drives innovation around the globe? Then bring your unique worldview to a team of fresh-thinking, forward-looking lawyers who work seamlessly across practice areas, industries and time zones. From space exploration to cybersecurity, and renewable energy to driverless cars, we’re drawing on our collective expertise to help clients transform the world and the way we live our lives.

We are the Global Game-changers. You could be too.

Find out more at

hoganlovells.com/graduates

D R M E D U C AT I O N & E M P LOYM E N T

Breaking Employment Barriers for the Disabled MyPlus provides progressive employers and disabled students with the confidence, insight and support they need to realise new possibilities

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w w w.se venstarmedia.co.uk

E D U C AT I O N & E M P LOYM E N T D R M

Helen Director of My Plus Consulting and Founder of the MyPlus Recruiters’ Club is recognised nationally as a leading expert in disability and graduate recruitment. Helen works with organisations to provide them with the expertise to be disability confident in their strategy, their processes and their engagement, and realise the possibilities of hiring and retaining more people with a disability. Clients include: Barclays, EY, Enterprise RentA-Car, Linklaters, and Teach First.

Helen is a wheelchair user; she went to university and worked in two large organisations where she was employed because she was suited to these roles, not based on her disability. Helen says, “the intelligent organisations don’t need to be convinced that they need to reach out to disabled graduates – they understand that what they are trying to do is to recruit the best talent and the best talent isn’t necessarily nondisabled”.

WE’RE LOOKING AT THE ATTRACTION, THE RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF DISABLED INDIVIDUALS...

vacancies, and be able to engage with individuals too.

MyPlus aims for disabled individuals to realise their career ambitions and the employers to benefit from the unique talents and strengths that disabled individuals can, and do, bring to an organisation.

Ordinary faces.

Extraordinary abilities.

Faces of MyPlus is a collection of photos and personal stories from students, graduates and leaders in the workplace with disabilities, aimed at showcasing individual strengths and achievements. Faces of MyPlus helps businesses recognise the ‘Plus’ that individuals with disabilities have developed. Employers are encouraged to open up their recruitment processes to benefit from this huge talent pool and become disability confident in all aspects of employing and developing disabled individuals. https:// myplusstudentsclub.com/stories/facesof-myplus/

MyPlus is... my determination to overcome the barriers in front of me. my capacity to prove myself to everyone I work with. my desire today to help individuals and organisations realise new possibilities. what makes me who I am. why all employers should open up to people with a disability.

Director of MyPlus, Helen Cooke

If you are a disabled individual looking to progress your career potential join the MyPlus Students’ Club website to gain access to all the free advice and support available. Please note one-to-one advice and support is not offered: www.myplusstudentsclub.com

Helen gained commercial knowledge and expertise in recruitment and HR. It is this personal and professional journey that supports her focus on employment for others, helping students with disabilities to discover job opportunities with disability confident employers, to access recruiter contacts and companies of their choice and provide advice, guidance and support on the application and hiring process.

“We’re looking at the attraction, the recruitment, retention and the development of disabled individuals, so it’s not just about bringing people into the organisation, but it is very important that people have a career.”

It is the role of each organisation to build their knowledge and confidence in seeking the right people for the

w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

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Want a more rewarding career in care and education?

Our locations Bristol

Lancashire

Aurora St Christopher’s Bristol

Aurora Brambles East School Darwin

Aurora Hedgeway School Bristol

Aurora Brambles School Leyland

Aurora Hyde Lodge Bristol

Aurora Keyes Barn School Salwick

Cambridgeshire & Hertfordshire

Norfolk

Aurora Orchard Manor Meldreth

Aurora Melreth Manor Meldreth

Dorset Aurora Boveridge College Cranborne

Aurora Boveridge College, The Beeches School Cranborne

Join The Aurora Group’s team who are inspired by their rewarding work and making a difference to the lives of young people with additional needs who live, learn and enjoy life with us.

It’s a very friendly and supportive network of colleagues with a chance to work with truly amazing young people.

Senior Support Worker

Aurora Eccles School Quidenham

Somerset Aurora Foxes Academy Minehead

Staffordshire Aurora Hanley School Stoke on Trent

The Aurora Group supports young people aged 6 - 25+ years old with additional needs by providing personalised care and education so they enjoy making the most of their potential at one of our schools, colleges and care homes throughout England.

Like what you’ve read so far?

We want to hear from compassionate and dedicated people who share our values.

Surrey Aurora Redehall School Smallfield

Watch our team share what they love about their role with The Aurora Group at:

www.the-aurora-group.com/jobs

The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding children and young adults in our care.

AuroraGroupUK

The_AuroraGroup

The Aurora-Group

D R M E M P LOYM E N T & E D U C AT I O N

You can still run a business if you have dyslexia!

I’m, Carly Thompsett and I left school at fifteen-yearsold with some GCSEs, but being dyslexic I was told I probably wouldn’t amount to much anyway – So why bother! Once I did start to bother about my career and my dreams, I started to achieve success with my own business despite my dyslexia...

Daydreaming I carried on with my day job, until one day I woke up and really wanted to pursue my dream. I bit the bullet and quit my job; I thought if I don’t do it now I won’t ever do it. I Googled ‘how to start a business’, and one of the first results that popped up was The Princes Trust. I called and asked for help with a business start-up and they told me about the Enterprise programme that I could go on to get me started. I accepted, what did I have to lose?

New Lease of Life I wasn’t expecting much from the course, but was pleasantly surprised at how much information I didn’t know, but that I needed to know to run a

Studying I had no help at college, but I passed each year with a distinction; I studied hair and beauty for the first year and art and design for the second two years. And I also got a job for the three years when I started College – I managed to do both full-time.

I wanted to become a fashion designer – that was my calling in life; my room was always piled high with art books and designs, and I was always making things. I just never knew what to do with them all. I did all this at the same time as becoming a manager at my job.

Job Hopping I continued working for a total of six years, but I started to lose interest; so, I just left to change my career. From that moment on I never really stuck to a job, I bounced around every six months or so, from one new job to the next.

I eventually became a mobile caregiver for the elderly, which I did kind of enjoy because I was always on the move and not stuck in the same place. I then lost my grandad and felt I needed to live my life, so I quit my job again, packed my things and I moved up to Cardiff in 2013, where I live now.

I met a friend soon after moving here, and we talked about my business ideas, but I didn’t know where or how to go about it. We had completely different businesses so he could only help me so far.

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Cary’s designs

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E M P LOYM EN T & ED U C AT I O N D R M

My business became a multiaward winning business all in one day... It was shortlisted for five different business awards, we’ve won three of them in one day and one of the awards being the enterprise award with the Princes Trust Awards.

I was listed as one of the 35 under 35 top business women in Wales 2018.

I have been mentioned in sixtythree newspapers and magazine articles throughout my journey and it’s lovely to hear that people still find me inspirational.

Carly with Prince Charles

business; and the depth of the course was amazing. I came out with a new lease of life and excitement for my new journey.

I worked with a lady called Gemma to do my business plan and had weekly meet-ups to go through all my information to make sure I had everything I needed before I went to the launch group – I passed! It was like the show Dragons’ Den and so scary! My adventure began and Anaphase Clothing was born.

Bonuses

My website gets a lot of attention.

ONE DAY I WOKE UP AND REALLY WANTED TO PURSUE MY DREAM. Baby Steps My business was slow to start, which did dishearten me a little, especially as I thought I’d be a millionaire by the first month.

But I wasn’t ready to give up – so I got a fulltime job to help with the costs and I kept my business going on the side; it has picked up a lot and has been a bumpy ride but I still see potential in myself...

Last year; I made some changes...

I changed the business name to Anaphase Store as I wasn’t just selling clothing.

I’ve developed an online following on my social media accounts. w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

I’m verified on Facebook.

The Tomorrow Store that is run by The Prince’s Trust also stocks my items on their online platform.

I’ve collaborated with four other businesses that also went through the enterprise programme.

I was given a fully funded office in Caerphilly thanks to the Welsh Government.

And I’ve taken bigger steps towards my business goals...

I was a young ambassador for The Princes Trust, so I would attend events and do speeches on how the trust has helped me; I am now a volunteer and business mentor.

I’ve done an interview on BBC radio Wales along with Radio Cardiff, Heat, Kiss, Kerrang, Planet Rock and Magic.

Along the way, I have met Paul Mercer, the former Portsmouth footballer; my dad’s favourite team, I asked him for an autograph which he was okay about until the whole room saw, rushed over and formed a line. He was stuck there for about thirty-minutes.

I met Dan Bigger and Kelly Hoppen; Kelly loved my ‘Don’t touch my hair’ sweatshirts and posted it on her Instagram along with Giovanna Fletcher who posted one of my candles on her Instagram story, which in turn sent a lot of people my way.

I met Luke Evans, who was really nice and was tweeting about some ambassadors during the morning. At the same event, I met prince Charles who laughed at ‘Don’t touch my hair’ jumper and told me he loves eBay. I was also invited to attend Prince Charles’ 70th Birthday Celebrations at Buckingham Palace.

Now...

I have two paid staff members, three interns and eight representatives around the country working for Anaphase Store – I feel extremely lucky to have achieved what I have in such a small time... and after I was told never to bother because of my dyslexia.

V i s i t : w w w.a n a p h a s e s to r e.co m

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DRM

ADVERTORIAL

It’s Your Life with MyLiferaft MyLiferaft is a digital platform that allows people to store their healthcare information in one place. It is designed to bring care to the individual, while simultaneously keeping parents, carers, healthcare professionals, GPs and many others informed about that person.

THE brainchild of MyLiferaft Founder and CEO, Nicola Murgatroyd came up with MyLiferaft out of the need to keep all her daughter’s health information in one central place.

Earlier this year, MyLiferaft were awarded the Naidex Professional Award 2019 recognising the innovation that has

made an invaluable contribution towards the healthcare profession. Speaking at Naidex, Nicola said “MyLiferaft was a concept that came from my experiences as a parent-carer and the challenges of disparate information being held in different places. From our research, we discovered that people struggled with this problem - MyLiferaft was created.”

A comprehensive and versatile tool, MyLiferaft incorporates different elements to help individuals, and their wider carer circle, manage their health. You can set reminders (‘remember to lock the doors’); schedule doctor’s appointments; create goals and record health data such as peakflow.

MyLiferaft are bringing in voice technology, such as Amazon Alexa, so people will be able to enter as well as retrieve data by voice. It will also have the ability to capture data from other sources such as wearable devices, monitors and sensors.

Nicola concluded: “That’s why we won the Professional Award, because

MyLiferaft supports professionals, health, education and care. Self-care has to be learnt; it’s a shift that people have to do in stages. MyLiferaft is a great tool to help people get started on that journey.

Historically people are used to everybody else being in charge.

MyLiferaft is putting people back in touch with their own health. It’s empowering them.”

For more information about MyLiferaft, see www.MyLiferaft.com or email info@MyLiferaft.cam

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Employment & Education D R M

Fun to Learn

Here are some examples of how activities facilitate other areas of learning that all children can benefit from: Rolling: spatial awareness, as well as math skills, Spinning: visual and brain hemisphere coordination; using hands as tools, Crawling: coordination, reading, situational reading, Climbing: depth perception, reading, situational reading, Water play: sensory, curiosity and engagement,

Learning Support Assistant, Kim-Maree shares a message to parents of children of varying abilities and what planning is involved in teaching your child...

Closed-in wriggling through tunnels under chairs or tables: rescue play, learning the relationship between being stuck and getting out, Monkey bars: hanging body weight, body awareness, upper strength, using hands as tools,

doing to possibly help that child? We may WE see you, we hear you and we do run through the playground pushing not underestimate what you have to a student in a wheelchair or spinning a do every day just to keep your child student in a swing. My personal favourite safe and happy. So, when you hand is making faces and over exaggerated over your child to us, we are going to gestures at my non-verbal students – I am do whatever we can to help give your sure I look a sight to any onlooker. child an education, regardless of their To the parents and carers of students learning needs. without identified needs we look You see us on the playground and like we are just playing or messing in the classroom, we are the Teachers’ around: We are just rolling, crawling, or Aides, the Learning Support Workers, mushing paints and gloop in our hands. the Special Education Assistants: Our Let me assure you role is to take the all, we are not just class lesson plan messing around! and mould it into And we are more a lesson that every SURE, THIS METHOD than just ‘playing’ child can learn games. from.

OF EDUCATION MAY Each activity we You may see us LOOK UNORTHODOX; do with your child rolling around on is related to the the floor with a AND SURE, IT LOOKS lesson planned that student who has SILLY... BUT IT SURE is taking place in the Cerebral Palsy and classroom.

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Facial gesturing (my favourite): storytelling, improved communication and interaction, Ball throwing and catching: cross body, writing and comprehension.

Sure, this method of education may look unorthodox; and sure, it looks silly... but it sure works!

After these sessions, we get your child to hold a pen, to turn pages in a book, to gesture to us when they are done with a given task, and to be in a classroom with peers as a peer and not as a ‘pet project’.

Students understand, they participate, because we take the lesson barrier for that student and break it down...

Our message to you and your children is simple: We see you; you are not in this on your own. We hear you even when you don’t speak. We don’t ever pretend to understand. We will however, do whatever it takes to educate your child... and I for one have the stains to prove it.

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How the service works Discharge from hospital following injury or illness

Brain Injury Community Service

A child can be referred at any point following their injury or illness.

For some children this may be some years after the initial event .

Supporting children and young people with acquired brain injury in the community

Clinical screening A clinical specialist from the Brain Injury Community Service will make contact with the child/family to complete a detailed telephone interview.

Visits and telephone calls

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury. We work with children and young people aged 0-18 from across the UK with acquired brain injury, neurodisabilities and complex health needs delivering rehabilitation, education and community services through a highly skilled team.

Following the initial screening, our clinical specialist may visit the child and their family, either at home or in school. Contact will also be made with other professionals involved in the child’s care.

Onward referral

Our Brain Injury Community Service provides goal-orientated rehabilitation delivered in the child’s environment.

If the child has needs which require additional support, our clinical specialist will make the necessary onward referral into local community services, or our specialist multidisciplinary team.

Delivered by specialists from a range of clinical backgrounds, we work with the child and their family focusing on the needs which result from an acquired brain injury. These may be social, emotional, cognitive, communicative and behavioural needs.

Our ultimate goal is to maximise the child/young person’s participation in their everyday life We provide a range of support centred around the child or young person, including clinical screening, advice and onward referral completely free-ofcharge for children and young people with an acquired brain injury, including those with a concussion.

Subject to funding we also offer community-based neurorehabilitation skills packages delivered by our multidisciplinary team.

This service provides the initial support needed when a child is discharged from hospital to home and can also be accessed after an initial injury or illness which, in some cases, can be many years later. This may be because the effects of the injury may not be obvious for some time.

Registered Charity No. 288018

Community-based neurorehabilitation skills packages Delivered by The Children’s Trust Brain Injury Community Service, skills packages include: • Understanding acquired brain injury (ABI) • Developing learning skills • Developing study skills • Attention and concentration management • Memory management • Fatigue management • Developing access to community/leisure • Developing identity awareness • Developing independence in ABI • Developing social and interaction skills • School-to-school transition support • Teenage ABI safety

Additional support delivered by local community services The child’s needs will be met by services in their area.

Long-term Our long-term register provides systematic monitoring of a child’s needs at key stages.

Meet Lewis After a serious illness, 15 year old Lewis was left with a brain injury affecting his movement, communication and cognition. Lewis’ return to school was a struggle, his extensive fatigue and memory difficulties affected his grades and his difficulties with communication affected his friendships. He became increasingly frustrated and socially isolated.

The Children’s Trust Brain Injury Community Service worked with Lewis to support his transition to college. Lewis worried about making new friends, coping with college demands and also the support he would receive.

Lewis, his family, college staff and local therapists were supported by the team’s Occupational Therapist and the Speech and Language Therapist to understand his difficulties and improve his skills.

College is going really well for Lewis. He feels more confident communicatively and manages his fatigue, allowing him to attend college and still have the energy to do things at weekends. He has the right support in his lessons and is positive about his future. He hopes to go onto university and is keen to learn new skills to live independently when he is older.

Making a referral is simple and can be made by anybody involved in the child’s care. www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/bics bics@thechildrenstrust.org.uk 01737 365 864

Has your child suffered a concussion, nasty bump to the head or any type of acquired brain injury?

If the answer is yes, the Brain Injury Hub website can also provide you with helpful information, advice and tips on supporting your child.

What is the Brain Injury Hub and how can it help you?

• A website created by doctors, therapists, brain injury specialists and educational professionals.

• Includes information on every stage from being in hospital, back at home and school.

• Real stories from other families affected by acquired brain injury.

• Rehabilitation tips that you can do at home to support a child with acquired brain injury.

• The information is based on evidence-based research.

• Approved by NHS Information Standard.

braininjuryhub.co.uk

DRM Re

sid Da y av enti and ail al ab pla le ce

s

Supporting students to be resilient, independent and skilled, enabling them to achieve their future aspirations

OF OUTS STED T for so ANDING cial c are

OFSTED

2014

GRADED GOOD

For further information, please contact:

01302 386720

Leger Way, Doncaster DN2 6AY www.cscdoncaster.co.uk admissions@cscd.ac.uk www.cscprospectus.co.uk

The Communication Specialist College is owned and operated by Doncaster Deaf Trust

OFSTED 2014 GRADED GOOD

Registered in England No. 4105045 Registered Chaity No. 1088060

RUN BY TEACHERS FOR TEACHERS

0208 256 0910 contact@futureeducation.co.uk www.futureeducation.co.uk

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Established 1829

Leger Way, Doncaster DN2 6AY jgoodman@ddt-deaf.org.uk | www.deaf-school.org.uk

01302 386733

D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING

A mum’s perspective on autism...

I’m Nicki Rodriguez, I have a son who is eight, and has an autism diagnosis along with global development delay and sensory processing disorder...

HARRY, my son, is on the autistic end of the spectrum of having high functioning Aspergers. He is super intelligent but struggles with normal conversation, can only really interact by telling facts or asking questions. He is socially not able to communicate appropriately either.

His Achilles have shrunk where he claw-walks so he has severe cramp in his legs and front of the feet in the middle of the night a lot – this means less sleep for me, and as a single mum, that’s tough.

My husband and I separated in July 2016, after being together for nine years; our son was just five-years-old at the time. I also have a daughter from my first marriage.

The split wasn’t as hard as I’d anticipated, because my ex-husband travelled a lot and worked long hours... It was the little things, like having no one to help with school runs or to give me a break. Both children go to their dads’ every other weekend.

I juggle three jobs and care for my son and I’m not sure how I do it sometimes...

I just do, as I have no choice! I am lucky that my son’s dad and I have a good friendship...

We have to work together. I work literally sixteen-hours a day most days, so that I can pay my bills, my children are well provided for and we live a nice life.

I am a Manager of a Cleaning Company in Brentwood, Essex, called Hey Presto Cleaning and I also personally 28

look after a few houses a week too; I love cleaning and doing interior work. My third job is working as a PR and Celebrity Management Agent. This is mainly in the evenings as I am at Hey Presto during the day. The people I work with are very supportive of my situation, so will often attend events without me, because other than Harry’s Dad, I have no one that looks after him.

My daughter who is now sixteen, helps a lot, especially during the week when I am working. After school, she will interact with him if I need to make phone calls or need to work on my laptop.

I try not to work between the hours of 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock in the evening. I then have time with them both but this has a knock-on effect as I then start work again at 9pm till gone midnight. I try not to work weekends, but when I don’t have them both every other weekend, I do end up working too.

Balancing everything is a task in itself that becomes impossible at times where I have to split myself in two. My son and daughter haven’t a lot in common, so I have to do one thing with one and something different with the other.

Being honest; I feel guilty that I don’t do enough with my daughter where my son mentally drains me and because of his sensory processing disorder there are many things the three of us struggle to do together.

For example, he cannot cope with busy places; noise is another huge problem and he has to know every day what he is doing before he does it, when, why and how. For my daughter and I, this has become our ‘normal’. I always have to prepare Harry for anyone coming over, if he is going to meet someone new he has to know what eye and hair colour they have, if they have pets, children and animals. He loves routine and structure and doesn’t really like change especially

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if it is unexpected.

My advice to other parents who are raising an autistic child – the list is endless – I used to voluntarily work for Anna Kennedy OBE’s as a Charity Champion covering Essex supporting families who had autism in their lives. I learnt so much and met some amazing people. I sadly left my role when my marriage ended and I needed a paying job. Research and joining a group/centre is really good. I actually met two of my closest friends through my health visitor and I gave a talk to a group of mums on a course for parents with autistic children about the positives of placing your child at a mainstream school with an EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan). The three of us have been great friends now for around five years and we are in contact daily. These two girls are like my rock as whenever I am struggling they are there.

My other best friend who is my son’s god mother is also so supportive and has read a lot about his disorders to help me.

Autism can be so lonely and as your child gets older you can feel very isolated.

Nobody gets it until they walk in your shoes. To see your son be the only one in his class, that the children now see is ‘different’ is hard some days. He doesn’t come out being asked to go to someone’s house after school because he is in a world of his own. He doesn’t get invited to birthday parties anymore like he used to at the beginning. He insists on being the only child in the school that wears school uniform on non-uniform day because that is what you wear when you go to school.

It is so hard to teach my son how to be independent – I am currently still struggling with toileting, how to wash his hair, (as this is a huge sensory problem), cutting his nails; but brushing his teeth is getting better thankfully.

I take one day at a time, as I do not know what the future will bring. I am just thankful that he can talk, allows me to now and again hug him, and he understands when I say ‘I love you’ and mostly, I am grateful that he is happy in the little world he lives in.

Connect with Nikki on Instagram: Instagram: @rrprmanagement @heyprestocleaning Twitter: @rrprmanagement Website: www.rrprmanagement.co.uk

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INDEPENDENT LIVING D R M

NOBODY GETS IT UNTIL THEY WALK IN YOUR SHOES.

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The Unravel approach – a new model

OUR approach is designed to unravel key challenges around children’s behaviour and give them the tools to make positive change.

It is unique and statistically proven, applying a range of psychological techniques including elements of neuroscience so that children can understand themselves and take charge of their brains and behaviour. We work on all aspects that activate self-esteem to help each child gain control of their emotional wellbeing and build resilience.

One-to-one sessions for children, training for teachers and workshops for parents are

part of our three-sixty approach. This gives all those involved strategies for understanding and handling the issues presented by children in emotional distress.

Each child is individual, and their specific needs are at the heart of our approach. That’s why our support is bespoke and applies a range of techniques including: CBT Positive psychology

Mindfulness Acceptance and commitment therapy Drawing and talking Motivational interviewing – embracing change

All our psychologists and practitioners are appropriately qualified, experienced and highly trained. Regular supervision also ensures continual professional development and facilitates staff well-being.

The same principles are subtly incorporated into The Blinks books which also support children’s emotional well-being.

If you are interested in how unravel can help you: Contact hello@unravelsupport.co.uk Or have a look at www.unravelsupport.co.uk and www.theblinks.co.uk

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D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING

How CBD is improving people’s lives of people using CBD oil has Are you one of the quadrupled in the past two years. increasing number of people turning to cannabis The apparent benefits of oil to help combat anxiety, CBD are wide-ranging: insomnia or back pain?

In 2017, the World Health Organisation

You are not alone! CBD – a chemical compound extracted from hemp – is predicted to be one of the top products of 2019, with regular users claiming it helps them with conditions including arthritis pain, inflammation and anxiety...

reported that “there is preliminary evidence that CBD may be useful for a number of medical conditions”, among

them Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, pain, anxiety, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, nausea, cardiovascular diseases and diabetic complications.

As a known antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antispasmodic agent, there is also anecdotal evidence that it improves the symptoms of insomnia, IBS, skin complaints, arthritis and migraines.

The effectiveness of CBD is currently being evaluated in clinical trials at King’s College, London. Scientists there are looking at CBD’s potential to treat mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

How do you take it?

A rapidly growing range of CBDinfused products – from cold brews and water, to balms, sprays, body salves and oils, to chocolates and jelly domes – are launching and proving

What is CBD? Non-psychoactive, CBD oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers of hemp plants and the THC content is kept to a minimum or removed completely. CBD oil is extracted from industrial grown hemp. It contains less than 0.2% THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that gets you high, and has wide ranging health benefits.

Since becoming legal in the UK as a food supplement, there has been an explosion of products containing the ingredient thanks to its therapeutic qualities. CocaCola has also hinted at developing a CBD-infused drink.

According to the Cannabis Trade Association UK, the number

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INDEPENDENT LIVING D R M

a hit with customers looking for new wellness products.

And it is largely a matter of choice which type of CBD you use.

You can take CBD oil by swallowing it (put a few drops under your tongue, leave for two minutes and then swallow, rinsing the mouth with water to refresh), by absorption through the mucus membranes in your mouth, by inhaling it, or by absorption through the skin.

The WHO report A recent report by the World Health Organisation showed that cannabis oil has therapeutic benefits for a range of illnesses, revealing that CBD oils – completely natural supplements sourced from low-level THC hemp – have benefits for a number of mental, physical and intellectual conditions. To read the full report, visit https://www. who.int/medicines/access/controlledsubstances/5.2_CBD.pdf

As a food supplement, the maximum adult daily dose is 200mg.

As a guide, aim to take 10mg twice per day.

Expect to pay £50£70 per 1g of CBD in an oil form.

Edibles are more expensive. Buy from a reputable brand that uses the finest hemp that has been specifically bred for higher CBD. Store in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight. A CBD oil will typically have a shelf life of twelve-months.

Is it effective?

We are primed for CBD because the human body is teeming with cannabinoid receptors. Our body manufactures endocannabinoids in order to pass messages concerning functions such as pain, inflammation, memory, appetite and mood. Because CBD is a cannabinoid derived from a plant it can affect the body in the same way as endocannabinoids.

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Did you know?

Hemp has been used as a medicine for thousands of years all over the world.

CBD is a powerful preventative; taking 2050mg as a general daily supplement can maintain health.

CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.

To comply with EU law, any CBD product sold over the counter must contain no more than 0.2% THC (compared with 15 to 40% in marijuana) and make no medical claims.

Key benefits for CBD

involve its impact on pain, sleep, and anxiety:

PAIN CBD can help with both neurological and inflammatory pain and, unlike morphine, its effect is not diminished over time.

There is anecdotal evidence that taking CBD can reduce both inflammation and the perception of pain in conditions including arthritis.

Start with 20mg a day and find the dose that works best for you.

People with neurological conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s may need to work up to an advanced dose of 100-200mg.

SLEEP CBD has been reported to have a big impact on both the quality and quantity of sleep. Taking CBD through the day can help a person to go to sleep faster, enjoy a deeper sleep and to stay asleep. As a guide, take 20-100mg of CBD oil split into three doses throughout the day.

ANXIETY Anxiety disorders are on the increase and are still something that a lot of people are reluctant to talk about. If you are suffering with anxiety, it can be helpful to take 20-50mg of CBD, increasing to 50-100mg if needed. Find the dose that works for you.

CBD has a wide range of benefits but three of the most conclusive

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Free Next-of-Kin Search 50 years of providing a free next-of-kin tracing service to care homes and local authorities.

Tracing missing beneficiaries is the heart of our business.

Through expert knowledge and with international connections, we can find missing family members.

At this very sensitive time, we can aid with all the difficult processes that would typically occur, saving you valuable time and unnecessary additional costs.

Contact us today to see how Fraser and Fraser can assist you.

fraserandfraser.co.uk or call: 0207 832 1400

ADVERTORIAL D R M

FOR MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS JOHN LIVED IN CARE

The case of the forgotten soldier

remembered him being almost always quiet, and rarely, if ever, interacting with anyone else.

After painstaking research into the case, Fraser and Fraser eventually found thirteen nieces and nephews who shared an estate worth more than £200,000. More than that, though, the next generation gained an insight into the terrible toll taken on their family by a war that had taken place so far away and so long ago.

Genealogist and international probate research firm Fraser and Fraser, is expert at finding heirs, even in the most challenging circumstances...

EVERY so often a case is referred to Fraser and Fraser’s researchers that brings alive events that are rarely mentioned outside specialist history books and documentaries. That’s what happened when a solicitor contacted us recently hoping to find the heirs of John Griffiths*, who had died in a Welsh nursing home at the age of ninety.

Neither the lawyer nor any of the carers knew of anybody ever visiting John in the nursing home in which he had lived, although they were aware he had been referred there from a psychiatric hospital where he had been since the 1960s.

As our researchers meticulously began researching the “Griffiths” name (a challenge in itself in Wales), details slowly emerged about John’s life: A military veteran, he had served with the British army during the Korean War and had been badly affected by an incident that had taken place during a battle with Chinese troops...

An explosion had killed two of his friends and had left him buried under several feet of earth. Although he was dug out by his comrades seemingly unscathed he would never again be the same person. Following a number

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When to contact Fraser and Fraser

of increasingly serious disciplinary offences, he was finally discharged from the army in 1953 as “permanently unfit for military service”. Nowadays, he would probably have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and referred for appropriate help and care. As it was, John was shipped back to England and handed over to his mother.

His mother did her best to try and rehabilitate her son back into the life that he had led before Korea, but he became more and more unpredictable and introverted. Any loud noise would have him taking cover under the kitchen table, convinced the Chinese were attacking.

John’s outbursts became increasingly aggressive and frightening for his family. Struggling to cope, his mother sought help from the Salvation Army.

Eventually, though, he was sectioned and institutionalised; diagnosed with both schizophrenia and dementia.

For more than fifty years John lived in care, gradually losing contact with family members and never talking about what had happened to him.

Occasionally, he would join in if one of his carers sang a song from the 1940s or 1950s, but apart from that, they

Fraser and Fraser is one of the leading genealogy and probate research firms in the UK, with more than fifty years’ experience in the business.

Equipped with the latest technology, our researchers and case managers are highly skilled at finding next of kin and executors quickly and efficiently.

The firm’s services are free of charge to local authorities. If there is an estate to administer, we will invite the next-of-kin we have located to retain us to carry out additional work. A founder-member of industry body, the Association of Probate Researchers (APR), Fraser and Fraser was this year awarded the prestigious title of Paralegal Business of the Year by the Professional Paralegal Register (PPR).

Call us on 0207 832 1400 Email: nickbeethaml@fraserandfraser. co.uk www.fraserandfraser.co.uk

*Names, places and dates in this article have been changed to protect client confidentiality.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The perfect Venue for accessible living

Finding a high-quality apartment in London that is an inclusive and accommodating environment for Venue provides excellent accessibility for local accessible for wheelchair users can be tricky. people who use a wheelchair. amenities, with James Dixon Primary School, Anerley station, a supermarket, petrol station, GP According to research from The English Housing “Our adaptable apartments are very spacious, surgeries and Anerley Town Hall all within easy Survey, just seven per cent of homes in the UK meet basic accessibility standards, making it difficult for with clear access routes across all rooms, and there reach of William Booth Road. the approximately 13.9 million disabled people in is also lift access to all floors of the development.

Prices at Venue start from £368,000 and the the country to find suitable accommodation.

“Each of the 18 accessible homes at Venue has London Help to Buy scheme is currently available At Venue, Fairview New Homes’ development its own dedicated car parking space within close on all properties. in Anerley, South London, great care has been proximity, and the scheme’s shallow gradients will For more information about the wheelchairtaken by the developer to ensure that a number offer easy access to the development’s communal accessible apartments at Venue, call the sales team of apartments are accessible for buyers who use a outdoor areas.” on 0203 918 2660 or visit www.fairview.co.uk. wheelchair.

Located off William Booth Road, Venue comprises a selection of one, two and threebedroom apartments, 18 of which have been specifically built to cater to the needs of wheelchair users.

These wheelchair-friendly apartments have all been designed to accommodate extra floorspace to ensure clear turning circles throughout and each apartment has two sizeable bedrooms.

Outside, the development’s courtyard has shallow gradients, enabling wheelchair access to the garden area and car park.

Andy Georgiou, Sales and Marketing Director for Fairview New Homes, said: “Our development at Anerley has been carefully designed to provide

Venue / William Booth Road, Anerley, London SE20 8BX

STYLISH LIVING IN ANERLEY Venue, a collection of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom wheelchair adaptable apartments in a Zone 3 location close to Crystal Palace.

• White high gloss kitchens with black worktops and integrated appliances • Private terrace or balcony to every apartment • Allocated parking to many homes • Zone 3 location with trains to London Bridge in 26 minutes† Prices from £368,000 Call to book your viewing today!

Sales and Marketing Suite & Showhomes Open daily 10am – 5pm

fairview.co.uk/venue

Venue has great transport connections ANERLEY STATION 0.3 miles from Venue‡

CRYSTAL PALACE OVERGROUND 0.6 miles from Venue‡

CRYSTAL PALACE TRIANGLE 1.3 miles from Venue‡

anerley.sales@fairview.co.uk

020 8108 3372 †From Anerley station. ‡Journey times approximate. Source: TFL Price and details correct at time of going to press. Images shown for illustrative purposes only. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants should seek independent financial advice, and get information and guidance on applying for a Help to Buy: Equity Loan at www.helptobuy.gov.uk.

Affordable D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING

Affordable Home

We’re the government’s housing accelerator. We have the appetite, influence, expertise and resources to drive positive market change.

The housing market can be a slightly daunting and confusing place, especially for first-time buyers, but there are products available which aim to make getting started simpler, easier and cheaper. Here we take a look at some currently available options – and why they might appeal to those with particular requirements...

HELP TO BUY: EQUITY LOAN Newly-built homes are attractive because they can be adapted at an early stage for the requirements of modern disability living – and the government’s Help to Buy: Equity Loan is restricted to new-build properties in England, with a maximum purchase price of £600,000.

To qualify, you need to be able to offer a deposit of 5% of the total property price. The government then lends you 20% of the property price, so you only need a mortgage for the remaining 75%.

If you’re buying a property in London, the government will lend you up to 40% of the property price. With your 5% deposit, that means you only need a mortgage for 55% of the property value. The loan can only be used to buy your main home, and not a buyto-let property, and these particular rules only apply in England, although similar schemes are run in the other UK nations.

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The Help to Buy equity loan is interest-free for the first five years.

You have to pay a monthly £1 administration fee from the outset.

After five years, you start to pay an interest fee of 1.75%, which rises every year by the rate of inflation, plus 1%.

The loan must be repaid when you sell the property or after 25 years.

You can also pay it off in full when you remortgage, or in two parts using savings. This scheme will finish in its current form in March 2021, when it will be replaced by an equity loan for first-time buyers only, which will run until 2023, when the scheme will close altogether.

HELP TO BUY AGENTS If you would like to apply for a Help to Buy: Equity Loan, your first step should be to get in touch with a Help to Buy Agent in the area you want to buy. They can guide you through your purchase, from providing general information about the scheme to dealing with your application.

You can find an agent here: https://www.helptobuy.gov.uk/equityloan/find-helptobuy-agent/ Or look out for the Help to Buy logo on new-build developments and ask about the scheme there. Once you’ve found a property you want, you can apply for a mortgage through a participating lender.

SHARED OWNERSHIP The Help to Buy: Shared Ownership scheme enables you to buy a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining part, with an option to buy a bigger

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share later. Under the scheme, you can buy between 25% and 75% of the property’s value at the outset. You can then buy further shares in future when you are able to. The rest of the property will be owned by a Local Authority or Housing Association.

You can qualify for Help to Buy: Shared Ownership if your household earns £80,000 a year or less outside London. This rises to £90,000 if you live in the capital. You must be a first-time buyer, or have previously owned a property, but now can’t afford to buy one, or you already own a share of your home, but want to move.

You’ll need to take out a Help to Buy: Shared Ownership mortgage to pay for your share of the property.

With Help to Buy: Shared Ownership you can also sometimes buy a newly-built home or an existing one through Housing Association re-sale programmes. You’ll need to take out a mortgage to pay for your share of the home’s purchase price, or fund this through your savings.

Shared Ownership properties are always leasehold, meaning you will never own the property outright (i.e. freehold), but have the right to live in it for the length of the lease term, most commonly 99 years.

Only military personnel are given priority over other groups through government funded shared ownership schemes. However, councils with their own shared ownership home-building programmes may have some other priority groups, based on local housing needs.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Home Ownership for People with

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Long-Term Disabilities (HOLD) can help you buy any home that’s for sale on a Shared Ownership basis if you have a long-term disability and other Help to Buy scheme properties don’t meet

YOU CAN ALSO SOMETIMES BUY A NEWLY-BUILT HOME OR AN EXISTING ONE THROUGH HOUSING ASSOCIATION RE-SALE PROGRAMMES. your needs; for example, because you need a ground-floor property. With this scheme, you can buy up to 25% of your home.

Disabled buyers can also apply for the general Shared Ownership scheme and own up to 75% of your home.

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please contact the Help to Buy agent in the area you want to live. #MakingHomesHappen

Find out more and help make this happen: www.gov.uk/government/ publications/homes-englandstrategic-plan-201819-to-202223

OLDER PEOPLE If you are aged 55 or over, you can get help from another home ownership scheme called Older People’s Shared Ownership. It works in the same way as the general Shared Ownership scheme, but you can only buy up to 75% of your home. But once you own 75%, you won’t have to pay rent on the remaining share.

APPLYING FOR A HELP TO BUY: SHARED OWNERSHIP SCHEME To buy a home through a Help to Buy: Shared Ownership scheme, again

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WELCOME HOME Finding an affordable home to call your own is made possible through our Shared Ownership scheme From young families to retired people and those who struggle in the market, everyone deserves a good quality home. That’s why Clarion Housing is here. A home is the beginning of everything, so providing that home is a role we take seriously.

We have a range of homes across the country providing many different options, from social and affordable rented homes, through to key worker homes, homes for over 50s and market rent properties.

We also offer homes through Shared Ownership, which help first-time buyers get a step onto the property ladder.

This includes offering high quality wheelchair accessible homes within some of our most sought after locations.

The UK’s chronic shortage of housing impacts people of all backgrounds.

Not only is there a shortage of housing stock, but only seven per cent of it is considered to be suitable for the 1.8 million households with accessibility needs. We work closely alongside local authorities and other registered social landlords who refer residents to us to help to address this requirement.

Shared Ownership is an affordable way of getting on to the housing ladder, with buyers able to purchase a percentage of their home, with the option to purchase more in the future.

Most buyers purchase between 25 and 75 per cent and pay a subsidised rent on the remainder.

HOW TO GET STARTED Visit myclarionhousing.com/accessiblehomes where you’ll find details of our Shared Ownership schemes that are wheelchair accessible, as well as further information on eligibility criteria and support.

No matter which route you take, home ownership is a satisfying achievement for anyone at any stage of life. From young families to retired people, and those who struggle in the market, everyone deserves a good quality home.

That’s why we’re here.

Find out more about Shared Ownership at myclarionhousing.com/sharedownership You can also contact us direct at shared.ownership@myclarionhousing.com or call 020 7378 5638

Shared Ownership from Clarion Housing As the UK’s largest housing association we are dedicated to providing a variety of affordable and stylish houses and apartments to meet a huge range of requirements across the country.

Lots Waterside Apartments

Bramwell Apartments Anerley SE20

Harp Point Barnet NW9

Lots Waterside Apartments Fulham SW10

Bramwell Apartments is a stunning collection of 1 and 2 bedroom Shared Ownership apartments located in Anerley, Bromley. Just 5 minutes from Anerley Station and moments away from Crystal Palace’s expansive parkland and charming vintage markets.

Harp Point is a collection of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments available for Shared Ownership. Situated on the prominent intersection of West Hendon Broadway and Cool Oak Lane, Harp Point blends the vibrancy of city life with the natural waterside tranquility of the Welsh Harp Reservoir.

Lots Waterside Apartments are an exclusive collection of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom homes situated adjacent to the iconic Lots Road Power station and form part of the extensive redevelopment that is set to transform historic SW10.

Bramwell Apartments offers wheelchair accessible apartments all with private allocated parking and private outdoor space.

Harp Point offers wheelchair accessible apartments all with private allocated parking in the secure underground car park and private outdoor space.

COMING SOON - register now email shared.ownership@ myclarionhousing.com

COMING SOON - register now email shared.ownership@ myclarionhousing.com

Offered exclusively through Council Shared Equity, these homes enable applicants with a live/work connection to Hammersmith & Fulham to get onto the property ladder by purchasing a newly-built home at a discounted market price.

COMING SOON - register at lotswaterside.co.uk

Find out more 020 7378 5638 | shared.ownership@myclarionhousing.com *All train times from nationalrail.com. To find out more about Shared Ownership homes from Clarion Housing please visit myclarionhousing.com/sharedownership. Eligibility checks and Terms & Conditions apply. Speak to our sales negotiator for further details. Images displayed are indicative only. Values and availability are correct at the time of going to print. Clarion Housing Association Limited is a charitable Community Benefit Society (FCA No. 7686). Registered with the Regulator of Social Housing (No. 4865). VAT No. 675 6463 94. Registered office: Level 6, 6 More London Place, Tooley Street, London, SE1 2DA. Clarion Housing is part of Clarion Housing Group.

SHARED OWNERSHIP

Specially Designed for Challenging Environments

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01588 674 340 sale@toughfurniture.com www.toughfurniture.com

Computer generated image

SHARED OWNERSHIP COMING SOON

Harper Road

SIXSTYLISHTWOBEDROOMAPARTMENTS

FROM £185,000

Optivo is proud to present a stylish selection of new, wheelchair-accessible homes, available for shared ownership in central london. These homes are within an easy 15-minute walk of london bridge.

08000121442 sales@optivo.org.uk

These wheelchair accessible homes are available through Shared Ownership: Price shown represents a 25% share of a 2-bed apartment valued at £740,000. A subsidised rent (on the remaining share) and service charges will apply. Terms and conditions including eligibility criteria apply. Information correct at time of going to print June 2019.

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Book your viewing of our stunning show home A contemporary development offering two spacious wheelchair adaptable apartments available with Shared Ownership.

2 bedroom from £157,500*

Situated in the heart of a

3 bedroom from £185,500*

minutes from West Silvertown

rejuvenated Royal Docks just DLR, The Refi nery is not only perfectly placed and perfectly connected, it’s perfectly you.

Knights Road, Silvertown E16 2AT t: 0300 555 2171 | w: shosales.co.uk/therefinery #SHOTheRefinery Prices and details correct at time of print. *Based on a 35% share of the full value with a 5% deposit (full value of 2 bedroom apartment from £450,000 and 3 bedroom apartment from £530,000). Computer Generated Images.

In accordance with Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, these details and images have been prepared with due care, however the information contained therein is intended as a preliminary guide only. Southern Home Ownership Ltd is a housing association. Industrial & Provident Societies no: 1852R Registered Office: Fleet House 59-61 Clerkenwell Road London EC1M 5LA.

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Book your viewing of our stunning show home A contemporary development offering two spacious wheelchair adaptable apartments available with Shared Ownership.

2 bedroom from £157,500*

Situated in the heart of a

3 bedroom from £185,500*

minutes from West Silvertown

rejuvenated Royal Docks just DLR, The Refinery is not only perfectly placed and perfectly connected, it’s perfectly you.

Knights Road, Silvertown E16 2AT t: 0300 555 2171 | w: shosales.co.uk/therefinery #SHOTheRefinery Prices and details correct at time of print. *Based on a 35% share of the full value with a 5% deposit (full value of 2 bedroom apartment from £450,000 and 3 bedroom apartment from £530,000). Computer Generated Images. In accordance with Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, these details and images have been prepared with due care, however the information contained therein is intended as a preliminary guide only. Southern Home Ownership Ltd is a housing association. Industrial & Provident Societies no: 1852R Registered Office: Fleet House 59-61 Clerkenwell Road London EC1M 5LA.

INDEPENDENT LIVING D R M

From Wheelchair to Walking I’m Lynette Dickinson and in 2007, I sat in a Dru Meditation weekend and I felt peace; sitting in an electric wheelchair in excruciating pain and severe physical dysfunction, due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

I knew that if I could learn how to live in this peace, I could accept MS and all the physical pain and discomfort it entails...

which part of the brain or spine is scarred, and quite often seem very bizarre.

Each person’s experience of MS is different due to the different patterns of scarring and different progressions of the disease, but the one thing we all have in common is that living with MS is an unpredictable rollercoaster – every day is different; our condition

can change within a few minutes and there is no universal prognosis. For many people with MS it is difficult to maintain full or even part-time employment and social isolation is common.

My symptoms have ranged from annoying but manageable symptoms like patches of numbness and pins and needles, to fatigue so great I couldn’t hold up my head and dependence on an electric wheelchair. I have lost taste sensitivity; experienced visual disturbances, tinnitus, speech difficulties, swallowing and digestion difficulties; loss of proprioception, coordination and balance; continence issues; brain fog and cognitive issues; and mental health difficulties.

When I came out of the meditation,

I decided it was time I learnt how to live in this place of peace and teach other people in crisis how to find their own peace too. This decision was to change my life and the lives of many other people experiencing physical, emotional and mental crisis.

So, what is MS? MS is a disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS), largely considered the result of auto-immune disorder. The name refers to multiple scars that can occur anywhere throughout the CNS, and therefore can cause a multitude of symptoms affecting mobility, vision, speech, hearing, cognition, swallowing, stamina, digestion, taste, smell, pain, heat tolerance, continence, and mood.

MS can be relapsing-remitting (episodic) and/or progressive, although most people with MS experience progression over time, even if their condition begins as relapsingremitting. The initial symptoms are quite idiosyncratic depending on

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THE INITIAL SYMPTOMS ARE QUITE IDIOSYNCRATIC DEPENDING ON WHICH PART OF THE BRAIN OR SPINE IS SCARRED, AND QUITE OFTEN SEEM VERY BIZARRE. DR M | S PR I NG/ S UM M E R 2 019

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D R M INDEPENDENT LIVING

It was this last symptom which ultimately set me on a path to recovery and function. It is common amongst MS patients for mental health to become an issue, whether as a direct result of brain scarring, a preexisting condition aggravated by the condition or a secondary symptom of being diagnosed with a neurodegenerative

“THE PEACE I FOUND WHILE IN A WHEELCHAIR, IN A HOSPITAL BED AND NOW ON LEGS, IS ACCESSIBLE TO ANYONE WHO IS WILLING TO SPEND SOME TIME EACH DAY IN STILLNESS AND SURRENDER TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THEIR LIVES, AS THEY ARE.”

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disease – or some combination of all the above.

For me, it was the latter. I had always struggled with anxiety and depression, and there were other stress factors in my life at the time of diagnosis but when my local GP wrote “expected to need full-time care of five years”, on a social security form, I slipped into a black hole of depression.

I was 41 with three children (13,11 and 3), and was looking at a future of increasing disability and possible separation from the three people I

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INDEPENDENT LIVING D R M

loved the most. When I didn’t respond to my youngest daughter’s crying, I sought a psychologist and began a course of antidepressants. This proved to be the beginning of my recovery.

The antidepressants, along with the independence of a gifted electric wheelchair, cleared just enough dark clouds in my mind to reveal a patch of blue and I started to look for solutions.

I returned to a yoga class I had attended before my condition had deteriorated, and once again started to experience greater peace of mind.

I couldn’t do most of the physical postures but just visualising the postures, breathing, and doing the relaxations helped my state of mind.

My next step was to attend a meditation weekend, for people experiencing or working in the field of emotional crisis. On the second day of the workshop, I was experiencing excruciating pain and dysfunction.

I visualised a yoga sequence while I sat in my wheelchair, did a guided relaxation followed by a guided meditation. I found peace and made the declaration to learn to live in peace.

Two months later I joined the yoga teacher training course. I visualised, relaxed and meditated through the first four-day module and felt better than I had for a long time; physically and emotionally. An exacerbation following routine surgery in the following week, thoroughly convinced me of the mental health value of visualisation, relaxation and meditation.

I watched how panic impacted the decision-making ability and demeanour of the health professionals looking after me, and realised it was my practice that was keeping me sane. I went home: I visualised yoga, relaxed, and meditated 24/7 – even while watching Play School with my three-year-old daughter.

Three months later I returned to the teacher training program and to my surprise, discovered I could do the postures I had been visualising – physically! When I returned home, I began visualising normal tasks of living, including walking. I didn’t realise the magnitude of my recovery

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until my daughter saw me getting out of the wheelchair at a playground.

“Mummy, you’re walking. It’s a miracle!”

I continued my practice, which became increasingly physical, and returned my wheelchair nine months after I began my yoga teacher training. I subsequently completed my training and meditation teacher training, returned to part-time highschool teaching and began writing a book about my experience.

In 2011, I began my business teaching yoga to people in crisis and the first edition of my book, A Journey to Peace through Yoga was released. Since then, my book sold out its first edition run of 3000 copies and a second edition was released in 2016, which has sold a further 1000 copies. I have taught therapeutic yoga and meditation to hundreds of people in classes, workshops and retreats, and given yoga therapy to individual clients experiencing physical, mental and emotional crisis, and palliative care.

I have experienced many episodes

of symptoms since my miracle walk and some that are constant. In between and around I have learned how to ski, walked the Overland Track in Tasmania and relearned to ride an e-bike withstanding unpredictable onset of disability.

At every stage of my recovery since the first acceptance of my mental illness, acceptance, surrender and seeking solutions have been my allies: Acceptance of and surrender to my situation, followed by seeking solutions for what I can influence. This has always been guided by desire for peace, for me and for others.

My story is about the transformation of my experience of life, regardless of the circumstances.

The book is available in the UK through Chris Lloyd and Associates/ Orca Books.

It is also available through Amazon and on Kindle. www.splendouryoga.com

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Waterproof Bedding Made Beautiful

At Platinum Beauty we believe that the products that you use should be practical, beautiful and as comfortable as possible. Each of our pretty and decorative lines has been designed to coordinate round the home so that the person needing to use them feels uplifted and positive about themselves. Discreet and made with care and attention each product comes with care and attention to detail designed in.

Our beautifully soft and pretty 100 % Waterproof Bed Linen is lovely to sleep on and you will only feel the normal softness of the Poly Cotton Fabric against your skin, as the Waterproof Lamination is underneath. They are perfect for those that might suffer from incontinence, long term illness, excessive perspiration or as a mattress protector against leaks and spills. We know that choice and quality and discretion is hugely important and this is why our products look and feel so luxurious.

The beautiful 100 % Waterproof Bed Linen is available in Single Duvet Sets ( inc 1 x Pillowcase ) and Double Duvet Sets ( inc 2 x Pillowcases ) in three gorgeous designs : Pink Peony - Gardens, Yellow Waterlily - Zen and Blue Swallow - Uplifting.

Coordinating Waterproof Fitted Sheets are available in Singles and Doubles in the Pink, Blue and Yellow, and available in Singles, Doubles and King Size in the Blue. We have the Waterproof Pillowcase Sets in Blue which is perfect for those that might dribble while sleeping.

We always recommend our super soft Absorbent Washable Bed Pads are used with the bed linen to absorb up to 2 litres of liquid at any one time.

Washable at high temperatures and suitable for tumble drying.

Beautiful and luxurious Occasional Chair Commodes are available in the same three pretty designs and we are proud to say they are Made In The UK by expert furniture makers. Discreet and comfortable no one would ever know they were sitting on a beautifully crafted commode and they match the bed linen perfectly, creating a lovely and uplifting environment.

We are proud at how beautiful our ranges look and feel.

We are proud at how beautiful our ranges look and feel. https:/platinumhealthandbeauty.com / Tel : + 44 ( 0 ) 1474832217 Email : nicky.pearson@platinumhealthandbeauty.com

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ADVERTORIAL

Lasting Power Dementia can affect all aspects of an individual’s personality – their memory, perception, communication…

DEMENTIA gets worse over time and people are living longer... and it is not restricted to the elderly; “young-onset dementia”, which is often hereditary, can affect people in their thirties. One in fourteen people in the UK are living with dementia.

To live well with dementia, there is the individual’s need to be prepared. Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) enable attorneys appointed by the individual to decide about their welfare and finances when the individual cannot make such decisions. There are two types of LPA and people should have both, but most do not make either one.

With a Health and Welfare, LPA attorneys can decide an individual’s medical treatment and social care. This includes where they live, who they should see, whether to end life-sustaining treatment... Without this

authority, the individual’s family has no right to take these decisions.

With a Property and Financial Affairs, LPA attorneys can pay bills, invest the individual’s money and sell or rent their house. These are vital decisions to ensure proper care can be purchased.

Without an LPA, anyone, (family members or third parties), can apply to be someone’s court appointed Deputy to take decisions for them.

Why do most people not make LPAs? Belief that mental incapacity is something that happens to other people. It can affect all of us for any reason – an illness, an accident, stress…

Concern about giving up control.

Making an LPA is not about giving up control. It is a safeguard to make sure the individual’s trusted friends and family can keep control for them.

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Without a health LPA, decisions about medical treatment and social care are in the hands of the Local Authority or NHS.

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Without a financial LPA, the Court of Protection must be involved to appoint a Deputy.

Concern that the attorney will not do the right thing. Attorneys are required by law to act in the individual’s best interests. If they do not, the attorney is personally liable for any loss and can be removed from office.

LPAs cannot be used unless they are registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). It is the OPG’s job to ‘police’ LPAs and investigate complaints about attorneys. Individuals can restrict what an attorney can do or give them guidance about how they want them to act to help ensure that the attorney does the right thing.

LPAs are straightforward forms but it is easy to make a mistake which renders the LPA invalid or fails to give the attorneys enough powers, so legal advice should be taken.

Remember it is never too early to make an LPA but it can be too late.

Contact Stewart Stretton-Hill on 01635 571049 or Stewart.Stretton-Hill@ IrwinMitchell.com if you would like to chat further about this subject or feel you need some advice.

I am able to have peace of mind for the future At Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth we understand everyone’s situation is different. That’s why we offer a human touch as well as an expert hand to help guide you through the complexities of life.

We strive to make our clients’ lives easier; it’s what we’ve always done. Which means you’re able to look to the future with assurance and ultimate peace of mind.

irwinmitchell.com/private

Tax & Trusts

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Wills & Probate

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Disputes

Property & Family

Expert Hand. Human Touch

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Motoring & Mobility DRM

How to Live your Best Life from Your Wheelchair If you spend the majority of your day in a wheelchair, you have a unique advantage when it comes to you living your best life...

NO matter what your story or how you feel about your unique life circumstances, you see life from a different perspective to the majority – quite literally. You have to adapt constantly to a world that caters more to the able-bodied, you notice subtleties of human interaction others literally don’t see, and daily life has honed your awareness and planning skills to an advanced degree.

This is not the norm.

The majority of people practically sleep-walk through their life, rarely noticing their surroundings and finding it extremely challenging to cope with any deviation from their routine. This means when they reach one of life’s natural turning points, it comes as a huge shock to discover they have to approach their life differently. w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

A lesson you’re already mastering.

The path to your best life lies in a combination of factors, but it starts with connecting inwardly to who you came here to be, and finding ways to embody and express that externally with the wider world, no matter what your circumstances. Think of someone who has a sparkle in their eyes and lights up a room with their presence.

They know and embody this truth – and now you know about it too.

IT STARTS WITH CONNECTING INWARDLY TO WHO YOU CAME HERE TO BE The question is, how do you do this, and where do you start?

This approach to life starts from the inside out, so one of the simplest ways to start is by giving yourself permission to begin each day with a few moments of calm so you can really connect to yourself. The you that you are when no-one is looking, not the one you are in public.

Spending quiet time with yourself regularly is a self-awareness skill that very few practise – but those that do, know it makes all the difference to their quality of life. Even as little as 1-3 minutes daily will enhance your life, one day at a time.

This gesture helps you to develop your sense of who you are and what your quirks and unique qualities are.

You can do this without going out, spending money, needing external help, or having to make huge changes.

It’s a slow steady practice that if done regularly helps you to get better at noticing when you are doing something that lights you up, and when you’re not.

This knowledge helps you make discerning choices, and slowly increases your sense of self-worth – which is fundamental to living your best life.

This may seem ridiculously simple, but the most effective things often are, which is why we overlook them. If you set aside a few minutes to do this each day, and track how you feel now and then; in three months’ time, you will almost certainly find that your perception of yourself and your life has shifted exponentially.

In a good way. Wheelchair included.

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02 FIRST AID - CHOKING

Managing a wheelchair user in a choking emergency isn't easy.

Attempting to deliver back blows and abdominal thrusts on a moulded wheelchair user can be a difficult task.

The solution.

Using suction, Dechoker can remove liquids, soft and hard foods in a choking emergency whilst patient remains in their wheelchair. Watch the video at dechokeruk.com

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CHOKING: THE SILENT KILLER?

successful in half of all attempts.

Guidelines for abdominal thrusts are to stand behind the person choking and put both arms around the upper part of the abdomen.

Both these procedures assume the person choking can stand up on their own. It may be possible to deliver back blows while they remain seated by leaning them forward in the chair. Delivering abdominal thrusts, however, is far more difficult as it may be necessary to support their entire weight.

Dechoker is an Airway Clearance Device (ACD) designed to remove the obstruction in a matter of seconds using manually created suction.

In a choking emergency, Dechoker is placed over the choking person’s mouth and nose. This also positions the tube over the airway and creates an air-tight seal.

Pulling back on the handle creates a strong suction directly where needed to pull against the obstruction.

Two safety features prevent air being returned back down the airway and also allow two attempts to remove the obstruction without removing the mask.

This further increases the effectiveness of the suction.

A benefit of using suction allows Dechoker to be used when the person choking is either sat upright in a chair or wheelchair, or when lying down, perhaps in bed or on the floor. In addition, the use of suction means

Not being able to breathe is likely to be high on a list of most people’s biggest fears... Along with that feeling when ‘something goes down the wrong way’ and our body’s instinctive impulse to cough is an experience that will be familiar to many.

IT TAKES LESS THAN TEN MINUTES FOR A PERSON TO DIE FROM CHOKING

CHOKING occurs when an object becomes

stuck in a person’s airway, which prevents them from breathing. In 85% of cases the obstruction is caused by food, which given that this is what we place in our mouths most often is an unsurprising result.

Whilst everyone is at risk of choking, there are some groups of people for which this risk is increased: Conditions which affect the elderly such as Dysphagia, Parkinson’s and Dementia, and conditions with no age relation; brain injury, epilepsy and autism are often cited.

The brain is particularly sensitive to lack of oxygen and after just a few minutes will begin to shut down parts of the body as it desperately tries to survive. Initially, a person’s skin will become paler before turning bright blue.

One of the effects of choking is to prevent air from passing over the vocal cords meaning the person choking is unable

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to speak or make a sound.

A change in colour is often the first sign that something is wrong.

It takes less than ten minutes for a person to die from choking, with the ‘clock’ starting from the moment the airway becomes blocked. This makes the speed of response critical to ensure their survival.

Choking Basic Life Support (BLS), consisting of 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts, needs to be delivered as soon as possible, with the process repeated until the airway is cleared or the person becomes unresponsive.

Guidelines for delivering back blows are to stand to the side and slightly behind the person choking, whilst supporting their chest and leaning them forward. Anecdotal evidence suggests back blows are only

Dechoker is effective on liquids, as well as soft, puréed, and hard foods.

To find out more, and to see a video of Dechoker in action visit our website at: www.dechokeruk.com Phone:0330 223 1320 Email:info@dechokeruk.com Twitter:@DechokerUK Facebook:www.facebook.com/ DechokerUK

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D R M MOTO R I N G & MO B I L I T Y

The Motability Scheme The Motability Scheme offers an all-inclusive lease package that enables disabled people to get mobile by exchanging their higher rate mobility allowance to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. The Scheme provides flexible and hassle-free access to a brand new, reliable vehicle of your choice – giving you greater freedom, every day... Independent mobility consultant Helen Dolphin MBE has been a Motability Scheme customer since 1999. Helen shares her story...

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MOTORING & MOBILIT Y D R M

“ON Boxing Day 1997, I was admitted to hospital with meningococcal septicaemia, with an extremely poor prognosis on admission. My parents were told that if I was going to live I’d be left with life-changing injuries because the only way for doctors to save my life was to amputate all four of my limbs. Some weeks later, when I came out of my coma, I had become a multiple amputee.

It took me a while to process that I was disabled – it took weeks for it to sink in that my life would never be the same again. When I finally left the hospital, and wanted to start getting out and about, I found myself constantly having to rely on my parents for lifts. This was really difficult for all of us, so I got thinking about the possibility of driving myself.

I’d heard about the Motability Scheme and that in order to join, I simply had to exchange my mobility allowance to lease a vehicle of my choice. This sounded like a good option for me, as I didn’t have any money to buy my own car and I was in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance at the time.

However, before I even started looking at what vehicle I thought I might fancy, I decided I’d best find

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out if it was going to be possible for me to drive.

I contacted the DVLA to inform them that I’d become disabled, to which they asked me to surrender my driving licence. They then sent me to the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation (QEF), which is part of Driving Mobility to assess my ability to drive.

At my assessment, I had to demonstrate how much strength and dexterity I had, as well as my cognitive skills. I was then allowed to drive a vehicle on a nearby track.

After my assessment, I was told there was no medical reason why I couldn’t drive and they would inform the DVLA that this was the case. I was also recommended a lot of driving adaptations, to help make my driving experience easier.

A few weeks after my assessment I received my new driving licence from the DVLA, including a list of the required adaptations. I decided to attend a Motability Scheme Big

Event, which is the UK’s largest showcase of cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs for disabled people. Attending the event was really beneficial, as I was able to see numerous cars available on the Scheme, all in one place; I also met an adaptations installer who told me about the various adaptations that could be fitted to my car.

When choosing a vehicle for myself, I had a lot of things to consider. Firstly, I needed a car that’s big enough to fit a child car seat, my wheelchair and my assistance dog. Secondly, I cover a lot of miles in my car, so I needed it to be economical on fuel. Thirdly, my car needed to have an automatic transmission so that I can drive it.

And finally, to avoid having to have too many adaptations fitted, I wanted my car to have as standard, adaptive windscreen wipers, an automatic boot, keyless start and a built-in satellite navigation (sat nav.), which I can control.

With new technologies being released regularly, motoring technology seems to be constantly developing, offering drivers who require mobility support never-ending options to choose from to improve their driving experience, which is why it’s always good to discuss the different features that are available and any other optional extras with your dealer.

With its all-inclusive lease package, the Motability Scheme has provided me with worry-free motoring for the past twenty years. It’s peace-of-mind knowing that insurance, breakdown cover and servicing and maintenance are all included in the price. The only running cost that I have to pay for is fuel.

Having a Motability Scheme car has given me my independence back, allowing me to do the day-to-day things that I need and want to do.”

If you think the Scheme could be right for you, and would like to find out more, you can visit the Motability Scheme website at www.motability. co.uk or you can call one of their friendly advisors on 0800 093 1000.

You can also find out from other customers how leasing a Motability Scheme car has helped make a difference to their day-to-day lives at www.motability.co.uk/stories

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New

RENAULT KADJAR SUV by Renault

Fixed Panoramic Glass Sunroof Front and Rear Parking Sensors Rear Parking Camera 19’’ Alloy Wheels

Visit your local dealer or search Renault Motability.

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the New Renault KADJAR S Edition are: Combined 41.5 (6.8) - 60.1 (4.7). The official CO2 emissions are 136 -111g/km. WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare figures with vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Actual real world driving results may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, driving styles, vehicle load or any accessories fitted after registration.

WLTP is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO2 figures, however until April 2020 the CO2 figures are based on the outgoing (NEDC) test cycle which will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Please visit renault.co.uk/configure for WLTP figures for any selected options.

Model shown is New Renault KADJAR S Edition. Renault UK Limited is a credit broker (not a lender) in relation to this financial promotion. Motability Scheme vehicles are leased to customers

by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independent Payment (AFIP) and applications must be made with participating dealers between 2nd July and 30th September 2019. Prices are correct at time of print, are subject to availability and may change.

MOTORING & MOBILIT Y D R M

What’s available through the Motability Scheme?

The Motability Scheme has a range of options to help you get out and about:

1. Cars: You can choose to lease a car from a range of over 2,000. The lease package includes insurance for two named drivers (this doesn’t have to be you). When you lease a car through the Scheme, there are three pricing options available.

Cars that cost less than your mobility allowance: There are over 100 cars that cost less than your mobility allowance, giving you money back to spend as you wish.

Cars that cost all of your mobility allowance: There are over 200

“WHEN I JOINED THE MOTABILITY SCHEME I HAD MY INDEPENDENCE BACK – I COULD GO ANYWHERE I WANTED AND I FELT LIKE MYSELF AGAIN.”

cars that cost the same as your allowance, which means you swap the whole of your weekly mobility allowance for the car of your choice.

Cars that cost all of your mobility allowance and have an Advance Payment: You can increase your choice further by paying a one-off, non-refundable upfront payment which is called an Advance Payment.

2. Cars with adaptations A range of over 400 car adaptations can make driving, accessing the car or stowing your wheelchair easier to do and your journey more comfortable.

3. Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) If getting into and out of a vehicle is becoming more difficult, there are over 500 WAVs that can make a difference. So, you can travel in a vehicle without having to transfer out of your wheelchair.

4. Scooter and powered wheelchairs Scooters and powered wheelchairs are great for daily trips to the shops

or down the road. There are over 300 options to choose from on the Scheme, starting from as little as £12.50 a week.

Are you eligible?

You need to be in receipt of one of the following allowances and have at least 12 months of your award remaining.

•

Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance

•

Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment

•

Armed Forces Independence Payment

Please note that the Attendance Allowance cannot be used to lease a vehicle through the Motability Scheme

•

War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

How the Scheme works: A standard lease is over three years (or five years for a WAV) and payments are simply deducted from your higher rate mobility allowance every four weeks, then paid directly to Motability Operations Ltd. by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Every lease is all-inclusive, which means everything listed below is included in the price you pay. So, the only running cost you have for your brand-new car is for fuel.

Insurance cover Servicing and maintenance Many adaptations at no extra cost Full RAC breakdown assistance Up to two named drivers for cars and WAVs (this doesn’t have to be you) Tyre, battery and windscreen repair and replacement Support from a dedicated UK based Customer Services team To find out more about the Motability Scheme visit www.motability.co.uk or call 0800 093 1000.

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0800 0800 027027 5058 5058 www.alliedmobility.com www.alliedmobility.com ™ ™ Discover Discover the unique the unique benefits benefits of Allied of Allied Aftercare Aftercare alliedmobility.com/aftercare alliedmobility.com/aftercare

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Advance Payment Advance Payment from from PEUGEOT PEUGEOT RIFTER RIFTER HORIZON™ HORIZON™

£1,495 £1,495

BrandBrand new for new2019 for 2019 >> 16” alloy >> 16”wheels alloy wheels >> Peugeot >> Peugeot i-Cockpit® i-Cockpit® >> Mirror>> Screen® Mirror Screen® >> Voice>>recognition Voice recognition >> >> Easy-use Easy-use electricelectric winch >>winch Parking >> Parking sensorssensors >> Air conditioning >> Air conditioning >> Easyglide™ >> Easyglide™ ramp ramp >> Privacy >> Privacy glass >>glass Cruise >> Control Cruise Control

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>> Lightweight >> Lightweight >> Personalised EasyFold™ EasyFold™ ramp >> ramp Personalised >> Bluetooth® >> Privacy >> glass seating layouts seating >> layouts Bluetooth® Privacy glass >> Front >> & Front rear air & conditioning rear air conditioning >> Easy-use >> Easy-use >> Parking electric winch electric>>winch Parking sensorssensors

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£2,795 £2,795

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Excellent Excellent accessibility accessibility & storage & storage

>> Personalised >> Front >> >> Unique>> EasyGlide™ >> Original >> Personalised seating options seating options & Front rear air & rear air >> EasyFold™ >> EasyFold™ >> Full original Unique EasyGlide™ pull-out pull-out ramp >> ramp Original go-flat ramp go-flat>> ramp Full original >> Automatic >> Automatic conditioning tail lift ortail ramp lift or ramp >> Easy-use >> Easy-use >> Air conditioning >> Cruise>> CruiseFord seating Ford throughout seating throughout electric electric conditioning Volkswagen Volkswagen seating >> seating Air conditioning >> Bluetooth® >> Bluetooth® >> DAB radio >> DAB radio >> Parking >> Privacy >> glass >> Bluetooth® >> Privacy >> glass >> glass >> Parking winch >>winch Parking sensors sensors Privacy glass control >> control Bluetooth® Privacy Parking >> Air conditioning >> Air conditioning >> Bluetooth® >> Bluetooth® >> Easy-use >> Easy-use sensorssensors electric winch electric winch

Free UK-wide Free UK-wide homehome demonstrations demonstrations call 0800 call 0800 027 5058 027 5058

Advance Payments Advance Payments correct at correct time ofat going timetoofpress. goingImages to press.forImages illustrative for illustrative purposes purposes only. only.

Quoted customers not pictured.

MOTORING & MOBILIT Y D R M

TESTIMONIALS: “FOR US, IT’S BEING ABLE TO DO THE EVERYDAY THINGS THAT OTHERS MIGHT CONSIDER A CHORE.” “FOR US, IT’S ABOUT JUST BEING ABLE TO ALL GO OUT AS A FAMILY.” “FOR ME, IT’S ABOUT BEING ABLE TO DO THE THINGS OTHER GRANDADS DO WITH THEIR GRANDKIDS.” “FOR ME, IT’S GIVEN ME MY INDEPENDENCE BACK. WHEN I WANT TO MEET SOMEONE, I CAN.” “FOR US, IT’S A LIFE CHANGER. WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE ALL THE THINGS WE DO AS A FAMILY NOW.”

This summer the Motability Scheme’s One Big Day programme of events returns to locations throughout the UK. There will be five events, beginning with the flagship two-day show, The Big Event, at the NEC (Hall 17) in Birmingham.

For more about The Big Event, visit www.motability.co.uk/bigevent thebigevent

This Summer’s events will take place at the following locations:

The Big Event: Friday 28 and Saturday 29 June NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT

One Big Day: Saturday 27 July: Westpoint, Exeter, EX5 1DJ Saturday 10 August: Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate, HG2 8NZ Saturday 7 September: East of England Arena, Peterborough, PE2 6XE Saturday 21 September: Royal Highlands Centre, Edinburgh, EH28 8NB If you can’t make it or have missed the events this year, visit www.motability.co.uk for more information about the Scheme.

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WE ARE ALL

JEEP® COMPASS AND RENEGADE. BORN TO BE WILD. JEEP RANGE FROM NIL ADVANCE PAYMENT*

MADE OF WILD.

For more information or to book a test drive visit Jeep.co.uk/ motability or visit your nearest Jeep dealer OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE JEEP® RANGE MPG (L/100KM) COMBINED: 48.7 (5.8) – 25.0 (11.3). CO2 EMISSIONS: 213 – 128 G/KM. Fuel consumption figures determined on the basis of the new WLTP test procedure as per Regulation (EU) 2017/1347. CO 2 figures, based on the outgoing test cycle, will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Models shown: Jeep Compass 1.4 MultiAir II 140hp Limited from £945. Jeep Renegade 1.0 120hp Longitude 4x2 from £95 Advance Payment. Standard Metallic paint is available as a no cost option on the Motability scheme. *Advance payments are correct at time of going to press and subject to orders being placed between 1st April and 30th June 2019. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Terms & Conditions apply. Offer may be varied and withdrawn at any time. Subject to stock availability. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

D R M T R AV E L & L E I S U R E

I don’t get free tickets to the cinema, but...

things I loved most in life... going to gigs!

After going to a few more gigs post my MS diagnosis, I was finding it quite hard to bounce back on the days following these events.

On one occasion, my legs felt heavy I’m Ellen Marshall - In September 2015 I sat in a room standing for hours and when the with my boyfriend and five members of medical staff. fatigue set in so did the spasms, and And the neurologist said the words that I was very much the inability to hold my pint without it flying everywhere! That’s when I expecting to hear “Ellen you have Relapsing Remitting noticed a raised platform in the corner Multiple Sclerosis”... of the room near the disabled toilets – there were some plastic chairs out and a member of staff wearing a t-shirt especially for a IT hadn’t taken me much to realise saying ‘Special then 27-year-old that would have been the case, having Assistance’. to find herself in. experienced nearly four months of THE HARDEST THING I looked into this The nurse’s limited to no feeling in my left hand, more when I got ABOUT HAVING AN answer was “no”, the constant trips to the toilet, amongst home and stumbled but that didn’t INVISIBLE DISABILITY IS other symptoms typical with MS. across a card you matter. I did The nurse took my boyfriend and I SOMETIMES FEELING LIKE can buy where you however wonder into a smaller room and asked if we get independently YOU MAY BE JUDGED how this newly had any questions. My boyfriend spoke assessed; the card found diagnosis up “I do. Will she get free tickets to the is recognised in FOR ACCEPTING THE would impact the cinema now?” some big music SUPPORT AVAILABLE This wasn’t venues. It’s called insensitive at AND IT TOOK ME SOME an ‘Access Card’ all, this was and it drastically TIME TO BECOME ‘us’. We always changed my gigging COMFORTABLE WITH IT. try and find the experience. On my silver lining card, I have a plus and make the one symbol, which in some venues most of what is allows me to have discounted tickets or a not-brilliant a free personal assistant ticket to that situation,

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T R AV E L & L E I S U R E D R M

event. It also allows me, in some places, to access that special area where I can have the choice to sit down or stand, and I am close to the accessible facilities.

This card suddenly gave me a new lease of life. I could minimise the impact of the aftermath on my body of going to events. It also meant going to festivals like Glastonbury and Coachella would be manageable with the right support in place.

The hardest thing about having an invisible disability is sometimes feeling like you may be judged for accepting the support available – it took me some time to become comfortable with it.

I can honestly say my boyfriend and I have taken as many opportunities as we can to have fun and to live a fulfilled life, but whilst still managing to preserve my energy and look after my health.

It wasn’t until recently that I found out that I am also eligible for a disabled person’s rail-card; the eligibility list is based on receiving certain benefits, which I don’t. I sent a simple email to them and found out I could still get one.

This will mean I can travel any time of the day 1/3 off the cost for myself and a companion. Which again will make a huge difference to how I get around.

I travel a lot by train as driving long distances isn’t always ideal if I am feeling a little fatigued or let’s face it, if I want to have a drink… or three!

I always find myself (out of habit) looking out for the toilet section when the train pulls into a station so I know which carriage to get on to, to be close to it.

Little things like contacting airlines before you fly can help, I worry that if I have someone next to me on my right-hand side, if I started to have spasms it could be very irritating for them so by contacting the airline in advance, I can usually select my seats with no extra cost. I can also get extra assistance at airports too, which I have only used once and it was a really

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helpful experience allowing me to preserve energy and not stand for too long in one place (which is harder than moving some times!).

So, although I don’t get free tickets to the cinema, there is a lot of support out there for me and others with conditions like mine. If anything, I feel like I do more now than I did pre-diagnosis, I don’t take a single day for granted and live by my new motto ‘I will take more from my MS, than it takes from me.’

Wa tch E l l e n’s TE D Ta l k “L i fe B efo re Le m o n s | El l e n M a r s h a l l | T EDxCh e l m s fo rd” h e re : ht t p s ://you t u . b e/Y0 h a h C5j R - s

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D R M T R AV E L & L E I S U R E

Virgin Atlantic helps those with hidden disabilities overcome travel challenges Virgin Atlantic rolls out Hidden Disabilities scheme across its network, as part of ongoing commitment to make flying accessible to all...

IN February 2019, Virgin Atlantic

announced the official launch of its Hidden Disabilities scheme, which includes extensive training for staff, and a discrete identifier to help passengers with hidden disabilities get the assistance they need.

This new scheme is offered to passengers at no extra cost, and ensures the airline provides extra assistance to those who may need it without them having to ask. Research carried out last year by the Civil Aviation Authority, reveals that 19% of people have a disability which makes travelling on a flight difficult.

Hidden disabilities may not be instantly recognisable, but can significantly impact a person’s life and often means that preparing for a flight can prove a stressful situation.

Currently 22% of the UK population has a disability (Full Fact. (2019).

How many people have a disability?).

One study found that of those who

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individual to ensure that their journey is as accommodating as possible. The team can arrange for travellers to be escorted through the airport, have access to priority boarding and reserve seating where necessary. Onboard, the team can also ensure that inflight entertainment is provided for blind passengers, with some crew also trained in sign language. (Sign language trained crew need to be prebooked.)

Geraldine Lundy, Passenger

identified Accessibility as having a Manager at disability, 74% Virgin Atlantic HIDDEN DISABILITIES had a disability “We are MAY NOT BE INSTANTLY says, that is hidden committed to giving (BBC News RECOGNISABLE, BUT all customers easier (2019). Thousands access to travel. The CAN SIGNIFICANTLY share invisible Hidden Disabilities IMPACT A PERSON’S LIFE scheme is one of a disabilities).

Although not series of initiatives everyone with that Virgin Atlantic is planning on a disability flies, this means many introducing over the coming years, to help people may be travelling in discomfort those with disabilities overcome any key or avoiding travelling due to the stress challenges they may face.” that flying may create.

A specially designed symbol, which Tom Morgan, from Channel 4 can be worn as a pin badge or discretely show The Undateables and tucked away in your passport as a Sports Ambassador for the bookmark, alerts extensively trained National Autistic Society, recently Virgin Atlantic staff that extra assistance travelled under the scheme and may be needed by an individual, or their said, “Geraldine and her team go above family, whilst travelling. and beyond to ensure that your flight Prior to the flight taking place, the experience is tailored to your specific Virgin Atlantic Special Assistance needs. For instance, I asked if I could be sat team can also work with the at the back of the plane so that if I was to

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D R M T R AV E L & L E I S U R E Virgin Atlantic crew

experience ticks on the flight, I wouldn’t disturb the passenger behind me. Virgin Atlantic easily accommodated my request, which made me much less nervous about the flying process.”

Due to a previous lack of support for people with hidden disabilities, Sara Marchant, Accessibility Manager at Gatwick Airport has been involved in a huge amount of work caring for passengers with disabilities. She recognises the significance of this new scheme, commenting “It is so important to cater to the needs of all customers, including those with hidden disabilities. This sector has been all too easily overlooked in the past and so it is fantastic that the airline is targeting those whose conditions are not so apparent.

Here at Gatwick Airport, we are keen to support this impactful initiative”.

The Hidden Disabilities scheme is now available for all Virgin Atlantic customers. Please find further information here: https://www. virginatlantic.com/bb/en/travel-information/travel-news/assisting-customerswith-hidden-disabilities.html

MORE ABOUT VIRGIN ATLANTIC Virgin Atlantic Virgin Discreet Identifier was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson 34 years ago with innovation and customer service at its core. Today Virgin Atlantic carries 5.5 million customers annually, and was recently named the UK’s favourite long haul carrier

by Skytrax, Best Transatlantic Airline at the British Travel Awards 2017, and of the quietest and most fuel efficient in one of the Top 5 Airlines in the World the sky.

by Airline Ratings. Headquartered in On May 15, 2018 Air France-KLM, London, Virgin Atlantic employs over Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic 10,000 people worldwide and operates a Limited signed definitive agreements fleet of 46 aircraft serving 27 destinations to combine the existing trans-Atlantic across four continents. Alongside joint joint ventures. This transaction is in venture partner Delta Air Lines they the process of regulatory clearance. operate a leading transatlantic network Upon completion, the airlines’ offering up to 38 flights per day between expanded joint venture will become the UK and US with onward connections the preferred choice for customers to over 200 US and international cities. travelling across the Atlantic offering In 2019 Virgin Atlantic will take delivery the most comprehensive route network, of their first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft convenient flight schedules, competitive - helping to transform the fleet into one fares and reciprocal frequent flyer

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benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers.

Customers will also benefit from the colocation of facilities at key hub airports to improve connectivity and access to each carrier’s airport lounges for premium passengers.

For more information visit: virginatlantic.com or virginholidays. co.uk or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic @virginholidays

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DRM anGlesey Beeston BuRwaRdsley tattenhall oaklands delameRe

Bespoke GRoup Residential expeRiences in Adventurous outdoor Activites plus creAtive And Performing Arts desiGned foR every child.

Contact our experienced team now to arrange your visit:

Email: conwaycentres@edsential.co.uk

Call: 01248 714 501

Out and about Discover the delights on your doorstep.

The Festival brings together children, young people and adults with or without a physical or learning disability providing an opportunity to try out new activities, make new friends and have loads of fun on the coast of Essex!

Ideal for families with a member with a disability, clubs and organisations. Over 300 people come from all over the UK to the weeklong camp, the weekend camp or just for a day visit.

The wide variety of exciting activities include archery, zipwire, climbing, dancing and music workshops, adventure course, swimming, discos, art activities, live music and more! Activities that are fun but also challenge and stimulate, helping to build self-confidence and develop self-esteem in participants.

“I am just continually amazed at so many people’s attitudes for having ‘a go’ at absolutely everything! And given the encouragement - to succeed!”

For further information or to book

Charity No. 1097455

Telephone: 01206 383226 Email: info@merseafestival.org.uk Website: www.merseafestival.org.uk

If you want to escape the daily grind, head to one of our reservoirs We own and manage some of the most beautiful land in the North West - perfect for relaxation and contemplation. Much of it is open to the public, with good access for people with disabilities.

To find out more visit:

unitedutilities.com/out-and-about

Mersea Island Festival @MIFCamp 04/17/7437

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D R M DISABILITY SPORT

Joe packs a punch despite Erb’s Palsy Joe Hughes started martial arts when he was just five-years-old, moving to boxing at the age of eight as a way to do ‘fun’ physio...

What restrictions or daily challenges does having Erb’s Palsy present?

My shoulder got stuck during childbirth, and I was pulled by the head hard causing damage to the nerves, which affected the right-hand side of my upper body... so it is something I’ve been used to for my whole life. There are many movements I can’t make with my right arm, which is three inches shorter than my left, and it’s significantly weaker.

How has having Erb’s Palsy made you the boxer you are today?

I believe the many difficulties and failures I’ve faced and have had to overcome due to my Erb’s Palsy have made me a stronger minded person and definitely more determined.

Do you believe the main quality required by a sportsman is a physical one? Or mental one?

For me personally definitely a mental one, every fight I go into I’m at a physical disadvantage and I still more often than not come out on top. There are also so many ups and downs, disappointments and setbacks involved in professional sport that you must overcome in order to continue, and without that mental quality it would be very difficult to be successful.

What advice would you give to anybody with a disability or impairment wanting to pursue a sporting career?

To definitely go for it, it won’t be easy or straightforward but if it’s something you seriously want to do then don’t let your disability or people saying you can’t do it hold you back, I’ve

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had so many doctors, so-called boxing experts, and even boxing fans say that I’d never be successful due to my Erb’s Palsy and now I’m the European champion.

That’s fantastic!

You also support your mum Kathryn with her MS, tells us more about that...

It was roughly twelve years ago she found out she had MS. For a long time, she didn’t have too many noticeable difficulties as it was more stuff she would feel inside, but hard to see from the outside. Then in 2014, she had breast cancer and it seemed to really speed-up her deterioration and she ended up wheelchair bound and pretty reliant on help and care from my father.

What changes has your mother had to adapt to and what challenges does having MS present?

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DISABILITY SPORT D R M

I’VE HAD SO MANY DOCTORS, SO-CALLED BOXING EXPERTS, AND EVEN BOXING FANS SAY THAT I’D NEVER BE SUCCESSFUL DUE TO MY ERB’S PALSY AND NOW I’M THE EUROPEAN CHAMPION.

Joe’s mum

Physical deterioration as well as struggling with fatigue that comes with the MS – She’s unable to be independent, and is now unable to walk. She doesn’t drive at the moment, because she can’t, but she did have an adapted car that had hand controls and that was helpful, until it became too difficult getting to the car and back again. And transferring from the car to her wheelchair without someone else helping became impossible. Day-to-day tasks and just everyday life has become very hard for her, also not being able to do as much with her grandkids as she would like has been tough for her.

What is the current situation?

donations from supporters to pay for the treatment she needed. She is around six-months post-treatment now; apparently, it takes about eighteen-months for all the effects of the treatment to come through, so it’s a waiting game at the moment. And we are still trying to raise money for them to pay off the loans for the treatment.

To s u p po r t Joe’s m u m v i s i t : ht t p s ://w w w.ju s tg ivi n g . co m/c r owd f u n d i n g/ka t h r y n h u g h e s m s Fi n d o u t m o re a bo u t Joe’s n ex t f i g ht : w w w.joe h u g h e s b ox i n g .co.u k Fo l l ow h i s ca re e r o n I n s ta g ra m : @ joe h u g h e s b ox i n g

My parents had to borrow enough money alongside the

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Have you heard about DM Orthotics Ltd? DM Orthotics Ltd is a world leading creator of medical rehabilitation products used to manage the physical effects of a range of neuro-muscular conditions such as Stroke, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, MS, Cerebral Palsy and Scoliosis.

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The DMO® shoulder stability orthosis is designed to manage shoulder impairments. All our orthoses are designed and developed from a variety of research, clinical and patient feedback. The DMO® shoulder stability orthosis is uniquely designed to retract the shoulders, support the scapula, help reduce subluxation, improve posture, provide stability and reduce the pain resulting from these issues.

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The DMO® shoulder stability orthosis is available in female and male sizes in black and beige. The DMO® stability shorts are available in adult and children’s sizes in both black and beige with or without a toileting aperture.

Find out more about DM Orthotics® by visiting www.dmorthotics.com or by emailing admin@dmorthotics.com to find your nearest DMO® clinician.

DISABILITY SPORT DRM

Love-Love Tennis Great Britain’s leading tennis charity, The Tennis Foundation teams up with the national governing body for tennis and their joint vision is to create a sport which is inclusive and accessible to all people and communities...

THE Tennis Foundation has recently integrated its activities into the Lawn Tennis Association. The move unifies tennis in Britain, providing a unique opportunity to open up the sport to a more diverse team of people, players and leaders...

The decision was unanimously agreed by the Boards of both organisations and the process was completed at the end of last year.

Under the leadership of Chief Executive Scott Lloyd, the LTA has developed a new vision to open up tennis and grow the sport through making it relevant, accessible, welcoming and enjoyable to anyone who has an interest, from players of all abilities and backgrounds, to its many millions of fans.

Joanna Farquharson, Interim Executive Director of the Tennis Foundation, said: “We are tremendously proud of the achievements of the Tennis Foundation and the impact we have had on the lives of our beneficiaries.

The new exciting vision for tennis w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

in Britain now presents a fantastic opportunity for our sport as a whole to make it one that is truly for anyone.

We support over 500 venues across the country with training, resources and funding to improve opportunities for disabled people to play tennis in their area; we deliver world class tennis events for disabled players; identify and develop the most talented players and deliver a world class performance programme for our most promising players. We are only in a

“THE NEW EXCITING VISION FOR TENNIS IN BRITAIN NOW PRESENTS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR SPORT AS A WHOLE TO MAKE IT ONE THAT IS TRULY FOR ANYONE.”

position to be able to take advantage of the opportunity integration presents because of the ground-breaking work that has been done over the past 30 years. Among the many highlights are the outstanding success of Great Britain’s disability tennis players on the international stage, supporting over 20,000 schools to deliver tennis to young people and establishing the SERVES programme to take the sport to new people and new places.

I’d like to thank the many partner organisations and individuals who have helped the Tennis Foundation achieve what we have done, creating a legacy that the LTA can take forward and build on as part of a bright future for our sport.”

Scott Lloyd, Chief Executive of the LTA, said, “Our new vision aligns very closely with the Tennis Foundation’s great work and by integrating we hope we can take it to the next level, with greater scale and greater impact. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for inclusivity across our sport and I want to welcome the Tennis Foundation team to the LTA.” The scheme promotes an inclusive approach to tennis and aims to bring the health and social benefits of the sport to the priority audiences of young people in education, disabled people and people in lower socio-economic communities.

Fo l l ow t h e Te n n i s Fou n d a t i o n a n d t h e LTA o n s oc i a l m e d i a : Tw i t te r : @ Te n n i s Fn d a t i o n I n s ta g ra m : @ Te n n i s _ Fou n d a t i o n Fa ce boo k : @ Te n n i s Fou n d a t i o n1 Yo uTu be : Te n n i s Fou n d a t i o n We b s i te : w w w.l ta.o r g .u k Tw i t te r : @ B r i t i s hTe n n i s Fa ce boo k : @ b r i t i s hte n n i s l ta I n s ta g ra m : @ b r i t i s hte n n i s

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D R M ADOPTION & FOSTERING

Consider This!

TACT Lead Practitioner, Mercia Jackson shares some of the aspects that need considering when adopting or fostering difficult to place children...

TACT is the UK’s largest fostering and adoption charity. Since 2017, TACT has been delivering fostering and adoption services on behalf of Peterborough City Council, and specialises in difficult to place children including older children, babies with special needs, disabled children and sibling groups.

It’s quite a specialist area because not everyone is able to meet the needs of disabled children: There are children with genetic factors in their background, such as schizophrenia.

There are also children with conditions such as chromosome abnormality, Spina Bifida, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s syndrome or muscular dystrophy, for whom it is not always easy to find adoptive families. These are children who need additional support to enable them to partake in as many of the opportunities and experiences open to other children.

What things do you need to consider when adopting a child with special needs or a disability?

It’s quite a specialist area because not everyone is able to meet the needs of disabled children.

Adopters will need to be confident they have the time, practical, physical and emotional resources to parent a child with special needs.

The children need patient and resilient parents who can support them through difficult life stages and adulthood.

Adopters will need to be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding life-long journey, as some of the children will never be able to lead entirely independent lives.

It is recommended that adopters have prior knowledge or experience before a child with special needs or disability is considered.

One way to prepare for adopting a child with disability is to spend time with children who have similar needs. It is helpful to “buddy up” with a family who has parented a child with special needs to gain insights from their experience. If possible, you should find other adoptive parents of children with disability, that are willing to help provide you with emotional support and advice.

You need to consider your motivation and identify the reasons why you want to adopt a child with special needs or disability. It is important to be prepared for how friends and family (and strangers) may react to your adoption. You might assume others will be automatically accepting of the child, but you need to be aware that some may not understand why you would adopt a child with such special needs.

One thing to consider... It is important to establish a strong support network of friends and family. You will find

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ADOPTION & FOS TERING D R M

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP AND TO EDUCATE YOURSELF.

support groups and forums helpful to share frustrations and celebrate successes and milestones. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and to educate yourself. You will have to identify sources where you can receive the training necessary to help you support your child. You must also be willing to advocate for your child.

Learn everything you can about what your child’s diagnosis or needs are and then search for the help your child needs from professionals.

TACT Peterborough adopter, Laura Jones knew she wanted to adopt a child with disability. Laura shared: “My experience of disability taught me not to be afraid of it. The term disability or special needs can sound frightening to a lot of people. While on the surface, adopting a disabled child can seem overwhelming, the reality is much more manageable. My son is a beautiful teenager who has had a difficult start in life. Undoubtedly, his early experiences of pre-birth substance exposure, neglect, inconsistent care and separation from his birth parents will have added to his current difficulties. However, I believe the trauma he had endured affects him more than his disability. w w w.seve ns tarme dia.co.uk

My son has limited communication skills and he is very sensitive to picking up feelings, worries and tensions. Many children now being placed for adoption are delayed in their use of language. Some of the children have genetic or inherited disability. Children with physical or other disability may use different equipment or methods of communication, such as Makaton. Play is an important part of my child’s day to day routine. My son finds it easy to communicate through play, drawing, pictures, puppets and dancing!

There are support groups linked with different disabilities which can help. As an adoptive parent you are also able to access therapeutic support, high-quality training and social work visits. My son has epilepsy, Global developmental delay and Foetal Alcohol syndrome.

He had exposure to alcohol before birth and he is visually impaired and his hearing is also impaired. It was a big learning curve. He is now almost 12, and my family and I can’t imagine life without him. Adopting a child will change your life and unconditional acceptance by friends and family members is important to the child.

Adopting children with disability doesn’t mean it’s an end of your social interactions, it has enhanced mine – it has opened doors and has improved my life as well as my son’s. Adopting a child with disability is a massive life changing experience, but I love my son to bits. I remember to put my son first, before the disability.

Fi n d o u t m o re o n : w w w.ta ctca r e.o r g .u k

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“I have always found Smirthwaite to be caring. They care about the needs of my clients, they listen to what I need and they care about providing the child with the very best solution�

Claire, Occupational Therapist South West

Supporting children and their families for life

Supporting children and their families for life

At Smirthwaite, we help enhance the lives of children with additional needs using lovingly created specialist equipment.

To find out more visit smirthwaite.co.uk or call us on 01626 835552

Postural Support Effective Seating At the core of assessing each child for postural seating is the goal of support, comfort and inclusivity. However, finding the right piece of equipment can sometimes be overwhelming as well as time-consuming.

That’s why Smirthwaite, one the UK’s leading specialists for paediatric furniture and equipment, has developed a range of products and services to support children with additional needs - leading to happier more confident children.

Adjustability Finding the right postural equipment can be crucial to the support and development of children with special needs. However, as each child’s needs are unique so is their seating position, and this is where Smirthwaite offers real value. Each specialised chair comes in a range of sizes, and is adjustable so that the best position can be found and altered as the child grows – providing greater longevity and value. There’s also a range of accessories to accompany most Smirthwaite chairs to provide extra postural support, comfort and practicality where needed. Not only this, chairs are beautifully crafted and come in a range of contemporary colours to suit both home and school environments.

Dedication Smirthwaite’s dedication to finding the right solution remains loyal to its founding member’s motivation. It’s been over 30 years since Geoff Smirthwaite, a retired craft, design and technology teacher, was asked to create a chair suited to the specific needs of a boy with cerebral palsy. After the bespoke chair was made and presented to the boy, word soon spread and requests for more chairs came in thick and fast - the Smirthwaite business grew from there. Sadly, Geoff passed away in 2010, but his legacy lives on.

Finding a Solution Today, Smirthwaite prides itself on its capability to meet each child’s unique needs, and has a team of dedicated technical advisors who work closely

with therapists, children and parents to establish each child’s requirements. More often than not, a solution will be found from Smirthwaite’s range of highly adjustable chairs. However, occasionally alterations to the design may be needed and this can be taken care of by Smirthwaite’s in-house product design team to ensure that the best possible result is delivered.

Investing in Innovation Over the past couple of years, Smirthwaite has made a significant investment in innovation to give some of its existing products improved usability. The latest addition is the new electric hi-lo base available on some of Smirthwaite’s most popular chairs. Designed for use with the existing Brookfield, Indigo and Strato chairs, users can now smoothly lift and descend the chair to the desired height with a useroperated remote control. Smirthwaite’s Commercial Manager, Claire Litton commented: “We’re very excited about the hilo base as it creates improved integration at school. With greater manoeuvrability, chairs can easily be moved around classrooms and positioned for greater participation”.

More Information As well as seating, Smirthwaite offers a range of equipment to enhance the lives of children with additional needs, including standing frames, sleep systems, changing and showering. For more information visit: www.smirthwaite.co.uk

People with disabilities are foster carers too

We need more people like you.

Make a difference to a child’s life.

Be Amazing!

Find out more about being a foster carer: 0800 044 3030 | www.nfa.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL D R M

pile weight onto it.

I have recently become involved in a project to examine why more people with disabilities are not recruited to be foster carers, and why people with disabilities often don’t engage with employers or events. This whole project has allowed me to highlight some of the key issues around disability “HARDSHIP AND and the lack of active HORROR THAT SOME inclusion CHILDREN AND THEIR for disabled FAMILIES HAVE FACED people in mainstream CAN LEAVE LIFELONG society.

It is perhaps SCARS” better to phrase it as, not being excluded isn’t the same as being included. No one actively saying you can’t do something is not the same as someone actively engaging with you and saying you can.

At this point, I must sing the praises of the fostering agency I work with – NFA Group – who after engaging with me about disability and disability recruitment, changed their training venue in my hometown, because it had no disabled access. This was entirely of their own doing when they realised the need, and they actively engaged with me to find a suitable location.

This is in continuation of the support they have given me from our very first conversation, and it is proactive engagement like this that feeds into a better future for everyone; children who need safe homes, disabled people Read this insightful and thought-provoking article who feel valued and relevant, and staff who gain insight and experience.

If you want to find true value and can change our own circumstances to Adversity is a word you hear quite acceptance, go and foster, and use improve things. often as a foster carer. It seems to the skills you have that no one else I suppose the only people who sit hand in glove with the profile of recognises. I have experienced experience lifelong adversity in a children who come into care. The firsthand what it feels like to see similar way to looked-after children adversity, hardship and horror that children accept and inherently promote are people with disabilities or serious some children and their families have disability as ‘normal’. It’s amazing to life-limiting illnesses. I personally faced can leave lifelong scars that few give children the skills to be unafraid wasn’t born with a disability; I grew people can truly relate to. and to overcome what life throws at up around it. I didn’t have it until I was For most people, the word ‘adversity’ them with resolve, determination and diagnosed at seventeen. I then became applies to them and everyone else at pride. disabled; slowly over time in an eversome point in their life, and we all decreasing spiral of capacity, which for experience low points in our own way. me has highlighted how a new kind The death of a relative, a serious injury, of adversity creeps up on you. For a losing a job, ending a relationship, person with a disability, adversity isn’t financial hardship; there are many Fu l l a r t i c l e a t something that stands alone, it comes reasons, but with time and support, ht t p s ://w w w.n fa.co.u k/b l o g/ with a whole host of other issues that those scars tend to heal and often we

Lifelong Adversity

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SHARED OWNERSHIP

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

Level 3 QualiďŹ cation in Safer People Handling

Teaching you how to move people safely Our Level 3 Safer People Handling Trainers qualiďŹ cation is a four-day training course that will enable the learner to teach and mentor fellow carers and nurses mandatory training that is bespoke to your organisational needs. Delivered with a tailored approach by industry experts at training centres across the UK or at your own organisation.

BOOK NOW

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Could you give a little time and make a big difference to a child’s life?

We need specialist foster carers to provide short breaks for families with children who have challenging behaviour or complex medical needs.

We provide full training, a high level of support, competitive fees and the option to work on a part-time or full time basis. www.essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk Call us: 0800 801 530

@essexadoptandfoster

Are you raising a disabled child or young person?

Our grants may be able to help

Hello there!

The Wonder Pod is an exciing new toolkit for young people, youth workers and arts praciioners to demonstrate how to best uilise tablet apps and assisive technology for creaivity, having fun and forming friendships.

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Download Wonder Pod today on the website link below and discover new and accessible ways to create Drama, Music, Animaion, Film and Digital Photography.

If you would like to ďŹ nd out more about POD please give the Wac Arts team a call 020 7692 5800 or email Pod@WacArts.co.uk

www.WacArts.co.uk/Pod

Call 055 4 5 50 0 19 0 Wac Arts Reach is a new three-year project funded by BBC Children in Need, providing cutting edge creative technology projects, exploring film-making, music, photography and animation in innovative and engaging ways. We will continue to promote our ethos of fun, friendship and improved independence through an artistic expression and collaboration, embedding these core values in bespoke packages, tailored towards the needs of the organisations we work with. w young people, the Reach programme will provide assistive On top of the work we do with technology training to teachers, youth workers, care workers and other professionals working with young people with a range of needs to help facilitate a sustained application of digital and creative technology projects.

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for more information call 020 7692 5800 or email Reach@WacArts.co.uk

www.WacArts.co.uk/Reach

Private company limited by guarantee. Incorporated in England and Wales. Registration no. 3166627.

Registered charity number 1053866. Scottish charity number SC040810.

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Fulfil your potential with Oxfordshire County Council

Achieve your goals and progress your career Equal opportunities with an inclusive employer

Askham Bryan College is one of the leading land-based colleges in the UK and is the largest provider of specialist land-based further education in England.

We are pleased to support the work of Living With Disability and endeavour to provide a supportive and enriching environment within which employees and jobseekers with disabilities can pursue worthwhile and enjoyable careers.

Interview guarantee for applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria

www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/jobs

Learn more about us at www.askham-bryan.ac.uk

TAKE A LEAP Join a team as unique as you are

Find your job opportunity of a lifetime at

www.bas.ac.uk/jobs

At Royal Holloway, University of London, we are a close-knit community and proud of the egalitarian spirit of our founders, which we continue to foster today. We value diversity and promote equality of opportunity for students and colleagues, whether they work in academia or professional services. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly people with disabilities, both students and staff. https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk

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Our teams change people’s lives – could you?

Because good homes make everything possible

Sense is a national disability charity that supports people with complex communication needs to be understood, connected and valued. Sense has a proven record of offering high quality, pioneering services.

Want to work for a forward thinking and ambitious organisation that embraces diversity?

We’re an organisation that puts people first. We offer an excellent range of employee benefits, such as training and development, employee assistance programmes, childcare vouchers, flexible working and a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 24 days per year.

As a diverse organisation we’re not looking for one type of person. With over 500 employees we’re a well established and award-winning housing association.

We work in many different areas which means that we can offer careers in a variety of professions, from buying land and building new homes to the long-term successful management of thriving communities.

We have a number of exciting opportunities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the following areas: • Social care • Retail • Education • Fundraising • Holidays and volunteering • HR, finance and much more!

Whether you’re delivering front-line services to our residents, supporting our operations from a valued office-based role or even being involved in getting our new homes built, there’s room for all kinds of committed people here.

To find out more and view our current vacancies visit www.sense.org.uk/jobs Follow us on Twitter @sensecharityhr

To see all our current vacancies, visit: www.networkhomes.org.uk/careers/vacancies

ADDR01

We’re recruiting

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AD SEN01

Join one of Hightown’s dedicated care and supported housing teams in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Berkshire. hightownha.org.uk/careers

The Sheiling Ringwood School and College (6-25 years)

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Set in a stunning, sustainable and eco-friendly 40-acre site close to the New Forest and Dorset coastline, the natural surroundings of our school and college provide a rich, enabling and therapeutic learning environment for students who have special educational needs.

We offer an individualised and flexible approach to placements. Day and residential. We also offer respite services for our students during the holidays.

Call 01425 477488 www.thesheilingringwood.co.uk

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You can study at a time that suits you, with MA and PhD qualified teachers for A Levels, Level 2 or 3 vocational or Ofqual regulated qualifications.

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With Cambridge Online Education, you can study anywhere with our state of the art interactive online classrooms.

We help students get to university and into careers Students can study entirely from home in our LIVE interactive classroom or via our video-recorded lessons archive Tiny group sizes and friendly PhD/MA qualified teachers We offer an online school with A Level College called Cambridge Home School We offer an online College of Art and Design offering routes to creative degrees at university We work with Universities and UCAS We work with employers offering work-based learning/CPD We work with local autorities and can help secure funding for students with special educational needs like autism/aspergers, ME/CFS, phobics and anxiety at school etc.

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Treloar School and College provides education, care, therapy, medical support and independence training to young people with physical disabilities to prepare them for adult life.

For further details, visit our website www.treloar.org.uk.

GLASGOW - The Nuffield Hospital, Ross Hall Hospital & Williamwood Medical Centre • AYR - Carrick Glen Hospital

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Charity Number 1092857

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more than just a radio British Wireless for the Blind Fund has been providing free audio equipment to visually impaired people in your community for over 90 years.

To find out more about how we change people’s lives and how we could support you or someone you know visit

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blind.org.uk

blind.org.uk Registered Charity Number : 1078287 Scottish Charity Number : SC041582

Hand Controls Drive from the Wheelchair Auto Adapt Platinum Dealer On site service available FREE advice 3 Year warranty on PBC products 20 years experience Left foot accelerators Radio remote systems Annual service reminders

We have three demo vehicles Call for friendly service and free advice on: 01525 850588 • www.pbconversions.co.uk

PB Conversions, Unit 1&2 Clipstone Brook Ind Est, Cherrycourt Way, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4GP t: 01525 850588 e: pbconversions@aol.com

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Hill Lodge Dorset

• Wheelchair-accessible Holiday let • Secluded location just outside Poole

“Specialists in vehicle adaptions for people with disabilities”

• Sleeps up to 6 people • Tetraplegic owner

Contact Becky Hill on: Tel: 01202 630075 Email: becky@endeavour-uk.co.uk Web: www.endeavour-uk.co.uk Communication Matters is the UKwide charity which works for and brings together everybody who has an interest in AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication).

International AAC Conference University of Leeds

8-10 September 2019

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A diverse programme of plenaries, presentations, posters & an exhibition.

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Bespoke GRoup Residential expeRiences in Adventurous outdoor Activites plus creAtive And Performing Arts desiGned foR every child.

www.communicationmatters.org.uk/page/conference Website: www.communicationmatters.org.uk Tel: 0113 343 1533 Email: admin@communicationmatters.org.uk

Contact our experienced team now to arrange your visit:

Email: conwaycentres@edsential.co.uk

Call: 01248 714 501

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D R M BEST WISHES

Best

WISHES The following people, businesses and companies would like to extend their very best wishes to all those affected by disability

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BEST WISHES D R M

A

I

Aldersons Ingredients Anglia Handling Services Ltd Askham Bryan College Association Of British Dispensing Opticians

ISB Typesetting iMEDicare Ltd Irwin Mitchell Islington Borough Council

B

Le Maitre Ltd

Balgores Motor Group British Antarctic Survey British Sign Brian Scholar & Co Briton Engineering British Wireless For The Blind Fund B S Clarke & Son

C

Calvert Trust Exmoor Cambridge Online Education Care Radio UK Catalyst Homes Changing Places Campaign Chenea Holm Barn Childrens Trust (The) Clarke & Simpson Communication Matters (ISAAC UK) CSCD Creative Interior Design Ltd

D

Darroch Hearing Clinics Dechoker UK Ltd Dingbro International Ltd Disabled Go DM Orthotics Ltd Doncaster School For The Deaf

E

Edsential Endeavour UK Essex County Council

F

Fairview New Homes Plc Fielding Engineering (UK) Ltd Folkestone and Hythe District Council Four Communications (Clarion Housing Group) Fraser & Fraser International Probate Researchers Future Education

H

Hightown Housing Association Ltd Hogan Lovells International LLP Home Group Howard Construction (Anglia) Ltd Humberside Fire & Rescue Service

L

M

Mackeith Press Ltd Mayer Brown International LLP

N

Network Homes NFA (National Fostering Agency)

O

O P Chocolate Ltd (Pink & Whites) Optivo Oxfordshire County Council

R

Rhino UK RM Media Ltd Rollitex ROSPA Ltd Royal Holloway University Of London

S

Sense Shakespeares Globe Theatre Smirthwaite Ltd Southern Home Ownership Southern Housing Group Southwark Council Supacleen Ltd Sweet Cures

T

The Deep The Key Safe Company The Sheiling Ringwood Tough Furniture Ltd Treloar Trust (The)

U

United Utilities Plc Unravel Cebpc

W WacArts

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Fixed Panoramic Glass Sunroof Front and Rear Parking Sensors Rear Parking Camera 19’’ Alloy Wheels

Visit your local dealer or search Renault Motability.

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the New Renault KADJAR S Edition are: Combined 41.5 (6.8) - 60.1 (4.7). The official CO2 emissions are 136 -111g/km. WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare figures with vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Actual real world driving results may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, driving styles, vehicle load or any accessories fitted after registration.

WLTP is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO2 figures, however until April 2020 the CO2 figures are based on the outgoing (NEDC) test cycle which will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Please visit renault.co.uk/configure for WLTP figures for any selected options.

Model shown is New Renault KADJAR S Edition. Renault UK Limited is a credit broker (not a lender) in relation to this financial promotion. Motability Scheme vehicles are leased to customers

by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independent Payment (AFIP) and applications must be made with participating dealers between 2nd July and 30th September 2019. Prices are correct at time of print, are subject to availability and may change.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

Level 3 QualiďŹ cation in Safer People Handling

Teaching you how to move people safely Our Level 3 Safer People Handling Trainers qualiďŹ cation is a four-day training course that will enable the learner to teach and mentor fellow carers and nurses mandatory training that is bespoke to your organisational needs. Delivered with a tailored approach by industry experts at training centres across the UK or at your own organisation.

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