One small crack does not mean that you are broken. It means that you were put to the test and you didn’t fall apart.
Hello!
Spectrum People is so pleased to welcome all those volunteers and individuals who used to be under the banner of Richmond Fellowship.
I have met quite a few of you – and hope to meet more of you in the coming weeks.
I realise it will have felt you have been on a roller-coaster as RF announced they were pulling out of Wakefield and until you knew what was happening. It can be so unsettling when this happens but Spectrum People picked things up quickly and we were delighted to be able to appoint two people you know so well – Martin and Judith – to the two posts the new offer is able to fund.
We also worked hard to ensure almost everything continued without any break – just a couple of the support sessions had to have a fortnight off –but restarted quickly, supported and staffed by those you know.
As we move into the coming weeks and months there will be opportunities for many of those involved to meet others of the team from Spectrum People – and for us to come up with our own name and stop calling things ‘former Richmond Fellowship’!
Spectrum People is very much about what all the team – volunteers, individuals who come and engage with our activities, workers, students on placement, freelancers, trustees – bring to our service. It is great to grow what we do and can all share in this.
Once again welcome to everyone.
Bridget Gill
Hi there!
It’s great to be back and feel connected with everyone again, we have truly been warmly welcomed by the Spectrum team Spectrum People are well known and respected in the locality and already we have been able to do some fantastic things, such as celebrating our volunteers for National Volunteers Week at Appletree Gardens and going on a day trip to Scarborough (we will feature this in our next edition). Appletree has recently been awarded the prestigious Green Flag so do read about that, we are all very proud!
Our groups and activities are going well and it’s great to see you all again There have been a few changes through the Summer and we have needed to find some new venues, so do take a few moments to look through the ‘What’s On’ We have also brought our ‘pets page’ back; our pets can really help us with our mental wellbeing and we love them so much!❤ Please send us a favourite photo or a story about your pet and we will do our best to print it in future editions.
I hope you feel reassured as you look through ‘Footsteps Forward’ - we are still very much here to support you and we can look forward to the future with optimism
Lindley Charity Connector
Hello everyone.
It is with great pleasure that I write a new article for Footsteps Forward. I genuinely believed that my last contribution would be the final time I wrote a piece for newsletter.
A lot has happened since then, Spectrum People successfully made a bid for a grant from Wakefield Council which has meant that the drop-ins and the peer support groups are able to continue They have also employed me and Judith to oversee these groups and support the people that use the service. For many who are involved with us, you will see consistency in the support you receive, and things will carry on in the way you are used to.
Spectrum People taking over the groups does offer a lot of new opportunities for us and in the future we will be able to offer new ways for you to access support and get involved in community activities. In this issue you will be able to read more about Spectrum People and the team here, and the kinds of things you can become a part of. All the team are keen to support you and want to encourage and enable s
Judith
& Endings Endings Endings
NewBeginnings NewBeginnings NewBeginnings
When I heard that RF were pulling out of Wakefield, I thought ‘oh no, here we go again!’ having been through a similar situation years ago when I went to ‘Mental Health Matters’ in Pontefract. This service provided a lot of mental health support but the council decided to stop funding it and then I became involved with Richmond Fellowship.
This time I decided I was going to try my best to fight the decision because I knew how valuable the support is to those who come to the groups and I saw how upset everyone was, including myself.
I contacted the Wakefield MP Simon Lightwood, and other local MP’s such as Yvette Cooper in Pontefract. I got in touch with TV news programmes Calendar and Look North and the Wakefield Express newspaper. They got back to me and said they were passing this higher up. They also got in touch with Richmond Fellowship to see if anything further could be done to change their decision.
Unfortunately, RF said the service had to close, but then I heard that the council were looking for another organisation to take over the service and continue offering support. Everyone was invited to take part in consultation meetings with the council and we met with Nathan and Tracy and other members of the engagement team. We all still felt uncertain about the future, but all we could do was wait and see. I had done everything in my power – firing off 15 e-mails to everyone I could think of who might be able to make a difference. I spoke to the minister, Freda, at St George’s church in Lupset and she helped with some names and addresses.
My friends, staff members and family were very appreciative and felt I had done really well to take action and told me they were really proud of me.
When I heard that Spectrum People were taking over, I didn’t know anything about them, so I still felt a bit unsure as to whether things would stay the same, but Bridget at Spectrum came to meet us and reassured us. Our groups and drop-ins would still meet as they were before – I was happy that we all still had somewhere to go but sad that some of the staff couldn’t be part of this. On the whole, I felt very relieved and I am much more confident about the future.
By Andy Clamp.
& Endings Endings Endings
NewBeginnings NewBeginnings NewBeginnings
When Spectrum took over because Richmond Fellowship decided to stop providing mental health support across the Wakefield District many of the people who use the groups were worried, so I spoke to people in the drop-in sessions and felt like I had to do something about it.
I started by contacting all my local councillors and writing e-mails, informing them of the situation and how concerned people were. I also wrote to my local MP Yvette Cooper. I told them how important the groups were to everyone and how we didn’t want the support or the groups to change. This was very difficult for me and took a long time as I have trouble reading and writing, but I was determined to fight for the groups and the people that use them. I asked my wife to help me, I used the spellchecker on my mobile phone text and google to write the letters and sent them off. I also attended several meetings with the Councils Engagement team and acted as an advocate for my peers, helping to put their opinions, worries and hopes across.
I received replies from all the councillors and MP’s I had written to and they chased up enquiries with the Commissioning Team. I believe this pressure and the awareness raised helped influence the way that things worked out.
Spectrum People are now delivering the groups. Unfortunately, there was a gap of a couple of weeks when there were no staff available, so me and other members of the group went above and beyond to look after our friends at the drop-ins. I really hope this won’t happen again in future and people aren’t left worried that they will lose their place of sanctuary and safety. The good thing that Spectrum People has done is keeping the groups at the same times and the same venues. Although not all the staff could be kept, the support is still being delivered by people we know and trust, from what was Richmond Fellowship.
I hope the future is bright.
By Martin Hardwick.
July 2024 Open Day Green Flag Appletree
Spectrum People is celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award for Appletree Community Garden. It is one of 2227 winning parks and green spaces in the UK.
The news that Appletree has achieved the accreditation - the international quality mark for parks and green spaces - is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that cares for this green space so that visitors and the community can enjoy it.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Appletree on achieving a Green Flag Award.”
“Appletree Community Garden is a vital green space for communities in Agbrigg, Wakefield and district to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.”
“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”
“It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”
Bridget Gill and Matt Gordon from Spectrum People added: “We are very proud to have won this award, and it is down to the amazing team of workers and volunteers who put their time and effort into the wonderful space Appletree is, and which helps so many people with their wellbeing.”
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy which sets the standard for the management of parks and beaches, inspiring people to be litter-free, to waste less and live more sustainably.
To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy, its campaigns and programmes, you can visit www.keepbritaintidy.org
WalkSafe App Launched in Wakefield
Wakefield Council and Wakefield BID has partnered with WalkSafe to offer even more reassurance for people visiting the city centre.
Whether you live in Wakefield, work here or are just visiting, download the free personal safety app to help give you further peace of mind when shopping, meeting with friends, commuting or going on a night out
The app is available to use anywhere in the country, local support services will be shown on the Safety Map up to 4km from Wakefield city centre. It may be that you need a place to ne.
The app is already available to use in Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees.
The app has safety features including:
WalkSafe – giving you the ability to share your destination, route and estimated arrival time with trusted friends
HomeSafe – alerts your trusted friends if you fail to arrive at your destination on time Safety Map – helps you find safe spaces and support. In Wakefield this will include trained venues that take part in Ask for Angela, Licensing SAVI, Safe Spaces and Safe Zones. SOS – hold down the SOS button to alert your trusted friends immediately that you are in danger Reporting – issues or concerns can be raised and reported anonymously
The project has been part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. For more information about local support services, please visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/WalksafeWakefield
Social prescribing looks to bridge the gap between the primary, secondary, community, voluntary and social enterprise sector.
It is a non-medical intervention for people who are struggling with what life throws at them.
The video was created by the Wakefield SMI Design group, who led an art project for those with serious mental illness in Wakefield to encourage people to attend their annual health checks.
To watch the video, scan the QR code below or click/copy the link.
https://www youtube com/watch?v=Kgzj7JtgdMA
Colour me beautiful
Simple Recipes
Pesto Pasta Salad
By Darran
Prep: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 - 50 mins
Ingredients:
1 Jar of pesto (190g)
1 Bag of pasta (500g)
Cheese (a bit for the top)
Spinach (a couple of handfuls)
Method:
1) Cook Pasta until soft (Usually 10 - 12 mins)
2) Drain cooked pasta in cold water over sink using a sieve
3) Put pasta in a large bowl and add 190g jar of pesto, spinach and mix gently
4) Grate a bit of cheese for the topping and
Jumbo Sausage Roll
By Jonathan
rep: 10 mins otal Time: 50 mins
Ingredients:
400g Sausage meat or 8 sausages squeezed from their skin
To make it Vegetarian use vegetarian sausage
2 tbsp dried mixed herbs
150g Salsa dip
1 egg, beaten
375g ready-rolled puff pastry sheet
Method:
1) Heat oven to 200C / 180C Fan / Gas 6 and line a baking tray with baking parchment or foil.
2) In a large bowl, mix together the sausage t h b salsa and roughly half the egg until ed pastry sheet on your baking tray.
EXTRA RECIPES ON SECOND TO LAST PAGE
ausage meat mixture onto one side y - along the longer side - leaving a around the edge.
egg around the edges, then fold the the filling.
edges together with a fork and air holes through the top with a steam escape).
7) Brush the remaining egg on top and place in the oven for 40 mins / or until sausage meat is cooked through
8) Leave to cool for a few mins before slicing and serving
The Hatchling (Wakefield City Centre)
Fri 23 - Sat 24 Aug - 10:30 till 19:30
The Hatchling (Pugneys Country Park)
Sun 25 Aug - 15:00 - 22:00
Dino Walk (Trinity Walk)
Now - Sat 31 Aug - 11:00 - 15:00
Pontefract Castle Presents.. 25th Aug - 12:00 - 14:00
Chantry Chapel Open Days
Now - Wed 25 Sept 10:00 - 16:00
Normanton Gala (Haw Hill Park) Sat 14 Sept - 11:00 - 21:00 Sun 15 Sept - 10:00 - 16:00
3 Sept - 10:00 - 16:00 Celebrating Apple Day at AppleTree Garden Fri 25 Oct - 10:00 - 15:00
For more Information about what’s happening around Wakefield District click the link or scan the QR code
For more info, or for a referral:
Judith Lindley - 07710708197
Martin Bazzant - 07540126942
A big ‘hello!’ from Vicky and Robin who help run the Games group on Tuesdays.
We meet every Tuesday morning from 12noon to 1.30pm at Wakefield One Library. We enjoy socialising and chatting, having a laugh and doing jigsaws and games. Our games are fairly simple such as quizzes and cards and dominoes, we don’t take ourselves too seriously!
Do come along and join us, we would love to see you!
" Change "
By Stephen Colville.
Our world today is in a sorry state, pollution, littering, war, and hate. We chop down trees for global need, to satisfy corporation greed
The wars must cease, why can't we have peace?
It makes me sick, to have to litter pick, the countryside looks a mess, bins are there but do they care, I scream and shout’ you litter lout!’
KFC's and Macky D's, kids and adults couldn't care less. I hate to see, poo!! bags in the tree.
If you are interested or would like to know more, please get in touch with us.
Another spill, and poisoned Krill, discharged sewage in rivers and streams, yet another increase in the water bill.
Puppet politicians bicker and chatter, and fat cats get fatter, do they know what really matters?
Global warming should be a warning, for all to see what needs to be… change.
Grief
By Steph
Gone are those that we once cherished.
Remembering all the happy memories
Indeed the days are hard, but
Everyday they walk beside us.
Forever in our hearts.
Depression
By Steph
Darkness Sweeps in like a pig.
Embers die out at the end of the tunnel.
Portions of your happy self disappear.
Remembering who you once were.
Everyday becomes a battle.
Saving grace are the small wins.
Sunlight begins to creep back in.
Impulsivities begin to lessen.
Over the hill, recovery is near.
Na, you are not going to win this time.
My name is Paul, I am the joint facilitator, along with Jonathan for the I.T. group held in Wakefield Library every Wednesday 10.30 to 12.00 and part of the team that produced the old newsletter with Richmond Fellowship. Again, I am involved with this new one and looking forward to what we can achieve.
I am a father to two daughters and have 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, with an 8th due in September! I retired from work 9 years ago, I spend as much time as possible with my family.
My hobbies/pastimes are: - following Rugby league, I am a season ticket holder at Wakefield Trinity, also two of my grandson’s play for Super League teams so I split my time between three teams. I have a small strip of a garden that I enjoy keeping tidy, every week I attend a quiz night, I have an extensive collection of music that I listen to.
Finally I am part of the organisation committee for the” With Banners Held High” event that is held here in Wakefield. See page 18/19 to read our feature of Banners Held High.
Hi!
I’m Clare and I’ve been running the arts and crafts group for about two and a half years. We meet every Wednesday from 2 until 4pm.
From 4th September 2024 - Foundation Housing, Trinity Church Gate, WF1 1TX.
Come and do some colouring or join in the varied craft activities we have planned. In the past we have made felt Christmas ornaments, experimental string art, cards and paintings for all seasons.
We even worked together to create wedding table decorations and a large autumn tree wall display complete with animals. Don’t forget the glitter and pom-poms! You can bring your own creative project or just join us for a cuppa and a chat. Happy crafting! :)
Cook, bake, chat, have a cuppa and a laugh as well as learning how to cook on a budget. We also get a recipe sheet to take home. Oh, and the best bit…EAT and share together! We meet at Foundation Housing, Trinity Church Gate, WF1 1TX, Every Thursday 10am till 12noon.
Comments from group members:
I have been coming to the cooking group since it started. I’ve met some fantastic people since coming here. Aside from that I’ve learnt loads of new skills as I struggled with cooking before. Lauren.
I enjoy coming to our little cooking group, everyone’s so nice and I enjoy the social aspect, meeting new friends and learning new cooking skills It’s a real sense of community and belonging Steve.
This is a pleasant stroll around the picturesque setting of Newmillerdam which is suitable for all abilities. We meet in the main car park at 10.30am (not too early!) near the parking meter.
We walk around the lake with plenty of stops for a breather and a chat, enjoying the nature and fresh air. It’s great for your health and wellbeing and we usually go to the friendly Beuley café afterwards for a cuppa . If you want more information on how to get there and the bus times, please get in touch with Judith or Martin at Spectrum People.
A big hello from Sue and Jonathan who facilitate the HOPE Group. From 30th August 2024 - Foundation Housing, Trinity Church Gate, WF1 1TX
We meet up on Fridays, 11:30am till 1:30pm. We have helped people gain self-esteem and confidence, so much so that some of our group have moved on to achieve their goals (e.g. Volunteering).
We go on outings in the Leeds/Wakefield area, getting used to public transport, which some of us find hard to do without the support of this group. We share our experiences to help others.
We all suffer from mental health problems and can understand how hard it is to find others who understand how mental health affects our daily lives. I encourage anyone needing a helping hand to come and out find out about our group.
My Pets by Katie at Spectrum People
I'm training to be an Art therapist but honestly, I've always wanted to be a vet, or a rescue worker. Anything with animals. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm for science didn't translate into grades!
I grew up with dogs but always wanted a cat, and since my partner has a fear of dogs, I've settled for what we jokingly call the only zoo on our street. Kit Kat is my first cat. She's now 15 years old, and only getting soppier with age. She's a constant feature on any online work I’m doing, a chronic pillow stealer and we sing "Kissed by a Rose" at her because she lies on the floor looking like a baby seal.
I bought Eddie the Lizard from a pet shop in Harrogate, he's always been unbelievably calm. Sometimes bearded dragons can be difficult to tame but Eddie has always been easy to handle from day one. He sits on my shoulders and on my head while I'm making artwork. His name came about because young bearded dragons are notoriously difficult to sex, so there was a chance he may have been a girl, even though he was sold as a boy. I love Eddie Izzard's stand up, so it was a perfect fit and a really enjoyable pun. Eddie is also the only animal I care for that I have bought They're all rescues from very different circumstances!
The ducks were another gift from lockdown. My neighbour works in a nursery, and they hatched the chicks as part of the curriculum, but no-one was willing to adopt the chicks. They would have gone back to the farm they came from, and I wanted backyard chickens... it didn't seem like that much of a leap. A few months later I'd forgotten to collect the eggs for a few days and discovered that one of the girls was nesting. After handling the eggs, I realised that they'd all been incubated, and all 10 eggs were developing embryos. I was quickly going to go from 3 ducks to 13!
After rehoming a couple of the ducklings I'm back down to 8, which is more manageable but I'm drowning in eggs (if anyone ever wants duck eggs, I'll have loads)!
The last addition to the zoo was Nova, adopted last Christmas. She's not a cat. We're fairly certain she's part bat, part Lemur, part car because she never stops purring, her ears are ridiculously big for her head, and her tail has Lemur stripes. Her nickname is Vauxhall, on account of the purring She's a good companion for Gizzard because she matches his energy now Kit Kat can't keep up as well as she used to. Nova is a feral rescue, found in a hedge in Crigglestone. I had to do a lot of nagging to get my partner to agree to adopting her (understandable) but now she's stuck to him like glue most of the time.
As a graduation present to myself I'm planning on adding Angora rabbits to the zoo. I reckon I can get them past my partner because their wool can be spun and knitted. So, like the ducks, they're useful! Wish me luck!
Cakes by Steph
Celebrations to call upon
All the beautiful designs.
Kindness for others.
Every bite is a delight.
Save a slice for me.
Scan QR Code or the link
to watch
Banners Held High Video
https://fb.watch/tm084ke99X/
This year marked two anniversaries, 10 years since ‘With Banners Held High’ held its first event, and 40 years since the miners’ strike 1984/85 and we had the highest number of banners attending, from across the country, and a large variety of unions and other organisations.
When ‘With Banners Held High’ first started, it was a static event held in the old Unity Hall, when that closed and there was a likelihood of the event disappearing, the decision was taken to run it as an open-air event reminiscent of the old miners gala’s. Consequently, its present format was born and it was at this point I became involved, [2017] as the then President of Wakefield TUC and joined the committee to prepare for the first time in its new format, May 2018. I am proud to say I have remained involved as part of the organising committee ever since then, taking on the role as Volunteer Marshalls Coordinator, along with assisting wherever needed in the planning and implementation.
The new format involves a parade starting in Smyth Street, parading up Westgate, down through the Precinct, up the Springs and finishing in Wood Street via the Bull Ring. It is, in my opinion [I may be biased], a wonderful sight and sound to experience, that appears to be very well received We are pleased to say we have held the event in this format every year since, with the exception of the covid year, but even then, we managed to stage online events, with various workshops and talks.
On the parade there are usually 3 bands, one leading, one in the centre and finally one bringing up the rear, keeping up the tradition of marches and brass bands
On Wood Street, both sides of the road have stalls from a variety of organisations, and level with the Town Hall there is a stage with speakers and entertainers; this year Councillor Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council, opened the event.
There are several photos and a video taken on the day, see if you agree with my opinion regarding the sight and sound of the event? I hope you do!
For anyone who is interested, next year’s event is scheduled for the 10th May 2025, it is always the second Saturday in May. If you see me, do come and say ‘hello’!
Paul Jowitt
Chicken Spring Rolls By Saima (Apple Tree Gardens)
Prep: 15 - 30 mins
Total Time: 30 - 60 mins
Ingredients:
1 Pack of Store Bought Filo Pastry
1kg Chicken Breast
2 Medium Sized Onions
Small Bunch of Parsley
Mozzarella Cheese
Cooking Oil (Any Type)
1 Egg (Whisked)
Method:
1) Finely chop 2 medium-sized onions and 1kg of chicken breast.
2) Heat 5 Tablespoons of oil in a frying pan, add the onions and sauté them.
3) Add the chicken into the frying pan and cook until golden brown
4) Season to taste with salt and black pepper
5) Chop the Parsley and add to the frying pan before taking it off the heat.
6) Cut the Filo Pastry into 10cm widths and add the cooked chicken mixture and 1 tablespoon of mozzarella cheese.
7) Roll the stuffed pastry and seal with the whisked egg.
8) Fry the rolled chicken spring roll until golden brown.
