Summer 2016 Magazine

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Honorary President

HRH The Princess Royal

Patrons

Paul Warwick

Harry Brown

Tracey Brown

Board of Directors

a spinal unit visit at Glasgow QENSIU.

Legal and Welfare Advice Services

If you are concerned about legal or welfare issues, please call the office on our Freephone Line 0800 0132 305 and we will put you in touch with our advisors.

Freephone Line 0800 0132 305

If you need someone to talk to, use the above number for enquiries great and small. If noone is available then please leave your name and number with your message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Linda Bamford (Chair)

Kevin Conlon

Jennifer Allan

Maureen Morrison

In the Office

General Manager

Roslyn Scholarios

Peer Support Adviser

Laura Torrance

Cover Photo: Actor Gregor Fisher visits the site of Horatio’s Garden

Editorial Agency: Crossan Communications

Tel. 0131 553 1872. www.crossancom.co.uk

Designer: Karen Hall @ Clear Design (North)

The Spring weather was not too bad (for Scotland!) and Summer has had a promising start. Hopefully this issue of Newsline will also help to brighten your day.

Depending on when this arrives with you there may just be enough time for you to sign up to our SIS annual Activities Day on June 29th

See page 5 for more information and we will carry a full report of what promises to be an amazing day in the next issue.

We update you on the parking issues at the Spinal Unit on page 4 and hope to see some positive action there soon. We also preview the amazing Horatio’s Garden which is looking fantastic already and has had some famous faces visit in recent months to view the progress. Check it out on page 12 and 13. There is an article on the incredible international artist, Marc Brew on Page 14 and 15. His spinal injury has not prevented him putting on some wonderful dance and movement shows that are attracting critical acclaim. There are travel tips from our partner Bullen Healthcare on page 6 and 7 and lots of information this issue on welfare and legislation changes.

If you are looking for ideas for a summer day out, then check out page 20 for a review of the Royal Yacht Britannia. We have no doubt that the summer months will see lots of imaginative fundraising from our members and supporters.

We hope you will send us your stories and please remember to share your photographs of the events and people involved. It is great to hear how people are raising money and having fun at the same time.

Goodbye to Sharon

Sharon Jones sadly passed away in March this year, aged 49. Newsline spoke to her mother and principal carer, Elizabeth (69) about her memories of Sharon.

“I remember the car accident involving my husband Owen and Sharon like it was yesterday, A couple of days after Christmas and it was snowing with lots of ice on the road,” said Elizabeth.

“Sharon was only 14 and it was touch and go initially, but she pulled through. We lived in London at the time and Sharon’s C3/4 injury did not stop her living a full life. We loved to go abroad and I have lots of stories and memories from our trips to Austria, Malta and three trips to the USA.”

Woody joins the team

Woody Whittick has just joined SIS as Peer Support Coordinator.

Speaking to Newsline, Woody said:

“I joined Spinal Injuries Scotland at the end of May 2016 as Peer Support Coordinator. My role is to lead, coordinate and develop our Peer Support Services, as well as to organise and run initiatives such as the Link Scheme and Mentoring programme. I am also responsible for coordinating services at outpatient and outreach clinics across Scotland and ensuring an SIS presence at a variety of external events throughout the year.

“Previously, I worked as a Student Support Coordinator at the University of Leeds, as Head of Learner Support at the Open College of the Arts and as a Business Advisor for Leeds Chamber of Commerce. I have undertaken voluntary work as a Dignity In Care Champion for the Social Care Institute of Excellence and as a fund/profile-raiser for the Spinal Research charity. I have also run my own couture millinery, occasion wear and accessories design business which I launched while recovering from a spinal injury (L4/5) which left me with Cauda Equina Syndrome. I relocated to Scotland in 2014 and am excited about being part of an organisation whose work is so close to my heart.”

The Editorial Team

The years also presented lots of challenges, with Elizabeth having to give up her job as well as continue to look after her two younger children, Elaine and Gordon. Sharon had to undergo many operations and procedures over the years and this of course was often traumatic for the family.

Have a great summer.

“Sharon was not frightened of anything and hada great sense of humour. I miss her every day.”

The Jones family had a huge turnout at Sharon’s funeral service and kindly donated the collection to SIS.

Elizabeth Jones was recognised as an outstanding carer of the year in 2014 by SIS and still treasures her trophy from that day.

By Sylvia Sandeman

Parking Issues

In the last issue of Newsline I wrote about the problems of parking at the Spinal Unit and I’ve received quite a few emails detailing personal experiences which will help bolster the case for dedicated parking. Meanwhile, I received a letter from David W Loudon, Director of Facilities & Capital Planning, Complaints Department, West Glasgow ACH, Dalnair Street, Yorkhill, Glasgow G3 8SJ. He comments that the following action will be undertaken:

•A review of the area will be undertaken to consider opportunities to improve disabled parking

•Action will be undertaken to improve the surrounding pavements and access routes that have sustained damage

•He suggests “that there is a drop off point located at the main entrance of the Unit which can be used should there be no disabled spaces available.”

I think further action is required on identifying an alternative route from the multi car park and creating dedicated parking as near as possible to the Spinal Unit...

Whilst this is encouraging, I think that further action is required on identifying an alternative route from the multi car park and creating dedicated parking as near as possible to the Spinal Unit, to replace spaces that were removed. Unfortunately, the whole area will be a building site for the next two years but that is no excuse and I will do my best to improve matters with the help of SIS. I have spoken with Dr MacLean who is concerned about the situation and with Outpatients who say that it is in the afternoon that people have the problems.

Since hospital visiting is from 13.30 to 20.00 daily, if you can and are able to change your appointment to the morning you will be more likely to find parking. I realise that this is of little help to those of you who have carers and routines that make this impossible. I would suggest that you write to Mr Loudon or email Karol Nicol, Complaints Administrator at Kararose.Nicol@ggc.scot.nhs.uk detailing your experiences. This is an ongoing issue and I will continue to update you in Newsline.

Motability Roadshow 2016

Spinal Injuries Scotland was delighted to once again have an opportunity to host an information stall at the Arnold Clark Motability Roadshow.

The 2016 event celebrated the 10th anniversary of Arnold’s Motability Roadshow at the SECC Glasgow. To mark the occasion, special guests Peter Martin and Alan Rough from STV’s Peter & Roughie’s Football Show were invited to attend the event.

Over 2,400 guests attended the event on the 18th of May and amidst all of the motoring information and excitement there was also enjoyable family entertainment provided by a balloon artist and a magician throughout the day.

Arnold’s Motability Roadshow included 120 Motability vehicles and fantastic range of exhibitors including Tunnock’s, Glasgow Disability Alliance and ELAP Mobility. Representatives of the Motability Scheme were also present to offer expert advice to customers.

Special thanks to the SIS staff and volunteers who attended the event to speak about our services and promote the charity.

Arnold’s Motability Roadshow included 120 Motability vehicles and fantastic range of exhibitors including Tunnock’s, Glasgow Disability Alliance and ELAP Mobility.

BBQ & Activities Day

Join us for another afternoon of food, fun & fantastic activities.

Wednesday 29thJune 2016

BBQ there will be a variety of demonstrations, entertainment and activities for all the family to enjoy.

Why not try something new and take advantage of one of the exciting sports taster sessions on offer.

The main activities for the day, both on and off the water, are:

• Hand biking

• Sailing

• Kayaking

• Canoeing

• Powerboating

All activities are suitable for wheelchair users

There are limited activity places available so why not avoid disappointment and book in advance by emailing info@sisonline.org

It’s that time of the year again when everyone is looking forward to the summer holidays. So for those of you that are heading off, Bullen Healthcare has put some travel tips together to help you get organised and prepared for your holiday.

Products

•Appliances – a good guide is to pack twice your normal usage amount and put some in your hand luggage, just in case your suitcase gets delayed

•Radar NKS Key – these keys give you access to over 9,000 disabled toilets in the UK

• If flying then place all liquid items in a clear bag in your hand luggage travel kit to enable to you take them out easily for scanning and security checks

• Keep your Bullen Healthcare Eco Hydra hand sanitiser in your hand luggage.

Medication

• Take your medication list with you when you travel. Keep this document with your travel documents in case you run out of medication while you’re abroad

• Check with the nearest pharmacy if they are able to help. If not, see a local doctor or whether there is a hospital emergency centre nearby

•Keepall medication and drugs in their original containers so that there can be no doubt regarding their content or identity

•Keep receipts from any bought medication. You may need these to claim against your insurance.

Documentation

•Specialist insurance companies (who are experts in medical conditions) can help you understand the small print of the policy

•Shop around for the best quote by using a broker, who can compare the prices for you

• Carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with your travel insurance if you are travelling in the European Economic Area. This card allows you to benefit from free or reduced cost medical care in the country you are visiting. If you do have to pay at the time you can claim your money back later.

Health

• Keep a bottle of water with you at all time. You never know when you may need it

• Take rehydration sachets and medicine to treat diarrhoea just in case

• Ice may be made from tap water, so ask for drinks without ice unless you know it’s made from bottled water

• If you’re out in the sun don’t forget your sun tan lotion and hat and avoid the midday sun

Did you know that Bullen Healthcare can deliver appliances abroad? If you give us enough time we can have your appliances delivered to your holiday destination* prior to your arrival, so you don’t have to worry about them.

*There are certain holiday destinations that we are unable to deliver to, but if you speak to your personal advisor they will be able to advise you of these.

Making Changes

Our friends at Aspire have put together some useful tips and general information about changing from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the new benefit replacing DLA.

If you are in receipt of DLA you do not need to do anything until the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) writes to you and invites you to make a claim for PIP. You will continue receiving DLA whilst you apply for PIP, as long as you follow the claims process.

Even if you have a lifetime DLA award, you will have to apply for PIP. If you were born before 8th April 1948 you won’t be affected by this change and you will continue to receive DLA.

There are four steps to making a PIP claim. This whole process can take up to 20 weeks from the initial phone call you make to start the claim to the DWP decision.

Step 1: Telephone call

Once you’ve received the letter from the DWP, you must call the PIP telephone claims line. You have to make this initial telephone call or, if someone else is making the call on your behalf, you need to be present.

You will need the following information when making this telephone call:

• Your full name and contact details (address and phone number)

• Your date of birth

• Your National Insurance number

• Your bank or building society account details

• Name and contact details of your GP or other health professional

• Information about time spent abroad for more than four weeks in the last three years

• Information about time spent in a care home or hospital now or previously

Keep a note of the date you make this telephone call on the back of this leaflet.

You should receive the PIP claims form to complete within 2 weeks of your phone call. If you do not receive it, call the DWP to chase them.

Step 2: Complete the form

Following your initial telephone call, the DWP will send you a 32 page PIP claims form to complete, known as PIP 2 or “How your disability affects you” You need to answer questions about how your spinal cord injury (and any other condition you might have) affects your daily living and mobility. You have to complete and return the form to the DWP within 4 weeks.

You can ask the DWP for more time if you need it.

The PIP claims form asks you to describe how you complete different daily tasks and about your ability to mobilise.

Each answer should include what help you need, how difficult it is to complete the task and if you are able to repeat it safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and within a reasonable time period.

Further evidence

If you have written evidence to support your claim then it is important you send this to the DWP with your PIP claims form. For example, you can send copies of the following:

• A list of current prescribed medication and any side effects of these

• A diary of your typical week, including any fluctuation in conditions that affect you on ‘good and bad’ days

• A copy of your care plan

• A diary of illness or periods of illness and bed rest, example: pressure sores, UTIs, incidents of Autonomic Dysreflexia

• Any medical letter confirming your condition but not hospital appointment letters.

Do not pay for any medical or supporting evidence.

Step 3: Assessment phase

After you return your PIP claims form, the Assessment Provider, either ATOS or Capita, will produce a report for the DWP based on the information you gave or arrange for you to attend a face to face assessment to gather more information.

If it will be difficult for you to attend an assessment centre, you can request an assessment in your own home.

Someone can be with you for support during the face to face assessment.

Prepare for the assessment and write down any points that you think are important to mention. Failure to attend your assessment could jeopardise your claim.

Step 4: DWP decision

The Assessment Provider will send their report to the DWP. The DWP will write to you informing you of their decision.

The decision letter will state:

• Whether you are entitled to PIP

• Which components you are entitled to (daily living, mobility or both)

• Which level of each component you will receive (standard or enhanced)

If you are unhappy with the DWP’s decision, you can challenge it by requesting a mandatory reconsideration.

The DWP will then review your case and send you a DWP mandatory reconsideration decision letter.

If you are still unhappy with the decision you can appeal this through Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service.

Come and Stay at Clober Farm

The ground floor of this Grade C-listed property in Milngavie was bequeathed to Spinal Injuries Scotland. It forms part of a 280-year-old farmhouse which includes an extensive garden. We identified huge potential in the property and converted it for use as accessible accommodation for those with spinal cord injuries and their families.

From concept to reality, the property has been conceived to be truly accessible, whilst still being a modern and comfortable family home.

The extension houses the living area along with the adaptable kitchen. There are three bedrooms which can provide accommodation for family or carers, two of which are wheelchair accessible and one has an ensuite wetroom. There is a modern and accessible bathroom facility.

Hire Clober Farm for a meeting, training course or conference or stay for longer.

Perfect if you are coming to Glasgow for a hospital appointment, a short break or a longer stay.

Please get in touch with Spinal Injuries Scotland on 0141 427 7686 or 0800 0132 305

Email: clober.farm@sisonline.org

Horatio’s Garden

Since breaking ground back in February 2016 work on the new Horatio’s Garden at the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit in Glasgow has progressed at an impressive rate. It is being built by Horatio’s Garden, a charity named in honour of a very determined young man, Horatio Chapple, who tragically died in 2011. The charity creates beautiful gardens in NHS spinal injury centres. The first being created at Salisbury District hospital, in the Spinal Treatment Centre where Horatio volunteered. The gardens are completely funded by people’s generous donations and the charity’s fundraising events, and are intended to be places of solace, escape and relaxation for the patients in the spinal injury centres and also for their families and friends.

The garden at the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit is due to be completed very soon, with patients predicted to have access by the beginning of July. A formal grand opening will then be arranged for a later date, yet to be confirmed.

Currently in the internal courtyard glass pods are under construction that will allow patients to make use of the space come rain or shine. The wheelchair skills area is now complete and foundations have been laid for the children’s’ play area, which is being constructed offsite. Sound baffling has been erected to reduce noise from the nearby roads and help the garden to remain a haven of peace and tranquillity. Head Gardener Kim and her team of volunteers have begun planting in all areas of the garden and an Event’s Organiser is now in place to provide a regular calendar of activities in the garden for both patients and their families.

The project, however, may not have proceeded at such a pace, were it not for the commitment and generosity of the charity’s patrons, volunteers and

donors. When work first began Horatio’s Garden were pleased to have Appeal Patrons Melanie Reid and Gregor Fisher come along and lend a hand. More recently, after hosting a stall at the Chelsea Flower Show from 23rd – 28th May, they were delighted to find themselves the recipients of a number of very generous donations. These included the donation, by wealth management firm Brewin Dolphin, of a beautiful garden sculpture that had been on display on a main avenue of the show. They were also thrilled to receive, from Hartley Botanic, the extremely generous donation of all the trees and plants from their show garden as well as the Opus Glass House that they had on display. The fantastic Horatio’s Garden volunteers have been busy nursing and watering these donated plants to ensure that they were healthy and ready for planting when they arrived at the unit on 1st June. The eagerly awaited sculpture and glass house are sure to be beautiful and interesting additions to the garden, which was designed by renowned garden designer James Alexander-Sinclair

Even once the project is completed the garden will require regular maintenance by Head Gardener Kim and her enthusiastic team of volunteers. The volunteer group is growing but there is always work to be done and the charity is still recruiting. If you could give some time working in the garden, supporting patients to use the garden or with fundraising then please get in touch by emailing info@horatiosgarden.org.uk

Despite its imminent completion Horatio’s Garden is still currently fenced off and hidden from view.

Patients, staff and visitors alike are excitedly anticipating their first glimpses of this new addition to the unit when it opens in July. Look out for the Autumn edition of Newsline for photos and first impressions!

To learn more about the project and the charity’s work please look on www.horatiosgarden.org.uk or follow us on twitter @horatiosgarden or facebook.

BELOW: Catherine MacDonald with JAS.

BELOW: Head Gardener Kim armed with plants.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Sculpture in Bewin Dolphin garden at Chelsea.

ABOVE: Patrons Gregor Fisher and Melanie Reid, make the first dig at Horatio’s Garden Scotland, with James Alexander Sinclair.

Marc Brew

Currently living and working in Glasgow, Marc Brew grew up in a small country town called Jeriledrie in New South Wales, Australia and at the age of 11 he started his training as a professional dancer at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and The Australian Ballet School. In 1997 Marc moved to South Africa to take up his first professional job with PACT Ballet. Whilst travelling on a day trip to a game reserve on a Saturday afternoon, after morning ballet class, Marc was involved in a car accident as a passenger, leaving him with a C6/C7 spinal cord injury and massive internal injuries which almost took his life on multiple occasions. His three friends in the car were killed and the drunk driver who caused the accident driving the wrong side of the motorway towards traffic survived with a broken leg.

“I remember waking up in the hospital, where everything was very white, very clinical and I was continually being X-rayed and examined to find out what was wrong, and that’s when they discovered I had a spinal cord injury, and that I was paralysed because

of that, and had suffered massive internal injury from the car accident. I was told by a doctor I would never walk again, a professional dancer’s worst nightmare. So my body may have been considered as broken/damaged goods in relation to how it was prior to my accident and then I had to look at how I rediscovered my body and how it worked.

“When I first had the accident, I couldn’t bear to look in the mirror and my body changed a lot; straight away I lost 20 kilos just from being bedridden. But eventually I realised it was my thinking and perception that needed to change and I began to question: how else can I move and how else can I dance; how can I express myself and what can I do with what is moving in my body? I think that’s the great thing about dance; there’s not just one particular style that suits one particular person, there are so many ways to dance.”

Marc moved to Scotland to work with Scottish Dance Theatre as Associate Director after receiving a cultural leadership grant to shadow Artistic Director Janet Smith. He decided to make Glasgow his home after receiving opportunities and support to produce his own work and to be part of the strong contingency of disabled artists creating high quality work in Scotland.

Since creating his own company in 2008, Marc’s work has been in demand nationally and internationally, touring to the USA, Australia, Qatar, Brazil and throughout Europe. Marc has collaborated with disabled and non-disabled artists such as Dame Evelyn Glennie and has blazed a trail of high quality work, challenging audience’s perceptions of who can dance.

Marc was selected to create a work Fusional Fragments as part of the Unlimited Commissions for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad and in 2014 received a commission to create "(i)land" as part of the Commonwealth Games Festival in Glasgow, and in 2015 Marc became the first disabled choreographer to choreograph a work for a national ballet company with his piece Exalt for Scottish Ballet and IndepenDance 4 and Traces Imprinted for Ballet Cymru. Marc is currently Guest Artistic Director with AXIS Dance Company and Associate Artistic Director at Ballet Cymru

Marc has also used his dance work as a way to express his experiences. One of the first works created as part of his company was Remember When, a memoir of his life and body as he knew it before the accident. Last year the piece was nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Performance (Individual) at the prestigious Isadora Duncan Awards in the USA.

Marc' new solo work For Now, I am... had its premier at Dance International Festival in Glasgow in May 2015. A fantastic piece looking at the present and where he is now, evoking his memories of being in hospital, the journey of reconciling being in the world in an entirely new way. The piece was met with 5 star reviews and high praise from audiences and, following a successful run at the 2015 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the company has toured the piece across the world.

MayBe is the piece that Marc is currently working on and he is spending time in Brazil with dancer Gisele Cazalans and musician Natalia Mallo. It will premiere later this year.

www.marcbrew.com

I realised it was my thinking and perception that needed to change and I began to question: how else can I move and how else can I dance; how can I express myself and what can I do with what is moving in my body?

RIGHT: Marc Brew Company, IIand Photograph by Eoin Carey.

TOP: Marc Brew Company, ‘For Now, I am’ Photograph by Susan Hay.

BELOW, LEFT: Marc. Photograph by Peter Royston.

BELOW, RIGHT Marc Brew Company, ‘For Now, I am’ Photograph by Susan Hay.

Finding l ve through Football

Kevin Mackin was injured in April 1996 when he fell from a ladder. The resulting C5/6 spinal injury had him laid up in hospital for eight weeks and then another four months in Sheffield Spinal Unit. Kevin had been working in Nottingham at that time but he was born and bred in Stirling. He initially moved south in the 1980s for work and had jobs as a forklift driver and labourer over the years.

One of his major interests across his lifetime has been Celtic Football Club. He ran the local supporters club in Nottingham before his fall and his keen interest in the ‘beautiful game’ prevails. He is currently Vice Chairman of Celtic Disabled Supporters Association. This organisation campaigns for better facilities at sports grounds and also hosts social and fundraising events every year. Kevin organises many of these events, getting Celtic players to attend and working with a committee of four or five others to raise large amounts of cash.

Kevin married his wife Jackie two years ago and now has four grown up stepsons as part of his family. He met Jackie four years ago when he was still in England through their mutual love of Celtic FC, and the happy couple now live in a bungalow in Kilsyth. Jackie was planning a weekend down South with friends and asked Kevin for suggestions where to go. One conversation quickly led to another and a long distance relationship was quickly established.

“It was not easy having the distance between us and I had always intended moving back to Scotland at some point anyway.”

“We had to find a halfway point between Glasgow, where Jackie’s family live and Stirling, where I am from. Kilsyth fitted the bill. We found a bungalow that just needed a ramp fitted and it has lots of space for me. I require at home care 24/7 and this also needs a bit of space to work. I keep myself as busy as possible throughout every week and no two days are exactly the same.” said Kevin.

We both love travelling and go on holiday as often as we can. Celtic plays a big part in our life. We also have a new addition to our family, Olly...

In addition to his beloved football, Kevin is a school advocate for Back-up Trust and works to encourage schools and pupils to be more accepting of pupils with an SCI. Kevin is also looking to do more volunteering work with SIS and is currently exploring opportunities with the Peer Support Group.

“When I initially had the accident it did turn my life upside down but my attitude is to just get on with things, there is nothing else for it! On the day I got out of hospital in Sheffield I was in the pub that night with my pals. I have had great support from my friends, they didn’t treat me any differently and I try to carry on with my life as before.”

Kevin and Jackie enjoy their holidays and hope to head off to Gran Canaria later this year. They were there in January and had a great time and the hotel suited them and Kevin’s needs.

“I really just need a hoist to get me in and out of bed and that is about all I need in the way of extra assistance. This helps me a lot and avoids me getting Jackie and my carer to do this. I know it can be a bit more complicated for others but if I have a hoist at the hotel I’m fine. If the resort is also nice and level and spacious then that is obviously a good thing”

Jackie commented: ”When I met Kevin we just got on instantly. We take each day as it comes and love spending time with both our families. We both love travelling and go on holiday as often as we can. Celtic plays a big part in our life. We also have a new addition to the family, Olly, our new labradoodle pup. He keeps us both busy and he's very much the boss at the moment.”

It seems like Kevin’s ability to take life as it comes, together with a love of football, has helped him in his determination to lead a fulfilled life and look forward.

Crossing Countries: Challenging Boundaries, Changing Lives.

Crossing Countries provides a unique, individualised opportunity for disabled and nondisabled people to volunteer overseas together and they are looking for volunteers for future trips to Durban, South Africa.

In 2014, a team of six people, including two wheelchair users and a blind person, travelled to Durban and volunteered in township crèches, with children who had been victims of sexual abuse, on maternity wards with new mums and gave presentations in schools to disabled learners as well as to students at a township high school. On a trip to the Phoenix Settlement, our volunteers were interviewed with Mahatma Ghandi’s granddaughter, who said she was honoured to learn of such a worthwhile project. Our volunteers also made the newspapers, when Agata, who is blind, went surfing and Jude, a wheelchair user who thought she would never be able to be on a beach again, swam in the Indian Ocean.

In 2015 the team faced a different set of challenges as none of the members looked disabled, this sparked many conversations about hidden disabilities. They facilitated the creation of an outdoor art instillation/ learning space using recycled objects at a rural school and held workshops in art, drama and study skills in townships and special needs schools. They played with the kids in a township crèche and visited a school for children with learning disabilities and their affiliated residential welfare centre… these will be two placements continued for 2016.

Crossing Countries tag line ‘Challenging Boundaries, Changing lives’ epitomises the volunteers experiences. They seek to raise awareness of everyone’s value to society and to empower

people to be more than they thought they could be. They challenge social perceptions and labels and show that everyone is equal; that everyone faces challenges, that everyone has the ability to support each other. They challenge their own personal boundaries and overcome fears.

Feedback from previous travellers highlights the difference already made…

‘’Two weeks of pondering the heart of African lives, changed something in my own life… ‘’

‘

’I may look like I am a normal person, but mentally I believe I was disabled. I had a stereotype… I believed there were things which were just made for white people. That was my barrier… I challenged my boundaries and I am so grateful about that.’’

‘‘Without Crossing Countries I wouldn’t have got my new job’’

Of the eight people who have been on a Crossing Countries trip two are returning this year and another two plan to return in 2017. They all have used the experience to further their academic or employment prospects and feel more confident and aware of cultural differences.

Email us or fill in the application on our website if you would like to go on an adventure and have an experience that will change your life.

If you would like to support us in any other way or just want to give us some feedback please email us at - cctravellers.edinburgh@outlook.com

And check us out at… http://crossingcountries.org

www.facebook.com/crossingcountries

@CC_Travellers

Crossing Countries tag line ‘Challenging Boundaries, Changing lives’ epitomises the volunteers experiences. They seek to raise awareness of everyone’s value to society and to empower people to be more than they thought they could be.

BELOW: Mark kite making at BB. ABOVE: Ela Ghandi, Agata, Jude & Mark.

BOTTOM: Ready to surf.

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years, sailing over 1,000,000 miles around the world. Now berthed in Edinburgh, you can follow in the footsteps of royalty and world leaders such as Sir Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences.

Britannia is now a five-star visitor attraction and was named the Number 1 UK Attraction in 2014 and has consistently been judged Scotland’s best visitor attraction by VisitScotland for ten years’ running.

You’ll receive a truly warm welcome at Britannia’s visitor centre in Ocean Terminal, which has free parking. Before you step aboard, view the LEGO replica model of Britannia, learn about the history of royal yachts, and see displays and historical photographs of Britannia’s fascinating past. The complimentary audio handset tour covers Britannia’s five main decks. You start at the bridge, explore the state apartments, crew’s quarters and finish at the engine room. From here you can also visit the Royal Sailing Exhibition and learn about the royal racing yacht Bloodhound.

The majority of items on view are the originals, kindly on loan from The Royal Collection and other contributors.

The tour is fully accessible for wheelchair users with lifts and ramps throughout. Britannia is classed as Category 1, the highest level for wheelchair access without assistance, by VisitScotland. In order to enjoy the whole tour, wheelchairs should be no wider than 670mm. The tour is not suitable for Shopmobility electric wheelchair users, and the Royal Deck Tea Room is not accessible by electric wheelchair because the original onboard lift is not big enough.

Britannia is open every day, except Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

FACTS

Britannia was launched from the John Brown & Company shipyard in Clydebank on 16 April 1953 by HM The Queen.

During 44 years in royal service Britannia sailed the equivalent of once round the world for each year, calling at over 600 ports in 135 countries.

Unlike any other ship, Britannia was captained by nine Admirals and latterly a Commodore. The full crew consisted of 220 yachtsmen, 20 officers, 3 season officers and, on royal tours, a Royal Marines band of 26 men.

She was built for the dual role of becoming a hospital ship if needed in times of war, but never served this purpose.

Britannia proudly displays her crest on her bow and stern but, unlike other vessels, her name is not on the side of the ship.

Four royal honeymoons took place on board, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s in 1986.

When Britannia was decommissioned in 1997, it marked the end of a long tradition of British royal yachts, dating back to 1660 and the reign of Charles II. In total, the British Monarchy has had 83 royal yachts.

2016 marks the 18th anniversary of Britannia’s life as a visitor attraction.

ADMISSION PRICES:

This regular column is where your legal questions will be answered by our resident Legal Eagle. Please be aware that it is not possible to answer your queries directly. If you want a personal reply please use the SIS advice line. Please raise any legal queries you have either by e-mail to info@sisonline.org, tel 0800 0132 305 or fax to 0141 427 9258.

Q.I have noticed a lot of reporting in the press around an employer’s right to access an employees private messages. Can an employer access messages without consent?

A.This controversial issue has been considered recently by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The circumstances concerned an employee based in Romania but is a decision that will affect those in the United Kingdom.

The case concerned an employee who was provided with the use of a Yahoo Messenger account for business reasons. The employer’s policy was that the use of the company IT systems was strictly for business use and that no personal communications were acceptable. The employer suspected that the employee was using the system to send private messages. The employee denied this. The account was accessed and a transcript of the messages was created. This included personal messages to a family member and to his fiancée. Following a disciplinary process, the employee was dismissed for the unauthorised use of the system.

A legal claim challenging the dismissal in Romania was unsuccessful. An appeal to the ECHR followed on the basis that the employee was entitled (under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights) to the right to private life and in relation to correspondence.

The ECHR found that there was no breach of the employee’s rights. This was because the employer accessed the system believing that the messages were all work related after the employee had denied that there were any private messages. Also, the employers use of the transcripts of the messages were only to determine if a disciplinary offence had taken place and not for any other purpose.

The decision is important because it adds clarity to whether or not an employee has the right to privacy in relation to private messages sent at work. An employee does not have a complete right to refuse employer access to private messages but an employer must take great care not to breach the right to privacy by having a legitimate reason for accessing personal communication. The specifics of each scenario will likely need to be examined closely to decide whether an employee has the right to privacy or if the employer is justified in accessing this information.

Q.I have been unable to work since my injury in 2013. Last week my husband told me our marriage is over. He has a well-paid job and I depend on him to pay for everything. I am worried sick about how I will manage in the future.

A.

The end of a marriage is always stressful. This will be particularly acute for you where you feel so financially vulnerable in circumstances where you cannot support yourself.

Your husband has an obligation to maintain you while you remain married. He has a duty to provide aliment, which might take the form of a monthly allowance. Or you could agree he will keep meeting all the household bills and provide you with an amount on top of that to cover other monthly outgoings. It can be a good idea for you both to draw up a schedule of income and outgoings.

Sometimes a court will have to decide what represents a reasonable amount for him to pay in the circumstances, but usually people can agree, with the help of a solicitor who knows about family law, what is fair in your situation.

You should also look into what benefits might be available now you are separated.

On divorce, the obligation to maintain a spouse will sometimes end completely, or will expire after 3 years. But you might come into the exceptional category of cases where a court could order long term financial support to be paid.

First of all, there has to be a division of the matrimonial property. This would include things like the equity in the house and pensions accrued during marriage. While assets are usually split on an equal basis, your inability to work might allow an argument to be made for you to receive more than a 50% share.

Even if you get more than half the assets, if the divorce is going to cause you hardship, a court could also decide your husband should provide you with ongoing maintenance (known as periodical allowance) for a longer period of time.

Welfare: Council Tax Disabled Band Reduction Scheme

Some people with disabilities need extra space in their home and there is a special scheme under which the council tax bill for a property may be reduced if it has certain features required for the special needs of an adult or child living there.

How do I know if I am eligible?

To be eligible, you must be the person who is liable to pay the council tax for your home. It must be the sole or main residence of at least one person who has a substantial and permanent disability and must contain one of the following features:

•an additional bathroom or kitchen for the use of the person with the disability; or

•a room other than a bathroom, kitchen or toilet which is used mainly by the person with the disability. For example, you might get a reduction if you have an extension or an extra room used for housing equipment or a wheelchair, or if you have a room on the ground floor in a property with two or more floors which is used as a bedroom specifically by the person with the disability; or

•extra space inside your home to allow for the use of a wheelchair which is necessary to help the person with the disability get around.

When considering whether a reduction should apply, your council will have to satisfy themselves that the features are essential or of major importance to the well-being of the person with the disability. To qualify for a reduction, an extra room need not be specially built – it could be an existing room used specifically to meet the special needs of the person with the disability.

By how much will the bill be reduced?

If your home is eligible, your bill will be reduced to that of a property in the valuation band immediately below the band in which your home is shown on the valuation list. For example, if your home is in band C, your bill will be reduced to that for a band B dwelling.

If your home is in band A, it will also be eligible for a reduction in the council tax bill. This will have the effect of a one-band reduction, had a lower band existed.

Is the Scheme means tested?

The Scheme is not means tested therefore your capital and income will not be taken into account.

How do I apply for a reduction?

You should contact your local council. The council will send an application form and may ask for other information to support the claim. For example, you may need to provide a letter from your doctor or someone like an occupational therapist or social worker, saying that the person withthe disability needs the extra space or room because of it.

Where can I get further information on the Scheme?

Further information can be found on your local council’s website or at www.gov.scot

Fundraising

Raising funds for SIS

The Forbes Boys

By Jill Forbes

Spinal Injuries Scotland has many loyal and committed supporters who raise money for the charity in a variety of ways.

SIS is hugely grateful for this help and without the generosity of these fundraisers the services provided to members would be greatly reduced.

If you have not actively raised funds for us before there are lots of ways you can do so Options like sponsorship for sporting activities, walks, marathons, dressing up days, or daredevil antics. You can also hold bake sales, car boot sales and host fundraising events.

It is easy to set up online pages for donations and this can help make raising the cash a lot simpler.

SIS can help you if you want to try a challenging abseil, a parachute jump or some other type of unusual challenge. Get a group together that are willing to have a go and contact SIS on 0141 427 7686 or Freephone 0800 0132 305.

We will then help you make your idea into a fundraising reality.

To be honest, we organised bag packing, a race night and a bake sale/raffle but it was all fundraising for my two sons Jarod and Drew to go on an expedition to Morocco with their school. Although when there they would be assisting a community project with the Berber villagers of the Atlas Mountains with water installations, they still had to raise their own funds to go on the trip.

On 15 November 2015 they were both seriously injured in a car accident. Jarod was 17 at the time and had two emergency life-saving operations whereby parts of the bowel was removed and mesh was put in the stomach as it had perforated. The second operation involved him having a Stoma to help the bowel recover and he faces the reversal operation on 17 June. Drew was 16 at the time and had similar bowel surgery, a torn aorta and an L2 spine fracture – they didn’t think Drew was going to make it.

Both boys are amazing and now back playing football. Despite their remarkable recoveries, they can no longer go on the trip to Morocco which is this month as playing football is one thing, digging trenches for two months is quite another, plus Jarod’s reversal operation is mid-way through the Morocco trip.

We then decided to donate the money raised for the fundraising to Scottish charities to do with the car accident. Half went to Spinal Injuries Scotland relevant to Drew’s injuries and the other half to the Breakaway Foundation relevant to Jarod’s injuries. Although it is quite a story, we never set out to raise money for SIS but we are glad that such good could come of such a serious accident and hope the fundraising helps!

Jill donated £500 and Gift Aid of £125 took the total to £625 – a huge thank you goes to her and the boys.

Fundraising

Katie’s Journey

By Michelle Bell

In August 2014, just before my daughter Katie (17) was to start university, she was involved in a road traffic accident. This resulted in her breaking her T12 vertebrae and she also suffered spinal cord damage.

Katie was initially admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Spinal Unit where she received internal fixation of her injury and extensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation. She wore a back brace for three months. She then spent one week in Edenhall and received the rest of her rehabilitation in Philipshill ward. The care, attention and support we all received was outstanding.

With the prospect of having to learn to walk again at the forefront of her mind, she did this with the support and care that she received.

Katie was an inpatient for a total of four weeks and surprised all the staff with her determination, strength and willpower, and made the most of the care she received so that she could walk again, with or without aids.

Despite the severity of her injury, one year later she had fully recovered and, not only could she walk again unaided, she was able to get back into her heels, which was her main focus at the time!

Spinal injuries Scotland is a charity that is rarely mentioned and we wanted to raise money so others could receive the care, support, treatment and the best evidenced care research that there could be. Katie also wanted some funds raised for the Unit and the staff that helped her along the way of her journey.

We walked the West Highland Way in May with 12 of our friends to raise funds for both Spinal Injuries Scotland and for The Queen Elizabeth Spinal Unit and manged to raise approximately £2,000.

Katie attended college last year and is finally starting university again this year, two years later, but she finally made it.

Spinal injuries Scotland is a charity that is rarely mentioned and we wanted to raise money so others could receive the care, support, treatment and the best evidenced care research that there could be.

ABOVE: The group in Milngavie at the start of the West Highland Way... ... and below, the group reach the end

BELOW: Katie

Michelle & Mark Bell

Katie’s first steps at the Unit

BELOW: Katie and her friend Nicole McWhinnie

ABOVE: Mark & Michelle

Auchterarder Bingo

By Teresa Burns

Our fundraising event took place on 25 November 2015 at Auchterarder Bowling Club. Our family and friends decided to hold a bingo tea and split the proceeds between two charities close to both our hearts. We decided half was going to SIS as I suffer from a spinal condition and have had six spinal surgeries and numerous other procedures. I, unfortunately, gained no benefit from my treatment and now need the use of a wheelchair. I realised through my experiences just how hard it is to adjust to a new way of life. This journey is still ongoing as I try to get funding for a powered wheelchair to make life easier.

Our friends decided to put their half to Cornhill Macmillan Centre in Perth where they were receiving support for our friend’s husband who was suffering from cancer. This centre gives a lot of support to patients, families and carers during a tough and very hard battle.

The bingo tea was organised by my mum Mary Burns and her friend May Husband. They put in a lot of effort for many months gathering prizes and sorting out everything for the night. The local businesses in Auchterarder showed good support by donating prizes and many friends donated a lot of prizes so we had no out-of-pocket expenses, which helped increase the amount given to each charity.

Thank You

Fundraising & Donations

“My friend Sam Maguire from our village had an accident last October where she sustained a spinal injury. I have known Sam and her family for a long time and was keen to raise money for such a worthwhile charity. As well as raising money for SIS I raised the same amount for Inverness Samaritans, where I am a volunteer. It was my first half marathon and I was chuffed to finish in 2hrs 12mins, it was tough but enjoyable and I was delighted with the Monies raised.” Kenny Murray

The bingo was well attended and supported and my sister-in-law’s parents also set up a tombola in the hall that night.The total sum raised was £810 which meant each charity received £405.

My family showed great support in helping out on the night as did friends. But I would like to give special mention to my 13 year old niece Shauna Burns who did lots of things to help. Also my brother and his wife. And my other niece Jamie Burns with her boyfriend who all turned up to help. But, most of all, my brilliant mum Mary Burns and her amazing friend May Husband

Living life with a spinal condition takes a lot of getting use to but it is important we keep on helping charities like SIS. They help people who feel lost and out of control and help the injured get life back on track.

I would like to dedicate this story to our friend’s husband Mr Robert Husband who sadly lost his battle with cancer in late December 2015. Rab you will not be forgotten.

Jill Forbes and her family raised £500 with £125 in Gift Aid through fundraising at Jill’s workplace – Aviva. So thanks to all her colleagues who donated. See page 25 for Jill’s story.

Teresa Burns raised over £400 with a Bingo tea in Auchterarder. See page 28, opposite, for details.

Michelle Bell’s story of fundraising on the West Highland Way is featured on pages 26 and 27 this issue. An amazing effort raising almost £2000 for our charity.

Lanarkshire Indoor Bowling Club raised £125. Thanks to Fiona Kerr and all the Wishaw based bowlers who supported the event.

DONATIONS

Thanks to Gordon Fraser who donated £30. And thank you to Sharon Sweeny who donated £20. This donation was made to Spinal Injuries Scotland in memory of her mother, Jacqui Earl.

Teresa and her niece Shauna BurnsMary Burns and Shauna

Thanks to all of you who have been hard at work fundraising for our charity. We are always so delighted to hear your stories so please keep up the good work your efforts are appreciated.hugely

Holiday Classifieds from SIA’s forward magazine

Holiday Classifieds (continued)

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

FRANCE

COLLIOURE, SOUTH OF FRANCE

Ground-floor, two bedroom apartment, sleeps four/six. Level access throughout. Designed specifically for people with spinal cord injury. Ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, full heating. Height-adjustable beds, pressure-relieving mattresses. Separate upstairs apartment available for family or friends. www.origincare.co.uk click on L’Origine or call Nathalie on 00 33 632 56 61 75

PROVENCE

Detached single-storey villa adapted for wheelchair user. Owner T3 paraplegic. Private gardens, pool and secure parking. Sleeps four in two bedrooms. One with wheel-in wet room, shower and shower chair, the other with bath and shower. 10-minute walk from the shops at Lorgues and a 45-minute drive from the coast. www.accessvilladelorgues.co.uk

Contact Geoffrey Croasdale. Tel: 01753 850 564

Email: g.croasdale@btopenworld.com

BRITTANY

Spacious wheelchair accessible holiday accommodation close to the North Brittany coast. Sleeps up to 8 people with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Accessible ground floor double bedroom with large ensuite wheel-in shower room. Profiling bed, hoist and shower chair can be provided on demand. Another bathroom, and two further bedrooms upstairs. Situated in tranquil countryside, 20 mins drive to beautiful beaches. Within easy reach of ferry ports. Pets welcome. For details contact Clara and Martin Cronin on +33 296 47 17 86. Email: info@gites-en-tregor.com www.gites-en-tregor.com

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION SPAIN

ALCOSSEBRE

Superior, front line two-bedroom apartment with ensuite level access shower. Modern low rise complex, beautifully kept gardens, swimming pools. Large terrace overlooking beach. Wheelchair accessible throughout. Level access to bars and restaurants. Secure parking.

Email: tedbid@aol.com. Tel: 01228 561 219

ACCESSIBLE ANDALUCIA

Discover beautiful unspoilt Andalucía. Stylish accommodation offering the very highest level of accessibility. Wheelchair accessible transfers and transport. Mobility aids and care available.

LAS PIEDRAS RURAL HOTEL, in a stunning mountain setting, heated pool with hoist, or, EL PLEAMAR APARTMENT, right on the Mediterranean, pool with hoist.

Contact Hannah or Adrian for a brochure or information.

Tel:029 212 54321. Email: info@lapiedras.co.uk www.laspiedras.co.uk

COSTA BLANCA, JAVEA

Spacious, fully-equipped, luxury, five-bedroom villa, sleeps 10. Three bathrooms (two ensuite, one with roll-in shower). Flat plot, fully accessible gardens. 12m x 6m pool with hoist. Sky TV. 2.5km to beach. Vehicle required. Contact John Kenny 07721 336 747.

Email: enquiries@casadefloresspain.co.uk

www.casadefloresspain.co.uk

COSTA BLANCA, TORREVIEJA

Established, detached family villa with lovely gardens in sunny Torrevieja on the Spanish Costa Blanca. Huge wheel-in swimming pool. Custom built for C5 owner. Close to beach and all amenities. Airport 20-mins. Converted vehicle also available to hire. For details

Tel: 01262 676 015. www.disabledvilla.com

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

PORTUGAL

ALGARVE

Luz do Sol, 4-bedroom villa with pool enjoys panoramic sea views, peaceful location. Sleeps 7 spacious and light. Complimentary accessible car, pool lift, hoist, shower trolley, shower/commode chair, massage table, airport transfers. Fantastic family holiday villa, www.algarve-vacations.com

Email: info@algarve-vacations.com or call 00 351 919 032 377

ALGARVE

Spacious private villa with pool and hoist. Three bed, two bath with wheel-in shower. Shower chair provided. Well-equipped kitchen. Two barbecues. All doors onemetre wide. Level access throughout villa and pool area. Paraplegic owner. Debbie Wells. Tel: 01277 354 313

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION PORTUGAL ALGARVE

Your home from home in the sun including accessible transport and airport transfers. Owned by C4 tetraplegic, 20-minutes from Faro airport with stunning views and privacy. Three twin bedrooms, two with wheel-in showers. Pool with hoist heated to 25ºC. Inclusive accessible vans and airport transfers, electric up and down bed, electric indoor hoist, shower/commode chairs etc. Not to be missed. See full details on our comprehensive website. Tel: 00351 289 414 687. Email: sia@ouricodomar.com. www.ouricodomar.com

ALAMANCIL, ALGARVE

Outstanding, fully-accessible luxury private villa set in beautiful countryside. Three bedrooms, all ensuite with wheel-in showers. Private pool with hoist. Comfortable lounge/dining rooms and well-equipped kitchen. All you could wish for in a holiday home and so much more! To contact us call 01530 833 690 or www.villas-algarve.co.uk

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION CYPRUS

VILLA CARPE DIEM

Spacious accessible villa with large private pool (and hoist) surrounded by lovely gardens. Four bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 1 with wheel-in shower including shower chair. Level access throughout. Ample parking, wheelchair accessible vehicle. Choice of Theraposture electric profiling bed or Baltic turning bed. Easytrac, Voyager hoist. Care available from local English agency. Well equipped kitchen, broadband WiFi and more. 3km to the beach. Call Andy 00357 999 68418 or Niki 07866 441 204 or Email: villacarpediemcyprus@gmail.com www.villacarpediem.co.uk

POLIS

Three-bed accessible villa. Private pool with electric pool hoist, wide steps and handrails. Ramp access throughout the villa and grounds. Walking/pushing distance from shops, village and beach (with sea trac chair available in the summer season - see website). Wheel-in wet room with wall mounted shower seat and self-propelling shower chair available. Accessible hob and sink in kitchen. Child friendly. Owned and designed by an SCI person. Email: timilyvilla@outlook.com www.timilyvilla.co.uk

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION AMERICA

ORANGE TREE, ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Five bed/four bath, purpose-built wheelchair accessible villa overlooking lake and conservation area. Level access throughout. Wheel-in shower and shower chair. Non-chlorine x-large pool with spa, both accessible by hoist. Free Wi-Fi, sleeps 12, short drive to attractions and amenities. Paraplegic owner.

www.ayersfloridavillas.com Email: lucy@ayersfloridavillas.com

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION SCOTLAND

CLOBER FARM, MILNGAVIE, GLASGOW

Spinal Injuries Scotland were bequeathed this Grade C-listed property and have converted it to fully accessible accommodation, with extensive gardens, situated around 30 minutes from Glasgow city centre. The accommodation sleeps five/six and comprises adaptable kitchen, two double bedrooms, one with ensuite wet room, a single bedroom, plus a modern accessible bathroom. For further information, see the SIS website www.sisonline.org

Email: clober.farm@sisonline.org

Tel: 0141 427 7686 / 0800 0132 305

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION ENGLAND

POOLE, DORSET

Hill Lodge. Owned by C5/6 Tetra. Holiday let in beautiful rural location just 10mins from Poole harbour. Three double ensuite bedrooms. Sleeps up to 6 people. The accessible room is on the ground floor with ensuite wet room. Shower chair provided. Electric heightadjusted and profiling bed. Accessible kitchen with wheel-under hob and sink. Free WI-FI. Level access and exclusive use of gardens. Further equipment provided on request. View at www.endeavour-uk.co.uk.

Contact Becky becky@endeavour-uk.co.uk

Tel: 01202 630 075

Holiday Classifieds (continued)

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION ENGLAND

WHOLE BARN, DORSET

Sleeps 12 people, can be split into two units (Dairy4/Dutch8). Accommodation comprises 3 barrier free ground floor double/twin bedrooms with 2 ensuite wet rooms. Upstairs 3 further double/twin bedrooms with1 ensuite bath/shower room and 1 family shower room. Induction loop available in DUTCH barn. Four electric profiling beds available, 1 height adjustable with removable cot side. Two mobile shower commode chairs available. Flat tarmac outside and parking. www.blackrowfarm.co.uk. Tel: 01963 23156

Email: anniecoultas@gmail.com

CENTRAL CORNWALL

Two barns, sleep 2/4 and 4/6, converted for wheelchair users, each with 2 wet rooms. Quiet level site on small working farm, 480 metre easy walk/wheel to village shops, pub, etc. Open all year. Owners live on site. www.roperswalkbarns.co.uk

Email: peterandliz@roperswalkbarns.co.uk

Tel: 01209 891632

TODSWORTHY FARM HOLIDAYS, CORNWALL

Luxury and spacious barn conversions on a family run working farm. Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the picturesque Tamar Valley. Owned by a C6/7 tetra both self-catering cottages are superbly adapted for wheelchair users and their families. Both cottages sleep 6 and have a level access bedroom with a spacious ensuite wetroom. Shower chair, hoist and profiling bed can be provided. Both cottages are pet and family friendly. Perfect location for touring Devon and Cornwall. Open all year. Tel: 01822 834 744 www.todsworthyfarmholidays.co.uk

RATCLIFFE DISABLED HOLIDAYS

C5 quadriplegic owner. Overhead electric hoists. Electric hi-lo beds. Wheel-in showers. House flats sleep six-10. Open all year. Heysham on Morecambe Bay. Superb sea and mountain view. Access to five-mile promenade. Caravans on Haven Parks in Southern Lake District and at Filey near Scarborough. www.theukweb.com/disabled holidays or phone for more information Allan or Jan 01274 588 142

TREWORGANS FARM HOLIDAYS, MID CORNWALL

Specially converted cottages (sleep 4 & 6) that are fully wheelchair accessible. FREE use of 4-section electric profiling beds, air mattresses, electric hoists, shower chairs and rise/recline chairs as well as numerous other mobility aids. All bedrooms have ensuite facilities –each property has one level-access wet room. Adapted kitchens. Accessible decked patio areas. Detached. Ample parking areas. Care available from local agency. Exposed beams, wood burner. Ideal location for exploring the whole county. Tel: 01726 883240 or 07762 173860. www.treworgansfarm.co.uk

ABNEY, DERBYSHIRE

Room for all Seasons, fully adapted, luxury, self-catering property in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Wheelchair accessible, hoist available. Sleeps three. www.laneendfarmtrust.co.uk

Tel Viv for leaflet or more information 01433 650 043

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION WALES

GLAN Y GORS COTTAGE, SNOWDONIA

Fully accessible, self-catering cottage in beautiful rural location, with open views of Snowdon and surrounding mountains. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large kitchen/diner, lounge with log fire. Ground floor bedroom and shower room. Hospital bed and mobile hoist available. Sleeps 10 (12 with sofa bed), reduced rates for smaller groups. See website for details: www.wilsons-holidays.co.uk. Tel: 01286 870 261

Email: info@wilsons-holidays.co.uk

SUPPORT SERVICES

JO-ANNE’S PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE. NOW BOOKING FOR 2016

If you require a personal assistant for home or abroad, a business or pleasure trip, please call, JPAS on 07500 703 004 Email: jojpas@gmail.com

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST HELEN SMITH

Specialist in spinal injury rehabilitation. Available for private consultations on Fridays. Tel: 07976 354 142

Email: helenpsych@outlook.com