Winter 2019 Magazine

Life SPINAL

SIS Winter Dinner Dance

SCOTLAND

Worryfree motoring

5 years of social nights WINTER 2019 • www.sisonline.org

Comedian Sean Locke entertains at the SIS Winter Dinner Dance

Life 21 SPINAL

ISSUE E THIS RECEIV ONLINE VIA SIS line.org ison www.s

SCOTLAND

All enquiries and applications to our address at: Spinal Injuries Scotland Fullarton Court (Unit C) 11 Drumhead Place Glasgow, G32 8EY

02 03 21 04 06 08 12 18

Any opinions expressed in Spinal Life Scotland and Newsline are those of the person writing and not necessarily shared. Articles from Spinal Life Scotland and Newsline are available on disc or in large print on request.

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Office Hours: Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9-5pm.

Anyone wishing to speak to any of our staff, please call 0141 427 7686.

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

Tel. 0800 0132 305 If you need someone to talk to, use the above number for enquiries great and small. If no-one is available then please leave your name and number with your message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Ambassadors Steven McGhee Linda Bamford Claire Byrne Dr Elizabeth Ferris Joanna Martin Emma Douglas

Streets Ahead Young Drivers Event Edinburgh Airport Update

SPINAL LIFE

SIS is a company registered in Scotland by guarantee and recognised as a charity.

Scottish Charity No: SC015405. ISSN 2517-2670

Patrons Paul Warwick Harry Brown Tracey Brown

WELCOME NEWS

Tel: 0800 0132 305 Email: info@sisonline.org www.sisonline.org

Honorary President HRH The Princess Royal

CONTENTS

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Caledonian Crushers Wheelchair Basketball Your Road to Worry-Free Motoring Wings for Life World Run Clober Farm at Christmas 5 Years of Spinal Injuries Scotland’s Social Nights The Accessible Travel Framework Co-op Local Community Fund Update

FEATURE 14

Winter Dinner Dance 2019

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CHRISTMAS CARDS REGULARS

10 20 25 29

Bullen Welfare Rights - Digby Brown Thank You to Our Fundraisers Become an SIS Member

Board of Directors Kathleen McMonagle Tricia Ward Evelyn Morrison Fraser Payne Ann MacSween Lucy McOurt Operations Manager Maureen Morrison Peer Support Staff Laura Torrance Stuart Mcmillan Raymond Brown Greg Faryno

Cover Photo: SIS Winter Dinner Dance 2019.

Editorial: Spinal Injuries Scotland and Clear Design (North) Design: Clear Design (North) Tel. 07971 182736 www.cleardesignnorth.co.uk

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www.youtube.com/spinalinjuriesscot

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Life SPINAL

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SCOTLAND

WELCOME TO THE WINTER EDITION OF

SPINAL

Life 4-5 SCOTLAND

Spinal Life Scotland is your free magazine courtesy of Spinal Injuries Scotland and is packed full of great stories and important information.

It’s winter and we are delighted to bring you this edition of Spinal Life. We are sure there is something for everyone, with features from others who understand life with a spinal injury. We have plenty of festivity and all the latest news from Spinal Injuries Scotland, including our fantastic Winter Dinner Dance fundraiser.

This is your magazine, about you and for you. At Spinal Injuries Scotland we want to provide a free, quality magazine and offer something for everyone. We also want your input. Have you been anywhere or done anything that other members might find interesting? If so, please get in touch and get involved. We would be delighted to work with you.

You are always welcome to let us know what you think about the magazine. Maybe there is something you would like us to include. Maybe you want more information about an article from Spinal Life. Maybe you just need some advice and don't know where to go. We are here to help and promise to do everything in our power to meet your needs.

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Importantly, we want to make sure the magazine reflects real spinal life.

That means we will not shy away from the subjects that could be challenging for someone with a spinal injury. We want to let you know that you are not alone by including real life stories about real life struggles. Spinal Injuries Scotland will always be here if you need to get in touch.

If you are not a member of Spinal Injuries Scotland then what are you waiting for?

It is completely free to join, we will send you each edition of this magazine and you can take advantage of all the other benefits our members enjoy.

Just get in touch through the email address or phone number below. You can also join up online at www.sisonline.org.

Please enjoy your new edition of Spinal Life.

The Editors. info@sisonline.org 0800 0132 305

STREETS AHEAD YOUNG DRIVERS EVENT

EDINBURGH CORN EXCHANGE OCTOBER 2019

IN THIS ISSUE...

We have valued the impact that the Young Driver event has had on our pupils since its first inception.

The opportunity for the pupils to hear from individuals or families that have been affected by a driver making poor decisions is invaluable, although hardhitting and extremely emotional at times.

Our Winter Dinner Dance was held in November and was a brilliant night.

Check out the photographs and story on pages 14, 15, 16 & 17. If you were unable to join us, maybe you can come along next year, it really is an event not to be missed.

Read all about the Caledoinian Crushers Wheelchair basketball team on pages 4 and 5.

120,054 people worldwide took part in the inspirational Wings For Life World Run in 2019 – pages 8 & 9.

They have the opportunity to ask questions and learn hints and tips on how to drive in an enjoyable but safe way. I was 16 years old and know only too well how my spinal injury has changed my life, at the fault of another driver. We look forward to attending again next year to support this impactful event.

Get ready for Christmas and order some of our Christmas Cards on page 24.

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I was asked to talk at this event quite a number of years ago and I’ve done so every year since. It’s an honour to be asked and something that is of course very close to my heart as I was injured in a car accident in March 1999 and damaged my spinal cord at level T6/7. I’ve been wheelchair dependent ever since..

It’s a great opportunity for Spinal Injuries Scotland to join Fire & Rescue, Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland to name a few. There is an important message of safe driving, how to do this and the possible consequences of unsafe driving. There are also a number of interactive scenarios for the students to try, including a seatbelt simulator that shows what travelling at 8mph can feel like. This one always surprises the students and demonstrates that it doesn’t always have to involve excessive speed to potentially be injured on the road.

We have valued the impact that the Young Driver event has had on our pupils since its first inception.

The opportunity for the pupils to hear from individuals or families that have been affected by a driver making poor decisions is invaluable, although hard-hitting and extremely emotional at times. The realisation that taking the responsibility of driving a car on the road too lightly can have repercussions beyond themselves is vital to ensuring the safety of not just our young people but all people when our pupils start to drive. The opportunity to speak with a cross-section of professionals involved at all levels of keeping our roads safe for all users enables them to see the bigger picture and to make sensible, informed and safe decisions about driving and moving around the city, and beyond, on other forms of transport too.

The Young Drivers event is an excellent resource that our pupils remember and discuss long after they have attended, which is why we continue to support it.

By Laura Torrance (Peer Support Co-Ordinator)

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SPINAL

Life SCOTLAND

Before 2010, the only wheelchair rugby team in Scotland was a team that trained in Falkirk which eventually folded before the formation of The Caledonian Crushers. The Crushers was the product of hard work from a dedicated few, and from the essential and considerable financial assistance from Digby Brown Solicitors.

CALEDONIAN

CRUSHERS WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL The Crushers was the product of hard work from a dedicated few, and from essential and considerable financial assistance.

Introduced in 1981, wheelchair rugby, or murderball as it was first known, was created in Canada for quadriplegics. It became a Paralympic sport in 2000, and as it has progressed over the years, it has become open to people with other disabilities. To be eligible to compete, players need to have disabilities that include some loss of function in at least three out of four limbs, although it is still predominantly played by those with spinal injuries. Each team is made up of four players who are classified on their physical function from 0 to 4, and the teams can only have a maximum of eight points on the court at one time.

Initially the team was coached by Dave Rhoney and Paul Black, and they would train at the then new Emirates arena and started off playing in GBWR third division. Playing in the third division, the Crushers would travel to the North of England to play in three games over a weekend. With a lot of hard work and practice, they progressed into the third division, where they would face a step up in opposition as well as playing two extra games during the competition weekends. There were some years where they struggled to keep their division three status, but with tenacity and determination, they hung in there.

Eventually, Dave left due to other commitments and some time later Michael Kerr came on board as a player and assistant coach. Michael had played with and latterly captained the National team, competed in London 2012, Rio 2016, in numerous World and European competitions as well as in the top tier of our domestic game. His buckets of experience, energy and knowledge of the game have inspired and benefited the team over the years.

L A N E I F SP LI

Now the Crushers train at the Tollcross Leisure Centre, Glasgow, every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9pm and have cemented their place in division 2.

The team are made up of a great bunch of people who get on well together and work hard, both on and off the court and support their teammates. Continually improving, they recently had their best competitive weekend, winning more than half of their games and finishing third in the table.

The benefits of participating in sport, and more so team sports, cannot be underestimated. Playing wheelchair rugby increases not only the physical wellbeing of all those involved but also the mental wellbeing, which can continue into day to day life. Becoming part of a team, players and volunteers gain a whole new circle of friends.

Regularly travelling to competitions, the Crushers join up with the broader wheelchair rugby community, from officials to other teams.

They are a wonderful group of people, much like one big family and a real privilege to be part of.

Many of the players initially had reservations about taking up the sport. Would they fit in?

Would they like it? Were they fit enough?

Was it too full-on? But after taking that first step and trying it out, any worries were dispelled. The club is always looking for new players and volunteers, and if anyone is exploring a new challenge or wishing to change their life for the better, I would encourage them to get in contact and come along and give it a go.

Played by both men and women, wheelchair rugby players can have a wide range of physical function with those who would otherwise not be able to participate in such a competitive sport. The points system ensures there is an essential role for every player regardless of their level of physical function.

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Life SPINAL

L A N E I F SP LI

SCOTLAND

The Motability Scheme enables anyone in receipt of a higher rate mobility allowance to exchange that allowance for the lease of a car, scooter, powered wheelchair or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.

YOUR ROAD TO WORRY-FREE MOTORING The Scheme provides flexible and hassle-free access to a brand new, reliable vehicle of your choice, giving you greater freedom, every day.

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HOW THE SCHEME WORKS Simply exchange all, or part of your mobility allowance to lease the vehicle of your choice.

You choose the vehicle you want that fits within your budget, and payments are deducted from your higher rate mobility allowance every four weeks paid directly by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

There are three pricing options available for those looking to lease a car: cars that cost less than your mobility allowance; cars that cost all of your mobility allowance; and cars that cost all of your mobility allowance, plus an Advance Payment, which generally gives access to a larger car or additional features.

The Scheme covers all running costs such as insurance for up to three named drivers (this doesn’t have to be you), servicing, maintenance, breakdown cover and tyre and windscreen repair and replacement. All you need to do is add fuel, and go! A recently added option allows wheelchair users to include a lightweight manual wheelchair when leasing a car. The initiative, available to anyone placing a new application for a car, has been designed to ensure customers have enhanced mobility when arriving at their destination.

THE RANGE OF VEHICLES There are over 2000 cars of various makes, models and types available to lease through the Motability Scheme, from fuel efficient smaller vehicles to roomy estates and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. Choosing a car is a big decision, so if you cannot make a decision with the assistance of the car search tools online, why not come to a 2020 One Big Day event near you, to view over 100 different cars and adaptions available to lease through the Scheme?

YOUR WORRY-FREE LEASE After you have chosen the type of car that best suits your mobility requirements and have looked at the available options, it's very important that you take a few different cars out for a test drive, which your dealer will be happy to arrange for you. Once you have taken a test drive and chosen your car, you are ready to place an order and enjoy the freedom that comes with it.

A standard lease is over three years, or five years if you are leasing a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. At the end of your lease you simply hand your car back and if, like most customers you choose to stay with the Scheme, you can select a new car and renew your lease. If you return your car in good condition, you could be eligible to receive the Good Condition Bonus. The amount you receive depends on the length of the agreement which is currently £600 for a three-year lease.

The Good Condition Bonus is the Scheme’s way of saying thank you for looking after your Motability Scheme car.

ASSISTANCE In addition to its head offices in London and Bristol, and in order to maintain the best services for our customers, we have made plans to open a new contact centre in Edinburgh. The new teams in Scotland will be ready to take calls from January 2020 and are set to move into our permanent office from April 2020.

Motability Operations is here to answer any questions you may have about the Scheme.

You can contact the Customer Services team directly on 0300 456 4566.

For more information please visit https://www.motability.co.uk.

Or you can contact us at Spinal Injuries Scotland on 0800 0132 305 or info@spinalinjuriesscotland.org.uk Spinal Injuries Scotland is working closely with Motability and there will be an update in 2020.

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SPINAL

Life SCOTLAND

WINGS FOR LIFE WORLD RUN

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I only found out about this event two days before it took place because it is sponsored by Red Bull and a friend’s son works for them. This was the first year anyone in Scotland has taken part.

It was held in Glasgow Green and a couple of us in wheelchairs took part along with a group of able bodied runners. It would be great to make it a much larger event next year and have you and lots of your family and friends taking part. Below is an explanation of the event. It was great fun and will be advertised well in advance next year.

The Wings for Life World Run. The race where every participant is sure to finish!

The Wings for Life World Run is a global charity event with a unique, and uniquely fun format.

It’s a worldwide run where everybody starts simultaneously and the finish line chases you!

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS. On one day each year, the Wings for Life World Run takes place at event locations across the planet. Everybody starts at exactly the same moment, 11am UTC. Whether it’s day or night, bright sun or pouring with rain at your location, you’re running together with the world and sharing an amazing experience.

In 2019 the Wings For Life World Run took place all over the world, 120,054 people took part to raise money for spinal research, the motto being ‘run for those who can’t.’

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L A N E I F SP LI

JUST A NEWBIE TO RUNNING? The Wings for Life World Run is perfect for everyone, of every ability, because you set your own goals and you don’t head toward a distant finish line. Instead, the finish line catches up with you. Half an hour after the race starts, a moving finish line, the “Catcher Car,” chases runners along the course, gradually getting faster until each one is caught. The first runners passed after a few kilometres are the first to celebrate their

accomplishments, while the last man and woman to be caught are declared Global Champions. (92.14 km is the current record!)

CAN’T MAKE IT TO AN EVENT LOCATION? It’s still easy to join the global movement.

Get the Wings for Life World Run App and you’ll be chased by a Virtual Catcher Car at the same time as all the other runners around the globe. And be sure to check out the Organized App Runs, where groups are meeting to run with the App together.

EVERY PENNY RAISED GOES TO CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH. When you participate in the Wings for Life World Run, you know you’re making an impact. 100% of all entry fees and all donations raised through fundraising campaigns go directly to life-changing spinal cord research projects and clinical trials at renowned universities and institutes worldwide. The non profit Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation is a driving force behind the mission, and Red Bull covers the foundation’s administrative costs in full as well as costs for the Wings for Life World Run. YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. Who participates in the Wings for Life World Run? People who care – and who like to have fun while making a difference. People like you! So if you’re the crazy costume type, go for it. But if you’re serious about your result, that’s fine, too. Either way, you’ll be running together with athletes, casual joggers and wheelchair users. The young and the not-soyoung. Everyday people and famous names.

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SPINAL

Life SCOTLAND

BULLEN

With Christmas on the way, here at Bullen Healthcare we’ve been thinking about how we can celebrate the festive season without having to go on a strict diet come the beginning of January.

That’s why we’ve put together a selection of our favourite recipes, to help us be more active in the kitchen and give us a good start for our new year’s resolutions.

Here’s one of the dishes from the recipe book, along with two cocktails to enjoy before, during or after!

You can get your own copy by contacting us at Bullen Healthcare at sis@bullens.com or by calling 0800 756 2423.

NIGELLA’S CLEMENTINE CAKE

AMALFI-ICE

Serves 8-10

Serves 1

Ingredients 375g clementines (approx 4) (or other small oranges) 250g ground almonds 6 large eggs 225g white sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder

Ingredients 35ml (2 generous tbsp.) Limoncello 15ml vodka 1 scoop vanilla ice cream Fever Tree Sicilian Lemonade Twist of lemon peel, to garnish

Method Heat the oven to 190c/fan 170c/gas 5

Method Pour all the ingredients except the lemonade into a cocktail shaker and shake well. Pour into a glass and top up with the lemonade and garnish with a twist of lemon peel.

Wash the oranges and place them in a bowl, cover with cold water and bring to boil. Cook, partially covered, for 2 hours. Check the pan as you might need to top up the water. Remove from heat, discard the cooking water and allow to cool completely.

Grease and flour or line a 26 cm baking tin.

Pre-heat the oven to 170° C. Once cooled, slice the oranges in half, remove the pips and blend the entire oranges in a food processor until smooth. Add all of the other ingredients to the food processor and mix.

Pour the cake mixture into the prepared pan, and bake in the middle shelf of the oven for an hour or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. You might have to cover the top with foil or greaseproof paper after about 40 minutes to stop the top burning.

ST CLEMENTS Serves 1 Ingredients 75mls fresh orange juice 75ml fever tree Sicilian lemon tonic Dash of Angostura Bitters Orange slice, to garnish Lemon slice, to garnish Method Fill a highball glass with ice.

Pour in the orange juice, bitters and tonic.

Garnish with orange and lemon slices.

Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before gently removing it from the tin.

Bullen Healthcare partners with Spinal Injuries Scotland to provide a dedicated home delivery service for members. For more information on how Bullen Healthcare can help you please call 0800 756 2423 or email us at sis@bullens.com.

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CLOBER FARM AT CHRISTMAS

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One of our members spent the last part of their Christmas holidays at Clober Farm with their family and have written about their experience.

We arrived at Clober Farm and we were greeted by Donna-Marie, the housekeeper.

Donna showed us around the house and how to work the electric blinds, adjustable kitchen worktop, bathroom sinks, and showed us where extra bedding could be found.

It provided us with a lot of comfort that Clober Farm would be able to cater for our needs and that we would be able to have an enjoyable stay all together.

We spent four days at Clober Farm, and we managed to get out and see the area on most of those days. This included a Christmas market at Loch Lomond Shores, shopping in Glasgow and eating out in Milngavie.

To begin with we were apprehensive about spending some of our Christmas away from home, but Clober Farm was the perfect place to go.

If you would like more information phone the office on 0141 427 7686 or go to our new website www.cloberfarm.co.uk

We were thankful that Clober Farm allows dogs so we didn’t have to leave our dog behind. I was surprised that there was a paved path that went through a wooded area just across the road from Clober Farm. This made it easy to walk the dog in a wheelchair!

Donna-Marie also advised us of some local places to go out to eat and how best to get transport for us all. There was also fast wi-fi so we could easily do some investigation ourselves and find out what activities were happening in Glasgow!

Spending the holidays together can be difficult when a member of the family is affected by a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). This was part of the reason why we started Clober Farm, to provide a space that the whole family can enjoy.

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The house had been decorated for Christmas and looked lovely when we arrived. The beautiful tree really helped us feel at home and like we weren’t missing out on the Christmas experience spending it away from home. The open plan kitchen-living room was well equipped, and the large TV was popular with the younger members of the family.

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Life SPINAL

SEAN LOCKE (LEFT)

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SCOTLAND

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WINTER DINNER DANCE 2019

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Peer Support Co-Ordinator, Laura Torrance gave an emotional speech about the work that Spinal Injuries Scotland does...

LAURA TORRANCE (BELOW)

The night was once more compered

by Des Clark in his usual distinctive style who got the night off to a great start with his James Bond-esque entrance. The night carried on the theme with a game that involved everyone in the room to try to discover who had stolen the car!

The 17th Digby Brown Winter Dinner Dance for Spinal injuries Scotland was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton on the 8th November. Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the night we were able to raise a record breaking £83,000! This is the most ever raised at this event, and Spinal injuries Scotland is incredibly grateful to everyone who donated and contributed to the night.

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DES CLARK (RIGHT)

Our very own Peer Support Co-Ordinator Laura Torrance gave an emotional speech about the work that Spinal Injuries Scotland does and how important it is to her and others who are affected by Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).

Laura spoke about how her injury has impacted her life and the significance that the Peer Support and assistance that she received has on her daily life.

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Life SPINAL

COMPERE DES CLARK (RIGHT)

SCOTLAND

Laura was followed by the Chair of our Board Kathleen McMonagle who gave thanks to those at Digby Brown who support the charity and organise the event. Kathleen also mentioned that Spinal injuries Scotland is always looking for people to fundraise for us or to choose us as their organisation’s nominated charity.

The auction and tombola featured some incredible prizes this year including The Ultimate Islay food, drink and golf experience; spa days, jewellery, and activity days for the whole family.

This year the silent auction alone raised nearly £15,000. We would like to extend a massive thanks to everyone who bid in it.

Of course, the most coveted prize was the car (courtesy of Digby Brown) which was won by a very lucky raffle winner. We hope they enjoy the vehicle.

The comedian Sean Locke took to the stage to entertain the audience with his deadpan delivery and dry humour. He had many of the spectators laughing out loud at his jokes and we appreciate Digby Brown for organising him to attend.

On behalf of everyone at Spinal Injuries Scotland we would like to give special thanks to Susan Lawrie and Craig Semple for their support and the outstanding effort they put into making the Winter Dinner Dance a resounding success every year. We also want to thank our dedicated volunteers and board members as well as our sponsors, fundraisers, office staff and the clinical team at the QUENSIU. Without your generous support it would be so much harder to provide our services.

STEVEN McGHEE AND LAURA TORRANCE (BELOW)

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Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the night we were able to raise a record breaking £83,000!

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5 YEARS OF SPINAL INJURIES SCOTLAND’S SOCIAL NIGHTS! Those who have spent time in the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit (QENSIU) will know the importance of the monthly social nights that Laura Torrance has been hosting for the last 5 years. The social nights were originally organised by Brian Bannerman, Social Convenor for the QENSIU. When he left, Spinal Injuries Scotland asked if we could take them over.

L A N E I F P LI S THE ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL FRAMEWORK The Accessible Travel Framework for Scotland is a national vision which outlines outcomes for accessible travel. It is both an ambition and a commitment on our part to go beyond what the law says we must do, to help ensure we do all we can to make travel more accessible for disabled people. This ambition can only be realised with the involvement of disabled people themselves.

ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL FUND 2018/19

The Accessible Travel Framework refers throughout, mainly to travel rather than transport, because the issues disabled people told us about include more than just gaining access to transport. It is about travel information, getting to transport, facilities around transport, people's attitudes and going between different modes of transport.

• Support disabled people’s rights by removing barriers and improving access to travel.

The Accessible Travel Framework is a major step towards realising the vision that, "All disabled people can travel with the same freedom, choice, dignity and opportunity as other citizens.”

The social nights occur once a month, and we rely on fundraising to keep them going. People and organisations have been very generous, and local businesses have nominated the social nights as their charitable cause. Some of our members have also donated to the social nights, asking their friends and family to donate to us rather than buy presents for their wedding anniversary.

This generous help ensures we can have food and snacks and entertainment such as live music, quizzes and bingo on the night. Some nights are themed, such as Burns Night and Halloween with Laura going all out to arrange live folk music or decorating the day room at the QENSIU with a host of spooky characters.

Our volunteers Andy and Wendy give their time to support these events every month, helping to give out food and drink and enjoying the company of those who are present. The nursing staff look forward to the nights too and help us drum up the patients to attend. Ex-patients and family members have donated raffle prizes.

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At Christmas time we team up with the QENSIU and Horatios Garden to make it an extra special event that we all contribute different things to.

Funding ensures we can supply each patient in Phillipshill and Edenhall with a bag full of goodies to help them celebrate the festive period while still undergoing their rehabilitation in hospital. Last year we gave away an Amazon Tablet and hope to do the same this year.

The social nights allow the patients to have a break from rehab and spend some relaxed time away from the wards with their families and friends.

“I actually forgot that I was in a hospital for those few hours and I really enjoyed myself. It allowed me to have a break from the everyday anxieties that I have.”

Spinal Injuries Scotland have been honoured to put these nights on for the last 5 years, and we believe that they are an important part of rehabilitation for a Spinal Cord Injury. We are looking forward to the next five years of social nights!

This is the first Annual Delivery Plan for Scotland’s Accessible Travel Framework since the 10 year Framework was published in 2016.

After a year-long period of co-production our first annual delivery plan was published in June this year.

The plan sets out our 8 priority areas for delivery this year. These are as follows: • Passenger Assistance • Aviation • Bus – fully accessible information, infrastructure and design • Signs, Wayfinding and Information • Thistle Assistance • Ensure Clear Pathways • Taxi and Private Hire Cars • Hate Crime Charter This year’s plan aligns to the provisions within the Transport (Scotland) Bill which contains vital measures to aid accessibility and the review of Scotland’s National Transport Strategy setting out a 20 year plan to meet the vision that: “Scotland will have a sustainable, inclusive and accessible transport system helping to deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous nation for communities, businesses and visitors.”

The Accessible Travel Fund aims to improve door to door journeys across all modes of transport, enhancing the travelling experience of disabled people and others facing mobility or access challenges, including passengers who have hidden impairments.

The fund supports the Accessible Travel Framework for Scotland, whose purpose is to:

• Ensure disabled people are fully involved in work to improve all aspects of travel.

There were five successful projects funded: • Values into Action Scotland: Let’s get moving is a travel training project designed and delivered for, and with people with learning difficulties and or autism.

• Neatebox App Development: The project designers have developed an App that allows passenger assistance notifications for those with a visual impairment and wheelchair users to be notified of available wheelchair spaces on First Bus, who are joint funders of the project.

• Go Upstream: Making Connections the Space In-between. Many journeys rely on people changing from one transport mode to another but connections can present challenges in the spaces between services. This project will concentrate on ferry terminals and rail services in West of Scotland.

• Thistle Card: This project seeks to identify and understand in detail the barriers faced by disabled people when travelling. Explore the extent to which these barriers affect disabled people’s travel plans and modal choices for travelling and to develop door to door journey planning solutions that help alleviate these barriers • Stirling HSCP: This project seeks to recruit a project worker to further develop and promote our Independent Travel Training (ITT) programme and widen to other groups including younger people, people with dementia and autism.

There will be an update in 2020.

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E R A F L E W HTS RIG

COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS If you're receiving certain benefits, you could qualify for extra money for each week there is very cold weather in your area. This is known as a Cold Weather Payment.

The Cold Weather Payment scheme runs from 1 November 2019 to 31 March 2020.

Each Cold Weather Payment is £25. Payment is automatic if you receive a qualifying benefit and the temperature in your postcode area is, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days.

To check whether the temperature in your area is low enough for you to receive a payment, you can use the Cold Weather Payment checker https://coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk WHO CAN GET COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS? If you receive any of the following benefits, you could qualify for a Cold Weather Payment: Pension Credit You will usually get Cold Weather Payments if you get Pension Credit.

Support for Mortgage Interest loan payments You will usually get Cold Weather Payments if you get Support for Mortgage Interest loan payments.

Employment and Support Allowance (income-related) You will usually receive Cold Weather Payments if you get income-related Employment and Support Allowance and are in the support or work-related activity group, or you have any of the following: • a severe or enhanced disability premium • a pensioner premium • a child who is disabled • Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element • a child under five living with you.

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EDINBURGH E N AIRPORT UPDATE Most people with a spinal cord Injury have a fear when it comes to air travel. The concerns begin from as soon as we leave the house until we arrive at our destination.

Universal Credit You’ll usually get Cold Weather Payments if you get Universal Credit and you’re not employed or self-employed, and one of the following apply: • you have a health condition or disability and have limited capability for work (with or without a work-related activity amount) • you get an increase for a disabled or severely disabled child in your claim • you have a child under five living with you.

Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance (income-based) You will usually receive Cold Weather Payments if you also have any of following: • a disability or pensioner premium • a child who is disabled • Child Tax Credit that includes a disability or severe disability element • a child under five living with you.

DO COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS AFFECT MY OTHER BENEFITS? Cold Weather Payments don’t affect other benefits you may be getting.

HOW YOU WILL BE PAID You do not need to apply for Cold Weather Payment - payment will usually be made automatically. You will receive your Cold Weather Payment in the same way as you usually receive your benefit.

WHAT IF I DO NOT RECEIVE MY COLD WEATHER PAYMENT? You should tell your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office if you think you should have received a Cold Weather Payment but you have not. If you’re getting Universal Credit, sign in to your account and add a note to your journal.

Jacqueline Lange Welfare Rights Adviser Digby Brown Solicitors.

Spinal Injuries Scotland and other Disabled Lead Organisations (DPOs) are working closely with Edinburgh Airport to raise awareness of our needs. Off the back of this Constative Committee and the feedback that we received from members, there have been several improvements and changes to the airports procedures for those travelling with disabilities.

Passenger Assistance is available to all levels of disability at airports. The purpose of it is to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Edinburgh Airport has put a lot of investment into Passenger Assistance to ensure that this happens. This service can help you on all or part of your journey through the airport.

SUNFLOWER LANYARD Edinburgh Airport has introduced the Sunflower Lanyard which acts as a sign the customer has a disability and may need additional support without having to say so or explain themself.

This is organised through Passenger Assistance.

If you want more information about this, please contact Spinal Injuries Scotland.

ADDITIONAL NEEDS TEAM To help improve the service Edinburgh Airport provides passengers with complex additional needs or hidden disabilities, a new Additional Needs team has been launched.

This new team will help deliver a one-to-one service to passengers on the autism spectrum or with complex additional needs. They will also support passengers who have a hidden disability by providing access to arrange of resources either online or by post.

The PEM team has played an invaluable role in allowing the airport to provide this service to their passengers in the past, but with a 100% growth in passengers accessing this service and being awarded the Autism Friendly award, they knew they needed a dedicated team to help meet increasing demands.

The new team consists of Valerie Sinclair, Dougie Morgan, Steven Archibald (L-R in photo) and Linda Reape who have all been seconded from the Security team and have a wealth of knowledge of hidden disabilities. They are based at the modular building (next to ASU) and will wear a new Additional Needs Team uniform HELP POINTS As part of improving the Special Assistance facilities the airport has upgraded 17 help points which will make contacting the Special Assistance Team easier.

The improved help points are now signposted more clearly with maps, and information to the nearest toilet or Special Assistance reception. They now also have a hearing loop functionality for hearing impaired passengers, improved sound quality and video technology so we can see the passengers requiring assistance. You will spot the help points not only by the signage, but the bright blue seats located next to them.

FETCHYFOX APP Edinburgh Airport recently launched a Food & Beverage service to all Special Assistance passengers who use our airside reception. Passengers can use the FetchyFox App to order and pay for their order from The Gathering deli, Bar Burrito, Yo Sushi and Krispy Crème which will be collected and brought to the reception for them.

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CO-OP COMMUNITY FUND UPDATE Spinal Injuries Scotland are delighted to say that Co-op members have raised over £5000 for Social Nights at the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit.

Clober Farm Accessible self-catering accommodation

Patients spend an average of six months rehabilitating in the National Spinal Unit after injury. For patients with a higher level of injury this can be closer to nine months. Our volunteers are former patients. They know that although television and computers help to pass the time, they can leave people feeling passive and isolated.

• Level access throughout • Sleeps 6 • Master bedroom with Liko 200 ceiling tracking hoist, height adjustable profiling bed and Invacare pressure relief air mattress, plus single bed

Our Peer Support volunteers run monthly social nights which provide a varied programme of quiz nights, DJ, bingo and buffet. The evenings take on seasonal themes such as Halloween or Burns Night and are held in the day room at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital which is accessible to patients on bed rest.

• Ensuite wetroom with shower chairs provided and righthand transfer accessible toilet • One double room and one twin room • Family bathroom with over bath shower, height adjustable sink and accessible left-hand transfer toilet

The money raised will allow us to provide more during these monthly Social Nights. They offer an opportunity for patients to form friendships and spend time with family and friends in a more informal setting.

• Combined kitchen/living area with patio doors leading onto a patio area and landscaped wheelchair accessible garden • Wi-Fi internet access • Private accessible parking, 2 spaces

Fully accessible living accommodation and accessible garden with patio area and raised beds, designed with the wheelchair user in mind. Close to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Open all year.

Please get in touch with Spinal Injuries Scotland on 0141 427 7686 Twitter@cloberfarmSIS. Email: info@sisonline.org www.sisonline.org

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• Fully accessible kitchen with low level fridge, freezer, microwave & oven.

Adjustable height worktop with induction hob and sink • Utility room with washing machine, dishwasher and clothes airer • Assistance dogs welcome • Pets welcome • Non smoking

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S A * M T S I R CH S D R A C

*

Christm a £3.50 fo s cards are r pack o f1 3 packs for £10. 0.

CHRISTMAS TREE

The 17th Digby Brown Winter Dinner Dance for Spinal Injuries Scotland was a resounding success, raising a record £83,000. We would like to thank all who attended and donated.

K N A TH YOU

TABLES

TITLE SPONSOR

Digby Brown Solicitors PENGUINS

WINE SPONSOR Cochran Dickie

DRINKS RECEPTION SPONSOR DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central

GOLDEN TICKET SPONSOR

Iona Innes Joanna Martin Kathleen McMonagle Lane Media Laroque Software Ltd Liam Dorris, Yorkhill Lianda Barnes, Digby Brown Lisa Henderson, Ampersand Maureen Morrison Novo Therapy & Care Ltd Peter Davies Proud Motion Resolve Medicolegal Limited 2 Robert Kernaghan, Digby Brown Scott Moncrieff Steven McGhee Strange Strange & Gardner STV Tilney Wheelchair Travel Solutions

Ampersand Advocates

DONATIONS TABLES

*

To orde r contact please th SIS offic e eo info@s n isonlin e. or 014 1 427 7 org telling 686 us whic h

like to order.

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cards y ou’d

DOG ON STAIRS

Alan Moffat Alba Psychology Alex Quinn & Partners Andrew Sutherland, Arnot Manderson Anne Cossar and Associates Ltd ARAG plc Bauer Radio Brian Castle, Digby Brown Brian Fitzpatrick, Ampersand Bullen Case Management Services Limited Chris Stewart, Digby Brown Classic Lifts Ltd Cochran Dickie Community Integrated Care David Wilson, Digby Brown Dawn McCafferty, Digby Brown DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Glasgow Central Fraser Oliver, Digby Brown Fraser Simpson, Digby Brown Gordon Dalyell, Digby Brown Insight Direct (UK) Ltd

A.G. Barr Alba Psychology Alexis Geddes Anderson Maguire Community Trust Ardbeg Distillery Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel & Spa Barr printers Bauer Radio Beer52 Billington’s of Lenzie Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park Bowmore Distillery Brodies Bullen Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect world Cameron House Castle Semple Chris Stewart Clober Golf Club Craig Semple Crieff Hydro DoubleTree by Hilton DVI Technologies DX

DONATIONS

Dynamic Earth Eden Mill Edrington Eusebi Deli Fingal Flat Spaces Ascent Aviation Fruitful Office Glasgow Club Glasgow Science Centre Gordon Thalon Hampden Park HomesBook Factoring Ike Curren Islay Sea Adventures John Hendry Photography Julie Sugrue Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf Kirsten Graham Knockhill Racing Circuit Kuoni Travel Lindores Abbey Distillery Lisa Robinson Margaret Dabbs London McEwan Fraser Musselburgh Racecourse Nairn’s Oatcakes Nonna’s Kitchen, Kirkintilloch Patisserie Valerie Pearl & Plum Photography Perth Racecourse Phoenix Therapy and Care PSP Media Group Ltd Pure Spa & Beauty, West Nile Street Glasgow Rainbow Room S & S Argento Glasgow Scotsman Scottish Chamber Orchestra Scottish Personalised Gifts Company Scottish Rugby Union Spotless Sweaty Betty Tennents Caledonian The Botanist Gin The Clydeside Distillery The Ferry The Lane Agency The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links The Normandy Hotel The Regent Brassiere The Royal Yacht Britannia Tilney Tunnock’s William Grant & Sons William Torrance Yogability

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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 hugely appreciated.

K N A H T YOU

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JANET LISTER Donated £500

LESL EY HO GG Donat ed £30 0

IE J . DAV £10 Donated

ANDR EW AN D LINDS EY YO U NG Donate d £150

RET MARGA & IAIN & AND JIM LO G A N OOPER BETTY C £2000 Donated

LYNDA TURNER SCHOOL OF DANCE raised £650 at their annual dancing display.

SPINAL

Life SCOTLAND

S R E T R O P

SUP

BECOME A MEMBER OF SPINAL INJURIES SCOTLAND! Becoming a member of Spinal Injuries Scotland is completely free, allowing you access to:

• Confidential advice and support from out office team and/or our Peer Support Team, all of whom have been affected by a spinal injury • Legal and welfare rights advice • Our small grants scheme • Reduced rates to stay at Clober Farm • Our magazine delivered to you • Dedicated healthcare home delivery service – provided by Bullen Healthcare.

You will benefit from your own dedicated personal adviser and a great range of complimentary items.

• Discounted tickets for the annual Digby Brown Winter Dinner Dance

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