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2 All Together NOW! April/May 2013 www.alltogethernow.org.uk

What’s inside

Who to contactEditor: Tom Dowlingemail:[email protected]

Advertising/sponsorshipChris Groves

email:[email protected]

IT Support: Ken AlmondWebsite: Pharos Design

NEXT EDITION:Tuesday 4 June 2013

All Together NOW! is published by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EPRegistered Charity No.1106387

HALF OF All Together NOW! READERS DO NOT SEE ANY OTHER NEWSPAPER— The Murray Consultancy‘

n All Together NOW! is aregistered charity set up toprovide a tip top news servicefor anyone whose life isaffected by disability, long-term healthcondtions or age.n The charity reliesentirely on supportfrom its sponsors,advertisers andfrom general subscriptionsand grants.n You can contact us on

0151 230 0307

NEWS p2-6

BANK WORKERS CHARITY p7

THE FAMILY PAGE p8

THE MORGAN FOUNDATION p9

GETTING ON p10

UNITED UTILITIES p11

INDEPENDENT LIVING p12

LIVERPOOL COMMUNITY HEALTH p13

MERSEYTRAVEL p14

MOTORZONE p15-17

HOROSCOPES: Russell Grant p18

SKILLZONE p19-21

GARDENING p22

HEALTHZONE p23-25

THEATRE GUIDE p26-27

PUZZLEZONE p28-29

CONTACT BOARD p30

SPORTZONE p31-32

NEWS

All Together NOW!

WORKERS with disabilities are twice aslikely to be abused at wor, says a newstudy.

Researchers from Cardiff and Plymouthuniversities found that people with physical orpsychological disabilities or long-term illnessreported higher rates of 21 types of ill-treatmentthan other workers did – and often from theirmanagers and colleagues.

These included being given impossible deadlinesand being ignored, gossiped about or teased.

The research, which uses data from the BritishWorkplace Behaviour Survey, found that those withdisabilities or long-term illness said managers wereresponsible for 45% of the more serious ill-treatmentthey had suffered and that customers or clients wereresponsible for 28%, and colleagues for 18%.

Professor Ralph Fevre, of Cardiff School of Social

Sciences, said: “Up to now, researchers havegenerally assumed that ill-treatment in theworkplace was causing disabilities and healthproblems. Our work suggests ill-treatment happensto employees who already have disabilities or healthproblems.”

In their paper ‘The Ill-treatment of DisabledEmployees in British Workplaces’, researchers notethat people with a disability or long-term illnessreported higher levels in all the categories of ill-treatment they looked at.

Among workers with a disability, those with apsychological or learning disability usually faredwore than those with physical disabilities or long-term physical health problems.

Among those with a psychological or learningdisability, 21.2% said they were victims of physicalviolence, and 44.2% said they had been insulted.

‘Disabled workers abused’

THE Community Foundationfor Merseyside took over No10 Downing Street andshowcased their work onbehalf of local charities,community groups andphilanthropists.

Prime Minister’s wife SamanthaCameron and guests heard thecharity’s chief executive CathyElliott and Chris Bliss, estatedirector for Liverpool ONE, talk

about the importance of giving.Guests also saw a selection ofshort films of recent communityprojects that have beensupported.

Cathy said: “The CommunityFoundation is dedicated tohelping local people at agrassroots level.

“Since we first launched in 1999,we have distributed over £45m ingrants to around 9,500 community

groups and individuals.“Last year alone, we invested

approximately £1.2m intoMerseyside in projects which aretransforming local communitiesand improving lives.

“I feel incredibly proud of theseachievements, which have onlybeen made possible through thegenerosity of our donors, and aretestament to the hard work anddedication of those in our sector.”

DOWNING GREET: Mrs Cameron, centre, meets the Foundation team –Kevin Horkin, left, Dame Lorna Muirhead, Cathy, and Dennis Mendoros

CharitychiefstakeoverNo 10

£28 billion benefit cuts on way

A WHEELCHAIR user haswon £1,500 in an out ofcourt settlement after beingrefused entry to a nightcluband then taunted by staff.

The case, supported bythe Equality and HumanRights Commission,highlights the difficultiesstill faced by manydisabled people in theireveryday lives, includingphysical access problemsand dealing withdiscriminatory attitudes.

Mark Daniels, a medicalstudent from Peckham,took action against theowner and the manager ofthe Mosquito bar inClapham.

Both people wereaccused of denying himaccess due to his disability,despite the fact that it isunlawful for a serviceprovider to discriminateagainst a person becauseof disability.

Mr Daniels claimed hewas refused entry becausehe was a wheelchair user.He was also told the barwas too busy and therewas no space for him –despite the fact that otherpeople were being let in.

He had been in the samebar before without anyproblems.

Mr Daniels also said thathe was subjected tohumiliating harassment bythe manager who tookphotographs of him andthen laughed at him alongwith the doorman.

Mr Daniels said: “It’s ashame some businessesstill see disabled people asan inconvenience insteadof as potential customers.”

John Wadham, chieflegal officer at the EHRC,said: “It does not makesense to exclude disabledpeople.

“All that is needed is alittle thought by a businessand investment in somecommon sense facilities fordisabled people – a smallprice to pay compared tothe reputational benefits fora business that is seen totreat all its customers well.”


HHuummiilliiaatteedd

wwiinnss ££11,,550000cclluubbbbeerr

ppaayy oouuttNEW research reveas that disabled

people are set to lose more than £28billion in benefits by 2018 as a result of

Government cuts and reforms to the welfaresystem.

The findings – by the disability charity Scope andthe thinktank Demos – calculates that 3.7 milliondisabled people will lose out as a result of the cuts.

By 2018, some disabled people could be affectedby at least six different cuts, through reforms toworking-age disability living allowance (DLA),housing benefit, and employment and supportallowance (ESA). Some could lose more than£23,000 by 2018.

About 150,000 disabled people are set to losemore than £15,000 each by 2018, with the worst-hitlikely to be those – in the work-related activity group– who are affected by the new 12-month time limiton the contributory form of ESA.

The researchers found that the combined impact of

other welfare cuts was too difficult to calculate,including the freezing of child benefit (affecting onemillion disabled parents), the closure of theIndependent Living Fund (affecting 19,000 disabledpeople), and cuts to council tax credit (1.38 milliondisabled people) and local housing allowances forprivate tenants (827,000 disabled people).

There are also continuing restrictions on socialcare, with local authorities tightening eligibilitycriteria, increasing charges, and cutting services.

Richard Hawkes, Scope’s chief executive, said:“Disabled people are already struggling to pay thebills. Living costs are spiralling. Income is flat-lining.We know many are getting in debt, just to pay foressentials.

“The same group of disabled people face not justone or two cuts to their support, but in some casesthree, four, five or even six cuts.

“It paints a frightening picture of the financialstruggles affecting disabled people in 2013.”

3www.alltogethernow.org.uk April/May 2013 All Together NOW!

Farewell and thanksto a great pal . . .

NEWS

DISABILITY minister EstherMcVey popped in to theAll Together NOW! offices

– and praised the support the charityreceives from the its sponsors andpartners.

“It is really excellent that these bigorganisations are supporting such avaluable charity newspaper - the only oneof its kind in the country,” she said.

The Wirral West MP is a big fan of themulti award-winning paperthat has a readership ofalmost half a million acrossthe North West.

“All Together NOW! is aterrific newspaper that’shelping so many people,” shesaid.

“It is a fantastic brand,trusted by its ever-growingarmy of readers, and apartfrom the all the help andinspiration it gives to familiesaffected by disability it is alsoraising significant generalawareness about theeveryday issues thatdisabled people and those inpoor health face in the UK.”

Since taking up her positionas Minister for DisabledPeople last September, MsMcVey has been embroiledin rows over theGovernment’s welfare reformprogramme and the closureof Remploy factories thatprovided jobs for disabledpeople.

“We are facing very toughtimes,” she said, “but wewant to ensure that oursupport targets the peoplewho are most in need.”

All Together NOW!teams up with

Access to WorkSKILLZONE – p19

We are very impressed with howAll Together NOW! is gettingour health messages to peopleacross the region.The paper ishaving a tremendously positiveimpact on people’s wellbeing,especially those affected bydisability and age, and we aredelighted to continue ourpartnership.”

James Brown, Head ofCommunications Liverpool

Community Health

All Together NOW! is making ahugely important socialcontribution to people affectedby health issues and deservesto be supported. At Park we arecommitted to supporting ourcommunity and this free charitynewspaper is helping so manypeople across the region.We know how valuable it is formany of our customers. We areproud to be associated with thepaper.”

Chris Houghton, chiefexecutive officer at Park

TOP PRAISE: Esther McVey, Minister for Disabled People, in the editor’s chair

Hello!After such a long, cold andespecially tough winter, it’sgreat to report that yourFREE All Together NOW!paper continues to battle onand impress people fromright across the region – andbeyond!

Best news of all came justas we were going to press.The Morgan Foundation, whohave supported our worksince 2006, have extendedtheir sponsorship foranother three years!

Steve Morgan, founder andchairman of the MorganFoundation, said: “We wantyou to know how pleased weare with the huge progressthe paper has made.

“We know from the number of telephone calls we receivefrom people who have read the paper that distribution is onthe increase and is reaching the right audience.

“We look forward to another exciting three years. Keep upthe good work!”

Thanks – we will, and we hope that, despite all the gloomand doom, you will all find something to cheer about in thisour spring issue. We’re back in June with our sizzlingsummer edition. See you then!

— Tom Dowling, editor and coordinator

BIG FAN: STEVE MORGAN

WHAT OTHERSSAY ABOUT US

‘‘

Ministerpraises oursponsors

THANKS THANKS AT EASE: Sgt Walter Huntley and hislife-time pal, dummy Gunner Jimmy Turner

All Together NOW! has lost one itsstaunchest supporters and writers.

Walter Huntley, who worked tirelesslytrying to encourage North Westbusinesses and philanthropists tosupport the charity newspaper, died onMarch 15 aged 92.

Walter spent his journalistic career atthe Liverpool Daily Post and Echo,becoming associate editor of bothpapers, before retiring (from paid-forwork) in 1983.

But he was also known for his other“career” in showbusiness – thanks tohis love of ventriloquism. With hislife-time pal Gunner Jimmy Turner, heplayed to wartime audiences of troopsand civilians.

Walter’s book about his wartimeexperiences – Dummy Bullets – waspublished five years ago. He split theproceeds between All Together NOW!and the The Royal Artillery CharitableFund.

Walter’s final piece of work appearedin our Christmas issue. In the article hepassed on wise words for older peoplewho were trying to deal with the ever-increasing ailments that life throws theirway. Here’s his last paragraph . . .

“Now Christmas is almost here and amI going to enjoy it? You bet your life Iam! The family will be here – seven ofus – and we’ll play the old games justlike we used to do with me joining infrom a chair and I’ll have a wee dram.Not as many as once happened anddrunk more slowly, but each oneenjoyed all the more for being so. Lifecan still be good at 92!”

Walter leaves Wendy, his wife of over60 years, their son Ian, daughter-in-lawAnne-Marie and three grandchildrenAlex, Julia and Felicity.


340,000 people – two-thirds of All Together NOW! readers – DO NOTread any other disability or health publication — The Murray Consultancy‘

No alliance with us,TUC tells Government

NEWS

AMBITIOUS plans toprovide morespecialisedaccommodation forpeople with autism havebeen announced.

Wirral Autistic Societysays its residential homeat Raby Hall is to undergoa complete £2.5mtransformation over thenext decade.

Fundraiser Rick Myerssaid: “Our new plans arealmost as ambitious andsignificant as the purchaseof the original Raby Hall.

“The first phase of thisredevelopment, costing£755,000, will involve theconstruction of a brandnew autism specific homefor eight people.

“The main features of thenew home will be en-suitebedrooms, wide corridorsto avoid overcrowding andreduce anxiety levels,easy access to the openair and surroundinggrounds, and speciallighting.

“Good quality residentialaccommodation designedspecifically for those withautism is in very shortsupply. There are only3,000 places availablethroughout the UK toprovide for half a millionsufferers.”

He added: “We want tobuild something that willnot only improve thequality of life for those withautism - we want to buildsomething that we canleave for futuregenerations.”

While the majority ofpeople the society caresfor come from theMerseyside area they alsolook after more than 300people from all over thecountry.

The Society was set upin 1977 and opened byPrincess Anne.

Its Lifetime Appeal waslaunched at Eaton Park,the home of WASPresident, the Duke ofWestminster.nWirral Autistic Society:0151 643 5540.


New homeplans forautisticsociety

CHILDREN with a severe stammer are toreceive specialist support to reach theirfull potential following a Big LotteryFund grant.

Action for Stammering Children (ASC)is one of 48 projects across England toshare in funding of £10m from BIG’sReaching Communities programmewhich aims to help those most in needand build stronger communities.

Based at the Michael Palin Centre forStammering Children in London, ASCwill use the funding of £385,200 tocontinue providing specialist help tochildren from across England who havea chronic and often acute stammer.

ASC estimates that one in 20 childrenstammer and that it is three to fourtimes more common in boys than ingirls.nTel: 020 3316 8100.

Medicash backs Roy’s vision

DEAF bank customers are to benefitfrom a sign language service for thefirst time in the UK.

Called SignVideo, the service givesdeaf Lloyds Bank users direct accessto the customer service team via aBritish Sign Language interpreterusing their computer and a webcam.

Communications minister Ed Vaizeysaid: “It’s a great example of industryself-regulation at work, and proofthat Video Relay Service schemescan be put in place easily, and atminimal cost.

“The digital economy depends onmaking sure everyone can contributeand everyone can benefit, and Iwould now urge the rest of thebanking industry to follow Lloyds’lead.”

Barclays Bank, meanwhile, hasbecoming the first major bank tointroduce talking cash machines.

Since signing up to the RoyalNational Institute of Blind People’s

Loto’s £10m boost

Bank’s helpful signs

New hopes on‘bedroom tax’

HEALTH cash plan providerMedicash has donated £5,000 tothe Roy Castle Lung CancerFoundation to support its KingsCollege London research project.

The project aims to develop singlemolecule strategies to test bloodsamples, which it is hoped will helpresearchers to identify abnormalitiesin the blood that could be an earlysign of lung cancer.

The Medicash Charitable Trust hasdonated more than £1m to a varietyof causes during the past 10 years

and was formed through the mergerof two separate trusts.

Sue Weir, chief executive ofMedicash, said: “As lung cancer is themost common cause of cancer deathin the UK, for both men and women,we at Medicash wanted to make thisdonation to enable the Foundation tocontinue its important work on theprevention and treatment of lungcancer.”

Medicash is one of the largest andmost established healthcare cashplan providers in the UKKMEDICASH BOSS SUE WEIR

DISABLED people who areset to be hit by theGovernment’s

controversial “bedroom tax”have won the right to an urgentjudicial review of the new rules.

Lawyers acting for the 10individuals and families taking thelegal action say that the changes- which came into force on 1 April- will have a far greater impact ondisabled people than non-disabled people.

They say the regulations breachthe Equality Act and the HumanRights Act, as well as the UNConvention on the Rights ofPersons with Disabilities.

The judicial review of thedecision to cut housing benefit forthose judged to be “over-occupying” their social housingwill be heard in early May.

Sue McCafferty, a member ofthe We are Spartacus grassrootsnetwork of disabled campaigners,said: “The policy and thelegislation underpinning the‘bedroom tax’ are fundamentallyflawed and it was evident from theGovernment’s own equalityimpact assessment that theregulations would have adisproportionate impact upon sickand disabled people.

“We hope, that the profounddistress caused to those affectedwill soon be over.”

Ugo Hayter, from solicitors LeighDay, who is representing two ofthe claimants, said: “This is anexcellent result and the first stepin over-ruling what we believe isan unfair piece of legislationwhich has disproportionatenegative consequences fordisabled people and is therefore

discriminatory.”The new regulation will see a

working-age single person or acouple with no children in socialhousing having their housingbenefit reduced by 14 per cent ifthey occupy a two-bedroom homeand by 25 per cent if they occupya home with three or morebedrooms.

National Housing Federationfigures released earlier this month

showed that 230,000 disabilityliving allowance (DLA) claimantswould lose an average of £728per year in housing benefit as aresult of the new regulation.

Even if all the extra £30 millionfunding allocated by theGovernment to help foster carersand disabled people in adaptedproperties was given to DLAclaimants hit by the tax, theywould each receive just £2.51 perweek, compared with an average£14 a week loss.

A GROUP of enthusiasticcyclists – including Southport’sformer Parlympian MargaretBiggs and several otheramputees – are saddling up forthe Holyhead to MumblesChallenge.

The four-day, 200-miles trip,which takes place in April, willraise funds for the DouglasBader Foundation.

Margaret and Wyn Jenkins willbe making the ride a little more

challenging by riding a tandemthe whole way!

Wyn said: “We will besupported by 20 members of myable-bodied cycling clubtogether with others fromSouthport Cycling Club. Itsends a powerful message toother amputees that this is anactivity that is very inclusive.”nThe Douglas BaderFoundation: 01442 826662.LimbPower: 07502 276859.

Mumbling their way for charity

byJOHN PRING

THE TUC’s Disabled Workers’Committee has rejected an invitationfrom the Government to join its newDisability Action Alliance (DAA).

Disabled trade unionists feel stronglythat joining the DAA – an organisationrecently set up by the Office forDisability issues to encourage groupsrepresenting disabled people to worktogether – would restrict the TUC’sability to campaign against Governmentpolicies that are affecting disabledpeople.

Chair of the TUC Disabled Workers’Committee Seán McGovern said: “TheGovernment has been attacking theliving standards of disabled people foralmost three years now and things aregetting worse.

“The ATOS work capabilityassessments, the closure of theindependent living fund, the switch fromDisability Living Allowance to thePersonal Independent Payment, and thebedroom tax – every single one of thesechanges is punishing andimpoverishing disabled people and theirfamilies.”


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NEW MENTAL HEALTH ZONE?NEW MENTAL HEALTH ZONE?FOR the past eight years

All Together NOW! has beenproviding a first class news and

information service for readers affectedby disability.

By highlighting opportunities inemployment, leisure and sport, your FREEcharity paper has helped huge numbers ofreaders to lead more fulfilled lives. It hasalso led to the charity scooping a string ofprestigious awards – from the media industryand from communities across the North

West. But we’ve only been able to achievethis success thanks to our sponsors,advertisers – and YOU, our readers, who arehelping to guide the paper’s content.

Now we want to make All Together NOW!even better – by adding new sections thatwould help greater numbers of readers.

One of those new sections could be acomprehensive and positive Mental HealthZone.

Mental health/illness can, of course, be asdisabling as physical disability – 1 in 4people will experience some kind of mentalhealth problem in the course of a year.

We think there is a real need for such asection in All Together NOW!

A Mental Health Zone that incorporates amix of news, advice and opportunities couldhelp tens of thousands of readers.

It could also help raise awareness andcombat stigma and discrimination.

But before we start to put any plans intoaction – and explore the fundingopportunities to cover the costs of the newsection – we want to be absolutely certainthat YOU feel the same way, too.

We would be very grateful if you willcomplete the short questionnaire below. Wewant to know how useful you would find aMental Health section in All Together NOW!

– Thank You!


Please send to: MENTAL HEALTH ZONE, All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP

We need YOUR views

We are also looking for readers (especially thosewho have had mental health issues) who might liketo be considered for a small group that will give usviews on the direction and content of a new MentalHealth Zone. If you want to be part of the groupplease complete the coupon.

NAME

ADDRESS

Email

Phone

1. What are the main day to dayproblems faced by those withmental illness?

Isolation

Discrimination

Stigma

Anxiety

Lack of public understanding

Lack of news/information

Other

2. Do you think there is a need formore news and information aboutmental health issues?

Yes No

3. What kind of articles and featureswould you like to see in the newsection?Personal stories

News relating to mental health

Work/training opportunities

Research and treatments

Help and advice available

4. What do you think would be thebenefit of this new Mental HealthZone?

Increase awareness

Reduce stigma/discrimination

Reduced isolation

Access to opportunities

Improved health/confidence/quality of life

Other

Other

PLEASE TICK ALL RELEVANT BOXES – AND CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE . . . www.alltogethernow.org.uk


Shock health report

Flats are a Grand idea

of the homeless

NEWS

A FORMER Wirral pub is givinghomeless people a place to stay asthey prepare to move back intoindependent living.

The Victorian building, formerly theGrand Trunk pub in Duke Street,Birkenhead, had been closed for someyears until being bought by The WirralChurches’ Ark Project.

WCAP chief executive Anne O’Marahsaid: “The six studio flats are forhomeless people who may need longerterm support. This new facility is thefirst of its kind for us.”nWCAP: 0151 650 6850.

THE venue for Dave Thompson’s latest money-making effort was a real dive!

Dave, founder and co-ordinartor of Britain’s biggestdisabiltiy awareness event, is leading the gruelling Goingthe Extra Mile Scuba Challenge.

The event involves a 64-length dive of the swimmingpool at Great Sankey Leisure Centre in Warrington andwill raise money needed to hold the North West DisabilityAwareness Day at the town’s Walton Hall Gardens onSunday, July 14.

Dave, who sustained a spinal cord injury 23 years ago,has been scuba diving for five years despite no functionaluse in three limbs and limited use in his left arm.

Using adapted equipment, he has notched up over 70deep dives, including one very memorable dive with thesharks at Cheshire’s Blue Planet Aquarium.

Launched three years ago, the Going the Extra MileScuba Challenge takes place from 4pm-8pm on Sunday,April 27.

Anyone interested in joining the challenge can [email protected] or call the DAD admin teamon 01925 664064.

If you can’t make it to the event but want to supportDave and his team you can donate online atwww.justgiving.com/scuba2013

Dave set to makewaves for big day

FIVE disabled handcyclists are gearing up toscale Cadair Idris, one of

the tallest mountains inSnowdonia, using speciallydesigned mountain bikes.

The bikes, pedalled by handrather than foot, have especiallylow gears – essential on the steepand rocky upper slopes of themountain.

Project leader Graham O’Hanlon,who with wife Jacky run theChallenge Your Boundariesadventure centre at nearby Coed y

Brenin, said: “We want to raise theprofile of adaptive mountain bikingwithin the UK and to raise fundsfor a number of associatedprojects and local charities.

“This epic 10-hour ride – whichwe’ve called ‘Hand Bikes at Dawn’– is going to be really tough for allthe riders, who have had plenty oftraining.

“We have enlisted the support ofmountain rescue specialists whowill help the riders negotiate thedifficult stone chutes approachingthe summit, and a team of experts

will form a guard of honour for therapid return down the mountain.”

Charities set to benefit from thechallenge are:nChallenge your Boundariesadaptive MTB project (30%);nAberdyfi Search and RescueTeam (30%);n ‘Walking with the Wounded’, aproject assisting injured servicepersonnel (30%);nMawddach Rotary Club (10%).

The ride takes place onSaturday, April 20.Contact: 01341 430628.

Hand bikes at dawn!Hand bikes at dawn!

PREPARED FOR ANYTHING:Luke Delahunty, one of the fivehandbikers who are taking partin the mountain challenge

EIGHTEEN months ago a tinywoman with a huge hearttook a small step towards abig challenge.

Despite having a collapsedlung and a terminal illness,Karen Goodwin was determinedto walk up Snowdon to raisefunds for Macmillian CancerSupport – and to show the worldshe could still live life to the full.

And Karen would have reachedthe summit had the weather notturned foul just metres from thetop.

Now, a group of 50 women ofvarying health and abilities, mostof whom have undergonetreatment for breast cancer, aredeterminedto get tothe top inKaren’shonour.

DianeJones, diagnosed with breastcancer two years ago, said:“Karen was also very involved inplanning this new walk andhoped to be at the bottom of themountain making bacon buttiesfor us.

“Unfortunately, the cancerspread to her brain and Karensadly passed away in January.

“But we’re all now determinedthat Life Climb will be just one ofthe legacies she leaves and thatit will become an annual event!”

The Life Climb takes place onSaturday June 1nwww.life-climb.co.uk

Women’sSnowdontrek forKarenTHE homeless are a nation apart when it

comes to rates of infectious diseases,heart disease, asthma, mental health,and mortality, shocking evidence shows.

New research confirms that becausethe system allows homeless people toget so sick, they end up costing the NHSup to eight times more than people witha home.

The stark facts about Britain’shomeless population were presented tomembers of the Faculty for Homelessand Inclusion Health at their firstinternational conference.

The Faculty called for all NHSorganisations to adopt its corestandards for health services forhomeless people and for moreintegrated services for the mostvulnerable.

Stan Burridge, from homeless charityPathway, and a former rough sleeper,said: “My own experience tells me thatwhen the NHS lets homeless peopledown it just stores up more serioushealth problems for the future.”

We help with information, advice and financial support. Find out more, visit www.bwcharity.org.ukor call our FREE helpline: 0800 0234 834

My MoneyMy WellbeingMy Home

the experience to care,the knowledge to help

Supportingbankingfamiliesandretireeswithlife’schallenges

Supportingcurrent and formerbankworkersand their families with life’s Challenges

www.alltogethernow.org.uk April/May 2013 All Together NOW! 7

We help with information, advice and financial support. Find out more, visit www.bwcharity.org.ukor call our FREE helpline: 0800 0234 834

My MoneyMy WellbeingMy Home

the experience to care,the knowledge to help

Supportingbankingfamiliesandretireeswithlife’schallenges

Supportingcurrent and formerbankworkersand their families with life’s Challenges



FAMILIESFAMILIES

450,000 people are reading this page – 0151 230 0307


SIGHT loss is having a massiveimpact on some young children’slives, a new report warns.

Research reveals worryingdifferences between children withsight loss and their sighted peerswhen it comes to happiness, successat school, financial hardship andsocial inclusion.

The study, by RLSB (the RoyalLondon Society for Blind People) andthe Royal National Institute of BlindPeople (RNIB), comes as many localauthorities are having to reducespecialist educational support inresponse to Government cuts.

Key facts from the report, Sight

Impaired at Aged Seven, are:nParents revealed that children withsight loss are twice as likely as fullysighted children to have emotional,concentration or behaviouraldifficulties.nHalf live in households with aweekly income below £300.nThey are three times more likely tobe rated by their teachers as readingat “below” or “well below average”level.nTeachers said fewer than six in 10children with vision impairment had atleast one good friend, compared witheight in 10 children without visionimpairment.

Both parents and teachers were morelikely to report that children with visionimpairment were bullied at school andtwice as many children with visionimpairment said they were bullied “allof the time” at school.

RLSB chief Dr Tom Pey said: “Thisreport will alarm many but it’s a storythat has gone untold for too long.

“We must put into sharp reliefexactly how challenging the prospectsare for so many young children livingwith sight loss.

“Progress has been made inimproving many young lives, but thisreport demonstrates that we stillhaven’t got it totally right.”

DISABLED children are illegallyexcluded from school on a regularbasis with huge consequences for

their education and mental health, shocknew research shows.

A survey of over 400 affected families by theContact a Family charity found:nMore than half (53%) of families have beenasked to collect their child during the school daybecause there are not enough staff to supportthem.nMore than half (56%) of families have been toldby the school that their child can’t take part in aclass activity or trip because it is unsuitable forthem.nAlmost a quarter (22%) are illegally excludedevery week, and 15% every day.nMore than half (53%) of affected disabledchildren are falling behind with school work.n43% feel depressed because of illegalexclusions.nHalf of parents (50%) are unable to work due tobeing called to school frequently.

Contact a Family chief Srabani Sen said: “If non-disabled pupils were sent home because therewere not enough school staff, there would beuproar.

“Illegal exclusions undermine the government’sintentions set out in the Children and Families Billof disabled children achieving their full potential.

Maggie Atkinson, the Children’s Commissionerfor England, said “We will be publishing a reportwith recommendations on how best to address

THE JOURNEY fromchildhood into theadult world can bedifficult enough forany of us.

But it is often especiallystressful for youngpeople with disabilities orspecial educationalneeds – and theirparents.

Now Cerebra, anational charity forchildren with neurologicalconditions, has produceda guide aimed at makingthe whole process easierfor young people.

The guide has beenproduced forprofessionals to help givethem a clearunderstanding of whereyoung disabled people -aged between 16 and 25- stand in terms of thelaw, education, socialcare, health, housing,employment and money.

Cerebra will publish asimilar “transitions guide”for parents in thesummer and is planninga series of seminars forboth parents andpractitioners.Cerebra Helpline0800 328 1159www.cerebra.co.uk

School shameTHE award-winning MERU Bugzipowered indoor wheelchair is ahuge hit with children aged one tosix – and with Top Gear starRichard Hammond.

Stylish and easy to operate, thechairs are letting kids move aroundindependently, often for the first timein their lives.

“As a father of young children, Ihave seen how a child benefits frombeing able to interact with theworld,” said Richard. “To see Bugzimaking this a reality for childrenwhose parents believed it was animpossible dream is very moving.”

The Bugzi chairs were designedand made by children’s disabilitycharity MERU, who want to raise£100,000 to expand their free loanservice to families across the UK.

They already have 10 chairs out onloan and are hoping to find the other£50,000 to build another 10.nWant to know more? Call MERU on0208 770 1151.nwww.meru.org.uk/bugzi

TOP GEAR STARTOP CHAIR, SAYS

BRAINWAVE, the charityworking with families to helpchildren with disabilities reachtheir full potential, hascelebrated its 10th anniversary– with a visit from its president,the Countess of Wexford.

Children on Brainwave

programmes have a range ofconditions such as cerebral palsy,genetic conditions including Downssyndrome, autism and GeneralDevelopment Delay.

Chief executive Phil Edge said:“When The Countess agreed tobecome president of Brainwave we

had one centre in Bridgwater, but inthe past 10 years Brainwave hasreached out with centres in theNorth West, South East andsatellite clinics in Ireland andScotland.

“That means families can accessthe Brainwave charity wherever

they are based in the UnitedKingdom.”

The wife of Prince Edward openedthe centres in Warrington andWitham and has made several visitsto Bridgwater where she opened atherapy pool and accommodation.n Brainwave: 01925 825547.

Countess joins in the celebrations at Brainwave

Growingup isn’teasy . . .

Blind children’s lives blighted

www.morganfoundation.co.uk Tel. 01829 782800


www.morganfoundation.co.uk Tel. 01829 782800

HERE at the MorganFoundation we want tohelp organisations

who share our philosophy– Making aDifference.

Over the past decade wehave helped hundreds oforganisations across theregion, committing over£10 million.

This year we will be givingaway a whopping£1.5 MILLION to goodcauses.

Created in 2001 by

businessman Steve MorganOBE, founder and chairmanof Redrow plc, chairman ofthe Bridgemere Group ofCompanies andWolverhampton WanderersFC, the Morgan Foundationsupports charities acrossNorth Wales, Merseyside,West Cheshire and NorthShropshire.

Our aim is to providefunding for small tomedium-sized organisationswho are addressing specificneeds in these regions.

We are particularly keen tosupport those who havealready begun to make animpact, but need a helpinghand to expand their workand increase theireffectiveness.

We focus our help mainlyon those who work directlywith children and familiesbut we recognise that manywider issues may also affecttheir welfare, so we areinterested in any projectwhich contributes to thequality of life in our region.

How we can help . . .

POWERED wheelchairs arethe key to independencefor so many people.

But they come at a cost – far morethan what the cash-strapped NHSare prepared to pay out, and, inmost cases, far more than the priceof your average family car.

But that’s no longer a problem for19-year-old Connor Hill, who hasjust been given a state of the artTyphoon II Power AssistedWheelchair.

Connor, who lives in Runcorn, isamong 120 severely disabled youngpeople whose lives have beentransformed by poweredwheelchairs and other specialistmobility equipment – thanks to theregion’s biggest funder, The MorganFoundation, working in partnershipwith the Cheshire-based ChildrenToday charity.

Nearly £350,000 was raised at lastyear’s star-studded MorganFoundation charity golf day and

auction, sponsored by housebuilderRedrow, to benefit local disabledchildren.

“I can’t thank enough all thosepeople who have helped to get methis chair,” said Connor, who hasDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy, themost common form of the diseasethat mainly affects boys andprevents the body from producingdystrophin – a protein that helpsprotect muscles.

“Having this chair is enabling meto do so much. I am now livingindependently in my own flat andwith my Motability van and carerAlex I am able to live just likeanyone else in the community.

“There is no way I would havebeen able to pay to replace my oldchair which I have now outgrown.Thank you!”

Steve Morgan OBE, founder ofThe Morgan Foundation andchairman of Redrow andWolverhampton Wanderers FC,

said: “Having a mobility aid meansdisabled children can feel a fractionof the sense of freedom most of ustake for granted.

“Each piece of equipment costsbetween £1,500 and £16,000 – andthe cost is not covered by the NHS.

“Everyone who took part in our golfday or attended the gala dinner has

helped to make a real difference.”Alan Dodd, chief executive of

Children Today, said: “Withoutdoubt, the unrivalled support fromThe Morgan Foundation has had aprofound impact on many, manydisabled children and young people.This specialised equipment is sovital to their on-going development.”

MANY people assume thata child or young personwith a disability wouldautomatically receive theequipment they need.

Sadly, this is not thecase. Many families areunable to get the help theyneed from local healthauthorities for major itemssuch as specialisedmobility equipment.

This is where ChildrenToday can help.

Founded in 1994 thecharity helps disabledchildren and young peopleup to the age of 25 enjoy abetter quality of life byproviding them with thespecialised equipmentthey need.

Children Today believesthe provision ofspecialised equipment hasa direct and immediateimpact on a child’s qualityof life and independence,and is vital in helpingthem to overcomeobstacles and achievetheir potential.

The charity providesongoing support and thechildren can come backfor further funding as theirneeds develop or theyoutgrow their equipment.n If you think ChildrenToday may be able to helpyou, call 01244 335622.

POWERYOUNGPEOPLEPEOPLEPEOPLE

HOT WHEELS: Connor with Steve Morgan, centre, andAlan Dodd, chief executive of the Children Today charity

TTOOPOWERPOWERYOUNGYOUNG

Helping families


GETTING ON . . . Life is fragile, handle with care . . .

. . . helpsto solvesome oftheproblemsfaced byolderpeople

WISE WINNIEWISE WINNIE

SENIOR MOMENTS . . . with FRANK HARRIS

QFor 35 years I have enjoyedliving alone in my cottage in arural area but over the winter I

became quite depressed and felt veryisolated. For the first time in my life Ifelt old, which is not surprising as I amin my late eighties.

I no longer drive and friends say I needto act now about getting somewhere tolive nearer the shops and transportservices.

They think if I leave it any longer I will notbe able to cope with the move and theyare probably right. They say that I shouldbe thinking of sheltered accommodationwhere a warden would be on hand if Ibecame ill and where I could meet up withother residents socially.

But the thought of selling my homefrightens me, and my two nearestneighbours, who have always been thereto help me, say they don’t want me to go.

I have no family members to talk thingsover with.

AUprooting yourself is a very bigstep to take and can in itselfbring on depression, so instead

of wasting energy worrying why not doa bit of practical investigating?

If you know someone who already livesin sheltered housing near to the shops, thelocal health centre, buses etc perhapsthey would let you have a look round theirplace to get a feel of what you would begoing into.

It could be smaller than your cottage soyou might have to get rid of some of yourfurniture and consider going for somethinglike fitted units instead.

And would you miss your garden? Theseare realities of the situation.

At first, any move is bound to feelstrange but as you get older and the lessyou feel like housework the more youcould appreciate the compactness of yoursurroundings and hopefully well organisedcommunal activities.

While you are considering change whynot take a look at local care homes aswell, especially if your mobility is not good.

It’s good to have friendly neighbours butthey cannot be expected to have fullresponsibility for you and one day theymay move. They might be prepared tohelp you take a look at places. nAge UK provides information aboutsheltered housing and care homes.Tel: 0800 1696565, www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care

IF YOU believe everything that comes out ofAmerica then you may be worried aboutsuggestions that the brains of older people withhearing loss may decline 40% faster than thosewith normal hearing.

Worry not, says Deafness Research UK, whostress that the American research must be viewedwith caution.

Vivienne Michael, the charity’s chief executive,said: “This US research does not tell us if hearingloss causes this decline or if the conditions aresimply linked by association, or more importantly, ifhearing aids may help prevent it.

“Proof that treating hearing loss slows brain declineand dementia would be a compelling reason fordemanding greater investment into the causes and

treatments of deafness and an insight into theimportance of hearing aids as an aid to cognition andmental health in the UK’s ageing population.

“We know about two million people in the UK havehearing aids, but a further four million would benefitfrom using them too. This research, while in itspreliminary stages, may provide another goodreason to encourage them to do so.

“The first step to healthier hearing and perhaps ahealthier brain is to recognise the problem and dosomething about it.”

Deafness Research UK’s free leaflet JustDiagnosed with Hearing Loss? explains youroptions. For a free copy call the charity’s helpline0808 808 2222 nwww.deafnessresearch.org.uk

DESPITE the seeminglyendless economicgloom of the last few

years, it seems we are havinga lot more fun than a decadeago.

In its latest report, The Way WePay, the Payments Council bringstogether all the big trends over thatperiod for the first time . . .

Entertainment spending has risenby over 60%, we have doubledwhat we spend in restaurants andcafés, and increased our outlay oncinema and shows by 63%.

Pubs and bars have lost out inreal terms, though. We arespending just 7% more on goingout for a drink.

In total, we spent £58bn havingfun last year, almost one and ahalf times as much as we forkedout for gas and electricity (£34bn).

Supermarkets now get 58p inevery retail pound, up from 46p 10years ago, and spending at theirpetrol pumps has almost tripled,accounting for 12% of what we

hand over to supermarkets.But spending in furniture and

homeware shops is down bynearly half.

Newsagents lost nearly a fifth oftheir trade, spending in DIY storesis also down by nearly half, butclothing shops bucked the retailtrend and increased their share ofour shopping spend by more thantwo thirds.

The cost of housing has shot up,whether you own or rent. Theamount we collectively spend onrent has risen 104% since 2001,while money going on mortgageshas increased by 99%.

Paying for our goods andservices has changed dramatically,too. Cheque usage continues tofall, halving every five years, and

the rise of the debit card has beenresponsible for the decline of cashon the high street.

We still make a lot of very smallcash transactions (three out of fiveof our one-off payments) but since91% are under £25, contactlesspayment technology, which hasstarted to become a more familiarsight at shop tills and on our cards,could revolutionise how way wepay.

Currently, most contactlesspayments are made using a debitor credit card upgraded with thenew technology, but soon mobilephones could do the job instead.

So stand by for another decadeof big change.

Adrian Kamellard, chief executiveof the Payments Council, said:“Someone in their 30s today willsee more change in their lifetimethan in the entire history of money.It’s easy to imagine a future wherewe merely pat our pockets for ourkeys and phone. The wallet couldbecome a historical curiosity.”

AArree hhaappppyy ddaayyssAArree hhaappppyy ddaayyssrreeaallllyy hheerree aaggaaiinn??rreeaallllyy hheerree aaggaaiinn??

It seems we’respending moreon having fun!

THE AVERAGE price ofbeing a pensioner in theNorth West is £9,812 ayear.

The biggest costcomes from housingand heating at £1,580,narrowly ahead ofspending on food andnon-alcoholic drink.

In total, pensionerspending contributes£103.9 billion to totalspending across the UKwith more than £16.4billion going on housingand energy bills.

Don’t lose sleep over this brainteaser

THE best bank accountaround at the momentis without a doubtSANTANDER 1 2 3Account. n It gives interest onthis current accountand rebates on yourDirect Debits.n3% rebate on DDs formobile phones, homephones, broadband andpaid-for TV packages.n2% on energy (gasand electric)n1% on Water, CouncilTax, and Santandermortgages (to £1000p.m.)

In addition you willreceive interest (lesstax) on your balancewith them as follows:nOver £1,000 1% p.a.nOver £2,000 2%nOver £3,000 to£20,000 3%.

Where else can youget 3% interest oninstant access on£20,000?

But you must not gooverdrawn and youmust pay in at least£500 p.m. and have atleast 2 DDs. There isalso a monthly fee of£2.

Switching is very easyand well worthwhile.

www.santander.co.uk

FOR THOSE of you whotook my advice lastissue and now have aSainsbury credit card,you will soon becoming to the end ofthe 5% rebate period.

Do not despair, isthere someone else inyour household whocould take out a cardwhich, with theirpermission and armedwith their pin you coulduse to everyone’[email protected]

MONEY MATTERSwithGORDON VINER


A helping hand for customers with extra needs

with

extra needs

A helping hand for customers with extra needsA helpinghand for cus

tomerswith extra needs

A helping hand for customers

We offer a range of free services to help customers who:

Our services include:

We also offer a free password scheme for all our customers.

Need a little ExtraCare?

To find out more call 0845 746 1100. If you have hearing or speech difficulties and use a textphone, please dial 18001 followed by the number you require.

Beat the bogus caller

Home or away – keep all doors

the door

0845 746 2200

03/13/SD/5631

United Utilities is calling on all customers to protect themselves from doorstep criminals.

Statistics show that around 20 bogus caller crimes are committed every day in the UK, but this might only be 10% of the total that actually take place as victims often feel too embarrassed to report it to the police.

Bogus callers will often call at your door claiming there is an issue with the water and they need to check your taps; they will use this as an opportunity to trick themselves into your home claiming to be from United Utilities or ‘the water board’. Once inside, they will distract you while they or an accomplice help themselves to money and valuables.

Genuine United Utilities’ employees always carry an ID card and are happy to show this to you. They will never put pressure on you to enter your home and will be happy for you to phone United Utilities to check their identity. And our employees won’t refer to ‘the water board’ as this hasn’t existed for more than 30 years!

Bogus callers can be very persuasive, but our advice is to never feel under pressure to let someone into your home.

to bogus callers!

To help you, we operate a ‘password protection’ scheme. Joining our password scheme is easy.

It takes just one call to 0845 746 1100. We simply need your details and your choice of password. Then, whenever someone claiming to be from United Utilities calls at your home, you can ask them for your password. Only a genuine visitor from United Utilities will know what it is. It’s a simple deterrent that really does work and will give you the confidence to turn people away from your door.

Most gas, electricity and telephone companies will operate a similar scheme – see a recent bill for further details and contact numbers.


INDEPENDENT LIVING

NEW state of the art prosthetic legs could soonmake walking a lot easier for above-kneeamputees.

Currently, when walking with a single prostheticleg, above-knee amputees typically use up to 60%more energy than non-disabled people, causingfatigue and a 40% slower walking speed.

Now research by the University of Salford,University of Manchester and prostheticscompany Blatchford’s Endolite Technology Centrecould revolutionise people’s lives.

A crack team of engineers and prosthetists areset to explore the potential for using hydraulictechnology to harvest and store energy from theparts of the prosthesis that absorb power, andthen return that energy to the parts that do usefulpropulsive work.

The results will be used to develop newprosthetic leg designs that have increasedfunctionality and require less energy from theamputee.

Professor David Howard at the University ofSalford’s School of Computing, Science &Engineering, said: “This is an opportunity fortruly transformative research, leading to morebiomechanically efficient prosthetic legs, enablingamputees to walk faster for longer and thereforelead more active lives.”

THE latest computer gamestechnology could play a bigpart in the recovery of stroke

victims.Medics believe Microsoft Kinect – a

device enabling computer gamers tocontrol their Xbox with gestures andspoken commands – can help strokepatients who have suffered facialparalysis.

Now, thanks to a £347,000 grant,researchers at Nottingham TrentUniversity are building a prototype systemwhich uses an avatar to provide instantfeedback on a patient’s progress.

The system will automatically detect howwell both sides of a stroke victim’s faceare lining up, using eyelids, cheeks andthe corners of the mouth, while they carry

out routine facial exercises. Thisinformation will be displayed on a TV orcomputer screen to the patient anddoctors.

Project leader Dr Philip Breedon said:“This tool will recognise the differencesbetween an undesirable one-sidedunilateral movement and a desiredsymmetrical movement, across both sidesof the face.

“This information would then beconveyed via the TV using an animatedrepresentation, or avatar, of the patient.

“Using the avatar as both a visual andoral communicator, the system will takethe patient through a series of exercisesand indicate the degree of success.

“It is hoped that the information will alsobe sent electronically to a clinician to allow

them to track the patient’s progress.”This is a considerable advancement on

the traditional method currently used,where patients are provided with a seriesof exercises on a piece of paper, so theyare unable to assess on a daily basiswhether they are making improvements orperforming the correct movements.

The device will consist of an interfacebox which runs the software and is linkedto the Windows Microsoft Kinect and thepatient’s TV or PC monitor.

Dr Breedon added: “We’re hoping thatthis technology will not only help to reducethe burden on the NHS but moreimportantly improve the quality of life ofstroke survivors, providing them withencouragement and recognising theaccomplishments during their recovery.”

Xbox of tricks toaid strokerecovery

New legs set tomake life easierfor amputees


To find out more, visit . . . www.liverpoolcommunityhealth.nhs.uk

STAFF at LCH are celebratingafter winning a national award fortheir successful marketingcampaign that aimed toencourage staff to get a fluvaccination to protectthemselves, their colleagues andpatients from the flu.

The Trust was awarded the ‘MostInnovative Campaign’ title at theNHS Confederation’s annual FluFighter Awards, which took place at

Leeds City Museum. The award-winning 1950’s style flu

campaign was created by the Trust’sin house Communications Team,with support from Liverpool-basedcreative agencies, Splinter Designand Dupe Creative.

It featured real Trust employeesand Board members, accompaniedby comic captions highlighting their‘excuses’ for not having a flu jab.

A coinciding viral film was also

launched, which depicted the chiefexecutive, Bernie Cuthel, andmedical director, Craig Gradden, ina ‘spoof’ old-fashioned Governmenthealth broadcast.

The campaign successfullycaptured the imagination of staff andgot people talking, resulting in71.6% of Trust staff choosing tohave the voluntary flu vaccinationthis year, up from just 47.7% theprevious year.

WHEELCHAIR users across theworld celebrated the positiveimpact that a wheelchair hashad upon their lives andmobility.

And the Liverpool WheelchairService, which is run byLiverpool Community HealthNHS Trust, marked the occasionon March 1 with a fun-packedmorning.

Pupils from Sandfield Park andSpringwood Heath schoolsattended the event at theLifehouse centre in SummersRoad, Brunswick Business Park.

Bernie Cuthel, chief executiveof LCH,said: “It was fantastic tobe celebrating this occasionwith local children and youngpeople who are wheelchairusers, to help us understandsome of the challenges andbarriers they face.”To find out more about LiverpoolWheelchair Service or to join aWheelchair Participation Group,contact: 0151 296 7733.

LIVERPOOL Community Health is among the UK’stop 100 gay-friendly employers for the second yearrunning.

LCH was the only NHS Trust in the North West to makethe Stonewall Top 100 Employer List, which assessesorganisations’ equality practices and how they engagewith their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)staff and patients.

Frank Davidson, equality and diversity advisor at LCH,who coordinated the submission for Stonewall, said:

“For LCH to achieve this level of recognition for thework that it does to promote equality for lesbian, gay,bisexual and transgender staff is just fantastic.

‘Inclusive workplace’“It reflects the excellent quality of the specialist health

services we offer such as Armistead, which providestailored advice and support to the LGBT community.”

Bernie Cuthel, chief executive of Liverpool CommunityHealth, added: “This demonstrates how our core values –which are care, courage, collaboration, commitment andcommunity – really do influence our commitment toensuring an inclusive, healthy and supportive workplacefor everyone.”

THE majority of disabledchildren in Liverpool whoneed a wheechair will now

be assessed and be given achair to fit their needs – all onthe same day.

Christine McGhee, servicemanager for Liverpool WheelchairService, which is run by LiverpoolCommunity Health NHS Trust, said:“Historically speaking, lengthlywaiting times between a child’s firstassessment and the actual deliveryof their wheelchair have meant thatsome children have beenoutgrowing their prescribedwheelchair before it could bedelivered to them.

“But now we can start to makechanges that will really improve thisservice.”

The new scheme, funded througha £15,000 bursary from the NHSRegional Innovation Fund, meansthat most children will be able toget their wheelchair almostimmediately, though those with

more complex needs may have stillhave to wait a little longer.

Helen Lockett, director ofoperations and executive nurse atLCH, said: “Our aim is to implementthis new service in April.

“We are currently working with a

range of partners to explore waysto take this new initiative forwards,which will transform the waywheelchairs are provided tochildren and their families.

“As a Trust, we are committed todeveloping new and innovative

ways to deliver services andimprove patient experiences, andthis scheme is a great example ofthat.”

The improved service washighlighted at the recent HealthcareInnovation Expo in London.

WINNERS: Proud staff with the award for their flu jab campaign

Flu jab campaign wins top award

Top employer

Wheels of freedom!

FUN TIME at Lifehouse


MERSEYTRAVEL

0871 200 22 33Calls costs 10p per minute fromland lines, mobiles may vary

Merseytravel is making sure that Public Transport on Merseyside is easy for everyone to use

We care about the accessibility of our buildings, vehicles and information. All of our staff are trainedto be courteous and considerate, particularly when our customers have special requirements.

Whether it be automatic door openers in our head office, availability of textphones for main points of contact, or producing timetables in large print, we want to make public transport easier for everyone to use.

Among our services and facilities are:

with disabilities

developed in partnership with our local authorities and bus companies

Textphone users can dial 18001 then 0871 200 22 33 for a text relay assisted call

MERSEYTRAVEL wantsyour help to improve theFREE Merseylink bus –

the dial-a-ride service forpeople with mobility problems,or other difficulties, who cannotuse ordinary public transportsome or all of the time.

They are reviewing the serviceand looking for ways to make itbetter for everyone who uses it.

Merseytravel bosses want tomake the service available tomore disabled people and createsomething that can really make adifference to people’s lives.

The Merselink vehicles aredesigned for easy access andpassenger comfort and theyinclude wheelchair access, lowsteps, wide and comfortableseats, seatbelts for all passengers

and on-board communications.Merseylink drivers are caring,

friendly and familiar with theneeds of people with mobilityproblems.

To be eligible for the Merseylinkservices you must live inMerseyside, receive the mobilityor care element of Disability LivingAllowance at the higher rate orreceive Attendance Allowance at

the higher rate, or be registeredblind, or have a serious illness.

If you have a comment to makeabout the service, or an ideaabout improving the service,contact Paulette Lappin on 0151330 1300. nThe consultation runs untilthe end of April. More detailsare on the Merseytravel websitewww.merseytravel.gov.uk

MENCAP Liverpool isMerseytravel’s charityfor 2013.

And staff are doingtheir bit to boost fundsby organising eventssuch as cake days, andsponsored walks.

It costs over £500 perday to keep the servicesrunning and all themoney raised is used tobenefit people with alearning disability livingin Merseyside.

There are lots of funways to get involvedand make a difference topeople with a learningdisability and the localcommunity.

You could get togetherwith a group of friendsor colleagues andorganise a cake sale toraise money, you couldhave a dress down dayat school – or even afancy dress day in youroffice!If you’re interested infundraising for MencapLiverpool, or justinterested to see thework that they do, visitthe website, www.mencapliverpool. org.uk

MERSEYTRAVEL ishosting the NationalConference on SpecialEducation Transport onApril 25.

The event will focus onthe changing face ofspecial education –including theintroduction ofPathfinders, unifiedplans and personalisedbudgets.

The challenges andopportunities thattransportcommissioners andproviders face will beexplored during theconference.

Speakers will includeMaria Eagle, the ShadowTransport Miniser, andStephen Twigg, ShadowEducation minister.

The cost to attend theconference is £185 plusVAT.nFor more informationcontact [email protected]

WE NEEDWE NEEDYOURYOURHELP!HELP!

Mencapneedssupport

All aboard

How can weimproveMerseylinkbus service?


ONE OF the Paralympianstars of London 2012 haswarned that cuts to the

Motability car scheme, coupledwith an inaccessible publictransport system, will make iteven harder for disabled people tofind work.

There are fears that 200,000 disabledpeople might lose their Motability carsdue to cuts in disability living allowance(DLA).

Sophie Christiansen, who won threeequestrian gold medals, told MPs onParliament’s transport selectcommittee that she relied on herMotability vehicle.

Llike hundreds of thousands of otherdisabled people, she pays for her carwith the DLA mobility component.

She told the committee, which is

looking into disabled people’s accessto transport: “The message theGovernment is sending is for moredisabled people to get intoemployment and get off benefits.

“But how can they when they can’tget to work in the first place?

“I rely on my Motability car foreverything, to get out, and I use my carwhen I can’t access public transport.”

She told MPs that the need to bookrail assistance 24 hours in advance“takes away spontaneity and flexibility”.

She added: “Many users have to sit

on the train and just wait and seewhether they get help at their station.It’s really unreliable.”

Christiansen said she was verydisappointed that the Paralympics hadnot led to bigger improvements in thenumber of accessible London stations.

She said: “I am very aware howexpensive putting a lift in is, but othertransport networks around the worldare a million light years in front of us.

“I went to Vienna last year and theirunderground is perfect. I came backabsolutely disgusted by Londonunderground.”

Tanvi Vyas, campaigns officer for theTrailblazers network of young disabledcampaigners, also said the DLA cutscould mean many more disabledpeople turning to public transportbecause they were no longer eligiblefor the Motability scheme.

DISABLED people could soon find it almostimpossible to use foreign personal assistants(PAs) to drive their Motability vehicles, because ofstrict new rules on driving licences.

Motability says that foreign drivers without a UKdriving licence can now only be named on acustomer’s insurance policy if they provide writtenproof – in English – of their driving history,including details of endorsements and anydisqualifications in their home country.

But because this proof has to come from theorganisation that issued their licence, most foreignPAs who want to drive a vehicle obtained throughthe disabled people’s car scheme will have toobtain a UK driving licence instead.

And they can only apply to do this – for a £50 fee– after they have lived in the UK for at least sixmonths, while those from many non-EuropeanUnion countries would have to pass a UK drivingtest.

Foreign drivers already named on insurancecertificates will be able to continue to drive theiremployer’s vehicle until the Motability leaseexpires, but the new rules will apply if the disabledperson recruits a new PA or once the lease expiresand they decide to hire another Motability car.

by JOHN PRING

Motability axe addsto jobs’ nightmare

Paralympian hitsout at DLA cuts

New fears for carscheme users


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TAKE ME HOME!TAKE ME HOME!TAKE ME HOME!TAKE ME HOME!THE annual Mobility Roadshow – the

perfect place to try the latest vehiclesand innovations to help you with your

independence – takes place for the first timethis summer at the Telford InternationalCentre.

The Roadshow, now in its 30th year, is the originalhands-on national consumer mobility event,showcasing the best products and services fordisabled people of all ages, as well as those whowith advancing years simply need a little help to getaround.

Whether you want to test drive, explore vehicleadaptations and conversions, review and comparewheelchairs and scooters, find a new gadget for use

at home, seek advice from charities, caring andsupport organisations, or try a new sport – it will allbe there.

The Mobility Roadshow was the first event to offeropportunities to test drive production model vehicleswith a variety of adaptations - enabling what forsome disabled people is a rare opportunity to ‘trybefore you buy’.

And this year, for the first time, test drives takeplace on public roads around the venue, offering amore authentic driving experience.

You can book a test drive as a disabled driver orpassenger and will be accompanied by anexperienced driver.

If you are keen to be more active, you’ll find health

and fitness ideas from leading-edge equipment foruse at home to the latest bionic walking systems.

And if you want to try, or get back into, sport youcan experience a variety of individual and teamgames, as well as gain advice on different sportswheelchairs and how to get involved in your area.

Special-interest disability sports groups will berepresented and there will be the chance to playalongside Paralympians from both men’s andwomen’s GB wheelchair basketball teams.

If you have an idea for a new product or anadaptation of an existing one that could help peoplewith limited mobility, the Design Zone is the place tobe.

Last year’s two most popular products – Safesip

and Wheelchair Grippers – are now moving towardsmass production, following feedback andprofessional advice gained at the event.

This could be the year that your bright idea takescentre stage. To take part e-mail Hayley [email protected] with details.

nThe Roadshow runs from June 27-29 andentry is free.Register to keep abreast of news as it unfoldsand to receive updates, or book a test drive atwww.mobilityroadshow.co.uk Follow Facebook and Twitter @MobilityRdShow#mobilityroadshowTel: 0845 241 0390.

Get intoGet intogear gear for thefor theRoadshowRoadshow

17www.alltogethernow.org.uk April/May 2013 All Together NOW! hernow.org.uk

dill all

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health

and fitness ideas from leading-edge equipment foruse at home to the latest bionic walking systems.

And if you want to try, or get back into, sport youcan experience a variety of individual and teamgames, as well as gain advice on different sportswheelchairs and how to get involved in your area.

Special-interest disability sports groups will berepresented and there will be the chance to playalongside Paralympians from both men’s andwomen’s GB wheelchair basketball teams.

If you have an idea for a new product or anadaptation of an existing one that could help peoplewith limited mobility, the Design Zone is the place tobe.

Last year’s two most popular products – Safesip

and Wheelchair Grippers – are now moving towardsmass production, following feedback andprofessional advice gained at the event.

This could be the year that your bright idea takescentre stage. To take part e-mail Hayley [email protected] with details.

nThe Roadshow runs from June 27-29 andentry is free.Register to keep abreast of news as it unfoldsand to receive updates, or book a test drive atwww.mobilityroadshow.co.uk Follow Facebook and Twitter @MobilityRdShow#mobilityroadshowTel: 0845 241 0390.

Our Vista’s just perfect!WITH the arrival of hersecond son, JemmaCadman knew it was time tothink about upsizing herwheelchair accessiblevehicle.

Jemma’s 11-year old sonAlfie has cerebral palsy anduses a wheelchair, so whenArchie came along last yearit meant the family’s RenaultKangoo was too small fortheir needs.

Jemma’s problem wassoon solved with AlliedMobility’s Volkswagen Vista,available on the MotabilityNearly New WAVs Scheme.

The scheme offerswheelchair accessible

vehicles that are no morethan two and a half yearsold, at a lower AdvancePayment than brand newWAVs.

Jemma said: “Not only canthe car comfortably cater forAlfie’s wheelchair and up tofive passengers but there’sstill bags of room forArchie’s buggy. It didn’t takeme long to make up mymind.”nFor more information on theVolkswagen Vista or any ofAllied Mobility’s wheelchairaccessible cars and MPVs,call FREE on 0800 916 3062,[email protected] or visitwww.alliedmobility.com


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Do YOU want to meetour top politicians?

Technology awards

DISABLED people with a passion forcampaigning are being given the chanceto meet politicians from the three largestpolitical parties this autumn.

Three disabled people will besupported via Leonard CheshireDisability’s ‘Access All Areas’programme to attend and campaign atthe Conservative, Liberal Democrat andLabour Party Conferences.

Successful campaigners will beexpected to write a daily blog, take partin media work and participate in a shortvideo diary.

Deadline for applications is May 3.Contact, tel 020 3242 0269 or download aform at www.lcdisability.org/

NOMINATIONS are wanted for the thirdannual UK Technology4Good Awardsthat recognise organisations andindividuals who use digital technology toimprove the lives of others.

Nigel Lewis, chief executive ofAbilityNet, the charity that organises theawards, said: “Whether at home, at workor in education, access to the digitalworld can be life changing –economically, socially andpsychologically.”

Professor Stephen Hawking was thetoast of last year’s awards ceremony,winning the Special Award for Excellencein Accessibility.Entry is free. Closing date, May 3.www.Technology4Goodawards.org.uk

ARIES March 21st - April 20thResist the urge to tear a strip off someonewho thinks they are the ‘Be all and end all’of the office, workplace or community,because things could backfire badly leavingyou with egg on your face. You’re better offchannelling all of that restless energy into acreative painting, musical or style projectthat allows you to show your true flare andindividuality. One final note of warning,watch your spending at the end of themonth. Be careful of overspending in earlyMay; if you’ve not got enough ready cashthen this would be a good time to negotiatea pay rise or find a better paid job. Pouringyour energy into a project that is near anddear to your heart will have an unexpectedpayback for you. The end of May brings aslight setback but you will see this as justanother great opportunity!

TAURUS April 21st - May 21stYou’ll have to hide your light under a bushelin the opening days of April, thanks to aninsecure authority figure. Never fear; you’llsoon have an opportunity to capitalise onyour expertise. Physical activity has a wayof fuelling your creative side. Your goodlooks will turn heads in the middle of themonth. A close relationship with a businessor romantic partner will experience somebumps and bruises near the 25th. Showingoff your artistic talent on or around the 8thwill yield impressive results. There’s a goodchance you will earn money from yourcreative endeavours. Repaying a debt willbe difficult in the days surrounding the 25th.Take this opportunity to assess what youowe, and devise a plan for repaying yourcreditors. The sooner you face the truth ofthis situation, be easier you will sleep.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21stA friend will urge you to take a creative riskon or around the 10th; it would be wise totake their advice. By venturing into unknownterritory, you’ll be able to develop a productor service that makes a huge profit. You’vealways had a knack for generating brilliantideas. It’s about time you benefited from thisingenuity. You’ll be able to enjoy moreprivate time over the coming weeks. Takethis opportunity to catch up on your reading,enjoy some nature walks, and work on yourfavourite hobbies. You won’t get muchcooperation from a bureaucratic institution inthe opening days of May. A business orromantic partnership will undergo a criticalchange in the final days of May. You won’tbe able to delude yourself about yourpartner’s shortcomings any longer. Facingthe truth will be painful but therapeutic.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rdAll eyes will be trained in you in early April.A career opportunity will arrive on or aroundthe 10th; this is your big chance to breakinto an impressive industry. This would alsobe a good time to take the helm of a politicalorganisation; people admire your ability toget things done. No matter which endeavouryou pursue, it will thrust you into thespotlight. Fortunately, you’ll make afavourable impression and will be able touse this publicity to further your ambitions.More time for social pursuits makes earlyMay one of the happiest times of 2013. Besure to go out with friends as often aspossible. You may even be inspired to throwa birthday party for your favourite Taurus.Breaking a bad habit will be difficult butrewarding in the final days of May.

LEO July 24th - August 23rdTravel beckons in the opening days of April.This would be an ideal time to schedule anoverseas trip to a country that’s off thebeaten path. You love exploring places thatvery few people have visited before. It’seven possible you’ll write the definitiveguidebook to your destination. Getting paidto stay in hotels, enjoy room service, andenjoy the local hotspots is your idea ofheaven. Domestic matters become strainedas April turns into May. Your star will be onthe rise throughout early May. Your powerfulsex appeal will open doors that werepreviously closed to you.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rdFinance and romance do not mix in theopening days of April. Don’t let a loverpressure you into buying something youcan’t afford. If you’re single, it may bebecause you’ve been selling yourself short.Make more time for hobbies that boost yourconfidence. Money from an inheritance,insurance refund, or legal settlement willfinally arrive during April. Don’t worry ifyou’re turned away from an educational orcultural organisation in the beginning ofMay. An influential friend will reverse thedecision, helping you draw on itsconsiderable resources. There’s no reasonyou should be held back by a set of stuffy,outdated rules.

LIBRA September 24th - October 23rdDon’t give your family too much influenceover your personal life in early April. Yourfirst loyalty should be to your romanticpartner. If you’re single, it may be becauseyou let your relatives interfere with yourpersonal life. Adopt a more independentstance now, while there are severaladmirers beating a path to your door. Aprilwarns against frivolous purchases. Resistthe urge to go on a shopping spree, or it willtake years to repay your debts. Early May issure to be a very fulfilling time, especially inthe area of sex. If you’re single, you’ll meeta masterful lover. The two of you will feel aninstant connection. If you’re already in arelationship, you and your lover will bespending lots more quality time together.

Distressing newsabout a relative’shealth will arriveat the end of themonth.

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22ndApril gets off to a busy start; you’ll have topace yourself to avoid burnout. Take it easyat the gym, or you could pull a muscle orstrain a ligament. Gentle exercise is goodfor you at this time. An intimate relationshipheats up in April. Let your partner lavish youwith tender loving care. Usually, you are theone who adopts the nurturing role. A rolereversal will be a strange but pleasantsensation. Adopt a more open mindedattitude toward a business or romanticpartner’s plans in early May. You’re worriedabout making changes at this stage, but thereal danger is standing still while everybodyelse is moving forward.

SAGITTARIUSNovember 23rd - December 21st

Buy some new clothes this month, when thestores will be filled with fashions thataccentuate your best features. Anembarrassing secret will be revealed in thefinal days of April. Someone you loved willtumble off their pedestal, and you will feeldisillusioned. Work will be scarce at thebeginning of May. Instead of worrying aboutthe situation, abandon yourself to fun. Takethis opportunity to meet with friends, spendmore time with family, and develop creativeprojects. Resist the urge to change yourlook toward the end of the month. Focusinstead on developing a healthier selfimage.

CAPRICORNDecember 22nd - January 20th

Resist the urge to suppress a powerfulupsurge of emotion at the beginning of April.You need to find an outlet for your anger,even at the risk of starting an argument. Anold friendship will break apart quite suddenlyaround the 25th. You’ll have to choosebetween a lover and a friend in the earliestdays of May. Don’t be so quick to cancelplans with an old chum for the sake of a hotdate. Your friend has stood by you in goodtimes and bad; it’s time to return theirloyalty. An embarrassing secret could cometo light in the days surrounding the 25th.

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19thA power struggle erupts between you and aneighbour in the early days of April. Youhave to decide whether it would be better tomove to a different place. You will find aperfect living situation while visiting a nearbycommunity. Moving into a new housingdevelopment allows you to make a freshstart. Give the most creative member ofyour team free rein, as their imaginativecontributions will be integral to yoursuccess. May gets off to an exciting start,when a vivid dream inspires a creativeproject.

PISCES February 20th - March 20thEarly April will trigger an argument aboutreligion, politics, or morality. A mentor willfall off their pedestal as April draws to aclose. This is a sign you need to be morelenient with the people you love and admire.Don’t contradict an expert at the beginningof May. Although their methods seemantiquated and silly, there is actually merit tothese ways. Put your scepticism on holdand you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Going ona short trip for pleasure will be unexpectedlyromantic around the 10th. The final days ofthe month will be stressful. Be ready todefend yourself. .


YOUR STARS withRUSSELL GRANT

HOROSCOPES

Why I love this paperAll Together NOW! carrieslots of useful information andis particularly good for theadverts, which put usefulorganisations such as Motability atone’s fingertips. I have to say that it isrefreshing to see a publication thataims to help the vulnerable rather thanjust make money. I get my copy from

Tesco Extra who always havecopies behind the checkouts.

- Pat Darke, Woodstock Drive,Southport


EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . . EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . .

PROUD: Peter Cousins (Brighter FutureWorkshop) receiving his award fromVal Jones (Social Enterprise NW)

Job help for YOU!TWO organisationsfocusing on helpingdisabled peoplescooped the mainprizes of theinaugural North WestExcellence In SocialEnterprise awards ata glittering ceremonyat the BlackpoolHilton.

Judges votedBrighter FutureWorkshop, based inSkelmersdale, theSocial Enterprise ofthe Year, whileLancaster-based Kidzand Co took theSmall SocialEnterprise award.

All Together NOW!was also among theshortlistedorganisations.Contimued Page 21

All Together NOW! is teamingup with Access to Work – theGovernment’s specialistdisability employment scheme– to help more disabled peoplestay or get into mainstreamwork or set up their ownbusinesses.

Access to Work helps pay forspecialised equipment, supportworkers and travel costs.

Last year 700 people fromBirmingham received support to getor stay in work, with 550 fromLeeds, and 400 from Glasgow.Manchester (380) was fourth in thetable, while Liverpool (370) tooksixth place.

Esther McVey, Minister forDisabled People, said: “Although thedisability employment rate hasincreased over recent years, there isstill more we need to do to close thegap between disabled people andnon-disabled people.

“That is why we’ve opened up ourflagship programme so that disabledpeople can have the same choice of

jobs as everyone else - in everysector, from hairdressing toengineering and everything inbetween.

“Last year, more than 30,000disabled people took up our offer ofextra support through Access toWork - but we know many moredisabled people could benefit, so I’durge them to see how the schememight help them get or stay in work.”

Recent changes to Access to Workmean:n Businesses with up to 49employees will no longer pay acontribution towards theiremployee’s Access to Work award,saving them up to £2,300 peremployee who uses the fund;

Continued Page 20

Lots ofsupportis nowavailable


All Together NOW! April/May 2013 www.alltogethernow.org.uk20

CALL 0151 230 0307

We reach450,000 readers

across theNorth West

EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . .RIGHTS . . . EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . .


Tell 450,000 readers about your college

Jamie bursting with potentialJAMIE Baker is a young man withpotential – and lots of it, say histutors at Mid Cheshire College.

The 18-year-old IT student, who hasspent the last dozen years in care, is oneof only 20 young people across the UK tobe selected for the new UnlockingPotential Programme.

The scheme, set up by the Dame KellyHolmes Legacy Trust, highlights thepositive impact young people can haveon society.

He’s already met the Athlete MentorTeam, which consists of Olympians,Paralympians and world champions whoknow what it takes to overcome adversityand have the will to succeed, not only insport, but in life too.

“I was so excited,” said Jamie. “I metmy hero, ex-Olympic swimmer, RossDavenport. “I feel this programme is thestart of a new journey to maturity and willgive me self-belief and confidence to helpme grow.”

Sandra Thompson, marketing officer atthe college, said: “Jamie’s commitment tohis college courses, exceptionalattendance record and hard work enabledhis English tutor to promote hisnomination.”

Jamie, from Anderton, Cheshire isinvolved in the Cheshire Children in CareCouncil.

“The disruption to his life certainly makehis current achievements appear evengreater,” Sandra added. SELF-BELIEF: Jamie

PARALYMPIAN cyclist Dame SarahStorey has given her glowing approvalto a new college dedicated to giving

its students the best possible chance in life.Dame Sarah officially opened the purpose-

designed Bridge College in Manchester forstudents with learning difficulties, disabilities,complex needs and autism.

The college, in Openshaw, provides students.aged 16-25, with learning support, speech andlanguage, physio, hydro and occupationaltherapies, enabling them to learn in the bestpossible environment.

The site features a learning hub for thedevelopment of social skills and independence,and an area dedicated to horticulture in an urbansetting.

The Salford-born cycling star, who joinedstudents and staff, as well as people who havesupported the unique project, declared the facilitywas “like no other in the country”.

And she added: “It’s fantastic to see that themoney invested in this project will give studentsthe best opportunities to live independently andmeet their full potential.”

A specialist further education college, it wasdeveloped through an innovative partnershipbetween The Manchester College and TogetherTrust - the care and education provider thatoperates Bridge.

David Marriott, chief executive of the TogetherTrust, said: “We have created a project that willgive regional and local residents with complexneeds access to the best, most innovativeservices in the UK.”

How Access to Work can help YOU!

Bridging the gap!Bridging the gap!

ALL SMILES: Dame Sarah and ex-student Hannah

n Disabled jobseekers who want to setup their own business as part of theGovernment’s New EnterpriseAllowance will now be eligible forAccess to Work.n Access to Work advisers will havemore flexibility in deciding which

equipment is funded through thescheme, offering more choice todisabled people in work.

Half a million disabled people areself-employed, making up 15% of allemployed disabled people, and around100,000 of them provide jobs byemploying at least one other person.This compares with the 3.2m non-

disabled people in self-employment.More than 300,000 disabled people

hold management roles and around480,000 disabled people run their ownbusiness.

n If you want help from the Accessto Work scheme find out more atwww.gov.uk/access-to-work

Contnued from Page 19


. . . EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS

. . . call 0151 230 0307

Bosses’ attidudes must change

Continued from Page 19Brighter Futures Workshop repairs,

recycles and redistributes wheelchairs andpowered chairs -– and provides training fordisadvantaged young people.

Founder and chairman Peter Cousins said:“This is a fantastic honour and it is all downto the team we have around us.”

Unique Kidz and Co provides specialist

services for disabled children, youngpeople and their families.

The charity was formed by friends JaneHalpin and Denise Armer, who both havechildren withspecial needs.

It now providesservices to over130 children.


Brighter future for everyone . . .

EMPLOYERS’ attitudes arethe biggest barrier in theworkplace for disabledpeople, a new surveyshows.

Nearly two thirds of peoplehightlighted the attitudes ofthose in charge towardsdisability as their main issue,research by Christiandisability charity Livabilityshows.

Only 1% thought that adisabled person’s ability to doa job could prove problematic.

The charity’s Let Me Workwork survey, in association

with nfpSynergy, also revealedthat almost half of those askedhad never worked with anyonewith a disability.

Dave Webber, interim chiefexecutive, said: “Employment,work experience andvolunteering opportunities areoften key to a disabledperson’s long-termindependence.

“Unfortunately,unemployment rates for peoplewith disabilities, especiallythose with learning disabilities,remain high.

“We want to encourage

employers to give disabledpeople a fair chance in the jobmarket. Being inclusive andencouraging diversity can onlybe beneficial to employers andour survey shows that thegeneral public would welcomea disabled person in theirworkplace.’’

Current employment statisticsshow that disabled people arefar less likely to be inemployment than non-disabledpeople.

Only 7.5% of people withlearning disability are in paidemployment in England.

THE MOTHER of murderedteenager Sophie Lancaster urgedpeople to put a stop to

discrimination, hate and intolerancetowards being different.

In an emotional address at LiverpoolCommunity College’s fifth annual DiversityDay, Sylvia Lancaster told of the devastatingeffects of hate crime. Her daughter, Sophie,died in August 2007 after being attacked bya group of boys while walking with herboyfriend, Robert, in a park in Rossendale,Lancashire.

The attack was motivated only by Sophie’sand Robert difference and alternativeappearance.

Sylvia said: “Everyone has the right to bedifferent. We should celebrate it and standtogether to make a difference. We need tocontinue to work hard towards changing themindset of people who discriminate againstothers.

“Minority groups suffer prejudice andintolerance on a daily basis and this issomething the Sophie Lancaster Foundationwants to change as it is simplyunacceptable.

“It is great to see Liverpool CommunityCollege celebrating diversity and raisingawareness of the key issues to students andstaff in a fun and engaging way.”

College equality manager Kathy Lewissaid: “Diversity and equality is at the heartof everything we do. We continually workwith students, staff and the community topromote the positive effects of diversity.

“Our annual Diversity Day event is alwaysa popular event and is a great opportunityfor the college to mark its achievements todate and explore new challenges.

“I would like to thank everyone involved inthis year’s event for their commitment andsupport.”

Alongside Sylvia, Anthony Griffin fromNavajo addressed the many issues that thelesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender(LGBT) community face and the work that istaking place both nationally andinternationally to tackle prejudice.

Mobo award winner and former LiverpoolCommunity College student Esco Williamstreated the audience to a live acoustic setand Sheatal Maru, from RuShee, performeda spectacular Bollywood-themed danceroutine.

A selection of multi-cultural food wasprepared by the college’s cateringapprentices, and community stands includedVoice for Change Domestic ViolenceSupport, GYRO (Gay Youth Are Out),Liverpool Intergrated Youth and PlayService, Guide Dogs Association.nwww.sophielancasterfoundation.com

Mum’s pleato students

22

BE AMONG the first togrow six new kinds ofdazzling chrysanthemum

– produced by top specialistsWoolmans and trialled by theRoyal Horticultural Society forthree years to test theirhardiness in British winters.

You can win one of 16collections of these beauties –one young plant of each of thesix, worth £8.95.

The varieties are pink Rosetta,White Gloss, cerise Jessie

Cooper, orange Peggy, EarlyYellow and scarlet Brennpunkt.

They can transform anygarden, flowering freely whenmost other plants are fading,from late August through to thefirst frosts.

All six are ‘spray’ types,growing from 60cm-90cm (2-3ft)tall and with a well-branchedhabit which produces plenty of

blooms both for garden displayand cutting.

The long-establishedLincolnshire firm of Woolmans

is a leading chrysanth growerand supplies a wide range ofother flowering plants. For acopy of the latest catalogues goto www.woolmans.com or ring0845 658 9137.

To enter our competition,answer this question: Whichsociety has trialled the prize-winning chrysanths?

Send your entry with yourname and address on apostcard or sealed envelope,stating where you picked upyour copy of All Together NOW!(and tell us what you thinkabout the paper), to ChrysanthsCompetition, All TogetherNOW!, The Bradbury Centre,Youens Way, Liverpool L142EP, to arrive by April 24.

You can also enter onlineat:www.alltogethernow.org.uk

THREE of the latestCoronet patio appletrees are waiting to

be won in thiscompetition.

They are of the deliciousvariety Red Windsor fromCoronet’s Solo range of self-fertile trees. These produceapples without the need for apartner tree to pollinate theflowers.

Coronet trees are speciallyfor growing in tubs on thepatio or balcony, or in theground in small gardens.They have been grown onM27 dwarfing rootstocks andreach only 1.5m tall x 90cmacross (5ft x 3ft).

When supplied, they arealready five years old andhave been expertly pruned torestrict their size.

They need virtually nosubsequent pruning andproduce fruit from their firstyear after distribution.

Each tree, delivered to yourdoor, is worth £45.

Red Windsor has Cox’s

Orange Pippin in itsparentage and the fruit issimilar to eat with a crisp,juicy texture and rich,aromatic flavour.

Coronet trees are exclusiveto Springfield Nurseries in CoWaterford, Ireland’s premierfruit nursery, where they werethe brainchild of an experthorticulturalist. They aredelivered throughout Britain.

Red Windsor is one of threechoice dessert varieties inSpringfield Nurseries’ newSolo range - the others areFalstaff and Cox Self-fertile.

When delivered, a Coronettree needs to be planted in apot or directly in the garden. Acare sheet comes with eachtree.

Also available in the Coronetrange is the Family, with twovarieties on one tree, and theCompanion, a collection ofproven garden applevarieties.

For more on availability atUK garden centres or tobuy online check thewebsite at www.coronet.ie

DELICIOUS: Red Windsor apples

FOR a chance to win one an appletree, answer this question: Whatkind of rootstock are Coronet treesgrown on?

Send your entry with your nameand address and phone number(for delivery purposes) on apostcard or sealed envelope,stating where you picked up yourcopy of All Together NOW! (andplease tell us what you think of thepaper), to Coronet Competition, AllTogether NOW!, The BradburyCentre, Youens Way, Liverpool L142EP, to arrive by April 24.

You can also enter online atwww.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW! April/May 2013 www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is the organisation responsible for planning hospital and community health services for the people of Liverpool.

We’re at an important stage in developing our plans to improve local health services, so we’ve organised three events to give members of the public a chance to have their say onour proposed priorities for the nextfive years.

A light lunch will be providedat each event.

Wednesday 24 April 201312.30–4pm

Alex Young SuiteEverton Football ClubGoodison Park L4 4EL

Thursday 2 May 201312.30–4pmMorris Hall

Bridge Chapel CentreHeath Road L19 4XR

Tuesday 7 May 201312.30–4pm

Devonshire House Hotel293–297 Edge Lane L7 9LD

The content of each event will be the same so you only need to attend one.

The events are open to everyone living in Liverpool but you must register in advance by contacting:[email protected] 295 8607

When registering, please indicate ifyou have any special requirements.

We are also exploring dates for an evening event. If you are interestedin this, please register your contact details and we will advise you oncea date is set.

Do you have a view on howNHS services in Liverpoolare developed?

WOULD you know what to do ifyou came across someonehaving an epileptic seizure?

Chances are you wouldn’t – like the vastmajority of people in the UK.

Jade Dolby, 23, didn’t either. Until she wasdiagnosed with epilepsy two years ago.

“Epilepsy has had a massive effect on mylife,” said Jade. “I can no longer drive, whichhas stripped away my independence.

“I had to drop out of my photography degreebecause it was too dangerous for me to workin a dark room; and I have to have someonewith me a lot of the time so that they can helpif I have a seizure.”

“If more people knew what to do whensomeone has a seizure, it would give peoplelike myself greater independence and nodoubt save lives.”

There are around 600,000 people in the UKliving with the condition, including over112,000 people aged 25 and under.

Getting the right support when a seizureoccurs can mean the difference between lifeand death. Research by the Young Epiliepsycharity reveals:n 60% of people do not realise that you candie from epilepsy – despite 1,000 epilepsy-related deaths per year in the UK.n Worryingly, one in eight people surveyedsaid they would place a spoon or ruler in themouth to stop the person biting their tongue,even though this could risk injury or choking.n One in eight people say that if a relative orsomeone close to them was diagnosed withepilepsy they would be scared in case theyhad a seizure and had to look after them,while around 40% would be worried ornervous looking after a child with epilepsy.n The research also shows generalawareness of the condition is low. One in 20didn’t know what epilepsy was, one in 100respondents thought it was a mental disorder.n Young Epilepsy Helpline 01342 831342.

n Stay calm. Only move the person if they arein a dangerous place, like the road. Instead,move any objects, such as furniture, awayfrom them so that they don’t hurt themselves.n Put something soft (such as a jumper)under their head, or cup their head in yourhands, to stop it hitting the ground.n Do not restrain them or hold them down –allow the seizure to happen.n Do not put anything in their mouth – theywill not swallow their tongue; and try to stopother people crowding around.

EPILEPSY CAMPAIGNER: Jade Dolby

Epilepsy – supportthat can save a life

HOW YOU CAN HELPHOW YOU CAN HELP

NORTH West schools and colleges arebeing urged to enter this year’sEdwards Education Awards, organisedby national charity Epilepsy Action.

The Edwards aim to recogniseeducational establishments thatprovide outstanding support forstudents with epilepsy.

Closing date: Friday 3 May.Contact 0113 210 8800 or visitwww.epilepsy.org.uk/edwards

ENTER NOW!


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Go to bed!

ARE YOU getting enough sleep?Or are you one of the 40% ofpeople in Britain who are

getting less than six hours a night?The first ever Great British Bedtime

Report reveals that one-third of thepopulation now get by on five to six hours’sleep a night compared to 27% in 2010.

And the majority of people (70%) sleepfor seven hours or less.

Almost half say that stress or worrykeeps them awake at night, and as manyas 7.9 million have used alcohol to helpthem get to sleep.

Another 6.8 million self-medicate withover-the-counter tonics.

High earners (over £65,000) get the bestsleep of all.

The report also found the average Britongoes to bed at 11.15pm and gets just sixhours and 35 minutes sleep per night.

Jessica Alexander, at The Sleep Council,said: “Sleeping well is as crucial to ourhealth and wellbeing as eating a healthydiet or exercising regularly.

“But while we’re frequentlyexposed to governmentcampaigns that encourage us toeat ‘Five a Day’, ‘Live Well’ or‘Change4Life’, the nation’ssleeping habits are largelyignored.”

Although current NHSguidelines indicate that we don’tnecessarily need eight hours’sleep, experts believe that most adults requiresomewhere between six and nine hours inorder to feel refreshed and to function wellboth mentally and physically.

“The rise in the number of people getting lessthan six hours sleep is certainly a concern -research would suggest that mental and

physical problems become morepronounced in those sleeping for lessthan six hours,” said Jessica.

“Just one bad night’s sleep affects ourmood, concentration and alertnesswhile long-term sleep deprivation hasfar more serious consequences: it’sbeen linked to a number of serioushealth problems such as heart disease,

diabetes and stroke.”The Sleep Council’s research found that

many of us are too anxious to sleep: almosthalf of us now say that stress or worry keepsus awake at night (47%) rising to 54% ofwomen (compared to 40% of men) and 57% ofsingles.

HELP: Prof Moots

PEOPLE from all over theUK with Behçets Diseaseare now benefiting from anew £5m national Centre ofExcellence at AintreeUniversity Hospital.

Behçets Disease(pronounced ‘Betjets’) is anincurable chronic disease inwhich unexplainedinflammation in different partsof the body causes a range ofserious and painful problems.

As a national centre, the

treatment services are open tothose with the diseasethroughout the country.

Professor Robert Moots, aconsultant rheumatologist atAintree University Hospital andProfessor of Rheumatology atthe University of Liverpoolsaid:“Behcets disease can bedifficult to diagnose and wehope to raise awareness andknowledge amongst medicalprofessionals and help patientsfrom all over the country.”

New Behçets centre

Too many ofus miss outon vital sleep

Go to bed!

WE SOMETIMES joke abouthow it’s best to ask a youngperson to help us with a

piece of electronic gadgetry.Another shared experience is that

unnerving feeling of going from one roomto another and forgetting what we’ve gonefor – sometimes known in a ‘seniormoment’.

But, in extreme cases, for some peoplesymptoms such as these could be amongthe early signs of dementia – a decline inmental ability severe enough to interferewith daily life.

Dementia can affect anyone and is asevere and deteriorating condition whichcauses memory loss, confusion andproblems with speech and understanding.

It can be devastating for the personaffected and their families. For me, it’sclose to home as my sister has beendiagnosed with dementia and the personwho carries the burden is her husband.

There are 800,000 people living withdementia in the UK and by 2021 thisnumber is set to rise to over one million.

And more than 60% of all care homeresidents, aged over 65, have a form ofdementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the mostcommon type of dementia, affecting 62%of those diagnosed.

While there is as yet no cure for thecondition there is much that we can do toalleviate the problem, highlighted by thelaunch of the Year of Dementia Awarenessin Liverpool as part of the Decade ofHealth and Wellbeing.

Mersey Care is doing all it can to make adifference to those who live locally withdementia, and importantly that includestheir carers.

We have just briefed Minister of State forCare and Support Norman Lamb MPabout how we are working with Everton inthe Community on a new programme forpeople with dementia and their carerscalled Pass on the Memories, a modelthat could be replicated at other sportingvenues across the country.

And on an international level the Trust isworking with Liverpool John MooresUniversity and European health partnerson the Innovate Dementia project todevelop high quality care programmes forpeople living with dementia.

So it’s fair to say that dementia is verymuch in our thoughts now and into thefuture.

Beatrice Fraenkelchair, Mersey Care NHS


are read by 450,000 readers . . . 0151 230 0307

MEDICAL NOTES

Tomato magic

Going to work onpainkillers . . .shock new report

Relief on the way!

Mum’s life saverMum’s life saverAN NHS boss who saved her

mother’s life by donating partof her liver is calling for more

people to become organ donors. Jeanette Pilsbury’s mum, Carole, was 68

when she was given just 12 months tolive.

“She desperately needed a livertransplant. Her health was rapidlydeteriorating and she was fully dependenton oxygen,” said Jeanette, head of AdultServices for Liverpool Community HealthNHS Trust.

“My mum was on the waiting list for aliver transplant for over six months, butsadly no suitable donor was found.

“The consultant then suggested analternative option which was to identify afamily relative who could be a suitablematch as part of the Living DonorProgramme.”

Without hesitation, Jeanette. ofFazakerley, Liverpool, put herself forwardand underwent a series of tests to checkher suitability.

The lifesaving operation took place eightweeks later in Leeds Teaching Hospital,which specialises in pioneering livertransplants.

Jeanette added: “I had the operation onNovember 4, and gave my mum 60% ofmy liver. Within a week, I was back athome and recovering, feeling fit and well.

“But what I find really amazing is thatwithin just three months of donating part of

my liver, it had regenerated to90% of its original size.

“My mum has also made a fullrecovery, and her quality of lifehas significantly improved sincehaving the transplant.

“It was the best Chrtistmas giftwe could ever have.”

Jeanette and her mum’s story,has now inspired their family andfriends to all become registereddonors and to help raiseawareness of the fact that youdonate bone marrow, kidneys,and segments of lungs whileliving.

Jeanette added: “It’s anincredible thing to give the gift oflife back to someone who hasbeen told they have months leftto live. I would definitelyencourage others to considerbecoming Living Donors too.”

Jeanette is only the 22nd

person in the UK to undergo thelife-saving liver transplantoperation, and the first fromLiverpool.

Every year around 1,000 peopledie of a treatable condition in theUK, because they are waiting fora transplant from an organ donor.

n If you would like moreinformation about becoming anorgan donor or would like toregister now, call the NHSDonor Line on 0300 123 23 23.Alternatively, you can visitwww.organdonation.nhs.uk

PICTURE OF HEALTH: Jeanette and mum Carole

PROMOTION pushing League One football clubTranmere Rovers are hoping to persuade their fansto give up the match – the one that lights theircigarettes, that is!

The club have formed their own Smokefree Squad tosupport fans and members of their local Merseysidecommunity who want to quit smoking.

The project was developed in partnership with theEuropean Healthy Stadia Network and health promotioncharity Heart of Mersey, and is funded by Wirral Council andthe Public Health team at NHS Wirral.

Tranmere chief executive Mick Horton said: “This projectgives us a unique opportunity to positively influence the livesof our fans, employees and those living in communities localto the club.”TEAM EFFORT: Tranmere Rovers and health workers at Prenton Park

EATING a lovely ripe tomato is not only apleasure. If you’re a man, it can alsoreduce the risk of you having a stroke.

The skins of tomatoes containlycopene – a powerful antioxidant thatcan help protect against degenerativediseases.

A new study of over 1,000 men hasrevealed that those with higher bloodlevels of lycopene were 55% less likelyto suffer a stroke than males with thelowest amounts.

But men wanting to take serious stepsto look after their heart health should notrely on eating tomatoes alone. Thefabulous fruits have many healthbenefits but lycopene, which is found intheir skin, is not easily used andprocessed by the body in its natural foodform.

Supplements are available, likeAteronon, whose makers say contain theequivalent of one kilogram ofMediterranean tomatoes in a capsule.

A NEW daily pill is now available for theseven million people in the UK with anoveractive blader.

The pill – mirabegron, the first newtreatment in more than 30 years –improves the storage capacity of thebladder and reduces the number of tripsto the toilet.

Specialist nurse Suzanne Ryder, fromManchester Royal Infirmary, said:“Mirabegron offers an effectivetreatment optionwithout some ofthe morebothersome sideeffects.”

Rovers’ new goal


It was the bestChristmas giftwe could have‘

HEART disease is theUK’s biggest killer yetmost people do nothing toavoid it, a worrying newsurvey shows.

Only one in 10 of us feardeveloping heart diseasemore than other healthconditions. Even having aheart attack or stroke wouldonly prompt half of Brits(51%) to start looking afterthat most vital of organs.

Findings from a nationwidestudy show many people arefailing to take some of thebiggest heart disease riskfactors seriously – with 38%admitting they never checktheir blood pressure and59% never checking theircholesterol levels.

Heart disease is now byfar the biggest cause ofdeath among women in theUK – claiming three times asmany deaths as breastcancer – yet the researchshowed just 15% of womencheck their blood pressureregularly.

Almost two thirds (59%)admitted that they don’t doanything to look after thehealth of their heart.

The findings were reportedby Lloydspharmacy at thelaunch of its Heart HealthPledge, which aims to get allof us checking our bloodpressure and cholesterollevels on a regular basis.

Their online heart healthcalculator shows yourpotential risk of developingcardiovascular disease overthe next 10 years, and thenoffers simple steps toreduce it.To use the calculator, go towww.lloydspharmacy.com/en/info/heart-check

How’sYOURheart?

MORE than one in three of all peopleliving with pain in the North West needdrugs just to be able to work.

And a third of the region’s painsufferers are worried about theirdependency on drugs in order to managetheir daily lives.

The figures, from charity NuffieldHealth, are a snapshot of painkiller useacross the UK, and show long-term, dailyuse of potentially addictive drugs to becommonplace

Painkillers are often seen as an easy orcost-effective alternative to treating theunderlying causes problem, according toclinicians at Nuffield Health, the UK’slargest healthcare charity.

Experts say patients need to aware ofthe repercussions of long and short-termuse of painkilling drugs, which can causesickness, stomach problems, includingbleeding or ulcers, constipation,drowsiness or serious medicalconditions like liver disease. Some drugscan also lead to anxiety and depressionand lead to dependency.


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One advert goesa long, long wayOne advert goesa long, long way

Until Apr 20: The Lion King.Manchester Palace Theatre. Disney’sclassic animal musical. Until Apr20: Cats! The Musical.Manchester Opera House. AndrewLloyd Webber musical.Until Apr 27: A Day in the Death ofJoe Egg. Liverpool Playhouse. Oneof the great plays in British history.AUDIO DESCRIBED, APR 18.CAPTIONED, APR 27.Until Apr 20: The Glass Menagerie.Bolton Octagon. Play byTennessee Williams. Apr 9-13: Driving Miss Daisy.Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.Record-breaking show.Apr 10: Hormonal Housewives.Liverpool Empire. All-newsketches.Apr 11-17: Leverhulme DramaFestival. Gladstone Theatre, PortSunlight. (No performances Mon, April15).Apr 11-12: The Thing AboutPsychopaths. Bolton Octagon.Thought-provoking new satire.Apr 11: Back in the Habit. LiverpoolEmpire. Hilarious Sister Act tribute.Apr 11: Hormonal Housewives. RhylPavilion. Comedy. Apr 11: The Elvis Years. LlandudnoVenue Cymru. The UK’s number oneElvis production.Apr 11: Bobby. Salford Lowry.Acclaimed new dark tragic-comedy.Apr 12-13: 140 Characters.Manchester Library Theatre. Newshow about surviving in a worlddominated by social media. Apr 12- 27: Down Our Street.Liverpool Royal Court. Musical basedon the pride of the Mersey. Apr 13: Moon & Genie. St HelensCitadel. A new play for youngchildren.Apr 13: The Chuckle Brothers.Stoke Regent Theatre. Kids’comedians with a brand newshow.Apr 13: The Hollies. Southport FloralHall. One of pre-eminent pop groupsof the 60s. Apr 13: Moonlight Ceilidh Band.Theatr Clwyd. North Wales’s mostpopular Ceilidh band. Apr 14: Ken Dodd. BlackpoolGrand Theatre. Stand-upcomedy.Apr 15: Mess. Bolton Octagon.Award-nominated new play. Apr 15-20: Save the Last Dance forMe. Southport Floral Hall. From theteam that brought Dreamboats andPetticoats. Journey back to the 60s,where every week brought anotherrock and roll classic.Apr 15-20: The Full Monty. SalfordLowry. Adaptation of the film. Apr 16-20: James & the GiantPeach. Llandudno Venue Cymru.Roald Dahl’s classic. Apr 16: Northern ChamberOrchestra. The Brindley.Internationally renowned orchestra.Apr 17: Taking Charlie. SalfordLowry. Show based on the real lifeabduction of Charlie Chaplin’s corpse.Apr 17-18: Footloose. LiverpoolEmpire. The classic hit musical.Apr 18-19: The Thing About

Psychopaths. Salford Lowry. Newplay. Apr 18-May 4: Salt, Root and Roe.Theatr Clwyd. New play. Apr 19: Michael Ball. LiverpoolEmpire. The entertainer’s new show.Apr 19: Colin Vearncombe akaBLACK. St Helens Citadel. Singer-songwriter.Apr 20: Simple Minds. LiverpoolEmpire. Their greatest hits show.Apr 20: The Damsel in ShiningArmour. Salford Lowry. Award-winning show. Apr 20: Showaddywaddy. TheBrindley. Rock and roll legends. Apr 21: Joan Collins. Salford Lowry.Legendary actress’s one-womanshow.Apr 22-27: Hairspray! The Musical.Liverpool Empire. Apr 22-Apr 27: Carnaby Street. RhylPavilion. The real musical story of ageneration, featuring hits of the 60s. Apr 22-27: Save The Last DanceFor Me. Stoke Regent Theatre.Apr 23-27: Crazy For You.Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. All-

singing, all-dancing musical. Apr 23-27: The Tailor of Inverness.Theatr Clwyd. Wartime play.Apr 24: Sally Morgan: PsychicSally on the Road. ManchesterOpera House.Apr 24: Hormonal Housewives.Manchester Palace Theatre.Apr 24: The Illegal Eagles. SalfordLowry. Top Eagles tribute band. Apr 25-28: Can’t Pay? Won’tPay! Bolton Octagon. Comedy.Apr 25: Halfway to Paradise -The Billy Fury Story. ManchesterPalace Theatre. Bioplay featuring BillyFury’s music. Apr 25: An Evening with NoddyHolder in Conversation with MarkRadcliffe. St Helens Citadel. Thegodfather of glam rock. Apr 25: Rent! Manchester OperaHouse. Musical based loosely on LaBoheme. Apr 26: Mercury. Gladstone Theatre,Port Sunlight. Queen tribute band.Apr 26: Two. The Brindley. Though-provoking play. Apr 26: Ellen Kent’s Tosca.Manchester Opera House.

BLACKPOOLGrand Theatre: 01253290190.BOLTONOctagon: 01204520661.LIVERPOOLEmpire: 08444 999999.Everyman &Playhouse:0151 709 4776.Royal Court: 0870 7871866.LLANDUDNOVenue Cymru: 01492872000.MOLD:Theatr Clwyd: 08453303565.

MANCHESTERLibrary Theatre:The Lowry: 0843 2086000.Opera House: 0870401 9000.Palace Theatre:0870 401 3000.NEW BRIGHTONFloral Pavillion: 0151666 0000.PORT SUNLIGHT:Gladstone Theatre: 0151 643 8757.PRESTON:Charter Theatre: 0845344 2012.RHYL:Pavilion Theatre: 01745 330 000.

RUNCORNThe Brindley: 0151 9078360.SALE:Waterside Arts Centre:0161 912 5616.STOKE:Regent Theatre:0844 871 7627.SOUTHPORT:Floral Hall: 0844 8472380.ST HELENS:Theatre Royal:01744 756000.Citadel: 01744735436.WOLVERHAMPTONGrand Theatre:01902 429212.

BOX OFFICE NUMBERS

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readers – Call us NOW! . . . 0151 230 0307

Apr 27: Aynsley Lister. St HelensCitadel. Blues-rock guitarist.Apr 27: The Chuckle Brothers.Southport Floral Hall. Kids’comedians in a brand newshow.Apr 28: Rumpelstiltskin. SalfordLowry. Live music, storytelling andpuppetry. Apr 29-May 4: Blood Brothers.Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.Classic musical from Willy Russell. Apr 29-May 1: New JerseyNights. Stoke Regent Theatre.Tribute show to Frankie Valli andthe Four Seasons. Apr 29-May 4: The Rise and Fallof Little Voice. Manchester OperaHouse. Olivier award-winningcomedy.Apr 30: Tom Paxton. SalfordLowry. US folk music legend. Apr 30-May 4: Matthew Bourne’sSleeping Beauty. LiverpoolEmpire. Re-imagination of a balletclassic.Apr 30-May 4: Birdsong.Llandudno Venue Cymru. Newwartime play.

May 2: 1984. St Helens Citadel.Faithful adaptation of Orwell’sdystopian novel. May 2: Johnny Cash Roadshow.Southport Floral Hall. Ultimatetribute to the man in black. May 2-4: That is All You Need toKnow. Salford Lowry. Dramaabout Bletchley Park in the 40s. May 2-Jun 1: The Winslow Boy.Theatr Clwyd. Based on a truestory, discussing the rights of theindividual versus the might of theestablishment. May 3: In Other Words. LiverpoolPlayhouse. Janet Street Porter’sone-woman show.May 4: Mostly Autumn. St HelensCitadel. Classic rock group.May 4: Ken Dodd. SouthportFloral Hall. Stand-upcomedy.May 5: Cloud Child.Salford Lowry. Beautiful play forchildren. May 6-11: The Woman in Black.Salford Lowry. Spine-tinglinghorror from Susan Hill. AUDIODESCRIBED, May 11 – MATINEE.

May 7-11: The BluesBrothers. Approved.Manchester Opera House.The number one Blues Brotherstribute act. May 7-11: Blood Brothers. StokeRegent Theatre. ClassicWilly Russell musical. May 7-11: Birds of aFeather. Liverpool Empire. Thegirls are back! Featuring theoriginal BBC cast. May 7-11: I was a Rat! SalfordLowry. Phillip Pullman’s magicaltale. May 7-11: Yes, Prime Minister.Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.Direct from the West End, the hitcomedy.May 8: Daniel Kitson.Liverpool Playhouse.“Something like” stand-upcomedy.May 9-11: Spot’s Birthday Party.Liverpool Playhouse. Everybody’sfavourite puppy, live in his ownstage show.May 10-11: Firebird. TheatrClwyd. Children’s show.

May 11: Ian McNabb. St HelensCitadel. Singer-songwriter. May 11: Me and Mr. Bublé. RhylPavilion. Tribute to Michael Bublé.May 12: That’ll Be the Day.Llandudno Venue Cymru. Rockand roll variety show.May 13-18: 9 to 5 - The DollyParton Musical. WolverhamptonGrand Theatre. New musicalcomedy. May 13: Noah and the Whale.Manchester Opera House. Anevening of music from the indiefolk stars. May 13: Psychic Sally on theRoad. Stoke Regent Theatre.May 14: Shaolin Warriors:Return of the Master. ManchesterOpera House. Kung Fuextravaganza. May 14: OMD. Liverpool Empire. May 14-18: The Land of Buccas,Mermaids, Giants and Piskies.Theatr Clwyd. Celebration ofCornish literature. May 14-18: Sweeney Todd.Salford Lowry. StephenSondheim’s musical about the

Demon Barber of Fleet Street. May 14-18: Blue RememberedHills. Liverpool Playhouse.Wartime play. May 15-18: The FullMonty. Liverpool RoyalCourt. The Broadway smashhit.May 15: Progijig presentFootstorm. Llandudno VenueCymru. Seven of the best Irishdancers.May 16: ABBA Forever.Manchester Opera House. Tributeact. May 16: Pete Kennedy.Llandudno Venue Cymru. Irishsinger-songwriter. May 16: Ricky Tomlinson’sRoyle Variety. LiverpoolEmpire. Variety show fromthe star of The RoyleFamily. May 16-17: Bill Bailey.Salford Lowry. Stand-up comedy. May 16-18: Mugabeland! SalfordLowry. Darkly comical musicaljourney into a heart of darkness.May 17: Marty Wilde and theWildcats. Llandudno VenueCymru. Evening of rock and rollhits. May 18-19: English NationalBallet’s My First Cinderella.Manchester Opera House.Introduce your little ones to ballet.May 20: The Zombies. SalfordLowry. Band back with their newtour.May 20-25: Priscilla:Queen of the Desert.Liverpool Empire. West Endmusical about Australian dragqueens. May 20-25: Carnaby Street.Manchester Opera House. Thereal musical story of a generation,featuring hits of the Sixties. May 20-25: The Rocky HorrorShow. Stoke Regent Theatre.Richard O’Brien’s cult classic. May 21-25: Rutherford & Son.Liverpool Playhouse. Ranked oneof top plays of 20th century.May 21-25: Seven Brides forSeven Brothers. The Brindley. Alltime classic musical.May 21-25: Dirty Dancing.Manchester Palace Theatre. Thestage version of the hit film.May 22: The Trench. SalfordLowry. New play inspired by a truestory of a miner in World War One. May 27-Jun 1: Acorn AntiquesThe Musical, The GarrickPlayhouse, AltrinchamMay 27-Jun 1: TheMousetrap. WolverhamptonGrand Theatre. Murder mystery.May 28-Jun 1: Beautiful Thing.Liverpool Playhouse. Love story. May 30: Gin & Tonic & PassingTrains. St Helens Citadel. Oneman who has too much time onhis hands. May 31: Steve Gibbons Band. StHelensCitadel.Unique musicfrom theSeventies.


MANCHESTERFORD High Street is changingand Acorn Antiques is under threat from a newwave of coffee shops, nail booths and tanningsalons.

Based on Victoria Wood’s cult 1980s TV sketch,Acorn Antiques The Musical comes to The GarrickPlayhouse, Altrincham for a week at the end ofMay.

And on the opening night – Monday May 27 –there’s a competition to find the best Mrs Overallin the audience. The winner will take home £50plus a voucher meal for two at Coco’s ItalianRestaurant in Altrincham.nTickets £12.50-£14.50, Tel 0161 928 1677 or viaaltrinchamgarrick.co.uk

Get your overallsGet your overallsready and WIN!ready and WIN!

SEVEN mobility scooter users areneeded to take part in a newdance performance about loansharks!

The project at The Brindley ArtsCentre, Runcorn, aims to highlightillegal money lending practices –and the help that is available forpeople in debt.

An estimated 310,000households across the country arein debt to a loan shark.

Anyone who has been the victimof a loan shark call in confidenceon 0300 555 2222 for help. n IF YOU are interested in takingpart in the performance andbecoming a synchronised mobilityscooter performer contact MartinCox on 01519078360 or emailhim, [email protected]

MagnificentSeven . . .

WHAT does the word“care” mean topeople with

disabilities? What happens ifthey want to break free fromthe protection of theircarers?

We’re about to find out in a newcomic drama by award winningNorth West writer Cathy Crabb

and performed by actors fromProud and Loud Arts.

Beyond the 4th Wall begins ina perfect paradise called Cul DeSac where people withdisabilities are being cared for.

The problem is, the peoplebeing cared for know there isanother world outside and wantto leave.

A team of actors, who are livingwith disabilities themselves, bringthe dilemmas to life in the play,which opens at Knowsley Leisureand Culture Park on April 26.

Other performances are at TheBrindley, Runcorn, on May 16and at The Pyramid, Warringtonon May 18.nContact: 0151 443 5749.

I want

free . . .to break

fromcarers!


Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your

chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120.QUESTION 1 – for 1 point:Which products are made by the Dr Martens company?A Animal wormersB JeansC Boots and shoesD Liver pills

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points:To which tune did the Wurzels record their song I Am A Cider Drinker?A AgadooB Chirpy Chirpy Cheep CheepC Paloma BlancaD The Birdie Song

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points:Who are the readers of the newspaper Penguin News?A Staff of McVitie’sB Visitors to London ZooC Falkland IslandersD Members of the RSPB

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points:In which sport was TV sports presenter Sue Barker a professional player?A TennisB SwimmingC AthleticsD Showjumping

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points:Which of these dishes originates from Hungary?A GoulashB SmorgasbordC BorschtD Moussaka

QUESTION 6 – for 6 points:Which genus of flowering plants has the Latin name Erica?A HoneysuckleB HeatherC ClematisD Rhododendron

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points:What was the name of the TV series in which pop singer Adam Faith appeared in 1971?

A BrassB BroncoC BoonD Budgie

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points:A calorie is a unit of what?

A HeatB FatC CarbohydrateD Sugar

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points:Who starred in the films To Have And Have Not in 1944 and The Mirror Has Two Faces in 1996?

A Ingrid BergmanB Lauren BacallC Joan CrawfordD Bette Davis

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points:With which industry is the Nottingham area traditionally associated?

A Hats B CutleryC PotteryD Lace

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points:What was the name of the first US space shuttle?

A ColumbiaB ChallengerC ExplorerD Discovery

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points:In which country is the pilgrimage centre of Fátima?

A ItalyB FranceC PortugalD Spain

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points:The state of Brunei is on which island?

A BorneoB SumatraC New GuineaD Sulawesi

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points:Which chemical is the active ingredient of anti-freeze?

A Ethylene glycolB Carbon tetrachlorideC Sodium hydroxideD Hydrogen peroxide

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points:In which of Shakespeare’s plays does Polixenes, King of Bohemia, appear?

A The Two Gentlemen of VeronaB As You Like ItC The Winter’s TaleD The Tempest

Singer and actor Adam Faith. See Question 7.

1. Heaven (8)5. Feeble person (4)

9. Alike (7)10. Waxed spill (5)11. Reef material (5)13. Long-winded (6)15. Team race (5)17. Select (4)19. Favourite (3)20. Join metal (4)21. Fodder plant of the pea

family (5)23. Forest officer (6)24. Convenient (5)28. Weary (5)29. Clearly (7)30. Plaything (4)31. Outlook (8)

1

9

11

14

17

23

28

30

11

2

18

3

15

21

10

12

19

31

4

13

16

26

29

13

24

5

8

10

20

22

5

20

6

25

7

28

27

★★

★ ★★

★★

★★

★ ★★

★★

1. Nuisance (4) 2. Lover (5)3. Unit of US currency (6)

4. Kind (4)6. Sudden inclination (7)7. Bleach (colloq.) (8)

8. Tale (5)12. Social outcast (5)13. Plot of ground (5)14. Animated (8)16. Allow (3)18. Manipulate (7)21. South African plain (5)22. Worry (6)25. Move to music (5)26. Practise boxing (4)27. Bladder (4)

Can you find the celebrity name hidden in this StarspotCrossword? Complete the crossword in the normal way thenmake a note of the letters contained in all the squares whichare marked with shaded stars. These letters will make ananagram of the name you are looking for.

ACROSS DOWN

The Accumulator QuizSTARSPOT CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

4 7 3 6 8 26 9 5

2 7 57 5 8

5 1 7 46 8 2 99 3 1 7

2 6 1 95 7 4 6

THERE is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, andso must each 3 x 3 box. This is a logic puzzle, and you should not have to guess.

EASY DIFFICULT

FILL in the blank squares in the grid with numbers so that each horizontal or vertical line adds up to the total given in the box either to the left or above it. Horizontal totals are given in the top right corners of the shaded boxes; vertical totals in the bottom left corners.You can use the numbers 1 to 9, but may not use the same number more than once in any run. The number may be used again, however, in the same row or column but as part of another run.

20 4 11

7

7

17 3435

10 9

114

8

7

2021 11

428

4

MEDIUM

KAKURO

2 4 58 27 6

4 15 3 2 9

3 9 7 61 6 8

3 25 1 9

‘‘ ‘SAY THAT AGAIN . . .

NOT all of us can do great things.But we can do small things withgreat love.

— Mother Teresa

I’M a success today because I had afriend who believed in me and I didn’thave the heart to let him down.

— Abraham Lincoln

SUCCESS is not final, failureis not fatal: it is the courageto continue that counts.

— Winston Churchill


8 6 4 7 3 4 21 22 2 26 4

1 12 22 6 23 3 23 21 19

11 20 19 16 12 6 21 19 4 9

25 12 6 12 22 4 1 20 21

2 4 16 19 6 7 2 6 12

6 9 4 22 2 1 6 17 1 12 6

1 3 6 20 2 24 2

12 13 12 9 23 21 3 24 23 16 12

7 9 25 6 19 6 16 12 22

7 6 3 20 23 21 19 10 19

4 21 2 20 15 6 6 18 4 2

1 21 6 14 12 7 19 4 23

12 16 2 7 12 6 5 4 12 2 1

Can you place the six dominoes (right) into the grid below in such a way that the number of spots in all four rows across and all four rows down totals 14?

A

B

C

D F

E

1 2

3 4

5 6

CROSS CODE

SPOT CHECK

M C I A S O I H E K S

A U E G E M N C T U T

R Q T A O C G N G C D

P A R L L G R I W O O

H R Y C A N A L U T P

Y G I L L E V B R E L

M R K M O N I R A M U

E O W G A T N M I C C

T A L E P W G A R S S

A R G O H A R C E C R

P H Y T O T E O L O U

Starting from the central shaded letter, move one letter at atime (up, down, right or left, but not diagonally) to find 14artistic styles, forms and techniques.

PATHWORDS

DIALLING CODES

MARKHOR

Here is anunusual wordwith threedefinitions, onlyone of which iscorrect. Can youidentify the rightdefinition?

WORD WIZARD

1) The basicmonetary unitofLichtenstein;

2) A Danishpuddingconsisting ofsummerberriesflavoured withkirsch, servedwithsemolina;

3) A large wildgoat with verylong twistedhorns, nativeto centralAsia.

Telephone dialling pads combineseveral letters on one key. Herewe have encoded several sets ofwords or items by using numbersrather than letters. Then we havedivided them into groups of threecharacters and run all the namesone after another to make yourtask a little more difficult. Canyou crack the codes?

1. Cheeses

669 927 355 212 687 746 136 825 314 568 237 837 127 431 945 874 473 172 763 726 133 261 627 722 776 631 936 753 932 531

767 833 678

762 737 246 612 346 642 172 679 178 634 693 712 276 284 661 793 381 945 542 616 278 878 486 158 746 127 837 173 886 421

259 778 6

4. Herbaceous flowers

2. Female singers

264 763 917 732 771 254 242 153 971 744 266 216 279 151 254 431 269 194 634 687 314 227 435 531 623 666 212 354 631 346

617 426 421 892 46

772 663 716 255 381 426 637 127 692 271 772 331 239 317 432 771 536 691 272 329 517 322 838 771 942 319 736 241 244 735

174 683 5

5. Tools

3. British fauna

727 874 343 122 343 713 691 624 743 166 873 167 773 917 222 481 695 174 327 268 177 847 735 186 231 476 873 166 531 437

661 228

368 356 731 668 372 317 822 371 465 317 862 417 247 767 717 273 712 547 178 275 371 736 245 174 277 363 717 853 712 255

764 681 736

6. Items of stationery

1[ ] ’ –

2ABC

3DEF

4GHI

5JKL

6MNO

7PQRS

8TUV

9WXYZ

Spaces and any punctuation marksare represented by 1.

Each pair of words has a missing word between them that actsas a link to both (e.g. FRONT – DOOR – MAT). The initial lettersof the six answers (reading downwards) will spell out anelement.

CREAM – – – – – – KNIFE

WIDE – – – – DAY

MIXING – – – – OVER

MODERN – – – CLASS

NECK – – – – UP

SHORT – – – – – – SHOE

MISSING LINK

In which year did all three of these significanthistorical events take place?

1. The last US troops leave Hanoi byhelicopter, effectively bringing an end tothe Vietnam War.

2. The first sex discrimination and equal payacts are passed by Parliament.

3. A tube train ploughs through the buffersat the end of a line in London’s Moorgatestation, killing 41 people.

WAS IT?a) 1969; b) 1971; c) 1973; d) 1975; e) 1977.

MAKE A DATE

TRANSFORMERAdd the given letter to the first word to make a new word.

Clue: Foreign woman can become a cheat.

_ _ _ _ + D = _ _ _ _ D

Accumulator Quiz

1 – C; 2 – C; 3 – C; 4 – A; 5 – A; 6 – B; 7 – D; 8 – A; 9 – B; 10 – D; 11 – A; 12 – C; 13 – A; 14 – A; 15 – C.

Starspot Crossword

Across – 1 Paradise; 5 Wimp; 9 Similar; 10 Taper; 11 Coral; 13 Prolix; 15 Relay; 17 Pick; 19 Pet; 20 Weld; 21 Vetch; 23 Ranger; 24 Handy; 28 Tired; 29 Plainly; 30 Doll; 31 Prospect.

Down – 1 Pest; 2 Romeo; 3 Dollar; 4 Sort; 6 Impulse; 7 Peroxide; 8 Story; 12 Leper; 13 Patch; 14 Spirited; 16 Let; 18 Control; 21 Veldt; 22 Harass; 25 Dance; 26 Spar; 27 Cyst.

Star Name: ALAN TITCHMARSH

Word WizardNo 3 is correct. A markhor is an Asiatic goat.Dialling Codes1. Mozzarella; Boursin; Double Gloucester; Brie; Wiltshire; Parmesan; Edam; Marscarpone; Wensleydale; Roquefort.2. Britney Spears; Alicia Keys; Rihanna; Mary J Blige; Amy Winehouse; Gabrielle; Madonna; Celine Dion; Shania Twain.3. partridge; badger; fox; magpie; mouse; osprey; rabbit; owl; pheasant; squirrel; toad; grouse; mole; heron; bat.4. snapdragon; begonia; pansy; sunflower; carnation; sweet william;

nasturtium; lupin; aster; petunia; alyssum.5. spanner; mallet; hammer; crowbar; spade; adze; shears; jemmy; bradawl; secateurs; vice; wrench; chisel; shovel.6. envelope; notepad; rubber; hole punch; scissors; paper clip; stapler; pencil-sharpener; ruler; ballpoint pen.Spot CheckA = 6; B = 5; C = 2; D = 3; E = 4; F = 1.Missing Linkcheese; open; bowl; art; lace; tennis. Element: cobalt.Make a DateThe year was 1975.TransformerFrau + D = Fraud.

T1

S2

B3

I4

Z5

A6

L7

J8

C9

W10

P11

E12

K13

V14

F15

G16

Y17

X18

N19

O20

R21

D22

U23

H24

M25

Q26

213485967489627135576913248794236851168754329352198476941562783637849512825371694

547319682369582471281764539792645813853197264614823957936451728478236195125978346

SUDOKU EASYSUDOKU DIFFICULT

CROSS CODE

20411

7

7

173435

109

114

8

7

202111

428

4

412

469358

21736

13142

57974

218395

31

KAKURO MEDIUM

Pathwords: engraving; watercolour; ceramics;sculpture; marbling; woodcut; sketching; collage; mosaic; marquetry; calligraphy; metalwork; montage; photography.

ALL THE ANSWERS

EACH number in our Cross Code grid represents a differentletter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control gridto start you off.Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, thenuse your knowledge of words to work out which letters shouldgo in the missing squares.As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the samenumber in the main grid and control grid. Check off thealphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

1 2 3I

4 5 6L

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15G

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


AADDVVEERRTTIISSEE HHEERREE00115511 223300 00330077AADDVVEERRTTIISSEE HHEERREE00115511 223300 00330077

RREEAACCHH 445500,,000000RREEAADDEERRSS .. .. ..RREEAACCHH 445500,,000000RREEAADDEERRSS .. .. ..


0

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HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

nACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444

n BLACKBURN with DARWENTel 01254 688www.bwdcarers.org

n BLACKPOOLBlackpool Borough

Council,Tel 01253 477 716

nCUMBRIACarlisle. Tel 01228 542 156Penrith.Tel 01768 890 280Barrow-in-Furness. Tel 01229 822 822Kendal. Tel 01539 732 927Whitehaven,Tel 01946 592 223

n CHESHIRE Helpline: 0800 085 0307

nKNOWSLEYTel 0151 549 1412

n LANCASTER Tel 01524 66475

nLIVERPOOLTel 0151 705 2307

n MANCHESTER Tel 0161 835 2995

n MORECAMBE Tel 01524 833456

n PRESTON Tel 01772 200173

n RUNCORN Tel 01928 580182

n WIDNES Tel 0151 257 9673

n SALFORD Tel 0161 833 0217

n SEFTON Tel 0151 288 6060

n ST HELENS Tel 01744 675 615

n STOCKPORTTel 0161 456 2808

n WARRINGTON Tel 01925 644 212

n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243

n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 683711

MIDLANDSn BIRMINGHAMTel 0121 675 8000n SOLIHULLTel 0121 788 1143n WALSALLTel 01922 610 810

NORTH WALESn ANGLESEY

Tel 01248 722828n BANGOR

Tel 01248 370 797n CONWY

Tel 01492 533714n DENBIGHSHIRE:NEWCIS,

Tel: 0845 603 3187nDOLGELLAU

Tel 01341 421167n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS,

Tel: 01352 751436n WREXHAM: NEWCIS,

Tel: 01978 310414.

n ALTRINCHAM. Tel 0161 9291714n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. Tel0161 339 9500n BARROW. Tel 01229 434039n BIRKENHEAD. Tel 0151 6476162n BLACKBURN ANDDARWEN. Tel 01254 690566 or07757 502217n BLACKPOOL. Tel 01253 349427 n BOLTON. Tel 01204 392946n BURY. Tel 0161 764 9966n CARLISLE. Tel 01228625950n CHESTER. Tel 01244 312626n CHORLEY. Tel 01257 260888n COLWYN BAY. Tel 01492533822n CREWE. Tel 01270 580 031n ELLESMERE PORT. Tel 0151355 1420n KENDAL. Tel 01539 740 933n LEIGH, Wigan. Tel 01942 777985 n LIVERPOOL. Tel 0151 7070877n MANCHESTER TraffordCentre. Tel 0161 747 2684n MANCHESTER ArndaleCentre. Tel 0161 839 4060n NELSON. Tel 01282 692 502n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal Tel01606 288820n OSWESTRY. Tel 01691656882n PENRITH. Tel 01768 895 438n PRESTON. Tel 01772 204667n RHYL. Tel 01745 350665n ROCHDALE. Tel 01706 865986n RUNCORN, Halton Lea Tel01928 716971n SHREWSBURY. Tel 01743236900SKELMERSDALE. Tel 01695550066n SOUTHPORT. Tel 0151 2886885n ST HELENS. Tel 01744 613388n STOCKPORT. Tel 0161 6661100n WARRINGTON. Tel 01925240064n WARRINGTON. BirchwoodTel 01925 822 411n WIGAN. Tel 01942 776 070n WINSFORD. Tel 01606557550n WREXHAM. Tel 01978312390

MIDLANDSn BIRMINGHAM. Snow HillRailway Station. Tel 0121 2368980. Level 2, Centre CarPark, Bullring. Tel 0121 6162942n STAFFORD. Tel 01785619456n STOKE ON TRENT. Tel01782 233333n SUTTON COLDFIELD. Tel0121 355 1112n TAMWORTH. Tel, 01827709392 n WALSALL. Tel 01922 650781n WEST BROMWICH:Sandwell. Tel 0121 553 1943n WOLVERHAMPTON. Tel01902 556021

nANGLESEY: TARAN Tel 01407 721933

nBLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support. Tel 01253 472 202. Textphone 01253 476 450

nCHESHIRE CILTel 01606 782760

nCHESTER Dial House Tel 01244 345655

nDENBIGHSHIRE Tel 01745 354445

nELLESMERE PORT DICETel 0151 355 1420

nHALTON Disability Service Tel 01928 717222

nKNOWSLEY DISABILITYCONCERN. 0151 480 4090

nLANCASTER DISCTel 01524 34411

n LIVERPOOL Association of Disabled People. Tel 0151

263 8366. Text 0151 260 4076nMERSEYSIDE Coalition ofInclusive Living.Tel 0151 260 4001nNEUROSUPPORT Centre

Tel 0151 298 2999nMANCHESTER (GTR)

Coalition of DisabledPeople

Tel 0161-273 5154nMOLD Flintshire Disability

Tel 01352 755546nNELSON: Pendle Pakistan

Welfare Association. Tel 01282 603 616

nPRESTON DISC: Tel 01772 558 863. Textphone 01772 204 787

nRHYL Tel 01745 350665nSTOCKPORT: Disability

Stockport. 0161 480 7248

nWARRINGTON Disability Partnership. 01925 240064

nWIRRAL WIRED Tel 0151 670 1500

nWEST LANCS HELPLINE Freefone 0800 220676

n ST HELENS DASHTel 01744 453053

nWREXHAM Tel 01978262955MIDLANDSBIRMINGHAM DisabilityResource Centre Tel 0121789 7365Disabled People’s NetworkSolihull Tel 0121 788 1544STOKE: Disability SolutionsTel 01782 683800WOLVERHAMPTON Elderand Disabled Group Tel01902 448552

ORGANISATIONS FORPEOPLE WHO ARE BLINDnACCRINGTON

Tel 01254 233332nBARROW Tel 01229 820698nBIRMINGHAM Action forBlind Tel 0121 665 4200nBLACKBURN

Tel 0125 554143nBLACKPOOL: N-Vision

Tel 01253 362696nBURY Tel 0161 763 7014nBURNLEY Tel 01282 438507nCARLISLE: Action for Blind

People Tel 01228 595121CHESHIRE & N WALES:Vision Support. Tel 01244381515nCUMBRIA (West)

Tel 01946 592474nCUMBRIA (Sth Lakeland)

Tel 01539 726613nGUIDE DOGS Tel 0118 9835555nHENSHAW’S 0161 872 1234

Tel 0151 227 1226nLIVERPOOL: BradburyFields.Tel 0151 221 0888:Action for Bind Tel 0151 2983222n MANCHESTER: Action for

Blind Tel 0161 787 9252nPRESTON: Action for Blind

People Tel 01772 320550n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682 8019nROSSENDALE

Tel 01706 873256nSIGHTLINE (North West) Tel0800 587 2252nWIGAN Tel 01942 242891nWIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877

ORGANISATIONS FORPEOPLE WHO ARE DEAFnBIRMINGHAM Institute forDeaf Tel 0121 246 6101nCHESHIRE Deaf Society

Tel 01606 47831nCUMBRIA Deaf Society

Tel 01228 606434nLANCASHIRE (EAST)

Deaf SocietyTel 01282 839180

nMANCHESTER Deaf CentreTel 0161 273 3415

nMERSEYSIDE Society for Deaf Tel 0151 228 0888

nST HELENS: DeafnessResource CentreTel 01744 23887nWOLVERHAMPTON Centrefor Deaf Tel 01902 420904nN WALES Deaf Association,

Tel 01492 542235

THE EIGHT lucky winners of ourrecent gardening competitionare:Peter Stead, Dickson Road,Blackpool (“I got my All TogetherNOW! at Wilkinson’s Blackpool. It isone of the best reads – veryinformative with interesting articleson a variety of subjects.”)Brian Knowles, Wallasey Village,Wallasey, Merseyside (ASDABirkenhead – “Excellent publication!Keep up the good work”)Mr Graham Warren, Park Road,Formby, Merseyside (All TogetherNOW! picked up at OrmskirkHospital)Mr Graham Holroyd, Mythop Road,Lytham St Annes (Booths, Lytham)Mr G Creighton, Southbank Road,Liverpool (Garston NHS TreatmentCentre)Ms Forster, Wilton Road, Crumpsall,Manchester (ASDA Harpurhey)Mrs A Byrne, Cornflower Close,Hesketh Bank, Preston (Subscriber)Mr S J Purnell, Arnside Road,Hindley Green, Wigan (WiganLibrary)All winners will receive a prizecollection of vegetable seedscourtesy of D.T. Brown of Chorley,Lancs.

THE next meetings of SAFE (Southport Access ForEveryone) will be held at the Victoria Methodist Church,Sussex Road, at 7 pm. on Monday April 22 and MondayJune 24. Contact, 07866 531036

WINNER of our fantastic Pariscompetition is Carolyn Jassi,who lives in The Paddock,Rufford, Ormskirk.

Carolyn wins a two night tripto Paris for two people,courtesy of Eurostar.

“I’m always singing thepraises of All Together NOW! ”said a jubilant Carolyn, “thenwishing I hadn’t because it’s apleasure I’d rather keep all tomyself!

“Although aimed at peoplewith disabilities, it’s packedwith information and articles foreveryone. And it’s completelyFREE! Your sponsors areterrific! I’ll be taking a copieswith me to leave on the train.

“I bet the French don’t haveanything anywhere near asgood as All Together NOW! ”

WINNERS! Oh la la . . .

31

CHANNEL 4 is to coverthe 2014 and 2016Paralympic Games.

The station will screenover 45 hours of actionfrom the Sochi 2014Paralympic Winter Games,the most ever by a Britishbroadcaster.

For Rio 2016, Channel 4is planning to screen aminimum of 200 broadcasthours.

BUSINESS advisory firmDeloitte have renewedtheir partnership with theBritish ParalympicAssociation through tothe end of 2016.

In addition to ongoingfinancial support, they willsponsor the ParalympicsGBTeam Launch events for2014 and 2016.

The Deloitte Ride AcrossBritain event will alsoextend to 2017 – withproceeds going to the BPA.

Heather Hancock,managing partner for talentand brand at Deloitte, said:“Our relationship with theBPA has seen Deloittemake a genuine differenceto people who wanted toplay a sport that suited theirdisability, but didn’t knowwhat to choose or where toplay it.

“London 2012 led tounprecedented levels ofactivity on the DeloitteParasport website, and weare delighted to beinvesting in the Gameslegacy at the grass rootslevel, as well as ensuringParalympicsGB canrecreate last summer’ssuccess at the upcomingSochi and Rio Games. Bothelements will, we hope,inspire even more people toget into sport.”

ARE YOU ready for theKnowsley ActiveChallenge?

Entry forms are nowavailable for the eventwhich takes place in thegrounds of Knowsley Hallon Wednesday, June 12,from 6pm.

The Challenge includes a5k run for adults, starting at7.15pm; a 3 and 8 kilometrewalk; and a 2 kilometre runfor children aged 8-16.

The 3k walk is suitable forwheelchairs and pushchairs.Contact Peter Green on0151 443 5648.nwww.knowsley.gov.uk

Up for it?

Anyone for tennis?EIGHT wheelchair tennis

tournaments are to takeplace from April to

August in an attempt to getmore people playing thesport.

The Tennis Foundation’sWheelchair Tennis DevelopmentSeries, now in its third year, isaimed at players who want tostart playing competitivewheelchair tennis beforestepping up to the ITF’s NECWheelchair Tennis Tour.

Players will be awarded pointsaccording to their results at eachevent and the Series willculminate in a national final atthe end of the year at theNational Tennis Centre inRoehampton.

Merseyside’s Paralympicbronze medallist Jamie Burdekinbelieves development events arekey to producing the nextgeneration of world classwheelchair tennis players. Hesaid: “When I first started in thesport there weren’t so manyopportunities to compete on a

regular basis so it’s great to seethe Tennis Foundationsupporting events right acrossthe country to get more Britishplayers competing.

“Hopefully, we’ll find a futureParalympic star who can join ourcurrent crop on the internationalNEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour.”

Summer Series 2013April 13-14: Taunton WheelchairTournament, Taunton TennisCentre.May 4-5: The JCCS WheelchairTennis Tournament, Leeds.May 25-26: The OxstallsWheelchair Tennis Tournament,Gloucester.June 22-23: The ShrewsburySummer OpenJuly 13-14: Gosling WheelchairTennis Tournament, WelwynGarden City.Aug 10-11: The Kent WheelchairTennis Tournament.Aug 17-19: Dublin OpenWheelchair TennisChampionships, David LloydRiverview Health & FitnessCentre, Dublin.nwww.tennisfoundation.org.uk

BRITISH players secured a clean sweepof all six titles in the North WestWheelchair Tennis Challenge and at the

North East Wheelchair Tennis Tournament.Alfie Hewett, Jordanne Whiley and Jamie

Burdekin all came away with singles titles at SouthRibble Tennis Centre near Preston.

Fifteen-year-old Hewett claimed his first senior ITF3 Series singles title as he upset British No. 3 andtop seed Marc McCarroll to clinch a 6-3, 6-4 victoryin the men’s singles final.

In the women’s singles, British No. 2 Whileyclaimed her fourth North West Challenge title afterbeating second seed Christine Schoenn, of France,6-1, 6-3.

Merseyside’s Burdekin secured a local victory inthe quad singles final, the world No. 6 and top seed

coming from 3-0 down in the second set to defeatworld No. 7 South African and second seed LucasSithole 6-2, 7-6(2).

In the doubles , Hewett and McCarroll paired upto justify top seeing in the men’s competition,beating Britain’s Dermot Bailey and LeonidShevchik, of Russia, 6-2, 6-3 in the final.

Meanwhile, Whiley also followed up her singlesvictory with the women’s doubles title.

Second seeds Whiley and Evgeniya Korotkina, ofRussia, beat top seeds Lauren Jones and Schoenn6-4, 7-5.

To cap a great tournament for players on theTennis Foundation’s Wheelchair TennisPerformance Programme, Antony Cotterill andAdam Field justified top seeding to retain the quaddoubles title after beating South African second

seeds Bongani Dhlamini and Sithole 6-1, 6-3.There was more to cheer about at the North East

tournament in Sunderland.British No. 1 Gordon Reid retained his men’s

singles title before pairing up with his final opponentAlfie Hewett to win the men’s doubles title.

Reid’s success came after Jordanne Whiley andJamie Burdekin won their second titles.

Hewett won his first career ITF 2 Series doublestitle when he and Reid beat fellow Brits McCarrolland Kevin Simpson 6-0, 6-1.

Meanwhile, there was also a first ITF 2 Seriesdoubles title for Lauren Jones after she partneredWhiley to beat French second seeds Emilie Cheneand Schoenn 6-1, 6-2.

And Cotterill and Field defeated South Africa’sBongani Dhlamini and Sithole 6-2, 6-2.

Stay tuned

Pure goldON YOUR MARKS . . . for the annual Knowsley Active Challenge

AFTER 12 years ofinternational competition,Peter Norfolk hasannounced he will nolonger be competingfull-time on the NECWheelchair Tennis Tour.

The double Paralympicquad singles champion willconcentrate on growing hisbusiness, Equipment forthe Physically Challenged(EPC), as well as spendingmore time with his wife,Linda, and two youngchildren.

Peter has enjoyed anextremely successfulcareer to date and may stillcompete at someinternational tournaments,including the British Openin Nottingham in July.

“It is time to dedicatesome of my time to otherareas of my life,” saidPeter.

ROLE MODEL:ParalympianJamieBurdekin

Peter to takelife easier

British players clean up at top tournaments

www.alltogethernow.org.uk April/May 2013 All Together NOW!


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SWANSEA is to stage theIPC Athletics EuropeanChampionships in 2014 –the first time the eventhas been held in Britain.

Around 600 athletes from40 countries will compete inthe event which will bestaged at SwanseaUniversity from August 18-23, the InternationalParalympic Committee(IPC) has announced.

IPC chief Xavier Gonzalezsaid: “We are delighted andexcited that Swansea willhost some of the world’sleading and emerging para-athletes.

“This is another majorevent to add to the rapidlygrowing IPC Athleticscalendar and will help buildon the momentum of theLondon 2012 ParalympicGames, the most successfulever.

“After successfully hostingtraining camps for theMexican and New ZealandParalympic teams ahead ofLondon 2012, we areconfident that Swansea canhost a hugely successfulEuropean Championships aswell in 2014.”

Jon Morgan, executivedirector at Disability SportWales, said: “We believethat Wales and Swansea isthe perfect stage to hostinternational events withhigh quality facilities toensure that athletes candeliver their very bestpossible performances.”

The 2012 EuropeanChampionships were held inStadskanaal, theNetherlands, and featured520 athletes from 38countries. In five days ofcompetition, Russia toppedthe medals table andathletes broke 14 worldrecords.

This year’s WorldChampionships take place inLyon, France in July.n www.paralympic.org/athletics.

Swanseacelebrate athleticssuccess

LIVERPOOL Lions wheelchair rugby club islooking for new blood!

Player-manager Martin Beddis, who has justbeen named manager of the new EnglandWheelchair 7 team, said: “We’ve got a great set ofplayers together but we want more people tocome along and try their hand.

“It’s a great sport and gets people of all abilitiesmixing together. Both disabled and non-disabledpeople can play, train and compete together in thesame team.

“And there are a lot of father and soncombinations in the league.”

Martin took up the sport four years ago, playingwith Wigan, Mersey and Bury. Last year herepresented Scotland in the Four Nationstournament.

The Lions are currentlyin the DevelopmentLeague but haveambitions of stepping upto Division 1 in 2014. nWant to give it a go?Contact Martin on 07961186856.

nWHEELCHAIR 7s is anew sport based onRugby Union –complete with a scrumand lineouts. Englandwill be playing in thefirst ever Wheelchair 7sSIX Nations in Vichy,France, from June 17-23.“We’re very hopeful

that a few of theLiverpool players will bein the team,” saidMartin.

ROARING TO GO: Wheelchair rugby club Liverpool Lions want new players

FOUR days of sport in Sheffieldprovide the perfect chance toto try out out different

Paralympic sports, watchworld-class disability swimming,and meet Paralympians.

Disabled people and fans of disabilitysport can see London 2012 Paralympicgold medallists including EllieSimmonds, Josef Craig and Jessica-Jane Applegate in action at the BritishInternational Disability SwimmingChampionships, one of the premierdisability swimming events in the UK,which gets under way on Thursday, April25, and runs until Sunday, April 28.

Meanwhile, the British ParalympicAssociation host the latest Sports Fest,a free two-day multi-sport event offeringdisabled people the chance to “Try theSports, Meet the Medallists, GetInspired”, on Friday, April 26, andSaturday, April 27,

The two events have been scheduledto ensure that fans can attend theSports Fest at the English Institute ofSport in Sheffield between 10am and4pm on Friday or Saturday, where theywill have the opportunity to meetParalympic athletes, have their photostaken or ask for autographs, and try outParalympic sports.

They can then move to Pond’s Forgeto cheer on British Paralympians in theswimming finals from 5pm.

Josef Craig said: “I think theParalympicsGB Sports Fest is fantasticas it is a great opportunity for disabledpeople who have been inspired byLondon to find out more about all thedifferent sports that they might beinterested in, and hopefully those whoattend the Sports Fest can also comealong to support me and otherswimmers in the evening.n Interested in attending? Registerfor Sports Fest by going towww.paralympics.org.uk/sportsfest

FESTIVAL!

Lions on the prowlfor new blood

All Together NOW

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