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Winter Newsletter2015

It’s our 60th anniversary

Smithers celebrates

New Year, New YouJoin our team

Ofsted success

Get involved during 2015

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Diverse Abilities is the trading name of Diverse Abilities Ltd. Registered as a charity in

accordance with the Charities Act 1993. Charity No. 282197

Diverse Abilities supports 613 children with

disabilities

The Advice Team assisted

493 people in 2014

Our Adult Services team supports 83 adults with disabilities

It costs Diverse Abilities £16,000

per day to provide all its services

Diverse Abilities is a Dorset based charity that provides a lifetime of invaluable support and care for many hundreds of children, young people and adults with physical and learning disabilities in our local community.

Contents 3-8 Charity news

9-10 Mini news

11-12 Central services

13-14 Commitment to staff

15-18 60th anniversary

19-20 Community news

21-22 Thank you to everyone

23-26 Events

27-28 Meet Langside School

29 Meet a volunteer

30 Get involved

Welcome to our first 60th anniversary year special edition newsletter

As I sit here, Phyllis who pulled the organisation together 60 years ago is

due to visit. So many people have been involved with the organisation for

so long supporting both children and adults in our services. We intend to

celebrate with a number of events all year, so watch for further news coming

your way.

Also in this issue, it is good to see the people we support making the most

of the winter and going on holiday. Plus it is great to see the teams that have

completed their diplomas. It is tough to study while working, so this group,

as well as those before, should be extremely proud of their achievement.

We work in a tough environment and are always looking for people with the

right aptitude to support people in our services, and we can ensure you get

the right training. Likewise if you know anyone that would excel working for

us, send them our way.

With a really successful Christmas behind us, we are looking forward to

spring and the mountain of activities planned for our big 60th celebrations.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mark Powell CEO 60

YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE

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Our Coping with Chaos service ‘Face2Face’ is a free and confidential link for parents of disabled children with local befrienders with the aim of supporting the parents to make positive adjustments to change, offering a listening ear, plus providing information and signposting.

All the ‘Face2Face’ befrienders are parents of disabled children and can empathise with the families they work with. Many parents find this service invaluable as they can talk to someone that can listen and also understand them.

If you have a child that is disabled and feel you could use your experience to help

other parents in a similar situation, the service and other parents in the local area would appreciate your time as a volunteer. As a befriender you will receive full training and support. Chris Faulder, from Coping with Chaos, said: “As a parent of a disabled child, you will have something unique to offer others in a similar situation. Many parents find it invaluable to have another parent to talk to who can listen and understand and as a volunteer you will enjoy the satisfaction of giving parents of disabled children the support they need.”

If you would like further information, would like to be linked to a befriender or could give us your time to help other parents, please contact Chris Faulder on 01202 855105 or email chrisf@copingwithchaos.org

Feedback regarding the Face2Face befriending service and volunteers

“It was the first time I had really opened up. I’d been putting on a brave face.”

“The befriender has provided a listening ear to parents; she

PARENTS SUPPORTING PARENTS OF DISABLED CHILDREN

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Photo credit: Bournemouth Daily Echo

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has shown real empathy and understanding of not only the child’s needs but also the needs of the parents. She uses her initiative throughout the session, responding to what needs to be done as part of the usual routine. She is a highly valued member of the team.”

“She has a wealth of knowledge and experience which she demonstrates when supporting parents. She is intuitive to their needs and

can adapt her approach when responding to a parent/carer. She has made a significant difference, providing an impartial listening ear.”

The service gave me a chance to speak to another parent who knew what I was going through. I have grown more confident and want to explore the world more with my son.”

“SHE HAS A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE WHICH SHE DEMONSTRATES WHEN SUPPORTING PARENTS”

Photo credit: David Faulder - Prism Imageworks

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Eric and Tim hit LondonEric and Tim live together in one of the charity’s supported living bungalows and recently visited London for a long weekend with support workers Vicky and Andy.

Both were very excited about the trip and loved getting the train. They both chatted to fellow passengers, telling them where they were going and what they were doing once they reached their destination. Both were also keen to know all the names of the stations they passed en-route.

On arrival at Waterloo, Eric and Tim enjoyed a McDonalds before heading to the hotel and hitting the sights! First stop was Big Ben and the London Eye by the River Thames and Eric got his camera out and took a few photos like a proper tourist. Next on the list were Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and Marble Arch.

After an eventful few hours Eric

and Tim freshened up in their hotel, which they both loved; Tim because he had a balcony overlooking the street and Eric because he had four single beds in the room, a TV and tea and coffee facilities.

Once they all had a good rest, they were on their way to Winter Wonderland and spent a few hours looking around, enjoying some food and chatting to other visitors. On the way back to the hotel, Eric and Tim wanted to stop at Paddington Station so they could watch the trains come and go.

Andy said: “Eric and Tim had a fantastic time in London and thought Winter Wonderland was brilliant. They loved the Christmas decorations. It was a great experience for both of them and they couldn’t wait to tell everyone at Diverse Abilities about it and show them all the photos!”

WE’RE ALL GOING ONA WINTER HOLIDAY!

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Janice and Tina, who are both supported by the Diverse Abilities supported living team and live in one of the charity’s bungalows, were taken on a magical four day trip to Disneyland Paris by support workers Sharon and Kerri. The ladies had an early start on the first day, leaving home at 5am to get the Eurostar to Paris… but it was definitely worth it.

Throughout the four days the ladies liked meeting the Disney characters, who made a huge fuss of both Janice and Tina, which they both loved. Both ladies also enjoyed the rides, fireworks, lightshows and good food throughout the four days.

The rides were one of the highlights for both Janice and Tina. Sharon said: “Tina is a bit of a thrill seeker and the rides were great for her. We had disabled

passes which meant no queuing and it was really impressive how the park had given thought to disabled access. There were also rides adapted for wheelchairs so Janice was able to go on some for the first time ever, which was fantastic.”

The favourite ride of the trip for both Janice and Tina was Small World. Other top rides included Buzz Light Year, Magic Carpet, Runaway Train, Peter Pan Flight and a tour of the park.

From the start to the finish of the trip Janice and Tina had huge smiles on their faces. Sharon said: “My favourite memory of the trip is Janice sitting in bed at the end of each day with a huge smile on her face and having a little giggle to herself remembering what she had done. Both had a great time and it will be a holiday they never forget.”

Janice and Tina have fun in Paris

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The Diverse Abilities Advice Team are here to help the local community with completing disability benefits application forms and representation at appeals.

The team also assists people with power of attorney, deputyship applications and making wills with trusts for a disabled family member.

Not only does the team support people with all types of disabilities, but various

health conditions (e.g. dementia, MND, a stroke) and of all ages including children, and their families or carers.

The service has a number of experienced and friendly advisors and they will visit you in the comfort of your own home if required.

Call 0300 3305514 between 9.30am and 1.30pm Monday to Friday to find out how the team can provide the help you need.

At the end of last year, the team received some great feedback from the service clients received.

Client satisfaction survey

We are here to help…

85% of ‘benefit’ clients were

‘very satisfied’

45% of ‘lasting power of

attorney’ visits to clients were rated

‘very good’

100% of ‘deputyship’ visits to clients were

rated ‘very good’

“I am so grateful, as it has made such a change to my life. I feel the team truly understand disabilities.”

“I was taken through my claim with professionalism and got the best result possible, minimalising my stress.”

“The advisor was amazing, patient and we were made to feel comfortable. It was wonderful to have a home visit to put us all at ease.”

“We felt the advisor was very professional and extremely knowledgeable. It was appreciated to have the matter discussed and settled in our own home with a friendly and sympathetic person.”

“Friendly and efficient service. It made a difficult transition much easier and helped with a difficult situation.”

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We are here to help…Smithers, our overnight and day short breaks service for children and young people aged between two and 19 with profound physical and/or learning disabilities, received a glowing report and a ‘good’ rating by Ofsted at a recent inspection.

The short break service provides families a safe and fun place for their child to go, giving parents some breathing space and time for life’s other tasks or to spend time with their other children.

The Ofsted inspectors reported that ‘a strength of the service is the care and support it provides to young people with complex needs’ and that the ‘staff provide personalised and effective support to those that visit’.

In addition the inspectors stated that the ‘young people enjoy good relationships with the staff and are happy and relaxed in the environment’ and ‘the service provides a wide range of activities both in the home and in the local and wider community’. Ofsted also reported that parents of children that attend Smithers ‘consider their child safe while staying at the home’ and that ‘good working relationships are in place between carers and parents’.

Amiee Barnett, Smithers’ manager, said: “We are overjoyed that we received a ‘good’ rating by Ofsted. This demonstrates the fantastic job we do and that we provide a high quality service to the children and young people we support. The Smithers team are very dedicated, competent and place the needs of the young people at the centre of their care. Everyone connected to the service should be very proud of this achievement.”

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We are very grateful to Scott Symes, of Scott Symes Wealth Management, for helping us receive a grant of £2,500 for Coping with Chaos from the St James’ Place Foundation.

A massive thank you to Cate McGrath, our office administrator, who organised yet another successful pub quiz at the Horns Inn near West Parley. The quiz raised over £1,605,with £500 being matched by LV=, and will purchase a specialist feeding chair for our Children’s Team. Thank you to everyone that attended the quiz and donated raffle prizes.

Thank you to Tesco at Tower Park in Poole for a grant of £1,845. The grant will fund 16 swimming lessons for 12 children as part of the Coping with Chaos children’s service.

Mini news BIG IMPACT

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Thanks to Anna who ran in the Bournemouth Marathon Festival for Diverse Abilities. Angel, who attends the charity’s school Langside was cheering her on from the side lines.

During 2014 we raised an incredible £1,015 from in store collections at Haskins Garden Centre. Ashley, who is supported by the charity’s Adult Services, was thrilled to undertake the last one of the year in 2014.

Nivek Kerley, a supporter of Diverse Abilities raised a massive £2,702 for the charity’s school, Langside, by holding an all-day Blues music festival at the Hamworthy Club in Wimborne. A host of artists were part of the day’s line-up and included headliner and founding member of both Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, Mick Ralph.

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EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION IS

ON THE UPWe are pleased to report that across our 400 staff members 83% of employees think Diverse Abilities is a great place to work and are satisfied with their job. We are delighted that over the past three years the satisfaction rating has improved and increased by three per cent.

The survey findings highlighted that those employed at Diverse Abilities feel valued; their work life balance is right; good training is received for their role; are happy their managers keep them informed of important

changes and their role provides them with a good challenge. Those that currently work at the charity would also recommend working at the charity to their friends.

Charlotte Curtis, Head of Business Resources at Diverse Abilities, said: “We are extremely pleased with the survey results and delighted that year on year the results are improving. Our staff are very important in order for the charity’s vital services to run, therefore it is crucial staff are satisfied with their role at Diverse Abilities.”

NEW

YEAR, NEW JOB, NEW YOU…

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NEW

YEAR, NEW JOB, NEW YOU…

Find out more by contacting Lee Brady on 01202 718266.

What are you waiting for!?

We provide hourly rates from £7.80

Full, part, zero

contracts available

Flexible working

evening & weekends

Full training

provided

Saturday 7 March (9am-12pm)Wednesday 11 March (4.30-6.30pm)Saturday 11 April (9am-12pm)Wednesday 15 April (4.30-6.30pm)

Benefits of working with Diverse Abilities:Opportunity to achieve level 3 in Health &

Social Care

As we work our way into 2015, are you thinking perhaps a change of career is on the cards? If you would like to join Diverse Abilities and become part of the team working with adults with disabilities, then come along to one of our recruitment events taking place at the charity’s head office – Unit C, Acorn Business Park, Ling Road BH12 4NZ.

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L-R: Greg Watson, Tierra Smith and Karen Milward.

Commitment to staffAt Diverse Abilities we believe that good management practice is essential to ensure all employees feel valued and are clear about their role and what is expected of them, so they can deliver the best service to the people we support.

To ensure that managers have the opportunity to learn and develop within the charity, the learning and development (L&D) team offer an ‘Introduction to Management’ development programme for team leaders upwards. Throughout the programme, there are practical activities that give the opportunity to be the leader and gain feedback. All that attend are encouraged to maintain a development plan and to involve their manager in supporting them to achieve it.

Greg Watson was a team leader in our supported living service and was given the opportunity to attend the programme. He said: “The training provided by Diverse Abilities gave me the confidence to apply for the Deputy Manager role and progress within the charity.” Greg is now a Deputy Manager and manages seven properties and team leaders plus other zero hour contract staff.

QualificationsSupport staff that join Diverse Abilities have the opportunity to gain a level 3 diploma qualification in health and social care. It can be difficult studying while working and we would like to congratulate everyone that completed their diploma in 2014.

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Well done to the below staff for completeing their diploma:

Supported LivingHayley Allison, Julie Bateman, Joseph Benham, Felicity Cutler, Abigail Davies, Leah Dean, Layla Devereaux, Rachel Fytch, Samantha Goodwin, Nigel Hendey, Pamela Hendey, Rebecca Holwell, Sharon Kozak, Emma McLeod, Karen Milward, Holly Smith and Claire Tuckett.

BarnabasLeah Baker, Anne Brolan, Alison Clark, Lorraine Holland, Samantha Kavanagh, Hannah Rollinson, Carla Saunders and Faye Collier.

Children’s Team & Langside SchoolAmanda Cope, Tierra Smith, Lisa Chick and Danielle Dancer.

The learning and development team offers support to any staff taking the diploma needing a little extra help to ensure they are successful in gaining their qualification

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DIVERSE ABILITIES CELEBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2015

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Diverse Abilities is the only charity in Dorset that supports children and adults with profound physical and/or learning disabilities, and their families. During 2015 we are very proud to be celebrating our 60th anniversary and how, over the past six decades, Diverse Abilities has grown to support over 600 children and adults in the county.

The charity was founded by Phyllis Edwards, who is now 97 and is still involved with the charity today. Phyllis, and her husband John’s, daughter Marilyn, was born in 1948 with cerebral palsy and it took two years for her disability to be diagnosed and Phyllis was told ‘put her away she will only be a cabbage’.

Undeterred, Mr and Mrs Edwards discovered a need for support for local families with disabled children and wrote a letter to the Bournemouth Daily Echo in 1955. The letter received a number of responses and within two months a group was formed for parents’ intent on providing

better opportunities for children with physical and learning disabilities.

The first meeting was held in Mrs Edwards’ front room and the charity, known then as the Bournemouth, Poole & District Spastics Society, was formed and a committee appointed.

The Mayor of Bournemouth (Councillor D.N. Willoughby) was the first president of the group and offered his support and a number of prominent people in the town accepted his invitation to become members.

Phyllis with Marilyn

Phyllis

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Sixty years on, the charity now supports over 600 children and adults with disabilities across Dorset and enables them to reach their full potential through a range of services and is proud to offer a lifetime partnership to the people it supports.

The charity continues to support Marilyn, Phyllis’ daughter, to this day. She lives in one of the charity’s supported living bungalows and visits its day opportunities centre, Barnabas.

Phyllis Edwards, Diverse Abilities founder, said: “Looking at the charity now, it is remarkable to think that the whole organisation came into being as a result of a small advertisement in the Bournemouth Daily Echo in 1955. I am proud to have started such an amazing charity and I hope its work can continue long into the future so more people with disabilities flourish and live happy, independent lives.”

60 YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE

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Phyllis with Marilyn

Marilyn

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Lorraine

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DIAMOND BE A DIVERSE ABILITIES

THIS YEAR

Celebrate your birthday with usIs it your 60th birthday in 2015 or do you know someone that is going to be 60? We would like to invite you to celebrate with us as part of our diamond anniversary campaign. Come along to a celebration event, enjoy some bubbly and a piece of cake while supporting Dorset’s disability charity during a special year.

60 for 60Would you be interested in taking up a challenge that includes the number 60 or perhaps you may like to donate time to us? You could cycle 60 miles in 60 days, swim 60 lengths, not eat chocolate or drink alcohol for 60 days, donate 60 minutes by volunteering, spare 60 minutes salary… the choice is endless!

Diamond RaffleWe will be undertaking our big raffle this year with a sparkly twist! Franses Jewellers in Bournemouth is donating a diamond necklace to us (worth £5,500) to raise funds. It would be great if you could help us sell raffle tickets to your friends and family while raising the awareness of the charity at the same time.

As part of the 60th year celebrations Diverse Abilities would like you to get involved with the charity and help us celebrate during this commemorative diamond year.

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60 YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE

For further information regarding the anniversary year visit : diamond.diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk

01202 718266or contact the fundraising or volunteering team on

Great Dorset Vintage Bake SaleYou may have taken part in our Great Dorset Bake Sale events over the past few years and we’d love for you to get involved and show us your cooking skills for a special Great Dorset ‘Vintage’ Bake Sale during our 60th year. It will be taking place on Friday 1 May and anyone can take part and bring out their inner baker!

60s Blue Hawaii Elvis Party Do you love a bit of Elvis? Then come along to our 60s Blue Hawaii Party, guest starring Garry J Foley as Elvis - the king is back and ready to rock! Join us at The Oceanview Hotel on Friday 20 March for this fun party night! Ticket price includes a cocktail on arrival and a two course meal.

World Cup Rugby Lunch Celebrate the launch of the rugby World Cup and join us for our fifth annual rugby lunch on Friday 4 September. The attendees will enjoy a sumptuous three-course lunch and listen to entertaining speeches from celebrity speakers. Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in a knife, fork and spoon competition, enter a raffle and charity auction.

Diamond Gala BallWe are holding a spectacular fundraising ball at Poole Lighthouse on 14 November. Dress to impress, enjoy a three course meal, be entertained and help raise funds for Dorset’s disability charity at this glitzy and glam event.

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A big thank you goes to Bournemouth University RAG for selecting Diverse Abilities as one of its chosen charities for 2014/15. So far we have received a whopping £9,740 from the BU Leggitt event where a number of students tried to get as far away from Bournemouth as possible without spending any money and raising funds in the process! They all did an amazing job with some students getting as far as Paris and Belgium!

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Get involvedDo you have some time to spare? Or do you want to give something back and make a difference in 2015? Diverse Abilities has many opportunities for you to get involved and donate your time….

Volunteer at our services and use your DIY or gardening skills to benefit adults and children we support.

Attend some of the best Dorset events with us and help us raise awareness and funds.

Help us by spending some time in our services supporting people with disabilities or perhaps lend a hand in the office with admin tasks.

Whether you can spare a few hours, a few days or a few weeks, it would all be really appreciated. Find out more from sarah.harrison@diverseabilities.org.uk and volunteer today!

Would you like a collection pot?A very easy way to support us and help us raise funds is to place one of our collection pots at your workplace, local shop, pub or anywhere public! It is amazing how much can be raised from many small donations. Contact Beccy.briley@diverseabilities.org.uk to request a collection pot and help us raise funds.

Thank you

Yorkshire Building Society for donating £1,400 for vital

equipment for adults

The Grasshopper Pub raised £59.35

through a collection pot in their pub

The Past Rotarians Club of Bournemouth donated

£350 to Langside

Sophisticats Ladies’ Golf Society

donated £300

Bournemouth and Poole College students raised

£286.06 through holding a fundraising event.

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The Grasshopper Pub raised £59.35

through a collection pot in their pub

A team from Ultra Electronics took part in Tough Mudder this

October and have raised £1,223 for

Coping with CHAOS

Sophisticats Ladies’ Golf Society

donated £300

Garfield Weston Foundation for donating £5,000 for

Coping with Chaos

Commercial Recycling held a Spooky Halloween

Bake Sale and raised £146 for Langside

Bournemouth and Poole College students raised

£286.06 through holding a fundraising event.

Parkstone Grammar School

who raised £260.66

for us.

FP Mailing our franking machine supplier for free

inks worth over £900

Despite all this great support, Diverse Abilities still really needs the help of our local community to help raise the funds needed to provide support and care for people with disabilities. Please email:

fundraising@diverseabilities.org.uk

or call us on 01202 718266if you wish to help.

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Skydiving 14 June 2015WiltshireBe one of our 60 skydivers during our 60th anniversary year and gain an experience of a lifetime by skydiving 10,000ft. Feel the wind against your face, the sensation of falling and see the detail of the ground below become clearer as you descend.

Harbourview Abseil7 June 2015

Poole, DorsetTake on one of the most exhilarating and exciting challenges while enjoying a stunning view of Poole Harbour. You will get a huge buzz from the excitement of your descent and the achievement of completing your challenge. Thanks to our sponsor Hoburne.

It’s a Knockout28 June 2015WeymouthTake part in this hilarious challenge and have a fun-filled action packed day! Teams of eight to 12 compete head to head with each other in many fun and out of the ordinary games, just like the hit show from the 80s. Thanks to our sponsors Wessex FM and Portland & Weymouth Borough Council. Sign up before April for the early bird discount…

Make a Break for It25 and 26 April 2015Starts in Dorset Have you ever wanted to go on a spontaneous weekend away? Well now you can in this fantastic challenge as teams go head to head in a battle to get as far away as possible in 36 hours!

Challenge yourselfFor Charity!

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Castaway Challenge19-23 September 2015 Secret location on the south coast!Sail away with us on this fun adventure and swap life’s luxuries for bare basics. Become a castaway during this five day challenge and learn all there is to know about survival, take part in fun challenges and more! Thanks to our sponsors Cottonwood Boutique Hotel; Total Health; Poole Boat Hire and Powerboat Training UK.

Dragon Boat Race19 July 2015 PooleGo head to head in this year’s colourful and competitive Dragon Boat Race. It is a fun and physical event, while testing teamwork and concentration! The day is a fantastic atmosphere with friends and family lining the shores cheering the teams. Thanks to Spectrum Housing Group for sponsoring the event. Sign up before April for the early bird discount…

On your marks get set go!Why not sign up to one of these great stamina testing events during our special 60th anniversary year?

VOTWO Kamikaze Run – September 2015

Tough Mudder – 26 and 27 September 2015

Bournemouth Festival of Running – 3/4

October 2015

Spinnaker Tower Abseil5 July 2015 Portsmouth This exciting challenge will see you taking in spectacular views as you descend 328ft down the iconic Spinnaker Tower. Stretching for up to 23 miles in any direction, the views from the top are truly breathtaking.

Challenge yourselfFor Charity!

To find out more or to get a full list of events get in touch:01202 718266

sharon.wells@diverseabilities.org.ukwww@diverseabilities.org.uk

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Challenge EventsIf you enjoy travelling and would like a challenge abroad

then why not sign up to one of these fantastic challenges?

London to Paris Bike Ride July 2015

Sweden Canoe Adventure Challenge July 2015

Screwball Challenge24-28 September 2015

Cuban EncounterNovember 2015

Arctic Adventure ChallengeJanuary 2016

Sahara TrekMarch 2016

Iceland TrekJuly 2016

KilimanjaroSeptember 2016

For more information please contact sharon.wells@diverseabilities.org.uk01202 718266

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Do you enjoy a spot of golf? Then sign up to a golf day organised by Poole Bay Rotary Club, in aid of Diverse Abilities and Victoria School, at Wareham Golf Club.

£32.50 per person www.warehamgolfclub.com

Tee off for charity 7 May 2015

Become a cupcake queenIf you like baking and would like to learn how to decorate cupcakes, book onto the Cake by Sadie Smith cupcake class. The class will be Cath Kidston inspired and those in attendance will learn how to fondant cover cupcakes and decorate with vintage b l o s s o m s a n d fl o w e r s . Refreshments will be provided.

10am – 1.30pm £45 per person

(£5 is donated to Diverse Abilities)

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Meet Langside School

Jon Seaward Principal of Langside School and Head of Children’s ServicesJon joined Langside School in September 2012 and has overall responsibility for the efficient and safe running of the school and all of the children’s services.

Paul HumphreysDeputy HeadteacherPaul joined Langside School as the teacher of Class 3 in February 2006 and became Deputy Headteacher in November 2009. Paul oversees the curriculum which has been extensively modified since Jon joined the school as Principal.

Joan SkinnerSecretaryJoan joined Langside in January 1999 to cover maternity leave and they haven’t been able to get rid of her since! Her role is to greet all visitors to school and receive telephone calls plus everything else that needs doing!

Nicki Priddle Class 1 TeacherNicki joined school as a newly qualified teacher in January 2006 and has taught in our Early Years Class since. Nicki’s responsibility is ECT (environmental control technology) and is the Early Years Leader.

Lynda LarkeClass 2 Teacher and Head of InclusionLynda has been with us since September 2003 initially as a part time teacher. She is now a member of the senior management team with overall responsibility for Class 2, inclusion, cognition and writes concerts and church services for the school.

This newsletter we are focusing on Langside School. Langside is our charity run special school for pupils aged two to 19 with profound and multiple learning disabilities and complex medical needs. The school provides a full sensory and therapeutic approach to meeting the needs of the pupils and helps them to achieve their full potential.

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Penny Pearson Class 3 TeacherPenny has been at Langside since April 2006 teaching in Class 3. Penny has overall responsibility for PSEWB (personal, social, emotional wellbeing).

Sophie Vye Community Group TeacherSophie has been with us since April 2007 working in the Community Group three days per week, job sharing with Lesley Turrall. Her responsibility is physical development.

Lesley Turrall Community Group TeacherLesley came to Langside as the Early Years Teacher in September 2004. She went on maternity leave in January 2006 and returned in 2007 to job share with Sophie in the Community Group. Her responsibility is communication.

Lesley EdePart Time TeacherLesley joined us in February 2008 to cover maternity leave until the summer holidays. She enjoyed it so much she came back as a part time member of staff in January 2009. Lesley is now semi-retired but still works one day per week.

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Call 01202 718266to find out about volunteering today!

How did you hear about volunteering with us?In June last year I moved to Poole and settled into a retirement apartment. I was looking for a voluntary job to keep me out of mischief and wandered down to the Volunteer Centre in the town. They gave me a book full of opportunities and I applied for the post of ‘Ambassador’ at Diverse Abilities.

What volunteering do you undertake?As part of my role I give talks and presentations. I have quite a bit of experience of public speaking as I was a coach driver and travel rep for 39 years and at one time I ran my own business and gave presentations about the company’s holidays, so it was the perfect role for me. I also volunteer at events and at the charity’s adult opportunity centre, Barnabas.

Why did you choose to volunteer for Diverse Abilities?I thought the charity sounded fantastic. It supports many children and adults with disabilities, plus their families, and after meeting the staff and finding out how I could volunteer I thought it would be a great thing to do and would also be fun, which it is!

Why would you recommend volunteering at Diverse Abilities?Yes, definitely. Sign up now! Especially with 2015 being such a special year for the charity, it is the perfect time to get involved.

What is your favourite memory of volunteering?All my memories are my favourite! But… I love wheelchair dancing at Barnabas and seeing so many smiles. It was also fun dressing up for the annual Jingle Jog fundraising event!

Meet a volunteer Barrie Haynes

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Get involved JOIN OUR EVENTS SQUAD around Dorset at lots of fun and exciting events including the Dorset County Show!

JOIN AN EVENT. There are lots of exciting ones to choose from Pages 23-26

Help us by spreading our COLLECTION POTS out to as many shops and places as possible. If you know of a place that a collection pot would work we’ll get in touch!

HOLD AN EVENT FOR US such as a quiz night, concert, car wash or something crazy. We’ll help you all the way!

VOLUNTEER in one of our services. There are plenty of different opportunities throughout our organisation. Give us a call to see which one suits you!

BECOME AN ADVOCATE for Diverse Abilities and speak about us to groups and clubs, or just your family and friends.

If you have any questions about our organisation or

anything in this issue then please e-mail or call us:

Events:

sharon.wells@diverseabilities.org.uk

Volunteering:

sarah.harrison@diverseabilities.org.uk

Legacies:

nuisha.abab@diverseabilities.org.uk

Company Fundraising:

fundraising@diverseabilities.org.uk

Jobs:

recruitment@diverseabilities.org.uk

For signposting to our services:

info@diverseabilities.org.uk

Questions/feedback or for more

copies of the newsletter:

newsletter@diverseabilities.org.uk

You can also call us on 01202 718266

and we’ll try to help!

If you liked this issue please pass it on for friends and family to enjoy. If you would like more newsletters for your place of work or club/society just e-mail Hugh.

hugh.felstead@diverseabilities.org.uk

If you would like to make a donation to Dorset’s Disability Charity please see the back page.

Or call us on

01202 718266

Thank you for reading!

30

Support usYOUR DETAILS:

Title __________ Forename ___________________ Surname: ________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________ Postcode:_____________________

Telephone:______________________ E-mail: _____________________________________

If you wish to make a regular donation by STANDING ORDER the details you will need

are our bank’s address: National Westminster Bank, 208 Lower Blandford Road,

Broadstone, BH18 8DT and our details: Account name: Diverse Abilities Ltd,

Account Number: 07444575 and Sort Code: 52 10 20

Or you can make a donation by enclosing a CHEQUE with a one - off donation of

£______________ made payable to Diverse Abilities Ltd.

Pop in and VISIT US in our office, our address is

Diverse Abilities, Unit C, Acorn Business Park, Ling Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NZ

FOLLOW US on social media:

Please return this form to:

Diverse Abilities , Unit C Acorn Business Park, Ling Road, Poole, BH12 4NZ

I am a UK tax payer. Please treat all gifts of money that I make today and in the future as Gift Aid donations. I understand that I must pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April one year to 5 April the next) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that Diverse Abilities will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year - 25p for each £1

Data Protection: Your details are held on our database and will not be passed on to any other party (in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998). If you do not wish to receive any future mailings from us please call the Fundraising office. (01202718266)

Charity no. 282197

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