issue7

Opening doors . . .

THE PERFECT FOR READERS

broadening minds . . .Registered Charity No: 1106387

JUNE/JULY 2006

200,000200,000PICK-ME-UPPICK-ME-UP

GET INTO GEARWITH NOELEDMONDS

MOTORZONE: p25

BE THERE — Pages 6-7

In partnership with . . .

Making theNorth Westa betterplace forEVERYONE!

SHOWSHOWTIME!TIME!

2 All Together Now! June/July 2006 www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Who to contact

What’s inside

Editorial

Editor: Tom Dowlingemail:[email protected]

Advertising/sponsorship

Chris Grovesemail:[email protected]

Want All Together Now! on audiotape? Give us a call . . .

NEXT EDITION:Wednesday Aug 2, 2006

All Together Now! is published by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EPRegistered Charity No.1106387Company No. 5096931

Printed by the Liverpool DailyPost & ECHO, Old Hall Street,Liverpool L69 3EB

Telephone:0151 230 0307

Fax: 0151 220 4446

NEWS: p2/3/4/5

WARRINGTON DISABILITYAWARENESS DAY p6-7

UNITED UTILITIES: p8

SKILLZONE: p9

LEISUREZONE: p13-20

GREAT OUTDOORS : p16-17

HOROSCOPES/BOOKS p18

GARDENING p19

MERSEYTRAVEL: p20

MOTORZONE p25

HELPING HANDS: p26-27

HEALTHZONE: p28-29

SPORTZONE: p30/31/32

Prostatecancerfilm fordeaf

NEWS

Check out www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Branchingout forcharityNEW Start, the North West heartand lung transplant charity, hasopened a unique forest ofremembrance in Lymm,Cheshire.

The ‘Life for a Life’ MemorialForest – one of 25 across theUK – invites people toremember lost loved ones ormark a special occasion byplanting a tree.

As well as planting trees,people can also sponsor abench or picnic table.

Janice Taylor of New Startsaid: “As well as being a specialplace to remember and reflect,the forest will help us raise thefinal amount towards the £1million we need to bring the firstcardiac magnetic resonancescanner to the North West.

“This scanner helps thediagnosis and monitoring of alltypes of heart diseases and willbe a massive boost for theregion.”

The Lymm Memorial Forest islocated adjacent to Sow Brookon the Trans Pennine Trail.

New Start, based atWythenshawe Hospital,Manchester, has raised morethan £6 million and offers vitalhelp to heart and lungtransplant patients by providingmedical equipment, patient carefacilities and support groups.

Contact Janice Taylor, tel 0161945 2166

DIGGING DEEP: Left to right:Douglas Graham, chairman,

New Start; Pamela Marks, chair,Lymm Parish Council; Karen

Mundry, mayoress ofWarrington; Ian Marks; Hans

Mundry, mayor of Warrington;and John Roberts, chief

executive, United Utilities.PICTURE: JOHN KING

NUMBER 10 Downing Street ISaccessible for wheelchair users– and that’s official, says aNumber 10 insider.

The statement comes aftercomplaints from a 10-year-oldboy who saw a news clip inwhich a disabled girl had to belifted into the Prime Minister’saddress.

Wheelchair-user Nathan Giles,who has cerebral palsy, wroteto the PM complaining thatthere was no ramp at theentrance to Number 10.

He copied in Jeremy Hunt,Shadow Minister for DisabledPeople, who accompaniedNathan to Downing Street with30,000 pledges backing nationaldisability charity Scope’s Timeto Get Equal campaign, whichcalls for equality for disabledpeople.

Mr Hunt said: “Nathan raises avery good point that it is notacceptable for an iconicbuilding such as 10 DowningStreet not to have appropriatefacilities available for disabledpeople.

“I feel immensely strongly thatdisabled people must be able toenjoy the same life chances astheir non-disabled counterparts.

“This is the reason why I ambacking Scope’s Time to GetEqual campaign and I wasdelighted to be able to visit

Downing Street with Nathan tohand over the pledge cardswhich have been collectedduring the campaign.”

Scope chief executive TonyManwaring said: “The pledgesdemonstrate the public’scommitment to endingdisablism.

“However we realise that thereis still a lot of work to be done

before disabled people enjoythe same life chances as nondisabled people as pledged bythe government.”

The Downing Streetspokesman said that a ramp isgenerally available forwheelchair-users to gain accessto Number 10, but it had beentemporarily moved whenNathan had seen the news item.

THE PROSTATECancer Charity hasproduced its firstsign language videoand DVD.

Prostate cancer isthe most commoncancer to affect UKmen, yet there is stillan alarming lack ofawareness andembarrassment aboutthe disease amongthe UK population.

The difficulties inunderstanding andcoming to terms withthe disease can beeven greater for someof the 70,000 BritishSign Language userswho have been shownto experiencedifficulties inaccessing help fromGPs.

The video explainsthe most commonprostate problems,possible symptoms,risk factors to beaware of and the nextstage in a diagnosis.

MarathonIntroducing the video

is Clark Denmark, asenior lecturer at theCentre for DeafStudies at Universityof Bristol and BSLpresenter forprogrammes such asthe BBC’s See Hear.

Mr Denmark, 57, wassuccessfully treatedfor the disease in 2001.He said: “This is a vitalstart to giving menwho are deaf theinformation they needin their own language.”

Mr Denmark’sdaughter, Cheryl, 28, agraphic designer,helped kick-start theproject.

Cheryl said: “I hadthis crazy idea that Icould run a Londonmarathon and raisesome money to fund asigned video to helppeople like my dad.

“Two years later mydream has become areality.”

Your BSL Guide to theProstate Gland isavailable to downloadfrom the charity’swebsite www.prostatecancer.org.ukn Helpline: 0845 3008383. Textphone, 0845300 8484.

Opening doors at Number 10

3

Blooming good luck

NEWS

www.alltogethernow.org.uk June/July 2006 All Together Now!

Can YOU help us to help YOU?

FOLLOWING sell-outperformances at The Drill HallLondon and The Edinburgh

Festival Fringe, deaf sign singerCaroline Parker is on her way to theNorth West – the last stop in hercurrent UK tour.

Signs of a Diva tells the story ofundertaker Sue Graves and hertransformation into Tammy Frascati, clubsinger extraordinaire.

Her friends are the flat, vinyl sort –strong vulnerable women she identifieswith – Judy, Aretha, Nina, Dolly, Dusty,and Patsy - and when the time comesfor her to make a life-changing decision

she calls on these women to assist her,and itakes us to a world of classic lyricsand melodies.

Performing to a soundtrack thatincludes iconic performances from divasdown the decades, Caroline, as Tammy,interprets, translates, signs and tells thestories of songs that have touched ageneration of music lovers - but it isSue’s story that touches the heart.

The show is written by NonaShepphard who has penned anddirected seven legendary all womenpantos at The Drill Hall, as well as CrazyLady (Lincoln, Leicester, Drill Hall, NewYork), Tobacco Road (Nottingham

Playhouse) and Café Vesuvio (RoyalExchange, Manchester).

Nona also directs the productionalongside Jenny Sealey, Artistic Directorof Graeae Theatre Company.

The performance is a celebratory wayof bringing deaf and hearing peopletogether; an evening making old songsnew – for hearing people seeing themsigned, and for deaf people who mayhave never known the words and storiesof the songs.n The show comes to the BollingtonArts Centre, Wellington Road,Bollington, Macclesfield. on June 28.Box Office 01625 574410

All TogetherNow! continuesto attract lots ofinterest fromreaders rightacross theglobe!Here’s one ofour latest letters — from Costa Rica!

CONGRATULATIONS on a fantasticmagazine!

About five years ago my mother decidedthat we should begin to look after myuncle who suffers from Parkinson’s.

It really opened our eyes and made usrealise that there are a lot of people in theworld that don’t let anything get in theirway – as you say in your magazine.

We have sinced moved to Costa Rica,Central America where my mother anduncle were born.

We feel that Costa Rica needs this sortof magazine to bring the communitytogether.It was by pure chance I foundyour website and I knew then that it wasworth us giving it a go.

We have got a lot of support over herebut we will be keeping a close eye on yourwork and would like to stay in touch withyou.

Our magazine will be printed in Spanish.When it’s published we will send you acopy for review!— Clair-Marie Robertson, Costa Rica

WINNERS of our streptocarpus plantcollection gardening competition are:

Mrs C Bevins, Ormskirk, Lancs. MrsBevins picked up her copy at OrmskirkCouncil office.

Jean Pressley, Wythenshawe,Manchester. Jean picked up her copy atWarrington Hospital.

Jo Kilty, Bramhall, Cheshire. Jo pickedup her copy at Cheshire libraries.

Maralyn Land, Wrexham. Maralynpicked up her copy from the Lady LeverArt Gallery.

Mrs M Kelly, Thornton, Liverpool. MrsKelly picked up her copy at theMetropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool

STAR LETTERCongratulations— all theway fromCentral America

SIGNED SONGS:Caroline Parker onher way to theBollington ArtsCentre,Macclesfield

Deaf singer

Carolineis ready to

bring the

house down

Hello!IT’S GREAT to be back – andgreat to be able tointroduce our two newbig name partners . . .

Cheshire BuildingSociety and EvertonFootball In TheCommunity are doingtremendous work in the community.

To have them on board is absolutelyterrific!

Together with our other partners – UnitedUtilities, Merseytravel and LiverpoolCommunity College – we can really make adifference.

It’s been a fantastic few months since our

first birthday edition.Our popularity is increasing

(see the letter from Costa Ricaon this page) and we arehearing some great stories abouthow the magazine is helpingpeople from all over the region.Top of the agenda now, though,

is trying to encourage morecommercial support to help us to

expand our service.Hopefully, we’ll be able to announce a few

more partners when we print again – onWednesday August 2.

In the meantime, enjoy this edition – andplease continue to send in your articles.

— Tom Dowling, editor

All Together Now! is aregistered charity, setup with just one aim –to provide a tip topnews service foranyone whose livesare affected bydisability, long-termhealth conditions, orage.

The charity reliesentirely on supportfrom its partners,advertisers and fromgeneral subscriptionsand grants.

4

Film provides help tofaith communities

NEWS

All Together Now! June/July 2006 www.alltogethernow.org.uk

YES! I would like to support the All Together Now!charity by subscribing to the next SIX editions of themagazine with a £10 donation.

NAME .................................................................................

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Please send this form to: All Together Now! TheBradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14

Get thenext SIXmagazinesdeliveredstraight toyour door— for just atenner!

HOW YOU CANHELPUS TOHELPYOU

MORE than 5,000 disabledpeople across the UK areto be offered first aid

training, thanks to a £394,700Big Lottery grant to the BritishRed Cross.

This specialist training willprovide practical skills andknowledge to help developconfidence when dealing withemergencies and day-to-daypersonal care.

Forty-two disabled people will bealso be recruited and supported tobecome volunteer educators andtrainers in first aid.

Caroline Hattersley at the RedCross said: “This ground-breakingproject will enable us to deliverhigh quality training throughout theUK to people with disabilities.

“During the pilot phase of theproject more than120 people weretrained in first aid, including peoplewith wide-ranging disabilities.

“This meant that the way eachskill was taught needed to beadapted for participants’ particularabilities and learning styles. Forexample, a wheelchair user wastaught how to instruct anotherperson to place a casualty in therecovery position.”

The Spinal Injuries Associationalso received £220,390 from theBig Lottery Fund for their Healthy,

Wealthy and Wise project whichwill help empower people withspinal injuries by increasing theirconfidence and knowledge, andhelping them to manage their ownageing process and return to, orgain, employment.

SIA’s executive director PaulSmith said: “This funding meanswe will be able to offer a specialistsupport service for people wishingto return to or regain employmentafter injury, and we will be able toextend the support and advice weprovide as they age with theircondition.”

One of the SIA’s members tohave benefited from the group’sspecialist advice service is BBCTV Newsnight producer, JonathanBell, who was injured in 1993while serving in the army as aninfantry soldier.n The British Red Cross:0870 170 7000www.redcross.org.ukn Spinal injuries Association:0900 980 0501www.spinal.co.uk

Lottery bonanzafor thousands

Mentalhealthtackledin £165mscheme

A NEW film that highlights how faithcommunities can support people withlearning disabilities is to get a Londonpremiere in June.

Religious leaders will be at thescreening of Faith in Practice, takingplace at the Globe Theatre onThursday, June 8.

The Foundation for People withLearning Disabilities, who made thefilm, say the film examines how theSikh, Muslim, Christian, Jewish andHindu faiths can support people withlearning disabilities.

Hazel Morgan, the charity’s co-director, says; “Many people withlearning disabilities value being part ofa faith community but rarely get thesupport they need to fulfil theirspiritual or religious needs.”

Faith in Practice is on DVD and videoat £12.50 but is free to people withlearning disabilities and family carers.n The film is part of the FPLD’songoing work into religion andspirituality. Tel 020 7803 1100n www.learningdisabilities.org.uk

First aid coursesfor over 5,000disabled people

THE Big LotteryFund is pumping£165 million intohelpingcommunities buildhealthier lifestyles.

The new Wellbeingprogramme has athree-pronged focus,aiming to improvemental wellbeing,make people morephysically active, andencourage children,parents and the widercommunity to eatmore healthily.

Changing attitudesand the stigmaassociated withmental health will betackled along withdevelopingpreventativeapproaches tocommon mentalhealth problems,including stress,depression andanxiety disorders.

The funding willimprove the ability ofcommunities toorganise and runprojects that provideopportunities forpeople to becomemore active and willencourage those withthe most sedentarylifestyles to increasetheir activity levels indaily life.n Contact, tel:08454 10 20 30www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

MERSEYSIDE Motor Neurone Disease Association is keen to hearfrom people wanting to help those with MND.

Secretary Alun Owen says: “Anyone who would like to get involved withthe group are inivited to our meetings,” They take place at The PacketSteamer, Northern Perimeter Road, Bootle, Liverpool, on July 12; August23; October 4; November 8; and December 13. Contact: 0151 931 1808.

Motor neurone group reaches out

Check out . . . www.alltogethernow.org.uk

DANCERS of all abilities arestepping out to stage a summerspectacular at the Waterside

Arts Centre, in Sale, Cheshire.The two-hour long performance

includes touch and sensory dance, andfeatures appearances by dance groupsincluding Konnect 2 (Wigan); Needs toDance (Bolton); Stepping Stones(Salford); Transitional (Oldham); Dodeka(Trafford) and Oakwood Youth Group(Salford).

There will also be an exclusiveperformance by the world-renowned andManchester-based Touchdown DanceCompany.

Vicky Fletcher, arts development officerfor Wigan Leisure and Culture Trustsays: “It is a great opportunity for us to

showcase the talent and appetite there isfor dance across Greater Manchesterand to forge new partnerships.

“Touchdown Dance Company has agreat reputation and is passionate aboutbringing people with disabilities togetherwith non-disabled dancers to share in thejoy of dance performance.”

Louise Rowley, community arts co-ordinator, at Fred Longworth High Schoolin Atherton, says: “We want to inspiremore people to become actively involvedin dance.”n Tickets for the event on Friday June 2,7pm, are available by calling 0161 9125616.n For information about the opportunitiesto become involved in dance, contactVicky Fletcher on 01942 486918.

Fancy dancin’?

LAURA WILLIAMS from Konnect 2

5

NEWS


New help for peoplewith Parkinson’s

THE Duke of York is backingan appeal to raise moneyfor a new research centre

that aims to restore hearing todeaf people – and to preventdeafness in those at risk.

Deafness is the second mostcommon disability in the UK,affecting almost nine millionpeople.

The new Ear Institute atUniversity College London bringstogether nine leading researchteams to create a world-classcentre in hearing research.

The Duke, who is Patron ofDeafness Research UK, said: “TheUCL Ear Institute is bringing thefull range of scientific disciplinestogether under one roof for the firsttime in an attempt to understandthe whole hearing process fromthe outer ear to the brain.

“I am delighted to be supportingDeafness Research UK’s appeal toraise urgently needed funds tohelp fill the Institute with theyoung, talented scientists it needsto carry out its researchprogrammes.”

The Ear Institute is housed next

to the Royal National Throat, Noseand Ear Hospital in London.

Vivienne Michael, chief executiveof Deafness Research UK, said:“Talented young scientists are thekey to accelerating progresstowards finding ways of curing orpreventing deafness.

“Our appeal aims to help the EarInstitute fill its labs with theresearchers it needs to make thebreakthroughs that will transformlife for millions of deaf and hard ofhearing people.”

Let’s beat deafness

ROYAL SUPORT: The Duke of York at the launch

LIVERPOOL HAS A NEW TESCO STORE!Opening Monday 12th June

What’s in store...Cookshop Electricals Cold meats

& cheesesHome

entertainmentHealth

& beautyBakery

productsCar care

Where to find usTesco Liverpool Deysbrook BarracksDeysbrook Lane, West Derby, Liverpool

Opening hours8am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday10am to 4pm, Sunday

A brand new superstore set to open in West Derbyis involved in a unique partnership, which has offered local peoplereal jobs.

The regeneration partnership – the largest of its kind in Merseyside - has created over 200 jobs at the new 25,500 sq ftTesco superstore currently under construction on Deysbrook Lane,with almost half going to the long-term unemployed, single parents, and workers who have been made redundant.

The Deysbrook Partnership programme involves over 20 differentagencies, led by JET Eastern Link (the Jobs, Education andTraining Service) as the lead partner along with the Eastern LinkManagement Services group, Liverpool Community College,Jobcentre Plus and Tesco.

Tesco, working alongside city agencies including the AdultLearning Service, are committed to generating jobs where they are needed most, removing barriers to work and also supportinghealthy living.

The new full-time and part-time jobs include everything fromcashiers and sales assistants to security officers and warehouseoperatives.

Among the successful applicants, who are now part of the Tescoteam, is a teenager who is deaf, a husband and wife, ten singlemothers and over 42 people who had previously been on incomesupport.

Tesco is committed to creating jobs in the local community,which is a key part of the company’s ongoing commitment to thecity of Liverpool.

“These are real jobs for local people,” said new store managerAndrew Bland. “Working for Tesco is more than a job - it is anopportunity to get in touch with others, make new friends andrecognising that you can make a real contribution and a difference, where it matters, in your own community.”

On Monday 12th June, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, CouncillorJoan Lang will officially open the new store. At 10am, CouncillorLang will accept a cheque donation for £1000 from store manager Andrew on behalf of the Mayoral Charity, before cuttingthe ribbon to declare the new store officially open.

A number of exciting events will be taking place at the store overthe coming weeks, including family entertainment from 3.30pmon Monday 12th June, when Europe’s number one children’sshow will be coming to town. The larger than life cuddly bearcharacters will be performing their children’s show, whichincludes sing-alongs, fun and games with prizes and give-aways.

The new superstore will boast quality value food ranges and offercustomers a wide variety of other departments, including an electrical department. The store will also have a free customercar park with over 200 spaces.

Tesco Liverpool Deysbrook store opening hours will be 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Tesco new store manager presents Imagine Appeal Office ManagerAnne Hodgson with a cheque for £1000. Also pictured (back row)Tracy Sheridan (Tesco Duty Manager), Jeanette Irwin (Tesco DutyManager) and Graeme Gaton (Tesco Duty Manager). Patients sat onthe bed (left to right): Louis Jones, 3, Hosen Ojora, 4, Kelsey Duncan,9 and Dominic Murray, 12. As pictured, a number of toys were alsodonated to the ward.

PARKINSON’s patients with dementiacan now benefit from a drug designedto treat Alzheimer’s.

Exelon is the first medicine of itskind to be licensed by the EuropeanMedicines Agency for people withParkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s is primarily a motor-nerve problem, causing shaking andrigidity. However, in many cases it isalso associated with mental decline.

Up to 40% of Britain’s 120,000Parkinson’s patients suffer fromvarying degrees of dementia.

Patients experience a wide degree ofsymptoms, including hallucinations,anxiety, apathy and depression.Dementia is the most likely reason forsomeone with Parkinson’s going into anursing home.

Dr Jane Byrne, senior lecturer at theUniversity of Manchester and anexpert in dementia, said: “This is

extremely encouraging news. For thefirst time, there is a treatment provento be clinically effective in somepatients available for us to use.”

6

DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY SUNDAY JULY 9, WARRINGTON


The awards provide an opportunity for disabled people and carers tonominate Northwest employers, businesses, service providers or individualsthat deserve recognition for promoting independence, delivering accessibleand/or inclusive services, or maintaining exemplary employment practices.

Nominate online at

www.positiveactionawards.org.ukOrganised by

Sponsored by

Or call 01925 240064 for anomination form

Closing date 4th August 2006

A selection of 2005 winners

Merseytravel

Wildflower Centre

All together now

Martin Yates

Car ParkingPublic car parking is provided at the bottom ofWalton Lea Road (off A56). The main tarmaccovered area will be reserved for badgeholders only (up to 320 cars). A further 700cars can be parked on the overspill car park(this is a grass field and can involve a longwalk to the event ground). Two free(accessible) Park & Ride scheme buses willoperate from Daresbury Laboratory off theA56, and Priestly College off the A49.

Wheelchairs & EnablersForty wheelchairs are available on free loan.Trained voluntary enablers will be available.

British Sign Language interpretersTwo qualified BSL Interpreters will be availablethroughout the day, courtesy of CheshireDeafness Support.

ToiletsTwo unisex wheelchair accessible toilet unitson site and one permanent unisex unit (hoistand changing plinth) in the toilet blockadjacent to the entrance bridge.

ARE YOU looking for an excitingand informative free day out forall the family this summer?

Then get along to the annual DisabilityAwarenes Day – Europe’s largestvoluntary-led disability event being held inthe North West on Sunday, July 9, atWalton Hall Gardens (off the A56),Warrington.

DAD 06 is our 15th annual event, and isorganised by Warrington DisabilityPartnership – principally sponsored byNorthwest Regional Development Agency.

After the great success of last year’sDAD, where the attendance was in excessof 20,000 people, we are again expectinghuge crowds.

Past visitors have included delegatesfrom Denmark, Italy, France, Sweden,

Germany, Austria, Belgium and Gibraltar.After visiting the Warrington event, the

Gibraltar team returned home to set uptheir own annual DAD which was officiallylaunched in 1997.

Other similar awareness-raising eventshave also been held in Cornwall andRotherham.

The theme for this year’s show is “CanDo”.

Every exhibitor has been requested topromote what disabled people can do andnot to focus on negativity.

The day will highlight the range of

independent living and support servicesoffered by more than 250 statutory,business and voluntary organisations, andpromote the latest technology andequipment aimed at maintaining orimproving independence.

The event will also showcaseopportunities in the field of sports and artsthrough exhibitions and interactive events,providing something for all disabled peopleno matter what their level ofimpairment/disability.

DAD 06 will include the “Slice of Life” filmfestival, which aims to promote disabled

people in film-making as actors, producersor in story lines with a positive theme.

Access and support are number one onour checklist, including a free accessiblebus and Park & Ride services, British SignLanguage interpreters, portable inductionloops systems, wheelchair loan and anenabler service to help visitors around thebeautiful gardens.

We have already received pre-bookingsfrom over 100 of last year’s exhibitors, sothe message is if you are interested inexhibiting or taking part in the arts orsports arenas then please contact theDisability Awareness Day AdministrationTeam NOW on 01925 240064.

Or if you want more information visit thewebsite at:www.disabilityawarenessday.co.uk

by DAVE THOMPSONchairman, Warrington Disability Partnership

We’re making the dayenjoyable for everyone!

Disability Awareness Day 2006Walton Hall Gardens WarringtonSunday, 9th July, 10am to 5pm

The best DADThe best DADin thein theworldworld

OYEZ: Warm welcome from Peter Powell

7www.alltogethernow.org.uk June/July 2006 All Together Now!

DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY SUNDAY JULY 9, WARRINGTON

THE WEEK leading up to DisabilityAwareness Day is packed withsupporting events. All activities arefree, unless stated, but please bookearly. Here’s the timetable:

Sat July 1: Arts Showcase at Old MarketPlace Warrington. Artists from across theUK performing music and dance. ContactPhil Edwards, 01925 664057

Mon July 3: Access & Facilities Seminarat Walton Hall. Representatives fromdisability organisations, architects,builders and planners are invited to aworkshop on access and facilities in linewith the DDA 1995, Part M and BS 8300.7pm-9.30pm. Contact Colin Whitfield,01925 240064

Tues July 4: Positive Action Awarenessevent for schools at Walton Hall. 9am-12noon. Contact Derek Jones, 01925240064 Tues July 4: Employment & DisabledPeople at Walton Hall. Employers areinvited to a workshop aimed at promotingideas on recruitment, development andretention of disabled employees. 12.30-4pm. Contact Derek Jones, 01925 240064

Wed July 5: Tea in a Tent at ArtsMarquee, Walton Hall Gardens, organisedby Warrington Carers Centre. Advancedbookings required. 1pm-4pm. ContactWyn Higham or Jenny Readman, 01925644212 Wed July 5: Party in the Park for youngdisabled people at Marquee 3, WaltonHall Gardens. Organised by Planet Blue,a partnership project between NSPCC,Warrington Youth Club and WarringtonDisability Partnership. Entertainment,music, food and lots to see and do.6.30pm-10pm. Contact Jayne Horton,01925 240064

Thurs July 6: Disability Equality Duty &disabled people at Walton Hall.Developmental workshop aimed atempowering disabled people to beeffective partners in helping statutoryservice providers meet their mandatoryrequirements. 10am-4pm. ContactLeonard Cheshire, 01925 414115 or WDP,01925 240064 Thurs July 6: Positive Mental Health andWellbeing at Arts Marquee and Marquee3. Workshops, complementary therapies,music, art and much more. 10am-4.30pm.Contact Janette Norton or KerryBroadhead, 01925 843600 Thurs July 6: Festival of Life at ArtsMarquee & Walton Hall. LearningDisability Services and LiverpoolDiocesan Board for Social Care presentan interactive evening of craft, drama,song and dance, culminating in a time ofChristian Worship. 6pm-9.30pm. ContactRev Pam Lovett, 01925 664000

Fri July 7: Mega Quiz Night Barbecue inthe Park & Disco at Arts Marquee, WaltonGardens. Tickets, £7. 7.30pm-11.30pm.Contact Jon Menzies, 01925 240064

Sat July 8: Wheelchair basketball at OldMarket Place, Warrington. 10am-5pm.Contact Colin Whitfield, 01925 240064

What a week

FUN TIME: More than 20,000 visitors enjoyed the summer sunshine at last year’s Disability Awareness Day atWalton Hall Gardens. Organisers are expecting even more people to flock to Warrington for this year’s event.


05/06/UUNW/DC/1691

ExtraCareExtraCare

With our identity cardsand ExtraCare passwordscheme you know exactlywho is at your door.

Openyourdoorwithconfidence

Are you disabled, elderly, seriously ill or do you havesight, hearing or learning difficulties?

If so you could be eligible for a range of special services which UnitedUtilities offers free to customers with extra needs, called ExtraCare.

If you are visually impaired we can send you bills andletters in Braille or large print so they are easier to

read. We operate a password scheme to stopbogus callers getting into your home.

We will also take extra steps to warn youif we need to shut-off your water supply.

Beat thebogus caller

•LOCKHome or away –keep all doorsLOCKED

•STOPIs anyoneEXPECTED?Is the back doorLOCKED?

•CHAINPut the CHAIN ONbefore openingthe door

•CHECKAsk for caller’s ID Check it by PHONEAsk for yourPASSWORD

use if we visit you. That passwordwill only be known to you and usso that when any of ouremployees visit you, you can askthem to give you the passwordbefore you let them in.

And remember, if you are in anydoubt, KEEP THEM OUT!

www.unitedutilities.com

They can often be verypersuasive and plausible and willuse any trick in the book to getinto your home. Bogus callerscome in all shapes and sizes –men, women, even children. Theypretend to be “officials”, charityworkers, tradesmen, propertyrepairers and the like. They maybe smartly dressed and claim tobe from the council, the police,health organisations or gas, wateror electricity companies. Theymay ask for a drink of water or towash their hands. Some may saythey are looking for a lost pet.

Many often use “props” like anidentity card or overalls with acompany logo on them. They maypoint to electricity or water boardvans further down your road as away of legitimising their visit toyour door. Often they work in pairsand while one distracts you at thefront door another will nip in yourback door and steal yourvaluables.

The effects are often devastatingand many victims report a hugeimpact on the quality of their lifeas a result. Some people feel soembarrassed at being conned thatthey choose not to report thecrime.

Many do not feel confident tostay independently in their ownhomes.

Millions of pounds every year are taken by“doorstep criminals” who trick their way intopeople’s homes with the intention of stealingmoney or valuables or charging for workthey haven’t done or goods that haven’tbeen asked for.

If in doubt

- keepthem out

While the police and others areworking hard to detect andprosecute the offenders, the goodnews is that this crime is easilypreventable. If you are expecting acaller make sure you check theiridentification very carefully, evencalling the number provided tocheck they are who they say theyare.

Only let someone in when youare absolutely sure that they aregenuine. Genuine callers willalways be happy to make anappointment to call and will carryan identity card with aphotograph. They won’t mindwaiting if you want to phone andconfirm their identity or want torearrange the appointment.

At United Utilities all ouremployees carry identificationcards with their photograph andcustomers can call us on 0845746 2200 to verify whether or notthe caller is genuine. To make iteasier for our customers who areblind the card also has a contactnumber in Braille on the back.

For extra peace of mind we alsooperate a password scheme forour ExtraCare customers whichhelps protect them against boguscallers who say they are from “thewater board”.

All you have to do is let us knowthe password you would like us to

Registering forExtraCare is easy -just telephone us on0845 746 1100

or register online at:

E


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

Is DIVERSITY high on your agenda?

Let our charity deliver your message to TENSof THOUSANDS of disabled and older peoplewho are eagerly awaiting your announcements

CALLING HR MANAGERS . . . RECRUITMENT AGENCIES . . . WIDER PARTICIPATION/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT OFFICERS . . .

To advertise in these pages — AND on our sensational website —call Chris Groves

0151 230 [email protected]

DEAF and disabled people across theNorth West wanting to make their ownfilms are being invited to a newsummer school.

The project – Shoot to Thrill – is a 15-day course taking place in Liverpoolbetween 7-25 August 7-25, and is beingrun by North West Disability ArtsForum, in partnership with First TakeVideo, Toxteth Television and film-maker, Anne Cunningham.

The course, for people aged 18 andover, is free and fully accessible withBSL interpreters, audio describers anda PA.

Training includes devising, scripting,filming and editing culminating in ashort film that will be showcasednationally and internationally.

Twelve places are available. Deadlinefor applications is Wednesday June 20. n Application forms from: NWDAF, 1/27Bridport Street, Liverpool L3 5QF. Tel0151 707 1733(V) 0151 706 0365.n Email: [email protected]

Make a film Public sector bossesunder the spotlightAN INVESTIGATION into

the problems faced bydisabled people

wanting to train or work inteaching, nursing and socialcare has been launched bythe Disability RightsCommission.

The Disability RightsCommission’s review will formpart of a 12-month FormalInvestigation into how training,qualifying and working practicesmay be posing challenges to theentry and progress of disabledpeople.

The DRC claim that disabledpeople are far less likely to beworking in professionaloccupations like teaching, nursing

and social care than non-disabledpeople; that disabled people arestill less likely than non-disabledpeople to be employed in thepublic sector; and that employers,colleges and regulatory bodieshave difficulty deciding who is fitto work, study or register.

Bert Massie, chairman of theDRC, says: “We want to seedisabled people at the heart ofBritish life and making acontribution to our public services.

“Teaching, nursing and socialcare could benefit from employingand retaining more disabledpeople, including those with long-term health conditions.

“However, these are highlyregulated occupations and itappears from our initial work that

this may present a barrier tosome disabled people and thosewith long-term health conditions.”

The DRC says it has evidenceof disabled people beingprevented from entering orstaying in public sectoroccupations, including when theybecome disabled in later life.

Additionally, where disabledpeople enter training in thesesectors, they are often pigeon-holed into particular areas of thatcareer where they may not wishto work.

A recent DRC study found thatonly 11% of working age disabledpeople had public sector jobscompared with 18% of non-disabled people. It also showedthat in the public sector, disabled

employees are less likely thannon-disabled employees tooccupy the more senior levels inprofessions such as nursing,teaching and social work.

n From December 5 the publicsector will have new obligationsunder the Disability Equality Duty.The duty will have a major

impact on providers of health,education and social careservices, who will have to showhow they are proactivelypromoting equality for disabledpeople.n The Disability Equality Dutyaffects around 45,000 publiclyfunded organisations, includinglocal authorities and governmentdepartments.


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

Ofsted 2005

For further information contact:

0151 252 3000www.liv-coll.ac.uk

LLiivveerrppooooll CCoommmmuunniittyy CCoolllleeggee ssttuuddeennttss rreecceeiivvee tthhee LLeeaarrnniinngg && SSkkiillllss BBeeaaccoonn AAwwaarrdd

support for students is

outstandingsupport for students is

outstandingOver 26,000 learners

Over 900 staff

6 centres of vocational excellence

21 drop-in centresthroughout the community

13% of learners with alearning difficulty or disability

Supported by the following teams:

• dyslexia;• specific learning difficulties;• visual impairment;• hearing impairment;• personal care team;• physical disabilities.

KATHIE Hare-Cockburn is fullyaware of how difficult it canbe to get on the jobs’ ladder –

especially if you are disabled insome way.

Kathie is profoundly deaf and knowsall about the frustrations of trying toget work.

However, she’s just landed herperfect role – giving one-to-one adviceto help people into work.

Kathie is the newly appointedintegrated services officer at JETEastern Link (Jobs, Education andTraining) who are leading Liverpool’sDeysbrook regeneration partnership,which is set to create over 100 newjobs at the Tesco superstore.

Liasing with Jobcentre Plus,

Liverpool Community College and theAdult Learning Services, she isadvising potential recruits on a widerange of issues from childcare andtransport to incapacity benefit andwelfare rights.

She says: “I am very proud to beassociated with this partnership.

“It is fantastic to be able to help localpeople into local jobs and I canobviously advise them through my ownexperience.”

Kathie, who has two children April,13, and Jake, 12, is based at theDovecot Multi-Activity Centre.

The Eastern Link neighbourhoodservices project attracted over 700applicants for posts at the new Tescostore, which opens in June.

GOOD ADVICE: Kathie’s experienceis helping people to find work

How Kathiecan help you

DISABLED students in higher educationare to benefit from more effectiveteaching and study methods, thanks to anew Internet project by The OpenUniversity.

The launch of the Making Your TeachingInclusive website provides practical adviceabout teaching inclusively for staff across thehigher education sector.

The site gives lecturers an insight into whatstudy is like for disabled students through aseries of case studies and video clips, andoffers information on what staff can do to findsolutions to many of the common barriers tolearning.

Will Swann, Director, Students, for theOpen University, said the project and websiteoffered a significant contribution in anincreasingly important field for the higher

education sector.“The site encourages the adoption of an

anticipatory and proactive approach in orderfor the learning needs of individuals to berecognised and met - and in order to createa learning environment that is inclusive bydesign.”

The site also includes a series of resourcesfor staff development; practical advice onmeeting the requirements of the DisabilityDiscrimination Act and information aboutdifferent types of learning support, includingassistive technologies and specialist staff.

More than 9,000 people with disabilitiesstudy with The Open University each year.

Disabled students are supported by teamsof specialist staff - both at the university’smain campus in Milton Keynes and at theuniversity’s 13 UK regional centres.

Website lessons for lecturers

www.alltogethernow.org.uk June/July 2006 All Together Now! 11

EducationalProjects

CommunitySupport

SocialInclusion

Grass RootsSport

FinancialEducation

June/July 2006 All Together Now! 21All Together Now! June/July 2006 www.alltogethernow.org.uk12

EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . . BUSINESS . . . RIGHTS . . . FINANCE . . . EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . . BUSINESS . . . RIGHTS . . . FINANCE . . .

CODE JHGABY

To: The Open University, PO Box 625, Milton Keynes MK7 6YG

Please send me the Health & Social Care Prospectus

Title Initials Surname

Address

Postcode Date of birth

Tel (Day/Evening)

Email

On coursefor acaring career?

Connect to the power of learning now.

0870 900 0310www.openuniversity.co.uk/hscQuote code JHGABY

If you’re thinking about a career in health and socialcare, The Open University course Understandinghealth and social care is a great place to start.

Our flexible, supported part-time courses allow youto develop your knowledge, understanding and skillswithout disrupting your work or home life.

Understanding health and social care is practical and relevant. It draws on your own experience of care whether you’re in paid work, looking after a relative, using services or interested in health andsocial care issues.

If you successfully complete the course you will beawarded The Certificate in Health and Social Care,which can boost your career prospects and be a springboard to further qualifications.

making a difference

75,000 copies, 200,000 readers

TO JOIN US CALL CHRIS GROVES, 0151 230 0307

Where youcan pickup yourFREE copy

Together we are

n IN ADDITION to all your usual stockists,All Together Now! is now also available atall 49 branches of the Cheshire BuildingSociety and at Trinity Mirror NW centres.n Cheshire Building Society, 01625 434115n Trinity Mirror NW, 0151 227 2000

13

Your guide to the good things in life — the arts, the countryside, gardening, travel, and much, much more


Making Merseyside a destinationof choice for disabled visitors

How accessible is your tourism business?Take advantage of a free advisory visit and much more....

As the Tourist Board for the Merseyside sub-region, TheMerseyside Partnership is working with MerseysideDisability Federation and local authorities to improve theexperience of all visitors to Merseyside.

l Free introductory advisory visit to your establishment.

l Subsidised participation in Welcome All (part of Welcome to Excellence customer service training).

l Subsidised training tailored to your specific needs.

l Full Access Audit of your premises with a written report containingrecommendations, with a subsidy of 75% (up to a maximum of £750 per business).

l Reduced price first year membership of the National AccessibleScheme for hotels which meet this national standard.

Peter Bates Information Officer,

Merseyside Disability Federation.Tel: 0151 291 9570

Email: [email protected]

Andrew Elliot Tourism Development Assistant,

The Merseyside Partnership.Tel: 0151 237 3522

Email: [email protected]

or

contact

TOURISM and leisurebusinesses need tomake themselves

more accessible – but onMerseyside real help isavailable in the lead up to2008.

Tourism for All is bigbusiness: Tomorrow’stourists are more likely tobe over 55, and ifMerseyside attractionsaren’t welcoming andaccessible to them and todisabled people they’ll goelsewhere. And of course ithelps local people whowant to use the place aswell.

The Mersey Partnershipfeatured a special “Tourismfor All” award at its annualceremony in May, andSpaceport, the newattraction at the SeacombeFerry Terminal, carried offthe prize.

DaDa Fest also won anaward in the category forthe best Small Event,though it’s already thebiggest disability artsfestival in Europe, attractingpeople to the area from allover the UK and abroad.

The business case for all

this is clear – moreaccessibility means morecustomers (and theirfamilies and friends spendmoney as well).

The legal case is equallycompelling - after 10 yearsof the DisabilityDiscrimination Act no-onecan get away with claimingignorance.

Making venues accessibleneedn’t cost the earth. Thelaw doesn’t require everysmall café to put in a lift.People just have to dowhat’s “reasonable” fortheir business. How muchdoes it cost to have onemenu in large print . . ?

But ignoring the law bynot even considering whatcould be done isn’treasonable and businessesaround the country havealready found this out incourt.

In Merseyside our “08 forAll” project is there to help.We’re advising some major

new tourism projects onaccessibility. We’rearranging for “mysteryshopping” – disabledpeople coming from outsideof the area to test out justhow accessible places are.

We’re also using ourfunds (from Europe andfrom local councils) toprovide direct assistancefor businesses.

That’s where readers ofAll Together Now! can help.Is there somewhere youknow that goes out of itsway to welcome you?

Or have you experienceda local hotel, restaurant ortourist attraction that needsimprovements inaccessibility or in itsattitudes to disabledpeople?

In many cases we cangive a free advisory visitand a subsidisedprofessional access audit,and we can also providefree or subsidised training.

Cut out the advert on thispage and give it to them.Get them to contact us. Wewant to help them get morecustomers – before thoselawyers arrive.

Let’s improvetheir business

08 for All– makingMerseysidea destinationof choicefor disabledvisitors

n Spaceport atSeacombe FerryTerminal —winner of TheMerseyPartnership’s“Tourism for All”Award 2006

byPETER BATESMerseyside DisabilityFederation


June 2-3: Theatre Titanick -Insect. Germany’s leadingoutdoor theatre specialistsstage the UK premiere of aspectacular outdoor show.Tel: 0161 224 0020June 7-11: Folk on theCoast, Wirral. Tel 0151 6918454June 8-10: MobilityRoadshow, Kemble,Swindon. Tel 0845 241 0390June 11: Wirral Bikeathon.Tel 0151 632 0548June 12-18: National CarersWeek. See page 27.June 13: Chester Races -Ladies Evening, TheRacecourse. Tel 01244304600June 14: Carers Event,Liverpool Football Club. Tel0151 705 2390June 14-19: InternationalChurch Music Festival,Chester Cathedral. Tel 01244402525June 16-18: Folk and BoatFestival, Middlewich. Tel01606 834575.June 16-18: Antiques andFine Arts Fair, Arley Hall,Northwich. Tel 01565 777353June 17: Bawming of theThorn, Appleton Thorn,Warrington. Traditional tree-dressing celebration, the onlyone of its kind in England. Tel01925 715145June 18: Sefton Cycle Tour.Tel 01695 682020June 20-21: CheshireShow, Tabley, nearKnutsford. Tel 01829 760020June 17: Manchester CycleShow. Tel: 01695 682020June 17-25: ManchesterBike Week. Get on your bikeand celebrate cycling duringManchester Bike Week. Tel:0161 234 5000June 17-18: Feast! - Picnicby the Lake. A massmidsummer picnic for all.Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield,Manchester. Sat, 7-10.30pm;Sun, 1-5pm. Free.June 24: Exodus Festival. Aunique celebration of the artsand culture of GreaterManchester’s refugeecommunities. Hulme Park.Tel: 0161 234 2987June 24-25: MidsummerWatch Parade, Chester citycentre. Celebrating theequinox with a colourfulcavalcade of medievalcharacters including a familyof giants. Tel 01244 402330June 24-25: WirralInternational Kite Festival.Tel 0151 691 8269June 24-25: Arley GardenFestival, Arley Hall,Northwich. Tel 01565 777353June 30: WarringtonWalking Day. Tel 01925715145

July 1: Chester Races -Roman Day. TheRacecourse. Spectacular re-enactments by imperiallegionaries, chariot racingand living history events.Tel 01244 304600July 1-2: Saxon Invasion!Salt Museum, Northwich. Tel01606 41331July 2: Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride. Tel01695 682020July 2: River Carnival andRaft Race, River DeeTel 01244 679178July 7-9: Chester YouthGames. Tel 01244 402277July 9: WarringtonDisability Awareness Day,Walton Hall Gardens,Warrington (see p6-7)

July 14-16: InternationalSWAP (Songwriters andPerformers) Festival 2006.A fantastic weekend ofmusical talent. VariousManchester venues. Tel:

0161 832 1111July 14-17: Circus Ronaldo- La cucina dell’Arte. Returnof this ingenious circustheatre family. Platt FieldsPark, Manchester.July 15-30: Chester FringeFestival. Tel 01244 321497July 19-23: RoyalHorticultural Flowe Show,Hatton Park, Knutsford. Tel0870 906 3810July 20-23: FuturesonicInternational Festival 2006.The UK’s leading digitalmedia and music festival.Various Manchester venues.www.futuresonic.comJuly 20-30: Contacting theWorld. A celebration ofmusic, performance anddance. Manchester.July 20-Aug 6: King Arthur.Feelgood TheatreProductions present the worldpremiere of this epicadventure. Heaton Park,Manchester. Tel: 0161 2367110July 22: Chester LordMayor’s Parade. City centreand Roodeye.July 22-29: StarbucksManchester JazzFestival.Various venuesImprovise your summer withthe foremost contemporaryjazz festival in the North ofEngland. Tel: 0161 228 0663July 20-23: City of ChesterHorse Show. Tel 01244402330July 24-30: TheatreFestival. Premiereperformances of new writingfor theatre. VariousManchester venues. Tel:0161 408 4101

July 25-26: NantwichInternational Cheese Show.Tel 01270 610983July 26-27: The Importanceof Being Earnest. Outdoortheatre production of thisOscar Wilde classic. FletcherMoss Gardens., Manchester.Tel: 01926 430307July 28-30: St Helens Show,Sherdley Park, St Helens. Tel01744 455326July 28: The Importance ofBeing Earnest.Wythenshawe Hall,Manchester. Tel: 01926430307. July 29-30: ManchesterSummer Mega Mela. Aninspiring celebration of Asianarts, music and culture. PlattFields Park. Tel: 0161 2564518July 29-30: The RailwayChildren. Outdoor theatreproduction of this popularchildren’s classic.Wythenshawe Park,Manchester. Tel: 01926430307

Yourguide towhat’sgoing onin theNorthWest thissummer

ADVERTISEYOUR EVENTS:

CALLCHRIS

GROVES:0151 230 0307

A NEW guide to the UK’s “disabled loos”has been published.

The toilets, which are part of theNational Key Scheme, can be openedusing special keys available to disabledpeople and carers.

Local councils can normally make

arrangements for disabled people in theirarea to obtain the spoecial keys.

If you have problems, you can get onefrom RADAR, price £3.50.The guide costs£10.20, including postage, from RADAR,12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London,EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222

DonÕt leave home without this guide!

15

WIDNES MARKETEst. 1875

MARKETOPENING DAYS

Market Hall Mon - Wed - Thurs - Friday - SaturdayOutside Market Monday - Thursday - Friday - Saturday

Fleamarket WednesdayOVER 250 STALLS, LOTS OF FREE CAR PARKING,

FULLY ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED VISITORS.

Widnes Market Office, Bradley Way, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 6UETel No. 0151 471 7340

Traditional shopping themodern way

IT’S full steam ahead asthe Brindley speeds intoits jam-packed summer

season with something forall the family.

There’s a welcome return forfriendly mechanic Engie Benjyand his colourful gang onSaturday June 3.

Also back by popular demandare Action Transport Theatrewith a new play for 7-11 yearolds, Gogo, on Friday andSaturday June 9-10.

Younger family members willalso be delighted to know thatthe Mr Men and Little Misseswill be celebrating The SurpriseBirthday party on SaturdayAugust 12.

There’s a treat for ballet fansof all ages when the critically-acclaimed Images of Dance

make their debut on the Brindleystage on Friday June 16.

And from the sublime to thehilarious: the latest member ofthe Phoenix Nights crew to hitthe road, Justin Moorhouse(aka Young Kenny) will beappearing on Saturday June 17.

Pauline Daniels’ fans will bepleased to find out that she isstarring in the Alan Bennetdrama, Talking Heads, alongwith Dean Sullivan, Brookside’sJimmy Corkhill (June 29-July 1).

The Gallery will also be in fullswing throughout the summer,kicking off with the 2nd HaltonOpen Exhibition (June 24-29),an opportunity for local artists,photographers and sculptors toexhibit their work. Entry formsfrom the Brindley.

Next comes an exhibition by

Welsh artist, Pete Prendergast,A Painter’s Quarry, inspired bythe dramatic landscapes ofSnowdonia.

The Brindley has alsomanaged to squeeze in aprogramme of summer activitiesfor the kids. Auditions forSummer Holiday are onSunday June 4. Anyonebetween 7 and 21 is welcome.

The Brindley’s artsdevelopment team has puttogether workshops that rangefrom directing, theatre Fx, andcomposing music for film.

Meanwhile, the highlight of theBrindley’s summer cinema is akiller double bill of Kill Bill 1and 2 on Saturday July 1.n For tickets and furtherinformation, call the Box Office,0151 907 8360.

SUMMER FUN: Engie Benjy and his colourful gang return to the Brindley, Runcorn

Don’t miss out on the action



All Together Now! is the perffect place toadvertise your facilities and services.

We can provide you with written estimates toinclude in your group’s grant applications.For full details of our advertising rates andsponsorship packages call Chris Groves

0151 230 0307

APPLYINGFOR A

GRANT?

Let us help youpromote your

project to

200,000readers

Let us help youpromote your

project to

200,000readers

16

CHECK OUT OUR AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE: www.alltogethernow.org.uk


THE GREAT OUTDOORS . . . . with John Dempsey

SUMMER’S here and for a change I’mcasting my net further afield in searchof wildlife and fresh air.

While the north west and north Wales have atremendous variety of habitats that ensure awealth of species, motorway links and theplethora of information on the internet mean itis pretty straightforward to find another area ofBritain – or even abroad – with stunningwildlife.

I’m biased, having gone north whenever theopportunity presents itself for the last twodecades, but you can’t really go wrong withScotland.

But where in the wild north should youvisit?

Well, it depends what you’re after – I spent agreat week in Speyside earlier this year,although it was colder than an Inuit’s fridge.

Knee-deep snow and freezing temperaturesare a distant memory now, but the encounterswith the wildlife of the area are as fresh asever.

With warmer summer months, the hugecapercaillie, the “horse of the woods” can beharder to find in the expanses ofRothiemurchus and Abernethy Forests, but thearea is still very beautiful.

Crossbills and crested tits haunt the pines,and the dragonflies and flora of the woodlandfloor always repay closer inspection.

The atmosphere of the Caledonian forests ishard to explain, there is an “oldness” to themthat you rarely come across elsewhere in theUK, and often the glades and bogs look likethey have not changed in thousands of years ...

This cannot be said for Aviemore, the centralservices hub in the area. This town is alwaysbusy with skiers in winter, and walkers insummer, but a short distance away thewilderness still hangs on.

What you may lose in birdsong and activitylater in the year (for the Highland specialties,April and May are the best months), you gain inmore hospitable temperatures, and of course,the stunning sight of hunting ospreys.

Loch Garten is the famous place to go to seethis magnificent bird of prey, but they can beseen just about anywhere nowadays.

I always enjoy standing on the roadsideoutside the Inverdruie Trout Fishery on theeastern edge of Aviemore, where ospreysswoop in low overhead to hunt the trout-stocked ponds. Superb birds.

Several companies offer wildlife tours here,and Speyside Wildlife can lay on a hide towatch pine marten and badger deep inRothiemurchus – for a fee.

For those who really want to get awayfrom the summer crowds, the west coastmay prove a better bet.

With the Skye bridge (now free) it is easy toget out onto this exciting island from Kyle ofLochalsh.

Otters, golden eagles and, if you’re reallylucky, white tailed eagles, can be seen onSkye, and an evening spent watching thewaves off the west coast can often producedolphins, seals and even whales.

Even if no cetaceans are breaking thesurface, hundreds of Manx shearwatersskimming the waves are guaranteed, as are avariety of breeding auks, rock dove and thestriking white forms of fishing gannets.

Whales and dolphins aren’t that scarce uphere – I’ve been lucky enough to watch bothminke and humpback Whales in the Minch, thetreacherous stretch of water separating thetruly remote Uists, Harris and Lewis from Skye.

Seabirds are plentiful and folk are friendly.For the golden eagles try scanning the slopes

of the dramatic Cuillin mountains above the tinyhamlet of Torrin from the road beside the sealoch there. Patience is usually rewarded byviews of this most majestic of Britain’s birds –but watch out for the “tourist eagles”, the namelocals give to common buzzards, oftenmistaken for goldies by visitors!

Apart from the midges and summer rain, thewest coast is quite a place for a summer break.n For more info, go to www.scotland.comWildlife hide, www.speysidewildlife.co.uk

The northernsights

IF YOU plan to stayaround the north westthis summer (and whynot?) now is the time toenjoy our own seabirdspectacle.

You can tough it outfrom Formby Point andsearch the waves forshearwaters, gannets,porpoises and terns, butif it is windy, thecombination of blownsand and salt surf canmake things difficult.

I suggest taking theeasy option; thepavement and seawall atNew Brighton Promenade

– a nice flat surface, noblown sand and plenty ofparking.

From Septemberonwards there’s also avery good chance ofseeing a Leach’s Petrelhere, one of our northwest specialities.

Staying at home isn’t abad option either – onsunny days our gardensshould be filled withbutterflies, from the well-camouflaged SpeckledWood to the dramaticand widespread Peacockbutterfly.

Scotland offers stunning wildlife

BEAUTY AND THE BEASTS: Scotland has everything for the nature lover including ancient forests, hunting ospreys and, below, badgers

Seabird spectacle

FANCY a summer walk in the park?Sign up to one of these gentle ramblesand you will also be helping to find acure for diabetes.

National charity Diabetes UK areplanning 79 walks throughout the UKand organisers are hoping peopleacross the North West and NorthWales will help them in their bid toraise more than £1m.

June 11: Liverpool/Formby. FormbyPine Woods. 2pm-5pm. 1-2 miles.Contact Barry Morgan, tel 0151 476 4765

June 17: Manchester. Longford Park.10am. 1.5 miles. Contact James Arthur,tel 01925 653281

June 18: Morecambe Bay. 8.5 miles.Contact James Arthur, tel 01925 653281 June 18: Aberystwyth. War Memorial,The Promenade. 11m-2pm. 3 miles.Contact Joseph Cuff, tel 029 2066 8276

June 25: Chester. Ecclestone. 10am.1.5 miles. Inaccessible for wheelchairusers. Contact James Arthur, tel 01925653281June 25: Shropshire. Shropshire HillsDiscovery Centre, Craven Arms.10.30am-2.30pm. 2 miles. ContactGraham Heath, tel 01694 722216June 25: York. Riverside Trail. 11am-2pm. 1-2 miles. Contact DuncanRobertson, tel 01325 373324

July 1: Liverpool. Sefton Park. 10am.1.5 miles. Contact James Arthur, tel01925 653281

July 2: Llandudno. The Promenade,Little Orme. 11am-2.30pm. 3 miles.Contact Joseph Cuff, tel 029 2066 8276

July 16: Wrexham. Acton Park. 11am-3pm. 3 miles. Contact Joseph Cuff, tel029 2066 8267

Sept 10: St Helens. Sherdley Park.12.30pm. 1.25 miles. Contact SallyHendry, tel 01928 714255

Take a walk tobeat diabetes

Rambling onTHE DISABLED Ramblers Associationhave arranged a series of summerwalks:June 21-22: Brecon Beacons,moderateJune 24-25: Pembrokeshire, moderateJune 26: Pembrokeshire, challengingJuly 4: Pitsford/Graffham Water, easyJuly 11: Peak District, moderateJuly 13: Peak District, challengingJuly 15: Lancashire, moderateJuly 17: Lancashire, challengingAug 8-9: New Forest, moderateAug 22: South Downs, challengingSep 2: Bristol/Bath, moderateSep 12: Dartmoor, moderateSep 14: Dartmoor, challengingSep 26: Windsor Great Park, easyn Contact, tel 01628 621414n Email:[email protected] www.disabledramblers.co.uk

APPLYINGFOR A

GRANT?


Holiday Breaks in the Lakesnear Keswick

Self catering apartments for 2-6 people.Specially designed with the wheelchairin mind. No steps. Beautiful views in a

superb location. Friendly owners inresidence. Open all year.

For a colour brochure

Tel: 01768 776380www.disabledholiday.net

email: [email protected] now for 2006

IIRRTTOONN HHOOUUSSEE FFAARRMM

ARIES(March 20 - April 19)Recent developments must have

made you very aware of how you’vewasted time, energy and, possibly, moneyin order to make certain things happen. Itmay be that you have been trying too hard!Fortunately, the fates intend to meet youmore than half way at this point and giveyou at least some of what you want. Allthat’s required of you is that you arereceptive to the opportunities that arisenaturally. The proof of this statement willbe evident from July 22 when the Sun joinsSaturn and Mars, your dynamic ruler, inyour house of romance and creativity,enabling you to make more than changefor the better.

TAURUS(April 20 - May 20)Intense planetary activity

indicates that it’s time to reconsider yourtactics in an important but everyday area ofyour life. Although some aspects do notappear to be within your control, if you usea few well-chosen words it will be possibleto make a positive difference. From July 6expansive Jupiter moves forward again inthe zodiac, which bodes well for dealingswith partners and opposite numbers. Thisis liable to produce good news, as well asan interesting newcomer on the scene. Donot lose faith in yourself because on July11 a splendid Full Moon promises achance to spread your wings.

GEMINI(May 21 - June 20)Prepare to move forward in a

venture of the kind that has far reachingimplications for your future path andexpectations. It is your own imaginationand enthusiasm that will win others overand bring the success you desire so,although everything has to be for real,don’t lose sight of your dreams, which haveevery chance of being fulfilled providingyou advance one stage at a time. DuringJune, income and possessions arehighlighted and information arriving in thedays following the New Moon on June 25should be to your advantage.

CANCER(June21-July 22)The events of the past few weeks

must have increased your determination tocut out the dead wood in your life and beyour own person. Continue on the courseyou’ve set and don’t allow guilt feelings todrag you back. By tradition, you come intoyour own as the summer begins when theSun’s arrival in your birth sign starts a newannual cycle or phase of experience. Inparticular make the most of the daysaround the sparkling New Moon in Canceron June 25, especially if you want to makea complete break from the past. .

LEO(July 23 - August 22)Mars, planet of willpower and

Saturn, the planetary taskmaster, are inLeo for most of this period, so you may feelas if you are driving with the brakes on attimes -brimming with confidence andanxious to achieve results one minute, yetfull of doubt the next, especially about yourdirection and future prospects.Nevertheless, your intuition will be workingwell, which will help you make the rightdecisions about people, as well as money.Meanwhile, Venus, ruler of the laws ofattraction, will make you aware of the

benefits to be derived from strengtheningan old love affair or friendship.

VIRGO(August 23 - September 22) If you are a typical Virgo it’s in

your very nature to be supportive to others.Now you must decide where your trueloyalties lie because the pattern is one ofconflicting demands and claims. Ifanything, you should allocate some timefor leisure, pleasure and socialisingbecause the Sun in Cancer, until June 23,sets the scene for pleasing encounters andworthwhile invitations designed to brightenup the long summer evenings. It is in yourown best interests to be outgoing andreceptive to ways of meeting friends andmaking new ones.

LIBRA(September 23 - October 22)Set your sights high because a

cluster of planets in your house of hopesand wishes indicates that little can stand inyour way once as spring makes way forsummer! Indeed, according to the laws ofastrology, you will soon have a brand newreason to smile and feel elated. And abouttime too! However, as the weeks go by youwill appreciate just how much depends onaccurate timing, as well as having the rightfriends and supporters. This is why you areadvised to follow up all introductions andleads. In the next part of your life, you willhave a very specific role to fill and anythingelse would represent a compromise.

SCORPIO(October 23 - November 21)Someone or something has

prevented you from running your life onyour own terms so welcome the fact thaton July 6, Jupiter turns forward in your sign

to release the brake on the good luck thatwas meant to come your way this year.But, before then, on June 25, a supportiveNew Moon favours expansion, travel,people from overseas and covering newground mentally. It remains for you to seizethe chance to ring the changes and makelife more interesting. Although the harshcombination of Saturn and Mars herald acertain amount of challenge, this will serveto make you aware of what to expect infuture from an individual who has kept youguessing.

SAGITTARIUS(November 22 - December 21) The pressure on you will start tolessen now and before long you

will discover that you have the ability tomove mountains if so desired. The strangething is no matter what arises, or howloving or considerate your opposite numbertries to be, you could feel somewhatisolated or alone. However, a sparkling FullMoon in your birth sign on June 11 is apositive omen of the right kind of turningpoint in a personal or financial situation.Once Jupiter, your planetary ruler, turnsforward in the zodiac in early July, you canafford to be bold and even a little daring.

CAPRICORN(December 22 - January 19) The new position of Mars should

make life easier for you and bring morecooperation and less indifference orchallenge. There will be more offeredwithout you having to ask first. The focusswitches to the financial arrangements youhave with others, including sharedresources and loans. A conversation heldaround the Full Moon in Capricorn on July11 should bring one particular series ofevents to a conclusion. As your love life isalso under the planetary spotlight be readyto lower your defences a little and showthat you too need affection.

AQUARIUS(January 20 - February 18) Since early summer the planets

have urged you to leave nothing to chance.This becomes even more important assummer unfolds because there’s a risk youcould be thrown off course. On the brightside, expect good news by mid June whena supportive New Moon shines in the partof your chart associated with the ability toattract benefits and good will. However, inone particular direction, be prepared topoint out that you’re not always available.This may be the only way to gain theunderstanding or attitudes you seek. Bymid July, expect to be planning animportant reunion.

PISCES(February 19 - March 19)Providence is on your side during

June, so take care not to block your ownprogress, especially in affairs of the heart,which are favoured, and work relatedsituations. No matter what yourcircumstances are, there is no need tobattle alone so pay heed to what asympathetic companion or associate offersin the way of help, support or guidance.During July, thanks to a boost from Jupiter,the co-ruler of Pisces, you should gainwhere you half expected to lose. You oweit to yourself to make the most of theimprovements on offer. This may causeyou to make travel plans or mix withpeople with different backgrounds or lifeexperiences to your own.

What dothe starshavein storefor you?

June Baker-Howard

BBOOOOKKSS

A NEW Thomas & Friends book ishelping children with autism.

The book, How Do You Feel,Thomas?, deals with facialexpressions and emotions and isaimed at children with autism whomay have particular difficultyunderstanding emotions.

The familiar faces and clearexpressions of Thomas, Percy,Harold, James, Diesel and The FatController are combined with funelements to help children understandhow Thomas and pals are feeling.

The book is produced in associationwith the National Autistic Society.

Thomas & Friends is one of theworld’s leading children’s brands withover 82 million books sold worldwideand broadcast in over 130 countries.How do you feel, Thomas? is availablein all good bookstores.

Thomas takesthe autism track

SAY YOUSAWIT IN . . .

n THE CHESHIRE Building Societyhelped the NAS with a Thomas andFriends bookmark promotionacross all its 49 branchesthroughout the North West.

The Cheshire’s chief executiveKaren McCormick said: “We have astrong partnership with the NAS,supporting the work they carry outto change the lives of thoseaffected by autism.”


Magnificent seven!CHECKLIST

REACH 200,000 READERS, tel 0151 230 0307 Email: [email protected]

GENERAL: Fix your watering prioritiesso the plants most in need get mostirrigation in hot, dry weather – potsand hanging baskets, seed beds,tomatoes, beans and peas developingpods, and newly-planted shrubs.FLOWERS: Trim over aubrieta andyellow Alyssum saxatile with gardenshears and give them a generousliquid feed of high-potash fertiliser.Spend a few minutes every day dead-heading container flowers. Make surethe compost does not dry out and givea liquid feed once a week. Plantautumn flowering bulbs such ascolchicum and autumn crocus.SHRUBS: Remove the fading flowersof roses, pruning the heads back to anoutward-facing leaf joint to encouragea second flowering in appropriatevarieties. To encourage a second flushof bloom, spray the foliage with aliquid feed. LAWNS: Grass in which spring bulbshave been grown can be cut lightlynow. Lawns suffering from dryness willalso benefit if the mower setting israised.PONDS: Tackle blanketweed andother invasive plants in ponds.Blanketweedcan often be controlled for severalweeks at a time by removing as muchas possible and treating with TetraAlgoFin which is harmless to fish,wildlife and ornamental plants.FRUIT: Check gooseberry bushes formildew. Trim off affected shoots and, ifthe problem seems serious, spray witha fungicide. The taste of fruits coatedin mildew is not affected – they can becleaned up and cooked.VEGETABLES: For a crop of latevegetables, sow quick-maturingvarieties and water them thoroughlyuntil well-established. Sow peaKelvedon Wonder, lettuce Little Gem,carrot Early Nantes 2, radishes,spinach Sigmaleaf and beetroot Pablo.HERBS: Take cuttings of shrubbyherbs such as sage, rosemary, thymeand cotton lavender. Take cuttingsunder a leaf joint, strip off all but twoor three topmost leaves and set themin pots in cutting compost in a shadyposition.GREENHOUSE: As tomatoes ripen,keep feeding and watering regularly.Pinch out the sideshoots from cordontomatoes and tie in the main stem as itcontinues to grow, and pinch out thegrowing tip once five or six trussesof flowers have set fruit. Cherry tomatotypes can be allowed to grow taller.HOUSEPLANTS: Repot if roots areshowing through the base holes in thepotor on the compost surface. Replantin a pot at least 2.5cm (1in) wider and

EVEN during a drought, there alwaysseems enough moisture in the soilto keep weeds sprouting.

Killing them when young is important. Ifallowed to flower they could produce seedand remind us of the old gardeners’ saying:“One year’s seed, seven years’ weed.”

The good news is that there’s a gardeningstyle to ease the problems of both weedsand water – ground-covering plants.

Once established, they shade the ground,depriving weeds of light and conservingmoisture.

Many species are passed off as “goodground cover” when they are eitherineffective or boring. The best have colourfulflowers, leaves or berries.

They are either low-growing shrubs orperennial flowering plants.

Here are seven redoubtable recruits foryour border control platoon:

1. Hardy geraniums – not to be confusedwith the tender bedding pelargoniums – areexcellent for the front or centre of a borderand there are easy-to-grow ground-coverkinds including the pink Geranium endressii,Geranium sanguineum, the bloodycranesbill – which has magenta flowers –and the striking blue, 60cm (2ft) tall‘Johnson’s Blue’ Geranium macrorrhizum,with dusky pink blooms, spreads to 60cm(2ft) and does not mind shade.

2. Hebes, from New Zealand, are not allhardy but two tough evergreen types areHebe pinguifolia ‘Pagei’, with white flowerspikes, which makes good ground cover,30cm tall and 90cm wide (1ft x 3ft), andHebe ‘Youngii’, a lovely mat-forming variety,20cm tall and 60cm across (8in x 2ft).

3. Osteospermums are evergreenperennials, spreading to 60cm (2ft), withpointed foliage and colourful daisy flowers.They are from Africa but thrive through mostof the North West as long as the soil is well-drained – it can be sandy – even insheltered coastal positions. The bestinclude Cannington Roy, with a purplecentre and white petals tipped with purple.

4. Lithodora diffusum produces flowersamong the brightest blue in creation. Itmakes good ground cover, spreading 2ft(60cm) while growing only 6in (15cm) tall,but needs peaty soil to grow well.

5. My flexible friend is the lesserperiwinkle, Vinca minor, a tremendousground-cover plant because, though it sendsits flexible shoots snaking across the groundand round corners, it is easy to control, hasshapely oval leaves of glossy dark green allyear and is studded with flowers of brightblue, purple or white, often starting in thedepths of winter.

6. For heavy shade, the green-and-silverleaved Lamium maculatum is fast growingwith prominent yellow flowers in spring butis a little untidy in autumn and winter.

7. Christmas box - Sarcococca humilisis probably the only ground-cover plantwhich has special winter appeal. It will thriveanywhere, sun or shade, as long as the soilis reasonably fertile and not bone dry. Theflowers, white with pink anthers, are tiny buthave a sweet scent in the heart of winter.

THE Garden Groom hasmarked a breakthroughin hedge-cutting. It isone of those rareproducts that isgenuinely new andoriginal – it not only cutshedges but also shredsand collects thetrimmings, doing awaywith sweeping andstooping.

In the two years since itwas launched, the GardenGroom Maxi has wonindustry awards and TVaccolades worldwide forsafety, design andinnovation.

Now the machine’sinventors, based inLiverpool, have perfecteda smaller, lighter model ofthe Maxi trimmer,weighing only 2.9kg (6lb5oz), for use by lessrobust gardeners.

And All Together Now!readers are among thefirst to have the chance ofwinning the new GardenGroom Midi, worth £79.99.

The Midi, which is mainspowered through a 10-metre cable, features arotary blade in a circularhead, protected by aspecial guard; a 300-wattelectric motor; a collectorbag, and patented safetyhandles designed to beused in any direction withequal ease, by left andright-handed people.

The cutting diameter is20cm (8in) and hedges arecut by the rotary bladewhich then passes over a

static blade, acting inscissors action to shredthe cuttings, reducingthem to 10% of their sizeand blowing them into thecollecting bag ready fordisposal.

The bag holds 50 litres –the equivalent of 50 sqmetres of hedge growth15cm (6in) long.

To win the GardenGroom Midi, answer thisquestion: How much doesthe Midi weigh?

Send your entry with

your name and address ona postcard or sealedenvelope, stating whereyou picked up your copyof All Together Now!, toThe Editor, All TogetherNow!, The BradburyCentre, Youens Way,Liverpool L14 2EP, toarrive by Monday, July 24.

n For more informationabout both models ofGarden Groom, check themaker’s websitewww.gardengroom.com

WAR ON WEEDS: Ground-covering geranium

The greatestcover-up inthe garden

Win this fantastic hedge-cutter


MERSEYTRAVEL issupporting a series ofmajor sporting and fun

events for children of allabilities across Merseyside.

The Merseyside Schools’Athletics Championships, heldover two days in May, atWavertree Athletics Track, onWellington Road, Liverpool, gavechildren of similar abilities thechance to compete against eachother in a variety of track and fieldevents.

More than 175 children fromSandfield Park, Springfield,Broadgreen, Palmerston, Princesand the Elms schools took part inthe opening day’s events, followeda week later by 75 pupils withmoderate learning difficulties orsensory impairments, from CrosbyHigh, St Vincent’s, Beach Roadand Lansbury Bridge schools.

Cllr Jack Spriggs, vice-chair ofMerseytravel, was on hand topresent some of the competitors

with their awards.He said: “The events are

incredibly positive and, mostimportantly, the children have areally good time.

“The achievements of everyonetaking part, organising orsupporting these events, should becommended.”

Neil Scales, chief executive anddirector general of Merseytravel,said: “We are very proud to

support events such as this, whichcan have such a positive effect onthe lives of young people.

“As an organisation, we try toreach out to as many people aswe possibly can.

“Young children are future usersof public transport and it’simportant we maintain ourrelationships with them, givingthem information and advice onpublic transport. That way can we

help to promote public transportand ensure it is accessible toeveryone.”

Organiser of the events SteveSullivan, from the MerseysideSports Partnership, said: “Thesupport we receive fromMerseytravel is fantastic.

“It helps us with medals andprizes but also helps young peopleunderstand what Merseytravel isand what it does.”

Merseytravel is also supportingthe Girls’ Football and Girls’ MiniSoccer competitions as part ofMerseyside’s Youth Games onJuly 7-8.

It is also backing the MerseysideSchools’ Swimming Gala, beingheld at Europa Pools inBirkenhead in October.

The event is expected to draw inmore than 250 Merseysideyoungsters of all abilities.

Life in thefast lane

WINNING SMILES: Merseytravel vice chair Councillor Jack Spriggs presenting some ofthe medals to the at the young competitors Merseyside Schools’ Athletics Championships

Young sportsheroes showjust what they can do


EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . .

Don’t miss out!Register now to receive a personal email alert as new vacancies are posted.Simply email [email protected] with the words ‘email alert’.

Working for ManchesterManchester City Council is committed toequality of opportunity for all, regardless of race, gender, disability, sexuality, religionor belief, caring responsibilities and age. We aim to build high-performance teams that recognise and celebrate diversity,embracing common goals and striving

for continuous improvement. We are workingtowards developing a workforce that reflects thediverse communities making up the city ofManchester and we positively encourageapplications for our jobs that will help us toachieve this.

ARTIST Alison Lapper told businessleaders to give disabled people a job.

Alison, who was born without arms andwith shortened legs, shared her ownexperiences and views on disability at‘Taking the Pulse’ – a conferenceorganised by Pertemps Mouzer.

Alison said disabled people face a greatdeal of discrimination in their search foremployment and needed more supportfrom the Government and business.

“Employers have reservations abouttaking on disabled people because theythink we will always be off sick, but that’sjust not the case.

“Disabled people give 110 per centbecause they feel they have to in order toprove their worth,” said the inspirationalartist famous for posing naked and heavily

pregnant for a controversial sculpture inLondon’s Trafalgar Square.

“I would urge employers to invest indisabled people because in doing so theywill bring a whole breadth of knowledge,information and expertise to the workplaceand that is a very positive thing.

“Also, they will be teaching otheremployees how to deal with disabilitywhich is very important if things are evergoing to improve.

“When I talk about my experiences thereare points where I get quite choked, due toprejudice I encounter,” she added.

“When my son, Parys, was born socialservices tried to take him off me and it isstill very raw and terrifying. I do sense thebeginning of a change in attitudes but wehave still got a long way to go.”

Just letus work,saysartistAlison

FIGHTING TALK: AlisonLapper with PertempsMouzer chief executivePaul Mouzer (left) andconference facilitatorPeter Tomlinson

Cheshire County Council employs over 23,000 staff inhundreds of different disciplines across the whole ofCheshire.

So, whether you're seeking employment, or to changeyour job, Cheshire is a good place to start.

What makes Cheshire special? Diversity is the key to oursuccess. We want to ensure our workforce reflects the fullrange of people in our population.

We are particularly keen to attract people with disabilitiesand people from ethnic minority groups to work in theCouncil.

Check out local press, specialist press and our website for current vacancies.

www.cheshire.gov.uk/jobsandcareers

ChooseCheshire...Come and work with us

New Benefits applicable until April 2007DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCEHigher rate: £62.25Middle rate: £41.65Lower rate: £16.50Mobility Component Higher rate: £43.45Lower rate: £16.50

ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE Higher rate: £62.25Lower rate: £41.65

RETIREMENT PENSION £84.25

INCAPACITY BENEFITLong term: £78.50*Earning Threshold up to £81.00

SEVERE DISABLEMENTALLOWANCEBasic rate: £47.45Child Benefit-only/eldest child: £17.45Other children: £11.70

INDUSTRIAL DISABLEMENTBENEFITSDisablement Pension 100%: £127.10 Statutory Sick Pay: £70.05Earning Threshold: £84.00Carer’s Allowance: £46.95

MATERNITY ALLOWANCEStandard rate: £108.85

STATUTORY MATERNITY PAYStandard rate: £108.85

STATUTORY PATERNITY PAYStandard rate: £108.85

INCOME SUPPORT PERSONALALLOWANCESingle under 18 - usual rate: £34.6018-24: £45.5025 and over: £57.45CoupleBoth under 18 - responsible for achild: £68.65One or both 18 or over: £90.10

PREMIUMSFamily: £16.25

ENHANCED DISABILITY PREMIUMSingle child rate: £11.95Disabled child £18.13Couple: £17.25DISABILITY PREMIUMSingle: £24.20Couple: £34.95Severe DisabilitySingle person qualifies: £46.75Couple both qualify: £93.50Disabled child: £45.08PENSIONERCouple: £83.95Carer: £26.35Bereavement: £26.80PENSION CREDITStandard minimum guaranteeSingle: £114.05Couple: £174.05

BENEFITS


All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Telephone: 0151 230 0307 Fax: 0151 220 4446 email: [email protected]

A TEACHER who faced discrimination atwork from Nottinghamshire County Councilbecause of her sight loss has won£196,000 in compensation.

In July 2004, the Court of Appeal ruledthat Gaynor Meikle, a secondary schoolteacher with over 30 years’ experience, wasconstructively dismissed and should havereceived full pay, not sick pay, when hersight deteriorated.

The compensation follows that landmarklegal ruling.

Mrs Meikle’s case was supported by theDisability Rights Commission.

She said: “I hope that both the legaljudgement and the extent of damages I’vereceived will mean that disabled people donot have to face this kind of blatantdiscrimination in future.

“However, I am very sad at the wayNottingham County Council has respondedto the judgement by not apologising and notmaking clear this won’t happen to otheremployees.”

Chris Benson, senior legal officer, at theDisability Rights Commission said: “All heremployer needed to do was enlarge thefont size of her teaching materials so thatMrs Meikle could read them.

“Not doing so has meant losing a valuablemember of staff and a lengthy and costlylegal process.”

CHRIS Dingsdale has alwayswanted to be a policeman. Andnow he has been given the

chance to patrol the streets.Chris, who has learning disabilities, has

been taken on as a police communityvolunteer in St Helens.

“I love every bit of it, because I’ve alwayswanted to join the police,” says Chris, 20,who helps with the town’s communityspeedwatch project.

“Community Speedwatch addressesspeeding motorists, particularly inresidential areas,” Chris said.

“One driver I spotted was doing 50mph ina 30mph limit, but most people slow downwhen they see the police officers andCSOs – it’s great to make a difference.”

Chris’s mum, Yvonne, is delighted. Shesaid: “He came back buzzing after the firstday.

“I’m so proud of him, not only because he

had the courage to do it, but because hissuccess means that others will get thechance too.”

One of Chris’s pals, 19-year-old LiamRouski, who also has learning disabilities,has been accompanying Chris andGreenbank community support officerAdrian Beaumont. “It feels like we’re doingsomething really worthwhile,” Liam said.

“Not only are we getting experience,we’re also helping the community, whichfeels good.”

Chris and Liam have been helped by theShaw Trust, which provides both work andtraining opportunities for disabled people.

And Yvonne, an administration officer atSt Helens Technical College, said she’sthrilled with Chris’s progress.

“I was very worried about him at one timebecause he seemed to be going off therails a bit, but it was sheer boredom ofsitting around the house with nothing todo,” she said.

“Shaw Trust has been brilliant for himand the work with Adrian has beenwonderful. He’s really enjoying it and he’sgot something totalk about at theend of the week.”

‘I love everybit of it. It’sgreat to makea difference’

Beat that! Chris’sdream police job

Chris Dingsdale (left) patrolswith Community SupportOfficer Adrian Beaumont

Teacher joy atcourt’s decision

Your guide towhat help isavailable

REACH 200,000 READERS — 0151 230 0307

Beat that! Chris’s


NEWS ON THE WEB


switch onRoadshowTV CELEBRITY NoelEdmonds will be arriving inone of his eco-friendly QPODcars when he opens thisyear’s Mobility Roadshow.After the official opening, where

he will be accompanied bychildren with disabilitiescelebrating National YoungDisabled Persons’ Day, Noel willjoin the team of his Unique MotorCompany (the company behindthe QPOD) to meet Roadshowvisitors.

Whether you have a mobilityproblem, are feeling a little lessnimble with advancing years, orjust feel you would like a little helpto get around there is a wealth ofnew ideas, products and servicesat this year’s three-day event,taking place at Kemble Airfieldnear Swindon (June 8-10)..

It’s fully accessible, free and, with180 exhibitors, visitors will havethe widest range of choice in thehistory of the show.

Many visitors, whether Motabilitycustomers or private owners,come to the Mobility Roadshowwith one intent - to try as manyvehicles as possible foraccessibility, comfort and handling.

High street showrooms carrylittle, if any, adapted vehicles, butthe Roadshow offers great varietyin one place, with vehicles fittedwith a variety of adaptations to suitdifferent needs.

See the new Ford S-MAX, thenewly-launched Astra Twin Top,and a pre-production Kia SedonaCarnival, plus test drive from achoice of over 70 vehicles,including drive-from-wheelchair orwheelchair passenger models.

You can beat the queues andpre-register to test drive on theRoadshow website or byregistering on the day.

But it’s not just about motoring . .. New wheelchairs, scooters andtrikes are being launched,including a radical new design all-terrain wheelchair from a company

that produces racing seats forFormula 1 cars and a traditionalwheelchair that easily converts toall-terrain capability.

There’ll be the latest innovationsin hand and foot controls, seatingand harness systems, hoists, liftsand ramps, exercise equipmentand specialist products for children– anything and everything thathelps people with disabilities toenjoy increased mobility andaccess.

In recent years the show hasexpanded its travel and leisuresection.

Accessible diving in the Red Seaand a fully accessible Caribbeancruise are among the holidayprogrammes being launched.

With free parking and entry,wheelchair and scooter loans,crèche and entertainment foryoung visitors, this is a great dayout for all the family.n www.mobilityroadshow.co.ukor call Mobility Choice on0845 241 0390.

mo

bili

ty r

oad

sho

w®

If you have a mobility problem,

you can’t afford to miss the

Mobility Roadshow ®

The Mobility Roadshow - it’ll changethe way you get around

Want to know more? Visit the website at www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk

Or call Mobility Choice on 0845 241 0390

8th, 9th & 10th June 2006

Kemble Airfield near Swindon

Hundreds of products and ideas to keep you

mobile, including test drives of adapted and

specialist vehicles. Free admission and

parking, sign language interpreters, fully

staffed crèche, wheelchair and scooter loans

to help you get around.

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN

“Just to let you know thatthe ad worked! The FiatMultipla has been sold.People are reading theads in your publication.Good luck for the future!”— MC Warrington

0151 230 0307

NOEL’SROADSHOW:NoelEdmonds willbe openingthis year’sMobilityRoadshow,taking placeat Kemble,Airfield, nearSwindon, onThurs-SatJune 8-10

MARTIN CONQUESTmaking a vision | creating a future

Freedom to be Wild

For people who want to go places

Ride from your wheelchair www.martinconquest.com

For more information please contact:

Martin Conquest Limited, Unit 4 Mount Street, Hyde, Cheshire SK14 1NS

Company Registered in England no. 4620042

The worlds first high peformance trike that can be ridden from your wheelchair. Track tested to 100mph.

Orders now being taken. To book a test ride please call 0161 351 0324 and/or email: [email protected]

Ref: MC Able 01Ref ATN

VROOM VROOM . . . ROOM FOR A SPONSOR FOR THIS SUPERB MOTORING SECTION

Noel set to


LiverpoolDisabled Living CentreEnabling people to choosethe right equipmentOver 2,000 products on display: � Bathroom and toilet aids� Chairs � Shower equipment � Kitchen and feeding aids� Stair lifts � Beds and bed accessories � Walking aids� Telephone equipment � Personal care products � Hoists� Equipment to help with dressing � Gardening aids� Moving and handling equipment � Ramps� Reading and writing aids and more...

Contact the centre for impartial advice and information onproducts to assist with independence and safety in daily living.

Visits are by appointment except on open days.

The centre does not buy or sell equipment.

� Telephone: 0151 298 2055� Email: [email protected]� Fax: 0151 298 2952� Website: liverpooldisabledlivingcentre.com� Liverpool Disabled Living Centre101 Kempston Street, Liverpool, L3 8HE

Liverpool Disabled Living Centre is part of Liverpool Community EquipmentService, a partnership between the NHS and Liverpool City Council.

HELPING HANDS . . . with Jan Lockyer

DO YOU have a problem witheveryday activities such as bending,reaching, dressing, getting in andout of your favourite chair, using thebath or toilet?If the answer is yes, your local

Disabled Living Centre may have theanswer for you.

Assist UK, formerly the DisabledLiving Centres Council, is the national

voice for more than 40 DLCs Assist UK has teamed up with All

Together Now! to help readers of allages and abilities to stay independent.

The DLCs provide independentadvice and the opportunity to see andtry equipment and they are there tohelp you make the right choice.

Remember some equipment can beprovided free on loan from the NHS or

social services departments and if youare buying equipment there may begrants available to help you.

Be a wiser buyer — it always pays toget impartial advice and there is theopportunity to test the item before youbuy. There is also every chance yourDLC will have the products you areinterested in on display. So if you needhelp — please use us. n CREWE

Leighton Hospital,Middlewich Road,Crewe CW1 4QJ.Tel 01270 612 343

n HALTONCollier Street, Runcorn, WA7 1HB.Tel 01928 582 920

n LIVERPOOLDisabled Living Centre101 Kempston Street,Liverpool, L3 8HE.Tel 0151 298 2055

n MACCLESFIELDMacclesfield GeneralHospital,Victoria Road,Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 3BL.Tel 01625 661 740

n MANCHESTERAssist UK4 St Chads Street,Manchester,M8 8QA.Tel 0161 834 1044

n NORTHWICHVictoria Infirmary,Winnington Hill,Northwich, CW8 1AW.Tel 01606 79260

n STOCKPORTSt Thomas’s Hospital,Shawheath,Stockport,SK3 8BL.Tel 0161 419 4476

n WARRINGTONBeaufort Street,Warrington, WA5 1BA.Tel 01925 638867

n WIRRALSt Catherine’s Hospital,Birkenhead.Tel 0151 678 7272

FOR THE latest information on Liverpool Disabled Living Centretake a look at the website: www.liverpooldisabledlivingcentre.com

26

Home help

Ring thechanges

The solution to A hoist can reallymake life easiera weighty matter

QI AM havingdifficultyholding the

telephone receiverfor more than a fewminutes. Any ideas?

ATHERE are lotsof inexpensivetelephones with a

hands free functionavailable. If you want aprivate conversationthen a head set may bea better option thoughthey are not compatiblewith all phones.

If you have difficultyusing the phone for anyreason – hearing, sight,speech, or with holdingthe phone or dialling,go to an Open Day atLiverpool DisabledLiving Centre onTuesday June 6 (1pm-4pm) and Tuesday July4 (1pm-4pm) and meetRhonda Dean, age anddisability advisor fromBritish Telecom.

She will tell you aboutall the latest telecomgadgets and let you trya wide range of phonesand accessories.n BT’s age anddisability service is on0800 919 591.

QI’m finding it difficult to movemy elderly dad from bed towheelchair. The district nurse

says that I will have to use a hoist. Tobe honest, I find this prospect scary.

AUSING a hoist can take somegetting used to. Your localDisabled Living Centre will have a

range of hoists on display.Make arrangements for a visit.The staff

will demonstrate how the hoist andslings work and will give you theopportunity to use them yourself andbuild up your confidence.

People often find it’s easier than theythought and more comfortable for theperson being lifted than they expected.

There may also be smaller, simplermoving and handling aids that could beof help, too.

QI NEED to use a seat in theshower but the shower base isplastic and bends when weight

is put on it. I am afraid a chair maydamage it. Can you help?

AYOU are right to be cautious. Withall the weight concentrated on foursmall feet, a shower chair or stool

with legs could damage the base.If the wall in the shower is suitable, you

could have a wall-mounted fold-upshower chair – these are available withor without backs and arms.

You can also get shower chairs andstools with flat tubular bottoms instead offeet. These are designed to spread theweight evenly over the tray.

Your local Disabled Living Centre willhave a range of shower chairs that youcan try. Make an appointment!

IAM thinking of having somebuilding work done to makemy house more accessible

since I now use a wheelchair.What help can I get andwhere do I begin?

Contact your local council– the CommunityOccupational Therapy

service will be able to advise onthe type of adaptation andwhether any grants areavailable to assist financially.

If you decide to get on withthe job independently contactyour local Disabled LivingCentre to find out about therange of equipment andadaptations available andsources of funding that might

help you with the costs..Then make sure you get

several quotes and you knowyour rights before you enter intoa contract.

Your local Trading Standardswill be able to give thisconsumer advice. They can becontacted through your localcouncil.

Also, TrustMark is a newscheme supported by theGovernment, consumer groupsand the building industry.

TrustMark can help you findreputable firms to do repairs,maintenance and improvementwork in your home or garden.Tel, 0870 163 7373n www.trustmark.org.uk

OPEN DAYS:LIVERPOOL Disabled Living Centre is holding three eventsduring June and July.Tuesday June 6 (1pm-4pm); Wednesday June 21: (10am-1pm) and Tuesday July 4: (1pm-4pm).

ALTERATIONS?: Have a word with your council tosee what help may be available to you


HELPLINES

n CHESHIRE DisabilitiesFederation: Tel 01606 888400n CHESTER Dial House: Tel 01244345655n ELLESMERE PORT DICE: Tel0151 355 1420n HALTON Disability Service: Tel01928 717222n KNOWSLEY DisabilityConcern:Tel 0151 480 4090n LIVERPOOL Association ofDisabled PeopleTel 0151 263 8366/Text: 260 3187n Disablement Resource Unit,Local SolutionsTel 0151 709 0990n Glaxo Neurological Centre: Tel0151 298 2999n Merseyside Society for DeafPeople: Tel 0151 228 0888n GREATER MANCHESTER

Coalition of Disabled People: Tel:0161-273 5154 / 5155 / 8141.n WARRINGTON DisabilityPartnership:Tel 01925 240064n WIRRAL WIRED: Tel 0151 6476162n SKELMERSDALE West LancsDisability Helpline: Tel Freefone0800 220676n ST HELENS DASH: Tel 01744453053

NORTH WALES:n ANGLESEY CIL: Tel 01248750249n DENBIGHSHIRE: 01745 354445n MOLD Flintshire DisabilityForum: Tel 01352 755546n RHYL: Tel 01745 350665n WREXHAM: 01978 262955

n ALTRINCHAM: 0161 929 1714n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE: 0161 3399500n BARROW: 01229 434039n BIRKENHEAD: 0151 647 6162n BLACKPOOl: 01253 349 427n BOLTON: 01204 392946n BURY: 0161 764 9966n CARLISLE: 01228 625950n CHORLEY: 01257 260 888n CREWE: 01270 580 031n KENDAL: 01539 740 933n LEIGH, Wigan: 01942 777 985.Minicom: 01942 777 986n LIVERPOOL: 0151 707 0877n MANCHESTER Trafford Centre:0161 747 8046n MANCHESTER Arndale Centre:0161 839 4060

n NELSON: 01282 692 502n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal: 01606353525n ORMSKIRK, West Lancashire:01695 570055n PENRITH: 01768 895 438n PRESTON: 01772 204 667n RHYL: 01745 350665n ROCHDALE: 01706 865 986n RUNCORN, Halton Lea: 01928717445Minicom: 01928 717999n SOUTHPORT: 01704 546 654n ST HELENS: 01744 613 388n STOCKPORT: 0161 666 1100n WARRINGTON: 01925 231941n WARRINGTON, Birchwood:01925 822 411n WIGAN: 01942 776 070

n CHESHIREUnit 8, Albion Walk,Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5XUTel 01606 330 853

n KNOWSLEY149 Cherryfield Drive,Kirkby,L32 8SETel 0151 549 1412

n MANCHESTERBeswick HouseBeswick RowManchester M4 4PRTel 0161 835 2995

n SALFORD1 St Philip’s PlaceSalford M3 6FATel 0161 833 0217

n SEFTONThird SectorTechnology Centre,16 Crosby RoadNorth, Waterloo,Liverpool,L22 0NYTel 0151 285 4000

n ST HELENSMillennium House,Bickerstaffe Street, StHelens, WA10 1DHTel 01744 675 615

n WARRINGTONThe Bungalow,Garven Place,Warrington,WA1 1GPTel 01925 644 212

n WEST LANCS49 Westgate, SandyLane Centre,Skelmersdale,Lancashire,WN8 8LPTel 01695 733737

n WIGAN & LEIGH27 Charles StreetLeigh WN7 1DBTel 01942 683711

NORTH WALES:n ANGLESEY27 Church Street,Llangefni

LL77 7DU.Tel 01248 722828

n BANGORCarers Outreach60 Fford Deiniol,Bangor, LL57 1AATel 01248 370 797

n CONWY74 Conwy Road,Colwyn Bay,LL29 7LDTel 01492 533714

n DOLGELLAUSwddfa Ganol,Plas y Dre,Dolgellau,LL40 1ADTel 01341 421167

n PORTHMADOGSt David’s Building,Lombard Street,Porthmadog, LL49 9APTel 01766 513 975

SHOPMOBILITY CENTRES

CARERS’ CENTRES

DISABILITY INFORMATION CENTRES

GRANDMOTHER Doreen Stringer hasbeen given the kitchen of her dreams.For years she had to manoeuvre herwheelchair around a small kitchen,risking being burned.

“I don’t know how I managed safely,”she says. “I burned food because Icouldn’t see into the pan, and takingtrays out of the oven was alwaystough.”

“But this new kitchen has given meback my independence, and my life.”

Doreen can now use her oven, hoband reach into her cupboards on herown, thanks to the renovated facilitiesinstalled by Trafford Housing Trust.

The £10,000 kitchen has low levelwork surfaces, cooking areas andswitches, and accessories including anintegrated chopping board andcarousels in the cupboard.

It’s all part of a £400,000 regenerationproject the Trust is carrying out in 80homes across the Altrincham area.

Trafford Housing Trust chief executiveMatthew Gardiner said: “This workunderlines what we want the Trust toachieve: bringing about improvementsthat are tailored to individual needs andmake a big impact on people’s qualityof life.”n THT: 0161 968 0000

DOREEN in her dream kitchen: “It’s given me back my independence”

New kitchens make life so much easier

THERE is a widerange of eventstaking place across

the North West duringNational Carers Week(June 12-19).CHESHIRETues June 13 Macclesfield:Caring and Coping event.Alzheimer’s Society. 7pm-9pm. Tel: 01625 503302Healthy Living event withhealthy lunch. Tel: 01625422238Crewe: Outing to the DorothyClive Garden. Tel: 01270257331Visit to florestry workshop atFrodsham. Tel: 01606350789 Wed June 14 Wilmslow.Morning tea at the MethodistChurch. Alzheimer’s Society.10am-12pm.Tel: 01625 503302 Macclesfield: Informationevent. Tel: 01625 422238Crewe: “Colour Me Beautiful”session. Tel: 01270 257331Ellesmere Port: Healthy Walkthen Talk. Tel: 0151 3573363 Thurs June 15Macclesfield. Visit to the

gym. Tel: 01625 422238Chester: Canal boat trip.9.45am - 4.30pm. Tel: 0151357 3363 Fri June 16 Macclesfield:Afternoon tea, Mulberry TreeCafe, Heritage Centre.Alzheimer’s Society. 3pm-4.30pmTel: 01625 503302.Health and Wellbeing Daywith nutrition advice andhomeopathy. Tel: 01625422238Crewe: Information drop-inday. Tel: 01270 257331 Sun June 18 HolmesChapel. Open garden at theCroco Brook Farm, ChesterRoad. Alzheimer’s Society.2pm-5pmTel: 01625 503302.

MANCHESTERMon June 12 CarersCream Tea Party, DorneyLake. Tel: 01628 777217.Wed June 14 Pampersession. ManchesterCarers Forum. Tel: 0161269 9859. Launch of Artsproject for carers working inpartnership withManchester galleries and

professional artists andpoets. Tel: 0161 234 3970Thurs June 15 Carers'Feel-Good Day withtherapies, workshops andlunch for Jewish carers.Tel: 0161 795 0024. Carersluncheon. ManchesterCarers Forum. Tel: 0161269 9859. 'Strictly ComeDancing for Carers'.Wythenshawe Forum CivicCentre. 5pm-9pm.

MERSEYSIDEWed June 14 LiverpoolFootball Club, 10.30am-2.30pm. Call in and find outabout the kind of helpavailable. Contact, KatherineFrench. Tel: 0151 705 2390

WIRRALA new radio station for carers– Carers FM 87.7 – is beingset up for the week byWIRED, Local Solutions andAge Concern.Programmes will include

information about supportgroups and voluntary sectorservices. Contact JohnCotcher. Tel: 0151 670 1500

Help at hand for carers


HELP KEEP OUR CHARITY HEALTHY

Sight Savers helpone million peopleSIGHT SAVERS International, one ofthe UK’s leading blindness charities,has treated its 100 millionth personsince being set up in 1950.

In that time, it has also restored sightto 5.656 million people.

Sight Savers works in more than 30countries to combat blindness andsecure equal rights and opportunitiesfor those who are blind in thedeveloping world.

The charity reported an increase of14% in the number of people whosevision it helped to restore in 2005compared to the previous year –233,203 in contrast to 204,610 in 2004.

The number of individuals treated forpotentially blinding conditions suchas trichiasis and glaucoma also wentup last year, from 13.8 to 15.7 million,an increase of 13%.

The charity’s chief executiveCaroline Harper said: “We’re delightedto see such growth and passing the100 million mark is a real milestone inour history but, with somewhere in theregion of 1-2 million going blind eachyear, we’re not about to rest on ourlaurels.

“Blind and low-vision people indeveloping countries are still amongstthe poorest and most disadvantagedin the world – our work to change thatcontinues.”

There are 37 million blind people inthe world; 75% of all blindness can beprevented or cured.n www.sightsavers.org

HOSPITAL patients’ groups havewelcomed the news that senior healthofficials and MPs support theircampaign to lift blanket bans onmobile phone usage in hospitals.

The Patient and Public InvolvementForums feel strongly that peopleshould be offered the choice of on-site facilities or controlled mobilephone use.

For a number of years, both privateand NHS establishments have bannedthe use of mobile phones in hospitals,alleging patients’ lives could be put atrisk due to electro-magneticinterference.

But last June it was accepted hatthere is no evidence to suggestmobile telephones present a hazardwhen in general use within hospitals.

Yvonne Fountain, chair of Countessof Chester NHS Trust PPI Forum, said:“A number of NHS Trusts are allowingstaff to use mobile phones on site,therefore acknowledging there are norisks to patients.

“The Countess of Chester NHS Trustand Cheshire and Wirral PartnershipNHS Trust has also adopted newpolicies, based on Forum feedback.”

Hospital mobiles

The hidden cost of cancer

CANCER patients are not gettingthe emotional support they needto cope with the disease, says a

new report by Macmillan CancerSupport.

As well as high levels of depression andanxiety, cancer patients and carersreported relationship problems includingdivorce and separation.

The report, Worried Sick? TheEmotional Impact of Cancer, found thatalmost half of cancer patients experienceddepression and over three quarterssuffered anxiety. One fifth had even feltabandoned.

In fact, for more than four in 10 patients itis not the physical effects of the diseasebut the emotional ones that are the mostdifficult to cope with.

Almost one third of people with cancersaid their relationships are put under“enormous” strain and over a quarter saidthey experienced real difficulties in theirrelationships with their partner as a resultof their cancer diagnosis.

A quarter of these people said that theyhad broken up with their partner as aresult of their cancer and four in 10 peoplesaid that their sex life had suffered.

One in three of us will get cancer atsome point in our lives, and though it isstill the UK’s biggest killer, the number ofpeople living with cancer continues to rise.

Each year in the UK more than 275,000people are diagnosed and an estimated1.2 million people have at one timereceived a cancer diagnosis.

Increasingly, treatment is given on anoutpatient basis, via frequent andprolonged outpatient visits. All the moreworrying then that the report found a quarterof people with cancer feelabandoned by the healthsystem when not inhospital.

Instead, patients arereliant on the practicaland emotional support ofcarers – mostly partnersor family – nearly all ofwhom (95%) said theyput the needs of theperson with cancer abovetheir own needs.n The charity has aninformation pack for thepublic, available fromFreephone 0800 500 800,and a new DVD aboutMacmillan CancerSupport is viewable ontheir website:www.macmillan.org.uk

Ray rollsbacktheyears . . .THE PERSONAL storyof Professor RayDonnelly’s attachmentwith the UK’s onlycharity whollydedicated to defeatinglung cancer is told in anew book.

In Cinderella Cancer,Professor Donnelly,founder and presidentof The Roy CastleLung CancerFoundation, traces thehistory of the charitywhich began life as theLung Cancer Fund.

He focuses on theordinary people, themedia, the celebritiesand the scientists whomade it all happen.

Professor Donnellysays: “We’ve come along way since ourbeginnings and thisbook celebrateseveryone who has

helped make ithappen.”

The charity hasraised more than £12mto help fight thedisease that 38,000people are diagnosedwith in the UK everyyear. It is also activelycampaigning forimprovements in

patient care for thosediagnosed with lungcancer.n Cinderella Cancer ispriced £7.99 andavailable to buy onlineat www.roycastle.org.A donation from eachsale will go to The RoyCastle Lung CancerFoundation.

THE CHAIRMAN of theDisability RightsCommission has hit out atthe lack of support given toparents with learningdisabilities.

Bert Massie said: “Thousandsof parents with learningdisabilities have a completelack of rights to challenge orprevent the most seriousintervention by the State - tobreak up their family.”

“They have no right to thesupport in the home they need,when we know that thissupport would keep many of

them together.”Mr Massie’s comments come

in the wake of a new reportfrom the University of Bristolwhich claims half of all parentswith learning disabilities arehaving their children takenaway from them.

“Public policy condemnsthese parents to a cycle offailure by not even offering lowlevels of support, said MrMassie. “Too often the chosensolution is to take the childaway.

“There is no doubt that insome cases, at root, is the

discriminatory attitude thatpeople with learning disabilitiescan’t be parents.

“It should be a matter ofshame that disabled peoplehave no control over the mostfundamental aspects of theirlives and the DRC issupporting a new bill to finallygive disabled parents the rightto live independently and tohave full access to the supportthey need.”

The DRC is supporting theIndependent Living Bill, due tobe launched this summer byLord Ashley of Stoke.

These parents deserve better


by Stephen Hawkinschair, Mersey Care NHS Trust

— PLACE AN ADVERT. Tel 0151 230 0307

A CLERGYMAN started his new postand on his first Sunday in churchcaused uproar because he wanted tomove the piano from one side of thechurch to the other.

It would be closer to the choir andimprove communication, hesuggested. But the piano had alwaysbeen on that side, so why move it,everyone said.

The next Sunday the clergymanarrived early and moved the piano justone inch towards the other side.

He did the same for several yearsuntil the piano was finally on the otherside. Nobody objected or hardlynoticed.

Change is constant in our world, butit’s sometimes difficult to appreciatehow difficult it is to change people’sperceptions and attitudes.

Such is the case with stigma.Back in 1998 the Royal College of

Psychiatrists launched a long term‘Changing Minds’ campaign to tacklethe problem of stigmatisation ofpeople with mental health problems.

‘Dangerous’Research at the start of the campaign

showed that stigmatising attitudeswere common. In particular:n Many people believed that thosesuffering from depression should “pullthemselves together”.n People with schizophrenia andalcohol addiction were seen asdangerous.Five years on another nationwide

survey followed.The results revealed the same

pattern of responses as in 1998 butwith significant small reductions in thepercentages of negative opinions,especially concerning difficulties incommunicating with people withmental illnesses.

So we are reminded that tackling thestigma of mental illness is an enduringtask.

Mersey Care has a long-term visionto improve mental health and learningdisability services.

Having just gained planningpermission for a new £40m mentalhealth facility in north Liverpool, it ispleasing to see that commonsenseprevailed in the decision-makingprogress despite opposition.

As for the stigma that some peopleattach to such developments, I wouldhope that time will help change suchperceptions and, like with other majorcampaigns, people will slowly grow tounderstand the significance ofstigmatising labels on others.

VAL SURRIDGE points the finger overa peculiarly Celtic condition . . .IHAVE always been proud of my

links with Scotland and haveinherited several mementoes

from my Glaswegian father.They include a Lamont tartan tie,

pictures of unknown relatives . . . andDupuytren’s contracture.

The tie and pictures were welcome,the hereditary disease of the hands Icould have done without.

When I first became aware of asmall nodule in the centre of my rightpalm a couple of years ago I didn’tconnect it with memories of myfather’s badly-contorted hands.

He suffered from contractingtendons for many years withoutconsulting doctors.

As a marine engineer who workedoutdoors at Birkenhead’s CammellLaird shipyard in all weathers, hewas a hardy soul who didn’t complainand considered the problem just anoccupational hazard.

But as he got older the fingers onboth hands gradually tightened andcontinued to bend inwards. Inretirement, he found it difficult tocarry out ordinarytasks and could notwear gloves, even inthe depths of winter.

Eventually, he wasreferred to aconsultant who failedto offer anytreatment but theprospect of anoperation to cut theaffected tendons.

He might lose theuse of those fingers. . . but then again, he might not.My dour Scot of a dad decided his

“clawed” hands were preferable touseless ones, so declined an invitation tobe centre stage in the hospital’s theatre.

I can’t remember the wordDupuytren’s ever being used.

Even years later, when my elderbrother, an artist who never workedoutdoors, began to complain oftightening tendons, I didn’t really makethe connection.

He was desperate not to lose the abilityto draw and paint and decided to havean operation early on, while only twofingers were affected.

In his case, the surgeon’s knife workedwonders and he was able to carry onwith his career, a few scars being theonly indication that anything had everbeen wrong.

But, he was warned, the problem couldrecur at any time.

So back to that nodule . . . my doctorsuspected the cause straight away afterasking a few simple questions, such as“has anyone in the family had a similarproblem?”

The proverbial penny dropped with aclatter.

The consultant confirmed the diagnosis

and, much to my astonishment, inquiredwhich part of Scotland my ancestorscame from.

His insight was not really thatimpressive, however, as he went on toexplain that Dupuytren’s is known as aCeltic disorder. Many sufferers can tracetheir relatives back to the Vikings!

People of northern European descentare most at risk and it is a geneticproblem. Men are more likely to sufferthan women – about seven to one.

You can imagine how great that littlenugget of information made me feel:Unlucky, or what!

The condition usually becomes obviousin middle age ... along with all thoseother aches and pains.

First sign is a thickening in the palm ofthe hand, usually near the base of thering or little finger. It is not particularlypainful but tender to the touch.

Gradually other nodules may developand, as the tissue shortens, the fingersare drawn into the palm.

The exotic-sounding name comes fromBaron Guillaume Dupuytren, acelebrated French surgeon, who firstdescribed the disease in 1831.

The condition, apparently, isprogressive and the only treatment in the

long term, I was advised, was surgery,although there are other proceduresbeing developed.

Both hands can be affected, and eventhe feet. I began to wish my family treewas rooted anywhere but Scotland. Butafter the “table top test” – successfullyplacing the palm of my right handcompletely flat on a hard surface – Irelaxed a little.

The contracture had not got to a pointwhere surgery was necessary. My GPsaid there was no need for immediateaction, it was a “wait and see” situation.He suggested stretching exercises tohelp keep the joints supple and I leftwith the words “come back if it suddenlygets worse,” ringing in my ears.

So far, so good. The nodule is there butisn’t bothering me too much. I’m justhoping I never get to the stage dad did.

I remember him warning hisgrandchildren about the perils of feedingsugar lumps to horses. “Make sure youkeep your hand completely flat,” headvised and proceeded to demonstrate.Even he laughed!

n For more information aboutDupuytren’s contracture log on towww.rsi.org.uk

Look what dadhanded down

n THE Lamont famiycrest showing a handoutsreteched with themotto: Neither SpareNor Dispose. No signof the Celtic diseasethere!n LEFT: Val and herdad, Tom, at herwedding in 1973

Send us your reports: email: [email protected]


MEET Christopher Foster –the boy whose incrediblespirit has helped him makerugby league history.

Eight-year-old Christopher,known as CJ, is the world’sfirst child with Down’sSyndrome to be registered toplay rugby league.

The St Helens schoolboy is amember of Thatto HeathCrusaders – unbeaten in allcompetitions this season –and plays with the under-7side as he is too small to playwith children his own age.

Records from the Down’sSyndrome Association revealthat Christopher is the firstchild in the world with thedisability to play the game.

Dad John says: “Being a

rugby family we weredelighted when Christophertook up the sport.

“There are a lot of childrenwith Down’s Syndrome whoare weighty and have littlemuscle tone.

“But Christopher bucks thetrend as he’s quite athletic,muscular and blessed withenergy.

“He plays every day andwhen I come home from a 10-hour shift he’s waiting with aball under his arm – even inthe pouring rain.”

Coach Paul Bretherton says:“It cheers me up watchingChristopher play. It’s a hugetestimony to his enthusiasmas rugby league is not for thefaint-hearted.”

Hot stuff on the Brasilia courts

DARREN Kenny was star ofthe show in a British teamthat won seven gold

medals and set five worldrecords in the track cyclingevents at the Visa ParalympicWorld Cup.

Kenny won a hat-trick of golds –two individual medals and one teamgold – in the Manchester Velodrome.

The Dorset rider – a double goldmedallist at the Athens 2004Paralympic Games – caughtGermany’s Tobias Graf to win theLC3 3000m pursuit final.

He was in even better form in hissecond event of the night, takingmore than a second off his worldrecord to strike gold in the LC3 1kmtime trial. Kenny clocked a time of1:13.365 to make it two golds fromtwo events.

Later he helped Great Britain togold in the team sprint.

The trio of Kenny, Jody Cundy (OldHatfield, Hertforsdshire) and MarkBristow (Sacramento, USA) beat theAustralians in the final after setting aworld record of 51.345 seconds inthe qualifiers.

It means Cundy, perhaps betterknown as a Paralympic swimmer,has a gold medal and a world recordto celebrate in his first majorinternational cycling competition.

There was also a brace of goldmedals and two world records forAnthony Kappes (Chapel Le Frith,Derbyshire) and Barney Storey(Lancashire). They never looked likemissing out on gold in the visuallyimpaired 200m tandem sprint final.

The British pair, who had set aworld record of 10.597 in the heats,dominated both final races againstthe German pair Achim Moll and JanRatze.

And later they added gold in the1km time trial in a world record of1:04.667.

Athens 2004 gold medallists AileenMcGlynn (Glasgow) and Ellen

Hunter (Wrexham) won a gold and asilver. The pair had to settle for silverin the 200m visually impaired flyingtime trial, behind Australia’s LindyHou and Lanelle Linsay.

But they turned the tables on theAussies to win gold in the 1kmtandem time trial.

Just for good measure, the Britishpair broke the world record of1:11.160 that they set to win gold atthe Athens 2004 Paralympic Games.The new benchmark is 1:10.431.

Mark Bristow set a British record of

1:11.123 to win Britain’s gold in theLC1 1km time trial, while GaryWilliams (Bickerstaffe, Lancashire)won silver in the LC1 3000m pursuit,losing to Austria’s Wolfgang Eibeck.

Williams couldn’t repeat his form ofthe qualifying round, when he set aBritish record of 3:39.929. Heclocked a time of 3:43.334 in thefinal.

Rik Waddon (Manchester) alsowon silver in the LC2 1km time trial,but had the consolation of a Britishrecord of 1:13.406.

ON COURT: Debbie Thomas

HOT WHEELS: GB cyclists in top form at the Velodrome.Pictures courtesy of the British Paralympic Association

Chris the Crusader!

THE North West’s topwheelchair tennis players putup fine performances in the2006 Invacare World TeamCup in the Brazilian capital ofBrasilia.

Wirral Tennis Centre’sDebbie Thomas (Prenton)with team mates Lucy Shuker,(Somerset) and Susan Paisley(Cleveland) secured GreatBritain’s first top 10 finish forthree years.

Despite going a set up in thefirst singles match of GB’sfirst play-off tie againstChinese Taipei, Thomasslipped to a three set defeat,but her contribution was notin vain as Great Britain went

on to win the tie 2-1 after thedeciding doubles rubber.

Victory over Spain’s BarbaraVidal 6-3, 6-3 followed by asuperb display with Shuker tobeat the Spanish No 1 LolaOchoa 6-1, 6-1 in the decidingdoubles rubber ensured GreatBritain’s first top 10 placing.

Meanwhile, Anthony Cotterill(Macclesfield), making his GBdebut in the Quad event forplayers affected in three ormore limbs, shaped wellalongside team mates AdamField (East Sussex) and ChrisJohnson (Hampshire).

Despite not winning a game,Cotterill pleased the GBcoaches.

GOLDRUSH

Picture:MARTINBIRCHALL


Send us your reports: email: [email protected]

EVERTON’s Football In TheCommunity programme have beengiven a dream start to the new season– a £60,000 grant from the Children InNeed charity.

Premiership players Lee Carsley andKevin Kilbane joined in the celebrationswith a kickabout with young disabledplayers at Goodison Park.

Everton have eight disability teams,including deaf, visually impaired andamputee sides, making it the biggestscheme of its kind on the country.

The Blues’ commitment to working withdisabled footballers started with visits tospecial schools and day centres during

which they offered football coachingsessions in parallel with their schools’development programme.

The Football Foundation provided thefunding which helped the club appoint adedicated disabled football developmentofficer.

The project has been one long successstory and 18 months ago Everton set upthe scheme as a new registered charity.

A five-year plan is now under way whichaims to widen the range of their workwhich will include raising the standard ofthe coaching and encouraging disabledpeople to become football coaches,managers and first-aiders.FOOTBALL FOR ALL: Everton’s Lee Carsley, left, and Kevin Kilbane

with Pinkey Das, 12, of Merefield school, Southport.

Everton’s season off to a flyer

HOTSHOTS: The GB men’s team were too goodfor Sweden in the Visa Paralympic World Cup

Basketballers on theway to more glory

Athletes power home with a clutch of medalsBRITAIN’S athletes

won nine golds, onesilver and two bronze

medals – and set a worldrecord.

Fresh from winning theLondon Marathon, David Weirproved he’s in fine form acrossall distances by winning gold inall three of his events – theT54 100m, 200m and 1500m.

Tracy Hinton (Llanedyrn,Cardiff) was also in flying form

and belted around the T11400m to take gold in a time of1:01.72, 14 seconds fasterthan Mikiko Masuda of Japan,who took silver.

Danny Crates (Stanford LeHope, Essex), who won gold atthe Athens 2004 Paralympics,saw Britain to their ninth goldmedal, winning the final eventof the day, the men’s T46800m.

In the field events, BeverleyJones (Deeside) won the F37

shot put with a throw of10.02m, while David Gale(Southport) and RichardSchabel (East Grinstead, WestSussex) took gold and bronzerespectively in the F32 andF51 discus throw.

Paralympic champion KennyChurchill (Middlesbrough) tookgold in the F37 javelin – settinga world record of 49.78m.

Paralympic champion DanielGreaves (Anstey, Leicester)then added another gold to

Britain’s medal haul by winningthe F44 discus.

Kim Minett (Fareham,Hampshire), who took gold atthe inaugural event last year,narrowly missed out retainingthe title for the F40 shot put,taking silver behind Morocco’sLaila El Garaa, who set a worldrecord with her throw of 7.21m.

In the same event SophieHancock (Horwich, Bolton),who won silver last year, justmissed out on a medal, coming

fourth with a throw of 6.11m. Athens Paralympic Games

bronze medallist Lloyd Upsdell(Whitchurch, Cardiff) tookbronze in the men’s T35 200m.

Team-mate Richard White(Catshill, Bromsgrove) cameseventh.

But there was disappointmentfor Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson (Redcar, Cleveland)who could only finish fourth inthe T53 100m and sixth in theT53 800m.

NORTH WESTswimmers helpedBritain gain five goldmedals, two silversand two bronzes.

Jim Anderson(Broxburn, WestLothian), winner offour gold medals atthe Athens 2004Paralympic Games, ledthe way with a braceof European recordsand a gold medal.

Three-timesParalympian AndrewLindsay(Cowdenbeath) tookBritain’s firstswimming gold medalof the competition,winning the S7 100mbackstroke title.

Lindsay was alsopart of the Britishteam, alongsideMatthew Walker(Stockport), David Hill(Exmouth, Devon) andJames Crisp(Nottingham), whotook gold in the men’smulti-disability 4 x50m freestyle relay ina time of 1:57.43, morethan six secondsahead of Brazil insecond place.

Walker, fresh fromhis recent bronzemedal at theMelbourne 2006CommonwealthGames, took gold inthe S7 50m freestyle,an event in which hewon silver at theAthens 2004Paralympic Games.

Natalie Jones(Manchester) wonsilver in the S6 50mfreestyle, tying in adead heat for secondin 38.27 with Finland’sReeta Peltola. Japan’sErika Nara took gold.

Mhairi Love (Larkhill,Manchester) was fourthwith Liz Johnson(Newport, Gwent) fifth.

Sascha Kindred(Hereford, ex-Manchester), winner offour ParalympicGames gold medals,took gold in the S750m butterfly setting aBritish record of 33.02.

Sixteen year-oldRachel Latham (Wigan)came fourth in the S8100m butterfly but seta new British recordwith 37.88.

IT WAS silver and bronze for Britain’swheelchair basketballers.

The women’s team found the Mexicansjust a little too strong in the last quarterof the final, going down 37-32.

GB’s Ann Wild said: “It was a toughgame. It’s always a bit of a fist fight withthat team, but we did an incredibly goodjob, especially with our rookies.

“At the moment we’re looking towardsLondon 2012 with these young players –getting them out there and giving themsome experience of big games.”

Meanwhile, the men’s team, whichincluded several new faces, did well totake bronze, beating Sweden 51-34.

Dan Highcock (Liverpool), one of lastyear’s gold medal winning team, saidthe competition was tough.

“It was a great performance by thewhole team and our defence was great,”said Dan, 24.

“The competition was a lot tougherthan last year with Canada bringing a

full strength squad and Australiabringing their best team but it’s a goodexperience for us to play against the topcompetition because they are the bestteams in the world.”

Head coach Dave Titmuss said theevent was an important chance to giveyounger players court time with an eyeon the Beijing 2008 and London 2012Paralympic Games.

“It was a pleasing performancedefensively,” said Titmuss. “To havegone away from the tournament withouthaving given minutes to key players forthe future would have been a mistake.

“I think 10 of the 12 guys we had herewill be available for London 2012,” headded. “But I won’t be experimentingwhen it comes to the WorldChampionships in July.

“There are five top players comingback and I’m going to try to get AdeAdepitan (Manchester) to come out ofretirement,” he added.

Splashingout in thestyle of

champions IN MANCHESTER


Triathlon time, kids!

Tennisacesset forlong hotsummerDEBBIE Thomas(Prenton) and AnthonyCotterill (Macclesfield)are among the NorthWest’s players with realhopes of success in thisyear’s NationalWheelchair TennisChampionships.

The squad from WirralTennis Centre alsoincludes 17-year-oldEleanor Hind, who playedable-bodied tennis at clublevel before having alower leg amputation lastautumn.

The next major eventafter the NationalChampionships is theMen’s Wheelchair Doublesat The Championships,Wimbledon (July 8-9),which will again betelevised by BBC TV.

Three weeks later (July25-30), all eyes will turn toNottingham Tennis Centrefor the British OpenWheelchair TennisChampionships.

A super summer of topclass disability tennis inBritain will culminate atNottingham from August 8-13, when the world’s topdeaf players will be inaction at the 3rd BritishOpen Deaf TennisChampionships.

Cheadle Hulme’sDarren O’Donnell, abronze medallist at theDeaflympic Games inMelbourne in 2005, islikely to be among theleading contenders in theMen’s Singles, Men’sDoubles and MixedDoubles events.

GREAT Britain’s Powerlifting squadput in a series of impressiveperformances at the WorldChampionships in Busan, Korea.

Manchester’s CommonwealthGames silver medallist Jason Irvinglifted two personal bests to place5th, only 7.5kg away from taking thebronze.

Powerlifting team manager JonAmos said: “The GB Powerliftingsquad turned in absolutely fantasticoverall results laying down apositive message for the future ofPowerlifting and the current squads

who are working towards London2012 via Beijing in 2008.”

Adam Alderman (Sibley, Essex), inhis final year as a junior, took twobronze medals and lifted a personalbest of 112.5kgs in the 48kgcategory.

Paralympian Natalie Blake(Newark), who narrowly missed outon the medals in Athens in 2004,fought off tough competition to winbronze in the 48kg category with alift of 87.5kg.

Newcomer Ali Jawad (London),competing in the junior section,

won silver in the 75kg category bylifting 147.5kg, while fellow juniorGlen Puxley (Haverhill) lifted 150kgin the 100kg+ category to set ajunior world record and take thegold.

There was, however,disappointment for Paralympicchampion Emma Brown(Pontypridd) who sustained aninjury during training and had towithdraw from the competition.

About 300 athletes from 53countries took part in thechampionships.

Powerlifters shine in world championships

SIR Steve Redgrave is calling on schoolsthroughout the North West to sign upfor this year’s Sefton Triathlon for

disabled youngsters.Last year competitors came from Blackburn,

Bolton, Southport, and Liverpool to make theevent one of the most memorable events in theNorth West sporting calender.

Now Olympian legend Sir Steve and felloworganisers want to attract even more entries forthis year’s race.

Sir Steve says: “Events like the triathlon areimportant because they allow children toparticipate in different kinds of activity.

“It is also a wonderful way to raise money.”PE teacher John Moran from St Mary’s

College, Crosby, is behind the initiative.He said: “We want to involve as many disabled

children as we can from schools right across thewhole of the North West.”

Macmillan Cancer Relief and the British HearthFoundation will benefit from the children’s efforts.Teachers interested in joning in the triathlon,taking place at Crosby on Saturday July 8,can contact John on: 0151 924 3700email [email protected]

ON YOUR MARKS FOR SEFTON: Olympians Steve Smith, Sir Steve Redgrave,Steve Parry and Lee Shearer at Alder Hey Hospital. Picture: TRACEY O’NEILL

BRITAIN’s top Paralympians won 21gold, seven silver and five bronzemedals at the Visa Paralympic WorldCup in Manchester.Read all about it on Pages 30-31.Pictures: British Paralympic Association

TheOTHERWorldCup

Like this mag?Our sincere thanks to all ourpartners and advertisers whoare helping to keep thisunique and award winningnews service alive andkicking!

It is advertising revenue thatwill ensure the charity’slong-term future.

— Tom Dowling, editorTel 0151 230 0307

[email protected]

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