Pages 1 - 60 PDF
Transcription
Pages 1 - 60 PDF
MILLER’S MARATHON FOR REHAB | PARLIAMENTARY PANCAKE RACE | CAR WASH DAY | WIN TWO HOTEL BREAKS Celebrate! June 2008 Rehab Lotteries’ 20th anniversary Rehab Recycle Goes Back to School! New Computer Gaming Course The Chaseley Trust’s Diamond Jubilee NRAC’s Rules Project www.rehab.ie News Roundup News and Features An overview of the latest developments from across the Rehab Group.....................4 Hey, Gorgeous! TBG Learning’s courses are looking more attractive than ever with the opening of its new beauty salon....13 Capturing Rehab’s Magic Moments Rehab will be celebrating its sixtieth birthday next year and Rehab News is collecting photographs and stories of Rehab over the years to create a special feature.................................................14 4 Cover Story Rehab Lotteries Celebrates Rehab Lotteries recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary with a Mardi Gras-style party. Read about its journey to success .......................................................10 Rehab to Open New Primary School in Limerick Plans have begun for a school which will provide 60 places for children with autism within four years............15 Portlaoise Students are Golden Achievers Students from National Learning Network in Portlaoise are presented with gold An Gaisce awards................27 Rugby Star Lines Out for Rehab Eric Miller is to represent Rehab in the Lifestyle Sports Adidas Dublin City Marathon...............................................28 Rehab Enterprises’ Exciting Expansion Plans “An Siopa”, Rehab Retail’s fourth shop in Dublin, recently opened at the Houses of the Oireachtas.............16 Game On! You can now go to college and play computer games to equip you with skills to enter the digital entertainment industry....................18 People with Disabilities – Great for Business Jack Black, acclaimed personal development guru, highlights the benefits of employing people with learning disabilities....................................20 Sinead is Back! After depression put an end to her career in social care work, Sinead Cafferky is building a new life...........22 10 Corporate Training Service Shows Employers the Way Forward National Learning Network’s new service will help employers deal with disability and diversity challenges in the workplace...............26 22 The Future is Bright TBG Learning’s innovative course in painting and decorating allows students to get strokes ahead...........30 National Learning Network Launches New Prospectus A new prospectus available from National Learning Network was recently launched......................................32 Rehab Recycle to Get an Online Makeover Rehab Recycle unveils its new website later this month......................24 Conference to Explore Recovery in Mental Health A conference which will be of interest to those involved in mental health recovery is scheduled for October......................................................33 All Washed Up for Rehab Rehab, with the support of Top Oil, is looking for volunteers to help out on the second annual Car Wash Day.....25 Together is Better Rehab News takes a look at the National RehabCare Advocacy Council’s Rules Project............................34 In this issue June 2008 45 Going! Going! Gone! The Chaseley Trust’s Diamond Jubilee Appeal is about to come to a grand finale..................................................................36 Rehab Radio Bingo a Clear Winner Hundreds of thousands of euro have been given away in prize funds by Rehab Radio Bingo....................................37 Disability – Let’s get Strategic! We take you on a whistle-stop tour of developments since the introduction of the National Disability Strategy..38 Focus on: Rehab’s Acquired Brain Injury Services in the UK We take a look at the range of services for people with a brain injury in the UK...........................................................40 Rehab Recycle Goes Back to School It’s back to school time for Rehab Recycle as it spearheads an innovative WEEE Ireland campaign..............................42 One Athlete’s “Sporting Chance” Amanda Crotty was recently named Irish Blind Sports Athlete of the Year 2007...................................................................43 Learning to Learn Have you ever sat in a lecture wondering what on earth the lecturer was talking about? Read on to find out why............................................44 Deputy First Minister Visits Haven in Inverness Staff were able to show off their work skills when they received a visit from Scotland’s Deputy First Minister recently.........................................45 UK Parliamentary Pancake Race Political journalists versus MPs and Lords. Who will make it over the finishing line first? The results are in!................................................................46 My Working Day Two Rehab Group staff in Dublin and Eastbourne talk to Rehab News about a typical day in their working lives......................................................................48 Bulletin Board Local People of the Year Awards, UK Long Service Awards, Adventurers, Launches, Winners, Long Service Awards, Spring Certification Ceremonies, and more....................50 Time Out We have two midweek hotel breaks to give away! So take some time out, put your feet up and enter our competitions to be in with a chance to win................................................................58 28 Rehab News Produced by: Communications and Public Affairs Team, Rehab Group, Roslyn Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4 00353 1 205 7268 [email protected] If you would like to submit a news story suggestion for the next edition of Rehab News, please get in touch with us. Acknowledgements: Getty Images; Shutterstock.com; Tadhg Crowley; Fionán O’Connell; Johnny Corcoran; Terry Connolly; Simon James, London Commercial Photography. Published on behalf of the Rehab Group by: Zahra Publishing, First Floor, 19 Railway Road, Dalkey, County Dublin 00353 1 235 1408 [email protected] Printed by: W&G Baird, Belfast, Antrim ISBN IFFN 0709/6676 Copyright to the material in Rehab News is reserved. The views expressed in Rehab News are not necessarily those of Rehab Group. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy of information published in Rehab News, the publishers can accept no liability. 4 | Rehab News | June 2008 News Roundup RehabCare Comes up Roses! Pictured above: (left to right) Síofra Roche, Gráinne Fogarty and Sonya Griffen at the Co. Clare heats for the 2008 Rose of Tralee in April. They were coming up roses at RehabCare’s Inis Grove children’s residential service in Ennis as two members of staff were among the contestants who competed to be Co. Clare’s representative in the 2008 Rose of Tralee. Social Care Worker Síofra Roche, who represented RehabCare in the competition, was joined by her colleague, Relief Social Care Worker Sonya Griffen, on stage. Although, unfortunately, neither went forward, Gráinne Fogarty, Social Care Manager at the service, was extremely proud of their performance. “The girls were fantastic, a real credit to RehabCare,” she said. Minister Gives Haven the Thumbs Up! Pictured above: Anne McGuire MP, UK Minister for Disabled People, examining the facilities at Haven Products’ new learning centre in Hillington, Glasgow. The achievements of Momentum’s social enterprise firm, Haven Products, were highlighted by the UK’s Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire MP, recently when she opened its new learning centre in Hillington, Glasgow. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Minister presented a new plaque for the learning centre to Haven employees as well as a number of awards Haven had recently won – the Investors in People Award, the Social Enterprise Coalition – Enterprising Solutions Award and the Social Firms UK STAR Award, the only social firm in Scotland to receive this. The Minister was given a tour of the new facilities, including the learning centre where employees will be able to develop their IT, numeracy and literacy skills. News Roundup | 5 A roundup of News from across the Rehab Group Holding out for a Hero The build-up to Ireland’s national people’s awards ceremony, the People of the Year Awards, is hotting up and the search is truly on to find Ireland’s People of the Year. L AUNCHED IN APRIL, the awards, which are organised by Rehab, sponsored by QUINN-healthcare and televised live on RTÉ One, honour the great and the good of Irish society – individuals and organisations who have made an outstanding contribution to life in Ireland or abroad. Previous winners of the People of the Year Awards include Sir Bob Geldof, Padraig Harrington, Mary Robinson, Terry Wogan, Veronica Guerin, Mo Mowlam, Maeve Binchy, Sonia O’Sullivan, TK Whittaker, Tommy Tiernan and Christy Moore. Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Colin Morgan, General Manager, Quinn Insurances, said, “This is QUINN-healthcare’s second year working with the People of the Year Awards. Communities all over Ireland benefit from the great work of unsung heroes – ordinary people who do extraordinary things and we want to recognise the achievement of these individuals at the People of the Year Awards.” Following her stunning performance at last year’s event, the RTÉ presenter Gráinne Seoige will again present the Awards on RTÉ One live from Dublin’s CityWest Hotel on Saturday, 13 September. There are 12 categories this year including the Irish Person of the Year, the International Person of the Year and the Young Irish Person of the Year (under 25 years of age). In addition, there are a number of Awards presented for achievements in the areas of community service, arts and culture, sports and public sector achievement. The winners are chosen by members of the public through a nominations process and finalised by a panel of adjudicators comprising Pictured above: The People of the Year Awards 2008 which are organised by Rehab and sponsored by QUINN-healthcare were recently launched by RTÉ’s Gráinne Seoige with the help of Young Irish Person of the Year 2007, Gerald Killeen, and Ciara MacMahon, who won the same award in 2003. leading members of the media, business, public service and community sectors. Speaking to Rehab News, Angela Kerins, Rehab’s Chief Executive, says it is important to recognise great achievement. “This is the 34th year of the People of the Year Awards, which are now a household name, and Rehab is proud to have established the Awards and been the organiser for over three decades. The People of the Year Awards provide us with an opportunity to give real recognition to people whose achievements and stories lift and inspire us all.” RTÉ Television’s Gráinne Seoige said, “This is RTÉ’s 25th year to televise the People of the Year Awards, and my second as presenter. I am delighted to play a role, alongside our colleagues in QUINN-healthcare and Rehab, in bringing the stories of these outstanding individuals and their achievements to as wide an audience as possible.” To find out the latest news on the People of the Year Awards, simply log on to www.peopleoftheyear.com 6 | Rehab News | June 2008 News Roundup Out of the Blue for Rehab UK To mark Brain Injury Week in the UK (31 March to 6 April), a number of events were held by Rehab UK services to raise funds. In Newcastle, 33 brave souls abseiled from the Tyne Bridge which raised £1,376 and still counting. Other events included a sponsored walk by seven clients around the Newcastle quayside and a “dress down day” in the north-east centre. In London, Rehab UK held a brain injury seminar which was addressed by Mark Harper MP, the UK’s Shadow Minister for Disabled People. You can read about the seminar as well as information on Rehab UK and Momentum’s brain injury services and the experiences of one client, Tom Patterson, on pages 40 to 41. New Rehab UK Service Opens Rehab UK has recently initiated a new brain injury service in Blyth, Northumberland. Operating four days a week, the day centre and outreach service supports 25 regular service users of adult age with acquired brain injuries. It provides activities which work on developing the service users’ numeracy, literacy, IT and daily living skills, as well as offering art lessons. The centre aims to increase service users’ quality of life, contribute to community and social inclusion, and support families and carers on a daily basis. As part of the UK’s Brain Injury Week, the centre held an Open Day to give people a better insight into the services offered. Clients of the centre demonstrated their skills with an arts and crafts display and in the preparation of lunch. The event was well attended by families, carers and potential local supporters interested in finding out more about the work of the centre. News Roundup | 7 A roundup of News from across the Rehab Group Coffee Moments Rehab’s Policy Project Keith Poole is the Director of Finance with the Rehab Group. Here he gives Rehab News an exclusive insight into the man behind the numbers and the driving forces that motivate him. 1. What do you do to relax? I love nothing better than to go sailing. 2. What are you reading at the moment? Judging Dev by Diarmaid Ferriter. 3. What is the best holiday you have ever had? Two weeks’ hill walking in Corsica. 4. What is your favourite animal? My dog Harry. 5. What is your top finance tip? Avoid borrowings. 6. If you won the lotto, what would you do? I’d buy a house in West Cork and promptly retire. 7. Best film of all time? Apocalypse Now. It is essential that every organisation has policies in place to ensure good governance and a consistent approach by everyone with a stake in it. As an organisation grows, so too does the number of decisions it needs to take, the positions it must hold and the areas it needs to regulate. Against this backdrop, led by the Director of Policy and Co-ordination, Sarah-Jane Dillon, a small team joined the Rehab Group last year to examine policies. The Group has enjoyed considerable growth in recent years and now has the opportunity to review the policies and procedures that have applied to date and to reflect on how to improve the quality of services. The first policies have now been approved by the Management Team. The policy team continues to consult widely with staff, service users and stakeholders to ensure that Group policies are directed by best practice and help the organisation work well for everyone. If you are interested in the policy process and getting involved, please contact Sharon Dillon-Lyons on 00353 1 205 7376 or email [email protected] 8. Last concert you attended? Bob Dylan at the Point – got the tickets as a present! 9. What has been the most memorable day of your life? My oldest friend’s wedding – I was the best man. 10. Stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring with you? Fishing gear, a dinghy and my dog (assuming I’m not allowed take my family!). 11. Your all-time hero? That’s a hard call. Either Des O’Malley or Roy Keane. 12. When you were a little boy, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a pilot. 13. The secret to happiness? With four daughters, it has to be to surround yourself with women. 14. What would you do if you became Taoiseach in the morning? I‘d get rid of the bus lanes on the Rock Road in Dublin. 8 | Rehab News | June 2008 News Roundup Munster Teams Battle on the Pitch Pictured above: Students from National Learning Network’s “Sporting Chance” programme in Tralee, Co. Kerry, celebrate after participating in the Mayfield FC Cup run by the Football Association of Ireland as part of its “Football for All” programme. OPEL Service Users Recognised Congratulations to Momentum service users who were recently recognised for their achievements in employment at South Lanarkshire Council’s “Celebration of Success” event in March. The Lord Provost, Russell Clearie MBE, presented service users with certificates from a range of employability programmes across the Council area, including people from Momentum’s Opportunities for Progression through Employment and Learning (OPEL) service. Football teams from National Learning Network in Cork and Kerry recently lined out for the Mayfield FC Cup run by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) as part of its “Football for All” programme. The four teams taking part in the thrilling tournament which took place on 4 March were the Tralee Headbangers, the Tralee Legends, Hollyhill and Bantry. The game of the day was the Tralee Headbangers versus the Tralee Legends, which was a nail-biting match. With five minutes to go, the scores were deadlocked but two winning strikes from Jonathan Berry resulted in the final score: Tralee Headbangers 2, Tralee Legends 1. The “Football for All” days allow everybody, regardless of playing experience or ability, the opportunity to participate and compete in football in a fun but challenging environment. All of the students who participated thoroughly enjoyed the competition and National Learning Network is very grateful to the FAI and to “Football for All” officer, Oisín Jordan, for an excellently-run day. Pictured: The Lord Provost of South Lanarkshire Council, Russell Clearie MBE, presents a certificate to Momentum student Laura Clarkin at the Council’s “Celebration of Success”. News Roundup | 9 A roundup of News from across the Rehab Group Marathon Men Well done to Daniel Ribbits and Dean McShea who ran the London Marathon for Rehab UK and Momentum respectively in April. It was the first time Momentum had a runner in the race thanks to the Silver Bond scheme which allowed charities previously not represented to have a one-off opportunity of becoming involved. Daniel completed the race in 5 hours 8 minutes, raising over £1,200 for Rehab UK. Dean, from Aberdeenshire, raised more than £6,000 online at www.justgiving.com. Thanks to both Daniel and Dean for their energetic efforts. National Learning Network Celebrates Lifelong Learning National Learning Network in Hollyhill, Cork, threw open its doors to the whole city recently for the start of the fifth Cork Lifelong Learning Festival. Mr Seán Haughey TD, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, was at the centre to officially open the week-long festival which showcases adult learning opportunities through more than 230 free events across the city. The motto of this year’s festival was “Investigate, Participate, Celebrate” and the centre took this to heart by participating in a number of activities to spread the word about its learning opportunities. It held an open day featuring exhibits from its rehabilitative and vocational training programmes as well as an external art exhibition in conjunction with local groups in Knocknaheeny as part of the Knocknaheeny Education Network Celebration. National Learning Network also had information stands around Cork city and gave Pictured above: Outside the National Learning Network centre in Hollyhill, Cork, at the official opening of the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival are (left to right) Deputy Lord Mayor Tony Fitzgerald, Ted Owens, CEO Cork VEC, Tina Neylon, Co-ordinator of the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival, Willie McAuliffe, Chair of the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival Committee, Noel O’Flynn TD, Seán Haughey TD, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning and Noel Shannon, Area Manager, National Learning Network. information sessions, digital photography classes and talks on internet security from its mobile training unit in conjunction with Cork City Council, Cork City Adult Guidance and Cork City Libraries. 10 | Rehab News | June 2008 Rehab Lotteries Celebrates “€170m worth of lottery games is a fantastic amount of product to have sold!” remarks John McGuire, Director of Fundraising and Marketing with the Rehab Group, as he recalls the achievement of Rehab Lotteries since its establishment. He added, “This has only been possible because of the tremendous support for Rehab’s lottery games received from our customers and fantastic staff.” Pictured above: John McGuire displays the new special edition “Celebrations” scratch card. It has a top prize of €10,000, four chances to win and one in every three tickets overall is a winner. H e was speaking in an interview with Rehab News as Rehab Lotteries recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary with a Mardi Gras-style carnival birthday party in St Stephen’s Green in Dublin complete with dancers, drummers, balloons and, of course, the obligatory birthday cake. A special edition “Celebrations” scratch card has also been issued to mark the event and is now available in convenience stores, supermarkets and petrol stations nationwide. McGuire is with Rehab Lotteries almost since the beginning, having joined two years after it was established. Back then, the world in which Rehab Lotteries operated was a very different place. “We initially had our offices in Dame Street, where we Cover Story | So where did the idea of Rehab Lotteries come from? McGuire explains, “When the idea of a National Lottery was announced back in the 80s, the government launched a competition to see who would get the licence. Three organisations tendered for the contract – An Post, the Irish Sweepstakes and Rehab in a joint venture with the Central Remedial Clinic. In preparation for the bid, then CEO Frank Flannery did a huge amount of research and formed a strategic alliance with the Ontario State Lottery in Canada, which provided advice on how lotteries were run. Of course, as we now know, An Post won out in the end, but as Rehab had acquired a huge amount of lottery know-how, Frank decided to put that to good use and so Rehab Lotteries was born.” So have scratch cards always been a key part of the business? “Our core anchor product has always been scratch cards and over the years we have continued to introduce new innovations and games. Our first scratch card was ‘Instant Cash’ and for the price of IR£1 you could win a Ford Orion car. We’ve probably had around 100 games since then – the most successful game we have ever had is ‘Extra’ which has been in circulation now for about ten years and which has developed a real following. “Of course, we have always continued to innovate. We had cards to celebrate people’s birthdays and anniversaries, where people would get a musical greeting card but with a lottery card contained within. We had a special lottery with Superquinn where you could win points in Superquinn’s customer loyalty scheme on your card. The unique aspect of this game was that every ticket was a winner in that every ticket had a minimum amount of points as a prize. We also offered people the opportunity to buy a ticket and win prizes in the UK National Lottery draw, including multimillion jackpot prizes. In fact, the biggest winner we ever had was in the UK Lotto where a man, whose name I will never forget – Paddy Clair from County Clare – won €254,000. “More recently, we have introduced online gaming with rehabbingo.com. Launched in November 2006, ‘‘ On this, our twentieth anniversary, I especially wish to thank all those who have supported Rehab Lotteries over the years and particularly our team of very loyal and dedicated staff ‘‘ had two floors and a basement and about 30 staff working for us. There was a lot of administration and paperwork but with technology has come greater efficiencies and reductions in the costs of operations. Of course, the whole shape of retailing has changed dramatically over the years too. In those days there were more corner shops and family shops, unlike today where the grocery business is now much more concentrated amongst a small number of multiples.” 11 we spent most of 2007 getting rehabbingo.com established and securing a reasonable player base and thanks to all of that hard work, it’s really taken off. It is now making a real contribution to Rehab such that online activity accounts for two-thirds of the business. We also have electronic scratch cards for sale in public houses, where customers can ‘scratch’ their tickets on screen. Over the next year, we have plans to introduce scratch card games on mobile phones too and are at an advanced stage with a mobile phone provider on this.” So how vital are the funds raised? “Rehab Lotteries forms an essential part of the fundraising operations for Rehab. It has enabled Rehab to constantly improve the services provided at locations all around Ireland for people with disabilities and others who are marginalised for whom there is a constant requirement to develop new services to meet their needs. On this, our twentieth anniversary, I especially wish to thank all those who have supported Rehab Lotteries over the years and particularly our team of very loyal and dedicated staff.” So where does McGuire see Rehab Lotteries in 20 years’ time? He gazes into his crystal ball. “One of the issues for us is that the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 does not 12 | Rehab News | June 2008 Still here after all these years! Pictured above: Alan Kennedy from RehabCare in Ballyfermot celebrates Rehab Lotteries’ twentieth birthday with the help of three friends. legislate for today’s gaming environment. The Act needs urgent review as times have moved on and it needs to deal with issues such as casinos and the internet. Reform of the legislation could present us with new opportunities. Notwithstanding this, in 20 years’ time, the likelihood is that there will be less sold in shops and a lot more people playing games from their armchair on their interactive TV or via their mobile phone. One thing is for sure, Rehab Lotteries will continue to be at the forefront of lottery innovation and continue to make a vital contribution to the work of Rehab.” n Three members of staff have been with Rehab Lotteries since day one. Pictured (left to right) John Slevin, Prize Redemptions Manager, Diane Munroe, Business Support Department, and Tom Quigley, Area Sales Representative. John McGuire says, “More than any of us, this is their birthday, and they are a testament to the fact that Rehab really is a great place to work and that people can be really happy here.” News | 13 Hey, Gorgeous! TBG Learning’s courses are looking more attractive than ever with the opening of its new beauty salon “To Be Gorgeous”. said, “I thought I would enjoy this type of thing but now I’ve tried it, I know I do!” The e2e programme in Clacton has helped hundreds of local young people to build their skills and confidence before progressing into further education, apprenticeships or employment. Pictured above: At the launch of the new nail and beauty salon, “To Be Gorgeous”, at TBG Learning in Tendring are (back row, left to right) learners Keisha Duly, Leanne Carr, Opal Wakeling, Josie Grindrod, Mavis Balbirnie, Tutor Alex Gray, Learning Centre Manager Rob Fitt and (front row, left to right) learner Sammy-Jo Robinson, Councillor Peter Balbirnie, Chairman of Tendring District Council, and learner Emma Marshall. B ased at TBG Learning’s centre in Clacton-on-Sea, the salon is used to train young people in practical skills for the beauty industry. The centre is the most successful local provider of the Entry to Employment (e2e) programme for 16 to 18-year-olds and the new salon, officially opened by the Chairman of Tendring District Council, Councillor Peter Balbirnie, is giving young people a new option, which also includes literacy, numeracy and computer skills. He was even treated to a pampering session of his own by students during his visit. Speaking at the opening, the Chairman said, “The new nail and beauty facilities are excellent and the current learners seem to be thoroughly enjoying the course.” Keisha Duly, one of the students who is spending one day per week learning skills including facials, manicures, massage and waxing, TBG Learning’s core objective is to improve lives through learning and in a further extension of its service to young people has recently opened two new centres in Southall in West London and West Bromwich in the West Midlands. The new Southall centre was officially opened by local MP, Virendra Sharmaa, and the West Bromwich centre by the Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Gurcharan Singh Sidhu.n Who to contact For further information please contact: Rob Fitt Learning Centre Manager, Tendring TBG Learning 0044 1255 430 053 [email protected] 14 | Rehab News | June 2008 Pictured left: Visiting dignitaries review a woodwork masterclass in Portland Row, Dublin in Rehab’s early years. Pictured below: Former Taoiseach Seán Lemass visiting a Rehab centre in days gone by. Capturing Rehab’s Magic Moments I n 2009, Rehab will be celebrating its sixtieth birthday. From very small beginnings helping recovering TB patients to regain their independence through vocational rehabilitation, Rehab has gone from strength to strength. It is today one of Europe’s most influential disability organisations and a leading voice in championing the rights of people with a disability and others who are marginalised. inclusion in this feature. It’s all about showcasing Rehab and its exciting development over the years. Don’t forget to tell us the story behind the picture, who is in it, where it was taken and in what year. While we will endeavour to send back the picture to you if you give us your name and address, we cannot be held responsible for its care, so please do keep copies! n It is also a leading provider of health and social care, training and education and rehabilitation, employment and commercial services, in the Group’s network of over 200 centres in Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands and Poland. Plans to mark its sixtieth year are being kept a closely-guarded secret by organisers at the moment, however, Rehab News plans to publish a special feature celebrating the event with a collection of rarely-seen photographs. If you have used Rehab’s services or are a present or former member Who to contact You can write to us at: of staff and have any photographs depicting your time in Rehab over the years, then please send them in. Pictures can be of staff at their work, of people engaging in services, of official events – it’s up to you, but it is important that permission be sought from those pictured for their Rehab News, Communications and Public Affairs Team, Rehab Group, Roslyn Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4. News | 15 Rehab to Open New Primary School in Limerick In a historic first for Rehab, it has been recognised by the Department of Education and Science as patron of a new pre-school and primary school for young people with autism in Patrickswell, Limerick. for children with autism. We are responding to the desire of parents to provide children with a range of educational services for their child with special needs, including autism, based in their local community. Rehab has a track record of success in providing innovative and flexible services to people with autism and their families and I welcome this new initiative on their part.” T he announcement, which was made in February, paves the way for the development of a school which will initially provide six pre-school and 24 primary school places, increasing to 60 places within four years. Discussions are currently underway with architects and the planning authorities with a view to progressing a temporary facility, which it is hoped will be in place within the next academic year, while a permanent state-of-the-art primary school is progressed. Ms Mary Hanafin TD, the then Minister for Education and Science, commented, “This new school is part of the continuing expansion of services throughout the country The school will follow the Department’s national curriculum which will be adapted and modified to suit the learning needs of the young people. A range of methodologies will be used to promote the maximum learning potential of each child, including TEACCH, PECS, ABA and MultiElemental Behaviour Support. An individual education plan will be developed with the involvement of families and specialist multidisciplinary teams. The Minister added, “This will ensure a holistic approach, not only concentrating on the education of the child, but also on other areas such as independent living, social and leisure skills, play skills, communications skills and self-care.” Speaking to Rehab News, Angela Kerins, Rehab’s Chief Executive, said, “Our immediate priority is to secure planning approval for the initial temporary accommodation. In tandem with this, we are at an advanced stage in the development of an enrolment policy for the school with the Department and hope to shortly advertise for a school principal. “To begin with, the facility will principally comprise five classrooms, a staffroom, gymnasium, multisensory room and playground. “We very much look forward to working in partnership with the Department, the Health Service Executive and, most particularly, with children with autism and their families in the Mid-West, in order to provide high-quality, child-centred education programmes for children with autistic spectrum disorder.” Rehab currently provides a range of autism services to over 170 children and adults throughout Ireland, including residential, day and respite care, home care and after school services. n Who to contact For further information please contact: Siobhan Barry Projects Executive RehabCare 00353 61 203 897 [email protected] 16 | Rehab News | June 2008 Rehab Enterprises’ Exciting Expansion Plans Pictured above: The Ceann Comhairle, John O’Donoghue TD, cuts the ribbon on “An Siopa”, Rehab’s new shop at the Houses of the Oireachtas, Dublin. W hat do busy Ministers and TDs eager to keep abreast of current affairs in the newspapers, hard-working Dáil and Seanad staff in need of a sugar boost and visitors in search of a souvenir have in common? They are all customers of Rehab Retail’s newest shop, “An Siopa”, at the Kildare Street entrance to the Houses of the Oireachtas in Dublin. The shop was recently officially opened by the Ceann Comhairle (Speaker of the House), John O’Donoghue TD. “An Siopa” is Rehab Retail’s fourth shop in Dublin, with others located at the offices of Vodafone, Ulster Bank and AIB Bankcentre in the city. Rehab Retail plans to open six more shops in Dublin by the end of 2010, two of which will begin trading this summer – at Eircom Head Office, at News | 17 Pictured above: Are you being served? Mark Casey (right) serves Noel Ahern TD (left) in the new Rehab Retail shop, “An Siopa”, at the entrance to the Houses of the Oireachtas. Heuston Station and in Trinity Hall in Dartry. The shops are open five days a week, supply a range of goods and services and they provide integrated social employment opportunities for workers with disabilities. Staff are employed under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s Wage Subsidy Scheme which provides a subsidy to employers employing people with disabilities Pictured above: Rehab Enterprises’ new facility in Poland. and funding for employee supports. All staff have access to “Workpath”, a specialist employment assistance programme to support them with challenges in their work and personal lives. The development of Rehab Retail’s business mirrors the recent growth of Rehab Enterprises generally. The organisation has expanded into Poland with the establishment of a plant supplying keyboards to Dell which started operations this year. The operation provides employment to 35 people. On the decision to set up in that country, Michael Horgan, Director of Enterprises, says, “In our logistics business, we’ve been able to establish a business in Poland due to the strength of our business relationship and our focus in delivering on customer requirements. As evidence of this, we only have to look at a recent audit of our facilities in Poland by Dell when we scored 96 out of 100, beating a number of other Dell suppliers. Customer relationship management is the cornerstone of Rehab Enterprises’ success and our objective is to have 16 to 20 people with disabilities employed in Poland by the end of the year, in line with the Rehab Enterprises’ ethos of an integrated social employment model.” Rehab Enterprises plans to bring its knowledge of the employment of people with disabilities to a wider audience later this year with a crossGroup work placement programme involving potential employees from National Learning Network and RehabCare. Rehab Enterprises will provide expertise through Access Ability which is a leader in the field of disability management consultancy. Work coaching for employees will also be offered through the Employment Assistance Programme. With this initiative, it is hoped that over 200 people can be placed in jobs between 2008 and 2010. n 18 | Rehab News | June 2008 Game On! Imagine going to college to play Nintendo WII, Playstation 3, Nintendo DS and Xbox 360! This is the dream course just launched by the National Learning Network at Roslyn Park College in Dublin. Students on the course choose from a selection of modules including the theory and principles of computer programming, game design, website development, mathematics and enterprise development, as well as information and communication systems. Other modules include business communications, customer service, personal effectiveness and time management. The two-year course is supported by FÁS and is Ireland’s first FETAC-accredited (level 5) course in Computer Programming and Game Design. “The course was set up in response to the growing importance of computer gaming within the software industry – a sector that is now worth billions of euro – and the huge interest in the area,” Connolly continues. “Today, people are often now first exposed to computers though computer games and it’s a really good hook to get people interested in programming. Even if people don’t end up working on games, the course exposes them to so many other aspects of computing which they can apply to areas other than gaming. “There are a lot of small companies in Ireland producing games or parts of games for the big computer companies and so there are some real opportunities for our graduates to pursue a career in the digital entertainment industry. Of course, others will go into traditional computing roles, for example, software writing and sales, or on to third level.” Carol Redican, the Course Coordinator, has a track record in the software development industry and played a key part in the course’s development. She welcomes all potential applicants. “You don’t need to have any experience to get on this course, just an interest and an aptitude for the work,” she enthuses. “We have continuous intake, so people are at different stages. For example, at the moment, we have two students who are in the process of designing interactive animated games with different levels and scoring. They are loving it and really passionate about it. Already we have had people who have gone on work experience being snapped up and offered exciting jobs.” ‘‘ The course is aimed at people who want to learn how to design programmes, games or websites, and who wish to progress to university or gain the knowledge required to start their own business. ‘‘ S o are the students really playing games all day long in class? “Not quite,”says Enda Connolly, the Head of Department at Roslyn Park College responsible for the course. He explains, “They do get to try the games out, but it’s more about evaluating them to study and critique them – how does the Xbox or Nintendo work, how easy is it for the user to follow, does it freeze, how do graphics compare with other games? We look at different types of games, from strategy games like chess, to arcade games like Supermario, to simulation games like flying. The course is aimed at people who want to learn how to design programmes, games or websites, and who wish to progress to university or gain the knowledge required to start their own business. Students learn the basics of writing computer software and how to write their own computer games as well as more sophisticated computer programmes.” News | 19 Enda Connolly says Microsoft is a key partner in the delivery of the course. “The course has extensive contacts with software development companies and has an ongoing relationship with Microsoft’s European headquarters in Sandyford which participates in the College’s work placement programme. To date, over a dozen students from Roslyn Park College’s computer courses have gained invaluable work experience by spending a minimum of six weeks with Microsoft. They are given real tasks to do, from adapting software to local needs to doing quality assurance and checking software for bugs, providing students with a great insight into how the big companies operate.” So is there a typical student on the course? “We have 12 students at the moment. While you might think it would be made up of younger people, we have people from a range of backgrounds and ages. The course is very flexible so that participants can work at their own speed depending on their personal skills and aptitudes.” Enda Connolly believes the technology being used by games today will be used in our office computers tomorrow. “The technology and software being used in games now gives a real indication of what we can expect in the future. I believe we will see keyboards becoming less relevant and much more use of touch screen. I think we will also see different ways being used to communicate with your computer so that instead of using a mouse, we’ll see people using joysticks and wands”. Whatever about those predictions, there can be no doubt that this course is magic for anyone considering making a living out of playing computer games! ■ Who to contact For further information please contact: Enda Connolly Head of Department, Roslyn Park College National Learning Network 00353 1 205 7440 [email protected] 20 | Rehab News | June 2008 Pictured: Personal development guru Jack Black, who spoke at a recent supported employment event in Hamilton to highlight the benefits of employing people with learning disabilities. People with Disabilities – Great for Business Feature | 21 Jack Black, the acclaimed personal development guru, has told employers that employing people with a disability is not just about being a good corporate citizen, but is also good for the bottom line, team morale and company success. As a leading authority on personal development, Black counts among those he has coached world champion athletes, premier footballers and company executives. He explained to Rehab News what the event was trying to achieve. “What we tried to do was to share inspiration about how people can improve their performance in life and open minds up to a positive viewpoint around the perceived risk of taking on someone with a disability. We shared stories in the room of people who have taken that risk and we set about getting other employers to put their hands up. People were really open to it and there was a lot of passion and support for the idea. “I spend most of my time working with the corporate world and this was my first time engaging in an event specifically aimed at helping disabled people and we received very good feedback. At the end of the day, people are people with the same aspirations to be the best that they can be. The tools and techniques that I impart are relevant to anybody, in changing from ordinary performance to extraordinary performance and in giving people more confidence going forward.” He went on to say that employers can gain hugely from employing people with disabilities. “For employers, if they take on someone with a disability, that person can very often become a talisman for the team, bringing out the best in people. So it’s not just a feelgood factor for the employer in taking on a disabled person but that person also brings benefits and adds value. “Hopefully we will have been able to harness the energy and generosity of spirit at the event so that people not only consider what was said but go and do something about it and engage with the agencies.” Black was particularly impressed with the contribution of Caroline Roden, an employee with South Lanarkshire Council, who has Down’s syndrome and who has ‘‘ I spend most of my time working with the corporate world and this was my first time engaging in an event specifically aimed at helping disabled people and we received very good feedback. ‘‘ B lack was speaking recently at a supported employment event in Hamilton, West Central Scotland, to highlight the benefits of employing people with learning disabilities. The event, which was organised by Momentum, Rehab’s Scottish division, and South Lanarkshire Council, saw over 100 people in attendance. become a valued and respected member of the social work service. “There was genuine enthusiasm in the room, and a lot of pride particularly in hearing from Caroline Roden who was really impressive in telling her story. There was an understanding that it isn’t an easy road for disabled people and Caroline told us of the various setbacks she had had but she never gave up. It’s a bigger challenge for someone like Caroline to succeed than for a corporate executive who’s aspiring to be CEO. Caroline is a genuine hero and an inspiration to me.” Ian Welsh, Director of UK Services, commented, “Those firms who have taken the initiative to employ people with learning disabilities often find these employees to be among their most dedicated staff. We were delighted that Jack Black agreed to back our drive to connect employers with a more diverse workforce and already we have seen the fruits of this truly inspirational event in the number of enquiries that we have received from employers since.” n 22 | Rehab News | June 2008 Sinead is Back! After depression put an end to her career in social care work, Sinead Cafferky is building a new life. S inead Cafferky can look back now and see that she has lived with depression since her early teens. She simply seemed like a grumpy teenager – but her depression caught up with her in her twenties when she became a social care worker. “At first it was fine. I was young. As it went on, it did wear away at me because I wasn’t well. I was cranky, agitated, tired. I found it hard to get on with people. I took it out on them.” After five years of social care, the stresses of her job and lifestyle took its toll on her. She was spending time on her own, staying in bed, watching TV, avoiding people and drinking too much. “I was very quiet, angry and irritable with people I trusted, not wanting to go out or meet people. My bedroom was a mess – it was not kept well. It was as if I thought ‘I don’t deserve to have a nice room, so why bother?’ What’s on the inside is reflected in the outside environment. “Three years ago I called a halt to it. I went to a psychiatrist who diagnosed mild depression, prescribed anti-depressants and recommended I leave work.” Cafferky left her job to the great surprise of both her boss and her parents who had no idea of her depression. She moved back to her parents’ farm in Kilkelly, Mayo, and enjoyed the peace of rural life. After two years, Cafferky moved to Dublin to live with her sister and heard about Roslyn Park College. She realised she needed somewhere to “chill out and make some life choices” but she still felt she should be on the other side of the classroom. “I hadn’t accepted I was mentally unwell. I would have to face it.” She signed on for the Psychosocial Foundation course, a diverse programme which covers topics such as personal development and creative writing, as well as teaching participants how to look after themselves and how to learn so they can go on to further study. The timetable is flexible and participants choose what they want from a range of options and sample vocational courses in the college. It’s connected to CollegeStart, an introductory skills course, so students from the two courses mix. “I’ve met so many people from so many different backgrounds. It taught me life skills that I didn’t have.” Cafferky is now studying the Business Studies (Administration) course and learning a wide range of skills in customer service, communications, information and administration, word processing and the European Computer Driving Licence. “The Business Studies course is, as I see it, a gradual, flexible way of being able to test different waters. It’s shown me abilities I have in areas such as presentation, Case Study | 23 One of the things Cafferky found helpful was the WRAP (Wellness, Recovery, Action Planning) programme which was included in the Psychosocial course. It empowers participants to research their own recovery plan and she found it helped her understand herself, gradually coming to the realisation that a return to social work was not for her. “It was a hard pill to swallow. Now it’s a relief, to be honest. It was burdening my health. I’ve got my sense of humour back. Relationships are not as hard. My sense of self has improved.” After 18 months, Cafferky is looking forward to a new career when she graduates next spring and a holiday in Asia. ‘‘ “Two years ago, I was afraid of knowing who I was and what I needed. Now I have made goals for myself – travel, a job, finishing the course and pursuing interests I never thought I could be doing, like drama. In the future, I would like to take up an arts programme part-time. Sinead is back!” n ‘‘ Article © Rehab Group 2008. Not to be reproduced without permission. leadership and organisational skills. It has reinforced Pictured above: National Learning Network student Sinead Cafferky. abilities I had forgotten about and taught me consistency, persistence and patience.” I’ve met so many people from so many different backgrounds. It taught me life skills that I didn’t have. 24 | Rehab News | June 2008 forefront in responding to and driving change in this sector in Ireland. A new glossy, high-quality brochure outlining Rehab Recycle’s services has also been printed to coincide with the launch of the website and will be distributed to existing and potential customers over the coming weeks. The 24-page brochure features photography taken at Rehab Recycle facilities nationwide, providing a unique insight into the recycling process. Pictured: Rehab Recycle employees watch the delivery of glass for recycling. Rehab Recycle To Get an Online Makeover W E HAVE A WASTE management solution to suit everyone’s needs,” says Bob Rowat, General Manager, Rehab Recycle, with an air of confidence. He was speaking to Rehab News as plans were announced for a revamped Rehab Recycle website. The new site, www.rehabrecycle.ie, is due to be unveiled this month. Established in 1984 to primarily create employment opportunities for people with disabilities, Rehab Recycle has grown to become an Irish success story and a major force in Ireland’s recycling industry. Part of Rehab Enterprises, the commercial division of the Rehab Group, Rehab Recycle’s combined glass, can, paper and waste electrical recycling facilities now account for in excess of 100,000 tonnes of material each year. The company has facilities in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Navan in Ireland, and Eindhoven in the Netherlands. As environmental issues have become increasingly more topical and discussions around recycling and waste management more urgent, Rehab Recycle remains to the “As Ireland’s leading premier post-consumer waste recycler, Rehab Recycle has unprecedented experience in tailoring wastemanagement solutions to meet the needs of our customers,” says Rowat. “To every customer and every job we bring a depth of experience that is simply unrivalled. So, whether a customer is looking to recycle glass, electronic and electrical waste, paper, expanded polystyrene, cans, CDs or mobile phones, we can sort it.” n Did you know? ● Just one recycled glass bottle saves enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes. ● Every cubic metre bag of expanded polystyrene can eventually be recycled into 230 clothes hangers. ● Electronic waste accounts for 70% of the overall toxic waste currently found in landfills. ● 75% of a tree harvested for paper does not end up as a paper product. ● Over 200 million bottles and jars, 40 million cans and 4,500 tonnes of paper were recycled by Rehab Recycle in 2007. News | 25 Pictured: Miss Ireland, Bláthnaid McKenna, who launched Car Wash Day last year. All Washed Up for Rehab Rehab, with the support of Top Oil, is looking for volunteers to help out on the second annual Car Wash Day, which will take place around Ireland on Saturday, 5 July. V olunteers are needed to wash cars and clean windscreens in Top Oil depots and retail outlets nationwide to raise money for Rehab. Drivers will be asked to pay €8 for a car wash and €2 for a windscreen wash and air freshener. Last year, the event raised a whopping €15,000 and this year the aim is to beat that and raise €20,000. Buckets, sponges and squeegies will be provided so all you need to bring along is your enthusiasm! n Who to contact For further information please contact: Leo Donaghy National Fundraising Co-ordinator Rehab Group 00353 1 205 7262 [email protected] 26 | Rehab News | June 2008 Corporate Training Service Shows Employers the Way Forward I n today’s cut-throat business world, disability and diversity management present challenges and new opportunities to employers, particularly in light of new legislation. For forwardthinking companies, these developments can be used to gain an indispensable competitive advantage. It is into this business environment that National Learning Network has announced details of its Corporate Training Service. The service, formerly known as Orbis, has been fully integrated into National Learning Network in recent weeks and joins the Assessment Service, Continuous Professional Development Service and the Disability Support Service under the new Department of Learning and Assessment Services. “Through a network of trained specialists and consultants, National Learning Network’s Corporate Training Service is specifically designed to meet the individual needs of both public and private sector companies, supporting them in dealing with the challenges of disability and diversity in the workplace,” says Helen Chan, Business Executive, Learning and Assessment Services, National Learning Network. Since 2002, the team has completed training and consultancy projects for a wide variety of public and private companies of all sizes. In addition to designing and delivering disability, diversity, equality and bullying and harassment awareness programmes, the team also has extensive expertise in the development of equality and disability policies and access auditing. “Our role is to help employers in establishing best equality practice in areas that include recruitment, employee development and customer service,” continues Chan. “We also ensure that employers are kept fully informed of current legislation and are assisted in implementing strategies designed to improve existing policy and practices.” n Who to contact For further information please contact: Helen Chan Business Executive, Learning and Assessment Services National Learning Network 00353 1 200 0120 [email protected] News | 27 Portlaoise Students are Golden Achievers C ongratulations to four students from National Learning Network Portlaoise who recently received gold An Gaisce awards from President Mary McAleese. The four students – Kate Gannon, Aileen Gardiner, William Lawlor and Fraga Veighey – received the prestigious award in a ceremony in Dublin Castle. This isn’t the first time that National Learning Network students from Portlaoise have been presented with the accolade – Kevin Bambrick from Abbeyleix also achieved gold in 2006. ‘‘ All four students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were delighted to meet the President. They now plan to become President’s Award Leaders to help other people get their awards. Pictured: Former National Learning Network student Kevin Bambrick from Abbeyleix with his gold President’s Award. The awards work on the basis of a personal challenge set by the participants. To earn the award, activities in four categories – skill, community, physical and adventure – must be completed. To get their gold medals, the group members took part in a range of activities. They learned computer skills and office procedures for the skill challenge. For the community challenge, the group did 60 weeks’ work placement. Kate worked in the Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Kilkenny, where her 101-year-old grandmother is a resident, and Aileen helped out in the library where her mother works. William worked in the Parish Office and Fraga helped out in the health centre where her colleagues presented her with a gift for receiving her award. For the physical challenge, they took part in a variety of sports, including bowling, soccer, badminton and basketball, with Fraga participating in events with the Irish Wheelchair Association. According to Kate, the adventure challenge was the hardest. The group completed an 80km hike over four days in the Slieve Bloom Mountains and stayed in a hostel for three nights. All four students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were delighted to meet the President. They now plan to become President’s Award Leaders to help other people get their awards. n For more information on the President’s Award, visit www.gaisce.ie ‘‘ 28 | Rehab News | June 2008 Grist to the Miller – Rugby Pictured: Eric Miller with reigning Miss Ireland, Bláthnaid McKenna, who herself took part in the Flora Women’s mini marathon on behalf of Rehab on 2 June. News | 29 Star Lines Out for Rehab Eric Miller is to represent Rehab in one of Ireland’s biggest sporting events this year – the Lifestyle Sports Adidas Dublin City Marathon. T he former Ireland and Leinster star will undertake the challenge this October. Since retiring from professional rugby, Miller has established his own personal training business and sees representing Rehab in the Dublin City Marathon as an opportunity to challenge himself while supporting one of Ireland’s leading charitable organisations. Speaking to Rehab News about his decision to run for Rehab, he says, “Running a marathon is a major personal challenge but it’s made easier by the fact that by representing Rehab there will be a very worthy beneficiary and I hope to do them proud come race day in October!” Did you know? ● The Lifestyle Sports Adidas Dublin City Marathon was first run in 1980 by 2,100 competitors. ● Over 11,000 competitors are expected to race in the 29th event this year. ● In 2007, it was won by Russian Aleksey Sokolov who finished the race in a record time of 2:09:07. ● The word “marathon” derives from the fabled run of a Greek soldier, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon. ● The marathon was one of the original Olympic events in 1896. ● The official distance of 42.195 kilometers (26 miles 385 yards) wasn’t standardised until 1921. ● More than 800 marathons are contested throughout the world every year. ● The world record time for men is 2:04:26 set in the Berlin Marathon by Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia on 30 September 2007. ● The world record for women is 2:15:25 set in the London Marathon by Paula Radcliffe of the United Kingdom on 13 April 2003. Commenting on the announcement, Angela Kerins, Rehab’s Chief Executive, said, “We are thrilled that Eric has agreed to fly the flag for Rehab and are delighted to have him as an ambassador for our organisation. We wish him the very best of luck in his preparations for the event and will be supporting him all the way to the finish line.” Further information and updates on Eric Miller’s preparations and fundraising initiatives can be found on the Running for Rehab page of the Rehab website or by calling 00353 1 205 7200. n Please make a donation – support Eric, visit www.mycharity.ie/events/ericmiller Pictured: Eric Miller who will run for Rehab in the Dublin City Marathon in October. 30 | Rehab News | June 2008 The Future Is Bright TBG Learning’s innovative course in painting and decorating allows students to get strokes ahead... Feature | 31 Y oung people are painting their way to a brighter future through TBG Learning’s innovative course in painting and decorating. The course, which started in 2005, trains 16 to 18-year-olds for a career in construction. Students learn the tricks of the painting and decorating trade, including surface preparation, health and safety, and scaffolding. Learning, the Construction Industry Training Board and the Lambeth Local Strategic Partnership (“Lambeth First”) which is addressing training and employment issues for 14 to 19-year-olds. The course is run four days a week over 30 weeks at the TBG centre in Brixton, South London. Students have the opportunity to do a work placement with a local employer and some secure employment in the process. Around 70 young people will complete the painting and decorating course this year. The course is one of a range of “Entry to Employment” (e2e) options on offer to young people who have left school with few or no qualifications and are unemployed. More than half of the young people who completed e2e in 2007 progressed to further education, employment or training such as an apprenticeship programme. Speaking to Rehab News, Abi Osho, Regional Manager of TBG Learning South London, said, “The young people are learning a trade where there are jobs emerging locally in South London. They are getting a recognised qualification that puts them in an excellent position to progress.” While taking the foundation construction award accredited by the Construction Industry Training Board, students can claim a weekly allowance of up to £30. TBG Learning’s courses help to boost the skills and employability of disadvantaged social groups in the UK. All of the e2e programmes include classes in literacy, numeracy and IT and help young people to build their confidence and to develop their interests. n The course is taught by two industry experts who offer professional and practical training in the trade. Classes are held in specially-designed suites which include cubicles where painting techniques can be perfected. The facilities are a result of collaboration between TBG ‘‘ The young people are learning a trade where there are jobs emerging locally in South London. They are getting a recognised qualification that puts them in an excellent position to progress. Who to contact For further information please contact: Maria Behrendt Learning Centre Manager, South London TBG Learning 0044 207 274 4106 [email protected] ‘‘ 32 | Rehab News | June 2008 National Learning Network Launches New Prospectus Pictured above: The new National Learning Network prospectus which provides information on all of the organisation’s courses nationwide. National Learning Network has recently launched its new prospectus detailing the 73 vocational and rehabilitation courses available at its centres in some 25 counties nationwide. t he trAining AnD education division of the Rehab Group, National Learning Network is Ireland’s leading provider of inclusive training, inclusive education and employment access services. In 2006, over 80 per cent of National Learning Network learners who completed their courses progressed to jobs or to further education and training. funded skills development course in areas such as IT, business, arts, catering or employer-based training, or a personal development and career development course funded by the Health Service Executive. There’s something for everyone! The prospectus also provides details on the individual courses found in each centre, including a list of modules, course duration and the certification received on completion. From Lifford in County Donegal to Bantry in West Cork, National Learning Network centres provide people with disabilities and others who are marginalised with skills they need to build lasting careers in jobs that reflect their interests and abilities. In addition, there’s information on National Learning Network’s assessment service, mental health services, training and education supports, services to employers and much more. The 108-page prospectus includes a colour-coded grid that allows prospective learners to find, at a glance, the course they are interested in, whether it is a FÁS- The prospectus can be downloaded from the National Learning Network website at www.nln.ie or copies can be obtained from your local National Learning Network centre. n Who to contact For further information please contact: Dawn Duffin Manager, Learning and Assessment Services National Learning Network 00353 1 200 0155 [email protected] News | 33 Conference to Explore Recovery in Mental Health A conference to investigate the benefits of the recovery model in mental health services will be held by National Learning Network and RehabCare in the autumn. “Partners in Recovery: A Community Conference on Wellness and Recovery” will take place in Galway on 16 October. The conference will be of interest to all those involved in mental health recovery. Everyone in the community, including people using mental health services, their family members and advocates, mental health service providers, Group staff, educators and business leaders are invited to attend. The conference will be facilitated by Stephen Pocklington, Director of the USA-based Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery, who is an internationally-recognised leader in promoting wellness and recovery in mental health services. Pocklington has worked in the area of mental health for over 21 years. He has experienced mental health and substance challenges in his own life and he has led the development of the WRAP (Wellness, Recovery, Action Planning) model of recovery. He will examine what recovery can mean when you look at the world through the lens of “wellness” rather than through the lens of “illness”. Pocklington will also explore the five key concepts of recovery and the processes involved in the WRAP model: hope, personal responsibility, education, self-advocacy and support. For further information, log on to www.rehab.ie. n 34 | Rehab News | June 2008 Pictured left: The NRAC National Committee (back row, left to right) Patrick Hargadon, Jimmy Dooner, Michael O’Brien, (middle row, left to right) Alice Jackman, Bernard McGrath, Simon Buggy, (front row, left to right) Catalina Keys and Geraldine Harrington. Together Is Better As part of a series of articles on advocacy within the Rehab Group, Rehab News takes a look at the National RehabCare Advocacy Council’s Rules Project which will update and enhance the Council’s existing rules and principles of practice. T HERE IS A STRONG CULTURE OF ADVOCACY within the Rehab Group. There are representative organisations for persons using our services, such as the National RehabCare Advocacy Council (NRAC), the National Representative Council (NRC) in National Learning Network and the service user representative organisations in Momentum and in The Chaseley Trust. Sarah-Jane Dillon is the Rehab Group’s Director of Policy and Co-ordination and it is part of her job to support and develop advocacy within the Group. It is important that the representative organisations are supported in this way because it will help them to work with the service providers, while being separate. Dillon told Rehab News that she is “enjoying working with others to further strengthen advocacy within all areas of Rehab”. She says that her vision of advocacy is one which “gives people using our services a voice and enables them to access the supports, information and entitlements they require and in so doing increase each person’s independence”. The NRAC Rules Project One example of the advocacy initiatives currently underway is NRAC’s Rules Project. NRAC is the representative council of people who attend RehabCare services throughout Ireland and consists of elected representatives who are responsible for putting forward Feature | 35 the views of the people they represent in their local centre and at regional and national levels. Its work ensures that the people using RehabCare services are involved in all decisions about the service they receive. At local level, NRAC works on issues that affect its members’ local services while the National Committee co-ordinates the Council’s activities, takes part in internal consultations and works with external groups on issues of mutual interest. The Council works to support people in getting to know their rights and in inputting into RehabCare’s decisions, making it very important that NRAC runs as well as possible. With an open membership of over 2,600 people and representing people with different views, it is essential that NRAC works together to ensure it is representative of its members. As part of the strengthening of NRAC, the Council has set about updating its working rules. The Rules Project was initiated at a special NRAC seminar in February, attended by members from across Ireland. Welcoming the 100-plus delegates, Patrick Hargadon, Chairperson of the National Committee, explained that the aim of the seminar was to hear people’s opinions on the theme of What NRAC means to me... The seminar buzzed with ideas about what NRAC means to its members and what they wanted it to achieve in the future: ‘Speaking out – getting your point across.’ ● ‘Have a voice.’ ● ‘Make sure things happen.’ ● ‘Give you self-confidence.’ ● ‘To help be an equal part of the community.’ ● ‘Everyone has a say.’ ● ‘Getting things done.’ ● “Working Together”. He emphasised that everybody’s input is important “so we can move forward and network together for the future”. The seminar offered an opportunity for a cross-section of NRAC members to discuss how they could work together more effectively and for the assembled members to develop a clear direction for the organisation. There was consensus that a clear set of rules would ensure that NRAC could best achieve it objectives. Members wanted to increase awareness of how NRAC is run, improve communication between people in the Council and strengthen the regional structure. It was agreed that draft principles for working together would be written down, so that everyone can contribute to them as they take shape. Armed with the opinions expressed at the seminar, a committee comprising National Committee and general members was established. Using all the information from the seminar, they are now tasked with producing a document containing the key principles of working together for NRAC. The committee’s work is well underway and it has already come up with suggestions to update the aims of the Council and how it can continue to be representative of all its members. In order to consult with the wider membership and gather more suggestions the draft document will be discussed at four NRAC regional meetings in the summer. The final document will then be discussed and voted on at the NRAC AGM and annual seminar in November. The NRAC Rules Project is part of a bigger project in the Rehab advocacy network and future issues of Rehab News will profile other representative organisations within the Rehab Group. n Who to contact For further information please contact: Michelle Joyce National Development Officer NRAC One voice for all 00353 42 932 8766 [email protected] 36 | Rehab News | June 2008 Pictured (left to right) at the charity auction for The Chaseley Trust’s Diamond Jubilee Appeal are Guest of Honour, the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mrs Phyllida Stewart-Roberts, The Chaseley Trust’s Chief Executive Sue Wyatt, Trustee Kate Gammon and celebrity auctioneer Pippa Deeley. Going! Going! Gone! T he Chaseley Trust’s Diamond Jubilee Appeal is about to come to a grand finale as the annual Garden Party and the fundraising target of £500,000 draws closer. The appeal, which was launched in May 2006 by Appeal Patron, His Grace, the Duke of Devonshire, has seen a wide variety of fundraising events, the latest of which was a charity auction in February. BBC’s Bargain Hunt presenter Pippa Deeley presided over the sale of a range of desirable lots with something for everyone, including a Manchester United shirt signed by Rio Ferdinand, an exclusive tour of the Duke of Devonshire’s Chatsworth estate, tea for two in the House of Commons and a Virgin hot air balloon flight. Trading was brisk and the auction raised a magnificent £5,089 to bring the appeal total to £473,533. Following the event, the Guest of Honour, the Trust’s President, the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mrs Phyllida Stewart-Roberts, visited Chaseley to view the progress of the Diamond Jubilee project, and very kindly made a donation to the appeal fund. Phase one of the project has been completed with some major renovations and the creation of a new area for the computer activity centre. Phase two, involving the expansion of the therapy department and social activities areas, is now underway and it is hoped the appeal can be officially closed at the Garden Party in June. The appeal itself has made the shortlist of three charities in the category Best Local/Regional Campaign at the Institute of Fundraising Awards. The winner will be announced at the Institute’s national awards ceremony in London in July. Well done to fundraiser Christine Ellis and everyone who has worked so hard to make the appeal such a success! n Who to contact For further information please contact: Christine Ellis Fundraiser The Chaseley Trust 0044 1323 744 390 [email protected] News | 37 Rehab Radio Bingo a Clear Winner Did you know? R ehab Radio Bingo has been a great success on local radio stations around Ireland. Hundreds of thousands of euro have been given away in prize funds and the game has proved popular with players of all ages. Games are played every weekday, with a daily prize of €300 on offer. There’s a jackpot of €3,000 each week and, if it’s not won, it increases by €500 and rolls over until it is won. One lucky family from Athy recently completed a hat trick of wins with Rehab Radio Bingo and Kfm in Kildare. Tracey Perse scooped the jackpot prize of €13,200 a few weeks after her mother had won €1,000. Not only that, but her aunt matched the jackpot just a few months earlier. n ●B ingo originates from an Italian game – “Lo Giuocu del Lotto D’Italia” – which has been played since the 1500’s. ● I t spread to France as “Le Lotto”, played by wealthy Frenchmen in the late 1800’s and on to Germany, where children played it for educational purposes. ● I t arrived in America in 1929 as “Beano” because players would place a dried bean over the numbers matched on their card. ●A New York toy salesman, Edwin S. Lowe, came across the game and realised its potential. ●A t a party to trial Lowe’s new $1 game, a player called out “Bingo!” and the name stuck. Today, it is also popular online. Who to contact For further information please contact: Pictured above: (left to right) Noel Shannon, Kfm presenter, Mary Perse and Tracey Perse, winners of Rehab’s Radio Bingo, Joanne Eakins, Rehab Bingo, and Clem Ryan, General Manager, Kfm. Your Local Rehab Radio Bingo Station East Coast FM KCLR FM ● KFM ● LMFM ● Midlands 103FM Ocean FM Radio Kerry ● Shannonside Northern Sound ● Tipp FM ● WLR FM ● ● ● ● Joanne Eakins Sales Manager Rehab Lotteries 00353 87 254 4471 [email protected] 38 | Rehab News | June 2008 Disability Let’s get strategic! It’s an interesting time in the disability sector in Ireland. The National Disability Strategy (NDS) was introduced in 2004 and is now starting to bring real change into the lives of people with disabilities. Here, Rehab News brings you on a whistle-stop tour of the developments which have taken place over the last 12 months. The National Disability Strategy has five key pillars: What are government departments up to? 1 The Disability Act 2005 2 The Six Sectoral Plans 3 The Citizen’s Information Act 2007 4 The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 5 A plan for multi-annual funding of services for people with disabilities Ever wanted to get into the minds of policymakers and find out what they are planning? Six government departments have published documents describing the services they provide to people with disabilities, what they plan to do and how people can make complaints about the services that they receive. Here are just some of the plans that they outline: Feature | 39 The six government departments which are required to develop Sectoral Plans are: 1 Communications, Energy and Natural Resources 2 Enterprise, Trade and Employment 3 Environment, Heritage and Local Government 4 Health and Children 5 Social and Family Affairs 6 Transport A place to call home Access to housing which meets their needs has been a constant challenge for many people with disabilities. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is working to change this and has set up a working group to develop a National Strategy for Housing for People with Disabilities. It is hoped that this will lead to far better housing provision for people with disabilities. Let’s get to work The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s plan is to develop a strategy for employment which would see more than 7,000 people with disabilities enter the workforce before a deadline of 2010. This strategy is being developed in consultation with organisations involved in the disability sector. On the move... Without good transport links, getting where we want to go can be very difficult. The Department of Transport has begun work to make bus, train, air and taxi services more accessible to people with disabilities. Supporting your advocacy needs Everyone should have the opportunity to have their voice heard. In recent years, the Citizens Information Board (formerly Comhairle) has been working hard to improve the advocacy services available to people with disabilities. In early 2007, the Oireachtas passed an Act called the Citizens Information Act which will provide for a person with a disability who really needs help to get the services of a personal advocate. The service, which will be run by the Citizens Information Board, will be rolled out in the coming months. Keeping an eye on the policymakers! When the NDS was being developed there was strong involvement by the organisations in the disability sector. Now that it has been introduced, it is important to make sure that there is a way to continue this involvement in the monitoring of the implementation of this plan. Here’s how the monitoring works… Setting a good example We all know that increasing the employment of people with disabilities requires everyone to play their part but there is nothing like government showing a good example. Part five of the Disability Act 2005 requires all public sector employers to ensure that three per cent of their employees are people with disabilities. Over the next few years, each government department will have to report on progress in relation to this. At national level, the National Disability Stakeholders’ Monitoring Group (NDSMG), which is made up of senior government officials and the Disability Stakeholders’ Group, keeps a keen eye on the implementation of the NDS. What are your needs? In June 2007, the Health Service Executive launched its Independent Assessment of Need process. Initially, this will give a statutory right to children under five with a disability to have an assessment of their needs. This will be extended to every person with a disability by 2011. In order to make sure that these assessments are carried out in a standardised way, the Health Information and Quality Authority has developed standards to guide this process. Each of the six government departments required to provide a sectoral plan has also set up a committee to consult and communicate with people with disabilities and their representative groups. The Disability Stakeholders’ Group, which is comprised of the big disability umbrella organisations, ensures that the needs of people with disabilities remain paramount. The Rehab Group is represented through its membership of the Not-For-Profit Business Association, the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies and the Disability Federation of Ireland. ■ 40 | Rehab News | June 2008 Focus on: Rehab’s Acquired Brain Injury Services in the UK Pictured above: Dr David Sollis (left), London and South East Regional Manager, Rehab UK, and Mark Harper MP (right), UK Shadow Minister for Disabled People, at a brain injury seminar organised by Rehab UK in London’s City Hall. A cquired Brain Injury (ABI) is the term given to any injury to the brain sustained during a person’s life. The Rehab Group provides a range of services for people with a brain injury and has developed a network of services across Ireland and the UK. In the UK, Rehab’s ABI services are provided by Rehab UK in England and Momentum in Scotland. Rehab UK Rehab UK operates three brain injury centres – in Birmingham, London and Newcastle – and has just aquired a new service in Northumberland (see page 6). They provide a range of services to support and assist people and their families to deal with the consequences of acquired brain injuries which can include loss of coordination, poor memory, difficulty in concentrating and poor planning and organisational skills. Rehab UK is widely recognised as being at the forefront of providing Feature | 41 Rehab UK’s latest innovation is the Community Solutions programme, which brings rehabilitation services to people in their own home. Research shows that communitybased outreach rehabilitation can improve personal care skills, cognitive functioning, selforganisation and psychological wellbeing. The individualised programme was developed to assist clients before, during or after vocational rehabilitation and aims to promote their independence within the local community and improve health, well-being and quality of life for each person. Momentum Momentum is one of the leading providers of rehabilitation and training services in Scotland, having pioneered the UK’s first specialist service to help people with traumatic brain injury to return to work in 1993. It provides specialist brain injury rehabilitation programmes in Grampian, Glasgow, North Ayrshire and the Borders. Through a focus on what each individual can achieve and by supporting them as they return to work, Momentum’s services assist people with a brain injury to live independently and to move towards employment or further training. One of the people who has benefited from this service is Tom Patterson. Tom’s Story In December 1999, Patterson was returning from mountain climbing in the Southern Highlands when his car skidded out of control and crashed into a tree. After a six-week-long coma he had to deal with the effects of a massive head injury which completely transformed his life. Patterson was 37, married with two children and had been a training director for the prestigious Rainbow Room hairdressing salon in Glasgow but when he came out of his coma he wasn’t able to walk or talk properly. He was referred to Momentum’s Pathways service based in Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine. It provides specialist training and support for adults with a brain injury who wish to return to work or to go on to further education. Patterson attended one-to-one meetings and group sessions which assisted him in further developing his confidence and communication, problemsolving and teamwork skills. He also received job coaching and undertook a voluntary work placement with the British Heart Foundation where he worked for six months before taking up a full-time college course. Patterson credits Momentum with helping him to get his life back on track. ‘‘ The impact has been life-changing and I don’t feel alone any more. As one window closes, another opens. ‘‘ unique ABI-specific services. In March, as part of the UK’s Brain Injury Week, Rehab UK organised a brain injury seminar to showcase its services to local businesses and people working in education. At the seminar in London’s City Hall, Mark Harper MP, UK Shadow Minister for Disabled People, said, “For those people who have a severe injury, it’s important that the government finds ways to support organisations like Rehab UK that provide specialist help, without changing the essential things that make the charity what it is.” Connections and is working as a coach and therapist, helping other people achieve their goals and reach their potential. With his life now moving in a more positive direction, he is looking forward to his future. “I enjoy life every day and am now fulfilling my potential”. n “Momentum helped put structure back into my life. The impact has been life-changing and I don’t feel alone any more. As one window closes, another opens. I was in a prestigious job and lost everything but this gave me even more drive. By having rehabilitation, I realised I wanted to help other people because I have a vast amount of life experience and people open up to me.” Patterson has now set up his own business called Mind Body Pictured above: Former Momentum client Tom Patterson. 42 | Rehab News | June 2008 | Feature Rehab Recycle Goes Back to School I T MAY NOT BE SEPTEMBER, but it’s back to school time already for Rehab Recycle as it spearheads an innovative WEEE Ireland campaign that aims to raise recycling awareness and increase collection levels of small household waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) among schoolchildren of all ages. Best of all, every participating school in the awareness campaign receives a free recycled computer, refurbished by Rehab Recycle. Since the launch of the Schools Awareness Campaign by WEEE Ireland in April 2006, Rehab Recycle presenters have travelled the length and breadth of the country, visiting a staggering 700 schools at primary and post-primary levels. Pictured above: Computers are dismantled as part of the refurbishment process by (left to right) Pauline Brady and Ann Conroy. In addition to receiving a free refurbished computer, participating schools each get an hour-long presentation on electronic and electrical waste recycling with all students receiving free goodies, including magnets, pens, pencils and bookmarks. What’s more, Rehab Recycle also disposes of small electrical appliances such as kettles, toasters and hairdryers collected from pupils during the visit to the school. So far, over 60 tonnes of WEEE have been recycled from schools and this figure continues to grow. However, the Rehab Recycle team isn’t about to rest on its laurels – there are still 2,000 schools to go! And it’s not just primary and secondary schools that are being targeted in the campaign. Rehab Recycle has also visited Trinity College Dublin during the University’s ‘‘Green Week’’ last February, informing staff and students of the benefits of waste electronic and electrical recycling. A staggering 17.5 tonnes of waste equipment was collected from the university during that week alone. Pictured above: James Graham tests the monitor of a refurbished computer. According to Martin Reddy, WEEE Recycling Manager with Rehab Recycle, the WEEE Ireland Schools Awareness Campaign hopes to visit more universities, third level colleges and community groups in the coming months, in fact, anywhere where people may have an interest in recycling. So, keep an eye out for the team, they could be coming to a place near you! n News | 43 Athlete Takes Her ‘‘Sporting Chance’’ Pictured above: Amanda Crotty, a student on National Learning Network’s “Sporting Chance” programme in Tralee, receives her “Irish Blind Sports Athlete of the Year 2007” award from Frank Murphy of Irish Blind Sports (left) and Colm Murray of RTÉ (right). A participant on National Learning Network’s “Sporting Chance” programme in Tralee was recently named Irish Blind Sports Athlete of the Year 2007. Amanda Crotty had an excellent year in 2007 with a number of outstanding successes. The most notable of these was at the May Games International Event in Dublin where she won two gold medals in the 800 and 1,500 metres. A former medallist at the Blind Sports European Athletics Championships, Crotty took bronze in the Pentathlon in 2001. This event, which took place in Poland, consists of the 100 metres, 800 metres, long jump, shot put and discus. Crotty is also an accomplished mainstream athlete and competes with her club Youghal in Co. Cork. She has achieved success in the Cork Cross-Country Championships and is a consistent medal winner at the Cork County Senior Track and Field Athletics Championships, most recently winning bronze in last year’s 1,500 metres. She has achieved personal best times of 6.28 for the 1,500 metres and 3.04 for the 800 metres. Crotty has also won county and Munster medals for the shot put and discus and an All-Ireland Cross-Country Championship at under-16 level with Youghal. She is currently training hard in Fels Point Leisure Club while attending the “Sporting Chance” course with National Learning Network in Tralee during the week and training with her home club Youghal at weekends. When she finishes her course in April 2009, Crotty would like to forge a career as either an athletics coach or a gym instructor/personal trainer. She is also working towards participating in the 2012 Paralympics in London. Good luck to Amanda from all at Rehab! n 44 | Rehab News | June 2008 Learning to Learn Have you ever sat in a lecture wondering what on earth the lecturer was talking about and fighting your every urge to nod off? A new pioneering PROGRAMME developed by National Learning Network in partnership with the Institutes of Technology in Blanchardstown (lead partner), Carlow and Tallaght, may be the answer to your problems and to the problems encountered by many third level students. Entitled “Learning Style Theme”, it helps the colleges’ students identify their learning styles and adapt the way they learn to improve their performance. Everybody learns in different ways. While one person may learn well using visual aids, another may be better served by a course based on class discussions and the spoken word. Interestingly, most people learn naturally through practical tasks. The role of the lecturer in supporting the student to achieve the best possible outcomes is well-recognised. This programme is innovative because it also works with lecturers to investigate how they learn themselves and analyses how they deliver courses. They are introduced to a variety of new tools to adapt their course materials to meet the specific needs of each group of students and to ensure their courses are enjoyable. The initiative has been extraordinarily successful after only two semesters with considerable improvements in both achievement and attendance levels. One lecturer, recognising that members of her class were primarily visual learners, replaced the traditional essay with an experimental photo journal. Another included an online competitive forum, encouraging student engagement beyond the classroom. Yet another lecturer altered her PowerPoint slides to make maths more attractive to students. Administered by the Higher Education Authority, this project is just one scheme funded under the Strategic Innovation Fund which will provide €525 million between 2006 and 2013 to support new approaches to enhancing quality and effectiveness within higher education and research. Seems like grabbing 40 winks in lectures might be a thing of the past! n Who to contact For further information please contact: Dawn Duffin Manager, Learning and Assessment Services National Learning Network 00353 1 200 0155 [email protected] News | 45 Pictured above: Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP (centre) with STAR Award winners (left to right) Joe Smith, Christina Graham, Shena Goodall and Stephen Goodall from Haven Products in Inverness. Deputy First Minister Visits Haven in Inverness S taff at Haven Products in Inverness were given the opportunity to show off their work skills when they received a visit from Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP recently. During a tour of the facility, the Minister spoke with staff about what their job entails and she even gave a helping hand! Following this, she presented the Social Enterprise Coalition – Enterprising Solutions Award and the Social Firms UK STAR Award to four members of staff. Speaking following the event, she said, “Congratulations to Haven Products on receiving these awards. They highlight the positive impact organisations like Haven can have on the health and well-being of employees. “The Scottish government believes the third sector has the ability to play an increasingly significant role in Scottish society and in the economy. We want to see social enterprises and other third sector organisations operating in a business-like way, generating sustainable income through trading and, at the same time, delivering excellent services. Haven is an excellent example of a social firm doing this.” n 46 | Rehab News | June 2008 Pictured above: Lord Dholakia beats Mark Harper MP en route to the first corner. Media Storms to Victory in Rehab UK Parliamentary Pancake Race I Newman, ITN’s Political Correspondent Libby Wiener, and Sky News’ Political Correspondent Joey Jones. The Lords team came a close second beating the MPs and event sponsors team, British Lion Eggs. The race is organised every year by Rehab UK to raise awareness of the work it does with people with acquired brain injury. The media team comprised BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson, Channel 4’s Political Correspondent, Cathy Speaking after the event, Iwan Thomas MBE, said, “After an exciting pancake race at Westminster, I travelled back to Rehab UK’s London centre. I spent quite a while there as part of the post-race celebrations, talking with members of staff and current service users. I was very impressed with the centre and its work and with the warm and friendly feeling from staff and service users t was all down to their “brilliant frying pan handling technique” according to race starter and Olympic medallist, Iwan Thomas MBE. That was the key to a team of political journalists beating off stiff competition from MPs and Lords to be crowned Rehab UK Parliamentary Pancake Race champions. The race, which took place on Pancake Tuesday in the shadow of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, was refereed by actress Sophie Thompson, formerly of EastEnders, who read out the Rules of Engagement to participants. News | 47 This year’s event focused on the launch of a new community integration service at Rehab UK’s London Brain Injury Centre, designed to help people to live as independently as possible, both socially and economically, within their own communities. Speaking to Rehab News, Ian Welsh, Director of UK Services for the Rehab Group, said, “Brain injury can have a devastating impact on people, leaving them with behavioural and speech difficulties, reduced mobilisation ‘‘ Brain injury can have a devastating impact on people, leaving them with behavioural and speech difficulties, reduced mobilisation and varying degrees of independence. However, the development of a new service user-driven community integration service at our London Brain Injury Centre will transform lives forever. ‘‘ alike. It is a fantastic service that Rehab UK is providing and I was proud to be asked to become involved in helping to promote their work.” and varying degrees of independence. However, the development of a new service user-driven community integration service at our London Brain Injury Centre will transform lives forever. This new service is about providing an alternative to residential and centre-based services and reducing the social exclusion of people with brain injury. We do this by enabling people to take control of their lives and maximising their participation in society. “Our teams of psychologists and community rehabilitation workers provide practical and social support to people with brain injury, supporting their personal development and activities of daily living like cooking, budgeting, shopping, travelling, and so on. We also help to enhance people’s communication and social skills, as well as their emotional and relationship development. This year, the London Brain Injury Centre aims to provide this service to 100 people and to extend it in future to include learners with learning difficulties and disabilities and young people in their late teens.” Pictured above: The BBC’s Political Editor Nick Robinson wins the race for the media team. It is anticipated that this service will be introduced at Rehab UK's brain injury centre in Birmingham later in the year. n 48 | Rehab News | June 2008 My Working Day Kay Keelan is the Credit Controller for National Learning Network at Head Office in Dublin. I share an office with Nora McDonald, Creditors Co-ordinator, and we start around 7.45am with a quick chat over coffee and biscuits. I see my job as a resource to centres and Head Office. The first thing I do is check my emails. You’d be surprised how many people work late so I try to reply promptly. I check queries with regional and centre bookkeepers and liaise with my counterparts in RehabCare and Rehab Enterprises. I’m quite task-oriented but I also enjoy dealing with so many wonderful people. The arrival of the post is my big thrill of the day – I love getting the money in! I prepare a bank lodgement and write up my cash receipts book. I follow up unpaid invoices and set up new accounts. We have to follow quality standards to ensure information is complete and that we account for everything. Then mid-morning, Nora and I have a coffee and pastry at our desks. Finance’s work culminates in the year-end accounts, finishing in late January. Then the auditors come in for six weeks. Month-end is always very busy too but doing the bank reconciliations is one of my favourite tasks – so orderly. Nora and I have a brief lunch-break and listen to political developments on the radio – we’re on opposite sides! Once, Nora and I did a parachute jump for Rehab. It was brilliant fun, though the high wind took Nora off the plane’s wing before she could count 1-2-3! I found the sensation of falling through the sky heart-stopping – the pull of the parachute brought out a bit of a swear word but the rest was wonderful, only too short. I’ve worked for Rehab for 26 years. I’ve great admiration for how it’s developed. Back then, we produced goods; in National Learning Network now the focus is on training and is completely client-centred. I try to ensure that monies come in on time because we rely on our funding to carry on the fantastic work done in our centres. I try to finish work by 5.30pm and go home to my three cats and my garden, which is a great source of relaxation. n My Working Day | 49 Jenny Brewer is an Acting Sister in The Chaseley Trust in Eastbourne. Chaseley was set up for ex-service personnel but, in the last ten years, we have moved to taking people with neurological conditions and acquired brain injury. There’s a 70:30 ratio of men to women, ranging in age from 19 to 97 from all across the country. he Chaseley Trust is divided into two floors and I’m Acting Sister for the first floor which has 29 residents. If I’m on an early shift, I start with a handover from the night staff at 7am. The day staff does the morning drug round and changes dressings. I allocate the carers, taking into account what’s in the residents’ diary for the day – social engagements, visitors and hospital appointments – and discuss any issues that have come up overnight. A GP visits every day so we have to be ready to address any problems. Every six months we have a full review of care which involves staff preparing reports on each resident. Training and ensuring our nursing development is up to date is very important here. It’s an extremely supportive environment. Everyone pulls together and we take great pride in our work. T There’s an Air Show each August and the staff fight over who works that weekend as Chaseley has a view the nearby Grand Hotel would kill for! Last year the Tornado Pilots came in to see us as we’re linked to the Veterans’ Association. I’ve worked at Chaseley for three years. I heard about it from my daughter, who is a carer here. I like my job because it’s challenging – you can’t get away from that – but it’s rewarding because you build up a relationship with each resident. In a hospital, once someone is discharged, you rarely hear of them again. Our longest resident was here for over 45 years. I get home around 3pm. Both my daughters are getting married this year so it’s just me, my husband and the dogs, which I sometimes bring to work. The residents love to see them. n 50 | Rehab News | June 2008 Bulletin Board Local People of the Year Awards People of the Year Awards have taken place around the country recently. Ceremonies in Athlone, Cavan, Galway, Leitrim, Longford, Louth and Wexford, recognised the positive contribution to local life made by individuals and groups. Congratulations to all the award winners! Longford Liam Mulvihill (right) at the Longford People of the Year Awards with Frank Turner (left) of the Turner Printing Group. Mulvihill received an award for his long-standing and enormous contribution to the GAA. Galway David Lohan (left) of Lohan’s, Prospect Hill, presents the Galway People of the Year Award to James Harris (right) who was recognised for his dedicated work, imagination and fundraising efforts for the most vulnerable in society. Donegal The twelfth annual Donegal People of the Year Awards took place in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, in March. Pictured are the winners (back row, left to right) Paul McBride (joint winner with Alan Doherty who could not attend), Noel Cunningham, Michael Doherty, Margaret Toner, Dr Peter Sweeney and (front row, left to right) Hugh Boyce, Phyllis McKenna, John McGlinchey, Jim Whyte, Francis Porter and Hall of Fame winner, Joseph McMenamin. Wexford People of the Year Awards 2008 Pictured at the 2008 Wexford People of the Year Awards are (front row, left to right) winners Bessy French, Frederica and Servas Dodebier, Bishop Dennis Brennan and Nicky Furlong with (second left) Shona Boyne, Director of Human Resources, Rehab Group, (back row, left to right) Michael O’Leary, Chairman of the organising committee, winners and members of Special Olympics TEAM Ireland CWCW Enniscorthy: Patrick Hickey, Patrick Nolan, Fintan Broaders, Darren Carr, James O’Connor, winner Bridgid Cullen, David Tucker of sponsor the Wexford People, Stellagh Sinnott who accepted an award on behalf of the Wexford All-Ireland Camogie Champions 2007, Councillor Dennis Kennedy, Chairman of Wexford County Council, the principal sponsor, winner Seamus O’Beirne and members of the organising committee: Marie O’Connor, Liz Hore, Hugh Maddock and Michael Freeman. Bulletin Board | 51 Cavan Leitrim The tenth annual Leitrim People of the Year Awards presentation ceremony took place in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon in April. Pictured are the winners (back row, left to right) Lucia Tyrrell, Angus Dunne, Cllr Damian Brennan, the Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Mary Doran, Sinead Brennan, John Toolan of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Clarice Wynne, daughter of winner Maureen MacNabola, and (front row, left to right) Hall of Fame winner Coleen Guckian, Anthony Brennan, Eileen Magnier who compered the event, P. J. and Kathleen McGarry, Mary McCrann, and Pat Goldrick of Leitrim Féile Committee 2007. At this year’s biggest-ever Cavan People of the Year Awards, Paddy Keaskeen (centre) is presented with the Perpetual Award by Johnny O’Hanlon (left), editor of the Anglo Celt, and previous winner Shane Kitson (right). Paddy Keaskeen was honoured for his dedicated community work over several decades. Staff Honoured in Gala Ceremonies Rehab Group recently held its inaugural UK Long Service Awards in London and Glasgow to honour the valuable and long-standing contributions of staff across the Rehab Group in the UK. Awards were given for 10, 15, 20, 25 and, for the first time, the Outstanding Achievement Award for over 30 years of service. The awards were presented by Rehab Group’s Chief Executive Angela Kerins and were followed by a gala dinner. Congratulations to everyone who received awards. pic to follow 2008 Glasgow – Outstanding Achievement Award Angela Kerins with Fiona McLeod, who is Haven Products’ longest-serving employee. McLeod has worked for the organisation for 41 years. 2008 London – Outstanding Achievement Award Angela Kerins with Brian Mackenzie, TBG Learning’s Regional Health and Safety Advisor, who has worked for the organisation for 43 years. 52 | Rehab News | June 2008 Bulletin Board Anti-Racism and Intercultural Week April 7–12 was Anti-Racism and Intercultural Week and to celebrate it, several activities were held in Roslyn Park College, Dublin. “Windows on Diversity”, a photographic exhibition of specially-selected images from a collection by SARI (Sports Against Racism in Ireland) was held. The display featured over 20 striking pictures taken by photographer Stephen de Paor at various intercultural arts and sports events in Ireland in recent years and proved a talking point. The canteen at the college marked the week with “A Taste of Five Continents” to promote a greater understanding of the different cultures now present in Ireland. Catering staff and students worked enthusiastically together to design and produce a fabulous menu that represented a different continent each day, with the delights of ostrich and crocodile from Africa, and kangaroo from Australia on offer. The event formed part of the Rehab Group’s ongoing support for European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Staff and students of Roslyn Park College’s catering programme who participated in “A Taste of Five Continents” for Anti-Racism and Intercultural Week (back row, left to right) Christine Fitzpatrick, Canteen Supervisor, Paul Byrne, Instructor, Claire Keegan, Aisling O’Reilly, Catherine Byrne, Ann Marie Murray, Michelle Coughlan, Chef Tony Byrne and (front row, left to right) Stephen Lynch, Adrian Pey, Lee Donnelly, Liam Farrell, Ian Craig and Kevin Teehan. Blooming Marvellous! The garden in Naas General Hospital’s Lakeview Unit is blooming after students from National Learning Network in Maynooth donated the plants and flowers they grew on their horticulture course and created some intricate mosaics. The newlook garden will bring some colour and enjoyment to the hospital’s many patients as well as staff and visitors as summer approaches. The students’ horticulture and mosaic work formed part of the FETACaccredited “Choices” programme. (Left to right) Assumpta Hoban, Clinical Nurse Manager, Lakeview Unit, Naas General Hospital, with Anne McCourt, Ann Bowes, Nora Brophy, Fiona McCoy, Trainer in National Learning Network’s “Choices” programme in Maynooth, and Dara Lakes. Bulletin Board | 53 Paul Murphy and his daughter Sinead admire paintings in the Blyry Arts Studio which was established by the National Learning Network in Westmeath. Blyry Arts Studio Holds its Inaugural Exhibition The Blyry Arts Studio in Athlone, which was established by National Learning Network last year, held its first exhibition recently featuring the work of Karen Moran and Frank Seery. The studios were set up to promote the positive role of the arts in mental health and well-being and are a resource for people referred by the local community mental health team in Athlone who are interested in developing themselves as artists. Artists are mentored by staff and artists in residence but work independently. Our People in Havana Five cycling enthusiasts have returned from Caribbean shores after taking part in Momentum’s sponsored Cuba Cycle Challenge. Their trip involved a 350-km bike ride from the Atlantic coast in the north of the country to the Caribbean in the south through orange groves and sugar plantations. The event has been running for six years and the five energetic participants raised the fantastic sum of £7,052 and still counting. Pictured (left to right) are Barbara Cartwright, Gordon Peters, Tim Wright and Jonathan Dransart. 54 | Rehab News | June 2008 Bulletin Board Pictured at the presentation of certificates to 24 graduates at the Rehab UK brain injury centre in Birmingham are graduate George Kumar (left) and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Randal Brew OBE (right). George Kumar is now working part-time with TK Maxx. Pictured at the presentation of certificates to a group of graduates from the National Learning Network centre in Tallaght are (left to right) Sinead Meaney, Instructor, Daniel O’Reilly from Tallaght who received a certificate in the “Connections” programme and Councillor Eamonn Maloney of South Dublin County Council. Amanda Keeling (centre) with tutors Vanessa Wightman (left) and Rebecca Carey (right). Amanda Keeling, who was one of 150 clients who graduated from TBG Derby in April, was recognised as the “Outstanding Learner of the Year” on the Jobcentre Plus New Deal training programme. Bulletin Board | 55 Pictured at the graduation from the “Food Safety and You” course facilitated by the Health Service Executive’s Environmental Health Service at RehabCare in Wexford are (back row, left to right) Peter Kehoe, J.J. Scallan, Sean O’Kennedy, Gordon Rochford, Centre Manager, John Devlin, Helen O’Dowd, Ray Hennessy, Lee Colfer, Tina Sutherland, Annette Walsh and (front row, left to right) Sue Codd of the Environmental Health Service, Elaine Dempsey, Mary Cronin, Matt Grogan of the Environmental Health Service, Helen Staunton, John Thomas and Anne Deacon of the Environmental Health Service. Pictured at the presentation of certificates to graduates of the “Step Forward” programme from the National Learning Network centre in Phibsboro are (back row, left to right) Michael Breen, “Step Forward” Instructor, Justin Falvey, Luke Kehoe, Martin Quilty, Head of Guidance Services, Health Service Executive, and (front row, left to right) Frank White, Conor Jordan, Rosie Quinn and Michael Boyle. Pictured at the presentation of certificates to graduates of the “Choices” programme from the National Learning Network centre in Ballyfermot are (back row, left to right) John Doolin, Area Manager, National Learning Network, Pam Clinton, Centre Manager, Cyril Gibbons, Regional Director, Martin McSorley, Guidance Officer with the Health Service Executive and (front row, left to right) Sally Toner, Aidan McNamara, Lorraine Craven, James Walsh and Peter Murphy. 56 | RehabNews | June2008 Bulletin Board Garden of Delights StudentsofNationalLearning NetworkinBantryarebuilding acommunitygardenandart park(right)atthecentrein Donemarkaspartoftheir studies.Itwillfeaturea250seatamphitheatreforpublic performances,asensory garden,includinginteractiveauditoryandsensory areas,asculptureparkandasustainablelivingarea,includingavegetable plot,andmanyotherfeatures.Theprojectisbeingundertakenthrough aFÁSlocaltraininginitiativeinpartnershipwithanumberofexternal agencies,includingCorkCountyCouncilandWestCorkArtsCentre. TBG Learning and Momentum are Top of the Class! TBGLearninginNewhamandWestMidlandsandMomentum Skillsaretopoftheclassafterreceiving“A”gradesinexternal inspectionsrecently. TBGLearningNewhamhadanexternalverificationvisitfrom City&Guildsforthedeliveryofits“SkillsforLife”qualifications. Theexternalverifierwasimpressedwiththestructureand organisationofthecentreandtheassessmentscarriedoutbystaff. CongratulationstoAggreyMango,SeniorTutor,andtheNewham team. TBGLearningWestMidlandshadanexternalverificationvisitfrom theBritishComputerSocietyforthedeliveryoftheECDL(European ComputerDrivingLicence)qualification.Theexternalverifiersaid, “Thisisagood,well-establishedandwell-runcentre–excellent, welldone!” MomentumSkills,whichdeliversECDLatanumberofcentres acrossScotland,wasawardeditssixthstraightAafterarecent audit.CongratulationstoLizDay,CourseCo-ordinator,andall thestaff. CongratulationstoMichaelNoone (above)fromRehabHeadOffice whohasbeenawardedtwo certificatesbyRehabRecyclein recognitionofhistremendous recyclingefforts.Overatwoyearperiod,fromJanuary2006 toDecember2007,RehabHead Officerecycledanamazing46,470 kilogramsofpaperandcardboard, saving232cubicmetresoflandfill andastaggering789trees.Well doneMichaelandallthestaffat HeadOffice! Bulletin Board | 57 A Dance to Entrance A magical performance by dancers from RehabCare in Lifford, Co. Donegal, entranced a packed house in the Alley Arts Centre recently. Their art movement piece, “Ultra Vision”, was a stunning celebration of the arrival of spring featuring puppets, stars, butterflies and clouds. The show was part of a cross-border programme involving members of the Glenside Adult Training Centre in Strabane and funded by Strabane District Council. To prepare for their moment in the spotlight, the dancers had practised for weeks with performance artists Norma Burrows and Karen McLoughlin who also appeared in the show. Street performers from the Poltergeist group also took to the stage in this spell-binding event which included mime, song and a wide repertoire of music, from reggae and rap to pop music. Pictured above: Gerald Foley, Chairman of Strabane District Council, with the dancers. Below: “Ultra Vision”. 1 2 3 Competition 1: Crossword 1 2 3 8 4 5 9 10 96 Can youCan spotyou thespot six differences the six differences betweenbetween Spot Spot thethe Difference Difference these pictures? two pictures? Competition 2: Spotthese 6 two Differences 7 10 11 11 12 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 16 20 17 18 19 19 22 21 23 All puzzles copyright Puzzler Media Limited, RH1 1EY - www.puzzler.co.uk ✁ Time Out We have two midweek hotel breaks to give away! Take some time out, put 4 5 6 7 your feet up and enter our competitions to be in with a8 chance to win. 24 20 21 DOWN ACROSS 2Explode, like a 1 Like a duck’s (feet) (6) volcano (5) 5Pull-up window ACROSS 3 Robber, curtains (6) 1 ofLawman in (4) the Wild West (7) (7) housebreaker 8 Sound a happy cat 9Wild 5andSnap gardenyour teeth4(5)People who switch sides (9) flower (8) deceives (6-7) container (3) 10Style9of Betrays, slanting type (6) 5 Cardboard 10 Housebreaker, trespasser (8) (5) 6 Eskimo home 11Fair-haired woman (6) 12Operator 11 Rents out (4) 7 Shares out equally (7) 11 Chewy substance (9) (of a computer) (4) 12ornamental Person or thing 13Bouncy, apart (3,3,3) like a 14Small Travolta trampolinefi(7) sphere 16 (3) ___ Fiction, John lm (4) 15Planet between Mars 15Merely (4) 17 Opening in a stage (8) and Saturn (7) 16Shreds (cheese) (6) 19of Very (13) head-dress (5) 18Parts a coat rich collarwoman (6) 17Glittering 19Written 20Pressing and foldingpossession 21 Valuable (5) slander (5) 21Frozen water (3) (dough) (8) 22 Gardening chore (7) 22Big brass instrument (4) 23Spin round (6) 24Group’s confidence (6) Complete the crossword correctly and be in with a chance of winning a midweek break for two people sharing. The Best Western Academy Plaza Hotel is based in Dublin’s city centre. The elegant hotel boasts 285 stylish and contemporary deluxe bedrooms and suites, all with Wi-Fi and interactive TV as standard. Guests are welcome to unwind in the breathtaking Sir Harry’s Bar or experience a taste of Asia in the Abacus restaurant. This is the ideal hotel for any stay! See www.academyplazahotel.ie 17 differences 18 Find six in the pictures above and stand a chance to win a midweek break in a Best Western hotel of your choice in Ireland. 22 Best Western International welcomed Ireland into its family of independentlyowned and operated hotels 30 years ago. In 2008 DOWN Best Western has over 4,000 hotels worldwide and 20 hotels in Ireland. For besttree in short breaks 2 the Oak seeds (6)and rates call R.O.I. 1800 709 101, N.I. 0800 328 7076, 3 Stopped feeling drunk (7,2) UK 0800 393 130 (toll free) or visit www.bestwestern.ie 4 At the front (5) 6 Nurses’ employer Simply complete the crossword and/or Spot the(inits)(3) Difference competitions, fill out the entry form with your details and 7 Bedding items (6) send it to Rehab News competition, Communications 8 Rehab Rehearsal, practice and Public Affairs Team, Group, Roslyn Park,(3,3) Sandymount, Dublin11 4, before 1 August 2008. Washed (linen) (9) 13 Sheep meat (6) Name: 14 Red gemstones (6) Address: 15 Child of uncle or aunt (6) Contact number: 18 No longer asleep (5) 20 Tell porkies! (3) Last Issue’s Winners Spot the Difference winner - Dee Mehegan, Co. Cork Crossword Competition winner - Deirdre Ahern, Co. Kildare Solutions to last issue’s Crossword and Spot the Difference MAR S HA L GNA S C O H D H H DOUB L E CROS S E R E A Y E I N T RUD E R L E T S E U A S ODDMANOU T R U U N C P U L P T RA P DOO Can E you U B T W M I L L I O Nspot A I eight R E S E I N differences K E I A S S E T WE E D I N H S S R S G between these ACROSS: 1 Marshal 5 Gnash 9 Double-crosses 10 Intruder 11 Lets 12 Odd man outtwo 16 Pulp 17 Trapdoor 19 Millionairess 21 Asset 22 W cartoons? DOWN: 2 Acorns 3 Sobered up 4 Ahead 6 NHS 7 Sheets 8 Dry run 11 Laundered 13 Mutton 14 Rubies 15 Cousin 18 Awake 20 Lie ads_RN_April08.indd 1 12/05/2008 15:41:39 ads_RN_April08.indd 1 14/05/2008 10:51:34
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