Creative Life Winter 2014

Transcription

creative life
Winter 2015
A Warm Welcome
The Burkhart
Centre
page 5
Christmas Photo
Gallery
page 6
Creativity
Corner
page 16
What’s on
the Box?
page 20
Would you like to be a regional reporter for Creative Life? Call Ben Thomas at head office on 0161 236 0829 to get started!
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Stop Press
Welcome to the first issue of 2015!
4
Make Your Voice Heard
Everything you need to know about the General Election in May.
15
Robert to the Rescue and Benefits Advice
The Burkhart Centre and Pet’s Corner
A story of heroism, and tips from our New service in Manchester and Upper Client Finance Team.
Chorlton Road’s feathered friends!
16
Creativity Corner
Christmas 2014
David’s photography project, and Take a look at our festive photo gallery! another poem from regualar contributor Gordon.
Health and Wellbeing
Get inspired and change your lifestyle 18
Newsbites and Your Stories
for the better in the New Year!
All the news from around the country.
5
Cover Photo: ‘Don’t Stray from the Path, for Goblins are Found There’ by Stephen Poulton
6
8
10
11
14
Creative Support Achievement Awards
Congratulations to Jamie, Carol, Barbara, Starina, Cathryn and Kimberly!
Delos Community
Introducing Patrick from our new
partner Delos in Northamptonshire.
20
What’s on the Box?
Phil presents our new film and media column.
Creative Support’s 25th Birthday and Disability Rocks
A very special occasion, and an accessible music festival for all!
21
Ten Questions
Treherne from Dudley and Kimberly from Blackburn answer our questions!
22
Top Tips
Follow our advice to grow your own food, and win the chance to show off your gardening skills at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show
12 Travel Tales
Tony and Karen share their
stories!
13
Wordsearch, Missing Word Quiz and Worldly Wisdom
23
Try this issue’s puzzles and read Peter’s clever quotes!
Save the Date
What’s on in February, March,
and April?
Please contact the marketing team if you would like to
access this magazine in different formats - large print, Braille,
audio, easy-read and other languages are all available. Ring
0161 236 0829 or email [email protected]
If you contribute to this magazine, you will get a £10
Love2shop voucher. Love2shop vouchers offer plenty of
choice. They can be used in over 20,000 stores including
Argos, Superdrug, BHS, Debenhams, New Look and WHSmith.
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What would you like to see in this magazine? Email [email protected] with your ideas
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Hi everyone, and welcome to this year’s first edition of Creative Life!
In this issue, we’ll be taking a look back at the festive season. You’ll
find all your favourite regular features inside, including Creativity
Corner and Ten Questions, and we’re also introducing a great new
article called ‘What’s on the Box?’, a guide to Creative Support’s
latest films.
Ben Thomas
Why not make it your new year’s resolution to join the Creative
Life editorial team and help us to make your magazine bigger and
better? We welcome everyone to contibute stories and photos,
so come along to our next editorial meeting, see below for more
information, or contact me to find out how you can get involved!
I’d love to hear your views and suggestions about Creative Life, so
feel free to give me a call on 0161 236 0829 or email [email protected].
Best wishes for 2015, from me and all at Creative Support!
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Join The Creative Life Team!
This is your magazine, and we need your help to make it even bigger and better in 2015. We’re
always looking for new people to contribute articles and photos to Creative Life. Everyone receives
a £10 gift voucher for each issue they contribute to, and becoming a member of the Creative Life
team is a great way to learn new skills and meet new people.
You could interview someone in your area who has an interesting story to tell, write a report about
an event you’ve attended, take photos of Creative Support’s activities, send us a piece of art you’ve
created, or review your favourite films, books or music!
We hold regular editorial meetings at our head office in Manchester and and travel expenses are
available for everyone who wants to come along. We’ll also be planning more sessions in different
areas throughout the year so as many people as possible can get involved.
But even if you can’t attend, there are still plenty of ways for you to contribute! Call the marketing
team on 0161 236 0829, email [email protected], or speak to your Support
Worker or Regional Development Officer to find out more. We look forward to hearing from you
soon!
Have you been to one of Creative Support’s recent events? What did you think about
it? What do you think about the magazine?
If you have an opinion on an article in Creative Life or an idea for something we could
write about, please email your comments to:
[email protected]
or write to:
Marketing, Creative Support, 5th Floor, Dale House, 35 Dale Street, Manchester, M1 2HF
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On 7th May 2015, the next UK General Election is set to take place. This
is your chance to choose the Member of Parliament who will represent
you for the next five years, and have your say on important issues
including education, the economy, transport and the environment.
You’ll need to be registered to take part, which you can do by post or
online. Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote for more information. You
can vote at a polling station in your local area or by post. Contact your
local council for advice, or ask your Support Worker.
In this issue of Creative Life, we’re taking a look at what the main
political parties’ websites to find out what they have to say about
health and social care and help you decide how to vote:
Conservatives: “We know that you can’t improve our health service without having a stronger,
healthier economy to support it. We’ll continue to invest in the NHS, increasing spending every
year, and giving everyone access to a GP seven days a week. We’ll keep building a welfare
system that rewards work by lowering the benefits cap from £26,000 to £23,000.”
The Green Party: “All healthcare whether intended to promote wellbeing or treat illness
will be provided equally to all people to all. To ensure that health care services are delivered
with compassion, taking into consideration patients full range of needs, health care will be
delivered in an environment that promotes healing and care.”
Labour: “We will integrate health and social care services into a system of ‘whole-person care’.
We will change the NHS Constitution to give people the right to psychological therapies for
mental health problems like anxiety and depression – helping to give mental health the same
priority as physical health. ”
The Liberal Democrats: “We are committed to delivering better care for everyone, by
improving services across the NHS, taking mental health seriously, and introducing the first
ever cap on the cost of social care. We are working to create a fair welfare system that gives
people opportunities to find work.”
To find out more, come to our Creativities service in Horsforth, near
Leeds, on Tuesday 24th March. We’re holding an informative event
where you can learn all about politics and voting. For more information
and to book your place, call Mik Pannett on 0113 258 1484 or email
[email protected]. And if you still can’t decide who
to vote for, visit www.voteforpolicies.org.uk to answer a few simple
questions and find out which party you agree with most. Mencap have
lots of useful information online at www.mencap.org.uk/getmyvote.
And you can find an easy-read guide to voting on The Electoral Commision’s website: http://bit.ly/
easyreadvoting.
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The Burkhart Centre
Back in October, Creative
Support’s South Manchester
Women’s Project relaunched as
The Burkhart Centre. The new
name was chosen as a tribute
to popular former resident
Brigita Burkhart, and the
service is going from strength
to strength. In this issue of
Creative Life, we’re taking a
look at some of the highlights
so far, and looking ahead to
plans for 2015.
The Grand Opening
therapies, a members café, and
high quality accommodation
that is focused on a
programme of housing-related
support. Our dedicated staff
team and volunteers will work
with women to enable positive
change in their lives.”
Volunteer Opportunities
The centre has opportunities
for female volunteers to run
activity sessions, help with
fundraising, and assist with
the day-to-day running of
the centre. As a member of
our team you will make a
difference to the lives of the
women we support as well as
learning valuable skills to add
to your C.V.
International Women’s Day.
Residents, volunteers and
staff organised plenty of great
activities such as craft and
pampering sessions. Special
guests including health
experts and representatives of
organisations which provide
services for women were
invited to lead informative and
inspirational discussions. The
event is open to all of Creative
Support’s female service users.
Look out for a full report and
photos coming soon in our
March newsletter and the
spring edition of Creative Life!
Susan Cooley, the Lord Mayor
of Manchester, cut the ribbon
at the grand opening of The
Get Involved!
Burkhart Centre. Creative
Support’s Service Director Sam
For more information about
Priestly said “We are excited
how you can get involved in
to be launching this new and
The Burkhart Centre’s activities,
International Women’s Day
innovative service for women’s
call Recovery Worker Amy
mental health recovery in
On Friday 6th March 2015,
Smith on 0161 248 6070, or
South Manchester. The centre
The Burkhart Centre held
email amy.smith@
will provide courses, alternative a big event to celebrate
creativesupport.org.uk.
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Pet’s Corner
“Here at Upper Chorlton Road, we have two chickens, named China
and Gertrude. Every morning, our tenants and staff work together
to clean their enclosure, give them food and water, and collect
their eggs. The birds have a free range lifestyle with full access to
the outdoors. They are so tame that they will eat from your hand!
Our tenants couldn’t imagine life without them, because they make
the project feel like home, and spending time with them is very
theraputic.”
Email [email protected] if you’d like to feature
your pet on the page!
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Creative Support celebrated Christmas 2014 with lots of special festive events! Read on for a
selection of stories from our projects and services nationwide, and see if you can spot any familiar
faces in our seasonal photo gallery!
At Hampton Crescent in Leeds, staff served lunch on Christmas Day to make sure that the
residents were not alone at this special time of year. And employees of the Royal Bank of Scotland
(pictured above) volunteered to help out at our Leeds Older Persons Service party!
Everyone at Osbourne House in Bury wore eye-catching knitwear and got together to make cards
and decorate their homes.
Trafford Compass in Sale held a Christmas coffee morning and invited representatives of local
voluntary organisations to meet their service users and discuss the opportunities they offer to
get involved in the local community.
Delos Community’s Complex Needs Project in Wellingborough invited pupils from a local junior
school to decorate trees as part of a craft contest. Members of the service applied for a Creative
Support Christmas Grant and used the funds to purchase art supplies for children, as well as asking
local businesses to donate prizes which were awarded to the winners at a special ceremony. The
aim of the initiative was to bring people together, and this was reflected in the themes of the
artworks, which included ‘diversity’, ‘precious moments’ and ‘making a difference’.
At our Head Office, the popular annual raffle of gifts donated by our suppliers and partner
organisations raised a fantastic £300 for The Trussell Trust, a charity which operates a network of
food banks to assist people who are struggling to feed themselves and their families.
In Liverpool, staff and volunteers worked together to prepare a buffet and a traditional roast
dinner. Each guest received a £5 gift voucher, and Trafalgar Court resident Johanna said: “I have
never had such a special Christmas dinner”.
These were just a few of many highlights, and parties were also held in Birmingham, Bradford,
Dudley, Manchester, Stockport, Teesside, Telford, Tyneside and other areas.
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For photo galleries from Christmas 2014 and other Creative Support events visit:
www.creativesupport.co.uk/image-galleries
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Get Involved: Dementia Awareness Week
Spot the Signs
Dementia Awarness Week takes place from 18th - 24th May this year.
The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness and understanding of
dementia.
One way you can get involved is by becoming a Dementia Friend.
You’ll be asked to take part to take part in a short training session led
by a local volunteer which will help you to understand the condition
and learn how to be supportive and sympathetic to people with
dementia. To show your commitment to this important good cause
you’ll receive a forget-me-not pin badge.
The initiative is backed by Prime
Minister David Cameron. He
recently completed the training
session to become a Dementia
Friend, and he had this to say:
“This is a massively important issue for our country. There are
800,000 people with dementia already and we’re heading towards
a million. Of course we need to do more medical research and
improve our health and social care, but all of us have a role too.
The session was fascinating. I really enjoyed it and I learnt a
great deal. I hope that up and down the country, people will get
involved and learn a little bit more about how we as a community
can become more dementia-friendly.”
You could also host a Dementia Awareness Week reminiscence event
or tea party and invite people in your community to raise vital funds
for the Alzheimer’s Society. However you decide to get involved,
be sure to tell us all about it by calling 0161 236 0829 or emailing
[email protected]. And for more information, visit
www.alzheimers.org.uk/remembertheperson or call the National
Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122.
It’s important to
recognise the symptoms
of dementia as quickly
as possible so the person
affected can visit their
doctor and receive the
right treatment. Here are
some things to look out
for:
• Struggling to
remember recent
events
• Finding it difficult
to understand
conversations or
television
programmes
• Forgetting the names
of friends or everyday
objects
• Repeating yourself
regularly
• Feeling anxious or
depressed about your
forgetfulness
• Getting confused
even in familiar
environments
Your GP can do a simple
test to make a diagnosis,
and there are many ways
to support people to live
well with dementia.
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A New Year, A New You!
Steven, a member of staff
at Creative Support’s North
Manchester Recovery Team,
set himself the goal of
excercising more, improving
his diet and losing weight
in 2014. In this issue of
Creative Life, he shares his
inspirational story:
I started losing weight in
January 2014. I was chatting
about weight loss with my
manager, and she encouraged
me to get myself weighed, so
I did. I was shocked to find
out that was 23st 13lbs! I
didn’t worry about the way I
looked and wasn’t particularly
self-conscious, although
discovering the reality of my
weight made me worry about
my physical health, and the
real risk of developing diabetes.
GP about healthy diet and
exercise. I also downloaded an
app, which helped me to count
calories and keep a food diary.
I started to lose weight within
the first week, which motivated
me to continue my efforts.
Next, I joined the gym and
started to exercise regularly.
I began slowly, and became
more active over time.
Small Changes
New Lifestyle
I have carried on using the gym
and eating healthily, and I have
now lost 8st 7lbs. Exercise and
healthy eating are important
parts of my new lifestyle.
Keep Going
I would advise anyone who
is aiming to lose weight to
visit their GP for advice about
choosing a diet and activity
plan that suits them. Weight
loss is different for everyone,
and it can be a scary prospect
at first. But it isn’t as hard as I
imagined, and once you start
to lose weight, this motivates
you to keep going.
Sense of Wellbeing
My weight started to drop off
Losing weight has definitely
really quickly, which motivated
helped boost my confidence
me even more, and I started
and self-esteem, uplifted my
to notice small changes. I
mood and given me a complete
More Active
wasn’t getting out of breath as
sense of wellbeing. Try it for
easily, and I could walk further
I started to research healthy
yourself!
without getting tired.
eating and went to see my
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North East Services Celebrate Movember!
In the last issue of Creative Life, we told you all about the Movember campaign for men’s health.
Our Gateshead Floating Support service held a great event to celebrate this important initiative.
The cookery group prepared a special Mexican-style menu of fajitas, burritos and chilli and sat
down to enjoy the meal together. Everyone wore costumes in keeping with the theme, including
ponchos, sombreros and of course moustaches! There was also a quiz which challenged
participants to identify famous moustachioed faces. And, as you can see from the photos above,
both men and women joined in the fun!
The event was a fun way to highlight, fundraise and show support for a great cause, and many of
those who attended said that the activities had had a positive effect on their wellbeing.
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As we told you recently, Creative Support recently purchased
Delos Community, a care provider which has been delivering
excellent, person-centred services for many years in
Northamptonshire. To find out more about Delos and all their
good work, please go to: www.delos.org.uk
Delos Community began in 1981 inspired by Jeanne Steinhardt, who saw the need to provide
local support services for people with learning disabilities. Delos was then a small, familyrun, principled organisation with strong values. Commitment to the individual and an
uncompromising insistence on equality and social justice for all are the core values that have
become embedded at the heart of the organisation. Over 30 years on, services today include:
Community Connecting, Resource Centre, Supported Accommodation, Domiciliary Support,
Befriending, Supported Volunteering, Housing and Community Support, and Residential Homes.
we knew he would benefit from
volunteering. This together with
his baking skills plus valuable
years of experience made him
the ideal person join the team.
Fantastic Service
This month, Patrick tells us his
story:
Patrick lives independently in
his own home with support.
For many years he worked at a
café in Wellingborough funded
by the local authority, where he
made lots of friends with both
staff and customers.
Facing Retirement
When the café’s funding
was withdrawn and it closed
Patrick took retirement and
seemed to shut himself off.
His reclusiveness and isolation
made it hard for Patrick to
engage fully with his support
workers.
Rebuilding Confidence
However, Patrick still kept his
interest in baking and was
encouraged by his support
workers to try the baking
sessions facilitated at the Delos
Resource Centre. He slowly
began to rebuild his confidence,
build new friendships and
rekindle old, through his
enjoyment and passion of
baking.
A Well Earned Break
When Delos decided to launch
its third community café, the
timing could not have been
better for Patrick. He had
already taken the first steps
back into community life, and
Patrick agreed to join the team
and four months after the
café opened, Patrick is full of
conversation, baking cakes
and serving customers too.
He is proud of his progress
and the money he has helped
raise from the donations made
at the café. It is wonderful
to witness how well he is
engaging with customers and
staff alike.
Meeting Point
The café opens weekly at a
community facility owned by
local housing association Spire
Homes. People drop in for soup,
cake, hot drinks and a chat.
The café provides a meeting
point for not only Delos and
Spire Homes communities but
importantly for the general
public too.
A Well Earned Break
Patrick’s list of achievements
continue to grow, he has given
up smoking and at the time
of writing was going on a
Christmas holiday break to the
Isle of Wight.
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Back in 1990, the world was a very different place! West Germany won the football World Cup in
Italy, beating England in the semi-final. John Major became Prime Minister. Vanilla Ice topped
the charts with ‘Ice Ice Baby’. And ‘Ghost’ was the most popular film of the year, starring Patrick
Swayze and Demi Moore.
r
o
Supp
e
25 Y
Grants will be available so that all of our services can celebrate
this special occasion in style. Perhaps you’d like to organise
an awards ceremony to recognise your project’s unsung
heroes, hold a sporting event to promote health and
wellbeing, plan an inspirational arts and crafts activity, or
do something else to celebrate our birthday. Whatever
you have in mind, look out for full details of how to make
it happen coming soon!
ve
2015
0
At present, we have over 5,000 highly trained and dedicated staff working
hard at our services in 58 local authorities, and we have achieved
Investors In People Silver accreditation.
t
19
9
Of course, 1990 was also the year when Creative Support was founded, so in 2015 we’re celebrating
25 years of providing high quality person-centred support at our services across the country. Our
organisation was founded to help people with mental health needs move from long-stay hospitals
back into the community and we now support people with learning disabilities, autism, physical
disabilities and a wide range of other support needs.
We’d love to hear your favourite Creative Support
memories from years gone by, so send your stories and
photos to [email protected] or by post
to our Head Office address which you can find on the back
cover of this magazine, and we’ll share some of the best ones in
upcoming issues of Creative Life.
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s of Crea
ti
ar
Ready to Rock!
Disability Rocks is an exciting new festival taking place around
the UK in summer 2015, and everyone is invited to come along
and experience the thrill of live music!
The festival is organised by Richard Sutton, the father of a young
boy with a rare chromosome disorder, who believes that live
music and arts activities and involvement can have a hugely
positive impact on people’s lives.
Entry costs just £15, one carer goes free with each ticket holder,
and discounts are available for groups and children under 12
years of age.
The event is supported by Arts Council England and had received
funding from The National Lottery.
Tatton Park, Cheshire
Saturday 25th April
Lea Green, Matlock
Saturday 9th May
Nell Bank, Ilkley
Saturday 30th May
Lambourne End, Essex
For more information, call 0333 800 0199, email info@
Saturday 20th June
disabilityrocks.org or visit www.disabilityrocks.org.
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’
erty
Chicago
Statue of Lib
The Intro
In this edition of Creative life,
I’m bringing you tales of my
trips to ‘Chicago’ and ‘New
York, New York’ - not just the
names of a famous musical
and a classic song, but two of
the most amazing cities in the
United States of America!
The Big Apple
My first flight across the
Atlantic Ocean took me to
New York. In the space of
four days, I visited places I’d
only dreamed of, or seen on
television and in films: The
great Hudson River, the Statue
of Liberty, John Lennon’s
Memorial in Central Park, The
Empire State Building and
Trump Tower skyscrapers,
Tony
Hi there! My name is Tony and I am a regular
attendee at Breakthrough in Manchester. From
the ages of 5 to 15, I travelled a lot with my father
throughout the UK and Europe, and across the
globe. These travels took me to many interesting
countries and places – I was very lucky! I plan
to bring you some short stories of my travel
adventures in this and future editions of Creative
Life. I hope you find my travel tales of interest!
Coney Island, and the
cosmopolitan districts of Little
Italy, Soho, Chinatown and
the Bronx. For me, a highlight
was visiting Carnagie Hall and
Madison Square Garden, which
has hosted famous shows
by some of my favourite rock
stars such as Lou Reed of The
Velvet Underground and David
Bowie. I have revisited New
York twice in recent times,
and the famous skyline seems
so strange without the twin
towers of the World Trade
Centre, which fell during the
tragic events of September
11th 2001.
Midwest state of Illinois. The
city is famous for being home
to the Chicago Bulls basketball
team and the Chicago Bears
American football squad. In
February, during my visit, the
Windy City lived up to its name
and the temperature fell to
almost -30 degrees celcius,
with snow, ice and blizzards. I
looked down at Lake Michigan
from the top of the Sears
Tower which is almost 1,500
feet tall, and travelled on The
Loop, an elevated railway
which first opened in 1892
and now carries almost 80,000
passengers every day.
The Windy City
I hope to return one day to the
United States of America to see
more breathtaking sights!
My second destination was
Chicago in the American
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Howe Top
Karen from Telford recently visited Howe Top, Creative Support’s
holiday home in the Lake District, with her support staff Katie and
Vicky. During her holiday she enjoyed a boat trip, visited Muncaster
Castle, and went to the zoo where she saw giraffes, lions, tigers,
penguins, bears and rhinos. She also ate her favourite vegetable curry
at an Indian restaurant, went shopping in the town centre, and spent
some relaxing evenings watching DVDs. And best of all, as it was
Karen’s first trip to Howe Top, she stayed there for free! To find out
more about how you can book a break, call Mandy McGrogan on
0161 236 0829 or email [email protected].
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Winter Wordsearch
G
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Can you find the ten words listed below in
our tricky winter wordsearch, compiled by
Tony?
Chill
Christmas
Cold
Cosy
Darkness
Frosty
Ice
Snow
Winter
Yule
Find the
answers on
page 23!
Guess the Missing Word by Brian Holley
1. At the end of your journey, you arrive at your d _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
2. Christmas is sometimes called the f _ _ _ _ _ _ season.
3. People who help you to decide how to decorate your home are known as
i _ _ _ _ _ _ _ designers.
4. You might introduce your brother or sister as your s _ _ _ _ _ _.
5. In football, a foul may result in a p _ _ _ _ _ _ being awarded.
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Worldly Wisdom
By Peter Flynn
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect
them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will
somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let
me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”
Steve Jobs, American businessman (1965 – 2011)
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget
what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou, American poet (1928 – 2014)
Peter Flynn
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
C. S. Lewis, Irish author (1898 – 1963)
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Creative Support
Achievement Awards
To nominate a service user,
please contact Natasha
Kirby at Head Office
August 2014
Jamie from Darlington nominated by Ann
Jamie has undergone a life changing cornea transplant. He
was told that he was ineligiable for the operation until he lost
weight and quit smoking, and he worked hard with support and
encouragement from his staff team to achieve these goals, losing
five stone within six months. We are all proud of him and his
achievements!
September 2014
Carol from Bury nominated by Michelle
Carol is taking voluntary redundnacy from Remploy after a 43
year career. She worked full time, waking at 5am every morning,
and never missed a day! She also has an active social life, and
gets involved in all the activities where she lives. Carol recently
celebrated her 60th birthday, and she is always so cheerful and
optimistic! We think she’s a very inspirational woman!
October 2014
Barbara and Starina from Doncaster nominated by Janet
Barbara and Starina supported each other when they lived in the
same house. Together they developed their daily living skills and
built a good circle of friends. In October, they moved into a new
home together, organising their own removal van, carpets and
furniture as well as setting up accounts to pay their utility bills
and updating their contact details to ensure that they continue to
receive their benefits. What a great achievement!
November 2014
Cathryn and Kimberly from Blackburn nominated by Paul
Cathryn and Kimberly (pictured right, receiving their award
from Support Worker Shabbir) are nominated for their selfless
contribution to Creative Support’s Blackburn with Darwen Social
Inclusion Service. Each Sunday they cook a roast dinner to ensure
that our service users do not spend the weekend alone. They
welcome newcomers to the project and make sure that they feel
part of what can only be described as a big family. Without them,
the service would simply not be the success that it is.
........................................................................................................................................
14
........................................................................................................................................
Robert to the Rescue!
Robert, a member of Creative Support’s Lancaster
day service The Helm, came to the rescue of
a young girl during a trip to his local park!
He was taking part in the service’s photography group when
he heard a cry for help coming from nearby. The girl was
rolling out of control down a hill towards a lake on her bike.
He bravely stepped into her path to stop her from falling into
the water, and his good deed saved the day!
Robert is a very kind and caring person, he always looks after
his friends, making sure they feel good and get involved with
parties and events. As well as attending the photography
group twice a week, he also enjoys a busy schedule of
activities including gardening, working at a local cinema,
drama classes, and walking to keep fit.
Robert
Everyone at Creative Support is proud of Robert’s heroic actions!
........................................................................................................................................
Benefits Advice
Are you getting the right benefits?
Our Client Finance Team can check for you!
Call us on 0161 236 0829 and make an
appointment to visit us at Head Office.
........................................................................................................................................
15
........................................................................................................................................
Enjoy the Views!
David, a member of our Creative Digital Photography group in Bradford,
took these atmospheric shots on a winter trip to Saltaire. The three pictures
are part of a series he calls ‘View’. Located alongside the River Aire in West
Yorkshire, Saltaire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in 1851 to
provide a home for local textile workers. We caught up with the man behind
the lens to find out all about these great images:
Hi David! What do you enjoy most about photography?
Getting to know people and getting outdoors. It really helps with my anxiety.
There are some really beautiful places in West Yorkshire.
What are the biggest inspirations behind your photos?
I am very inspired by nature and learning from other people.
Why did you choose Saltaire as the location for your ‘View’ series?
Saltaire is a World Heritage Site. It’s part of history, a hidden gem and such
an underrepresented part of Bradfordian history.
What’s your top tip for other people who want to take up photography?
Listen and learn. There are just a few fundamental skills in photography. I
always say angles, angles, angles!
It’s a Date!
Creative Support’s
2015 calendar is
now available!
Pin it to your wall
and keep track of
all your birthdays,
anniversaries,
appointments and
other important
dates. Each
month features
an artistic
masterpiece from
one of our service
users, chosen
from hundreds
of fantastic
entries. You can
pick up a copy
from your local
project or contact
the marketing
team at our head
office to have
one delivered to
your door. Happy
new year from
all of the team at
Creative Support!
If you’re supported by Creative Support’s services in or around Bradford and
you’d like to get involved in photography, call our Bradford office on 01274
482 438 or email [email protected] to find out more
about the Creative Digital Photography group!
........................................................................................................................................
16
........................................................................................................................................
Regular Creative Life poetry contributor Gordon Bannister has kindly shared an extract from his
latest piece of creative writing with our readers in this edition of Creativity Corner. Read on to take a
trip back in time to the golden age of steam railways!
The Stationmaster
Dressed in a fine waistcoat, with a black frock coat,
And his empire gold watch and chain, not forgetting his shiny top hat,
The stationmaster prowls the station platform
For is that place not his chosen domain?
Next he surveys the timing of the arrivals board
Bearing in mind the different classes,
Those young men who travel 3rd class, for ‘tis all they can afford.
Checking his gold watch, he notes the incoming train is due
Not a minute early, or late, it is now half past two,
The steam train enters with a belch of grey steam at the station
He knows it’s right on time, both in speed, and presentation.
The green flag waves, each and every door secure,
With a defiant puff of blackened somke, that is not fresh and pure,
The engine moves forward, like a greyhound on its run.
Where is it going to? What’s its final destination?
Is this then the very final and last steam train to leave Shildon Station?
If you’d like to share your creative writing with our readers, email marketing@creativesupport.
co.uk for your chance to be featured in the magazine! And if you’d like to read Gordon’s poem in
full, visit our website: www.creativesupport.co.uk/activities-and-opportunities/service-usercreativity/creative-writing-gallery/the-stationmaster
........................................................................................................................................
Santa Claus is Wheely Cool!
This fantastic drawing was sent to us by
Stuart, a member of Creative Support’s
mental health services in Wolverhampton. It
was featured in an exhibition at the Bantock
House Museum called ‘When Santa Came
to the Factory’. The theme was to show
Father Christmas travelling aboard vehicles
made by the local automobile industry,
and Stuart has pictured him on an AJS
motorcycle. He has always enjoyed art, and
has studied it at college and university. In
the new year he will be helping to run art
classes with our learning disability services
in Wolverhampton. You can see more great
artwork by people we support by visiting:
www.creativesupport.co.uk/service-userartwork
........................................................................................................................................
17
........................................................................................................................................
Royal Visit
Royal visit!
Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal met
Annabel from Whitby when she visited Sailability,
an inclusive watersports club at Scaling Dam
in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, to open a new training
facility which will enable people with disabilities
to give sailing a try. Princess Anne, as she is
better known, arrived by helicopter which
scared the local birds - it was quite a sight
to see! To find out more about Sailability’s
activities nationwide, visit www.sailability.org.
Sweet Success!
.......................................................................................................
Stockport United do the Double!
Lizzy, a resident
at Creative
Support’s
Marlborough
House, has a
fantastic talent
for baking. She
made this cake
for her niece,
based on the
character Elsa
from Disney’s
hit animation
‘Frozen’. Well
done, Lizzy!
Cheque It Out!
Congratualations to Stockport United, double winners of the Creative
Support Football League and Social Inclusion Cup. Team captain Dave
Martin also picked up the golden boot, awarded to the league’s top scorer.
He said: “I am so proud to be a part of the team. We are best friends on
and off the pitch, and everyone has grown in confidence. Since 2008
we have won six major trophies, and our success is down to the team
spirit and commitment shown by eveyone involved.” Stockport United are
always looking out for new players, and welcome everyone to join. Training
takes place every Friday from 2pm-4pm. For more information, call Steven
Delahunt on 07811 188 416 or email steven.delahunt@creativesupport.
org.uk. You can also visit our website to read ‘One Two’, the league’s regular
newsletter featuring all the latest match reports and league tables:
www.creativesupport.co.uk/newsletters.
Weldon Road
in Trafford
received £200
from the Asda
Community Fund
to contribute
towards the cost
of a sensory
garden!
........................................................................................................................................
18
A Trip to Emmerdale
..........................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
Leicester’s Creative Contest!
A group of people who are supported by our
Our Leicester services recently held an art
North Tyneside Intensive Rehabilitation Service
contest and the winners were chosen at a
visted the set of popular television soap opera
consultation meeting held at our new local
Emmerdale on Tuesday 11th November. The
office on Tuesday 16th December. Everyone
trip to Yorkshire was organised by Support
was given the chance to vote for their favourite
Worker Jessica, and the day trippers were lucky
entry, and prizes were awarded for 1st, 2nd
enough to watch a scene from the show being
and 3rd place. Service Director Emma Knight
filmed and meet some members of the cast!
revealed the winner, and some of the artworks
They also enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour
are now displayed on the office walls for staff
of the studios and a delicious lunch. It was a
and visitors to admire! A prize draw and craft
great outing for everyone!
session were also held as part of the event.
........................................................................................................................................
Creative Arts Shop Opening
Our Creative Arts team in Kendal, Cumbria opened a pop-up shop
at the Westmorland Shopping Centre on Monday 1st December,
in partnership with local mental health charities South Lakeland
Mind (www.slmind.org) and Space 2 Create (www.space2create.
co.uk). A variety of arts and crafts made by members of the service
were on sale, including greetings cards, t-shirts and pottery. To find
out how you can get involved at Creative Arts, email creativearts.
[email protected]
........................................................................................................................................
Love is in the Air at Breakthrough!
Lucy and Allen celebrated their recent engagement with at party at
Creative Support’s Breakthrough Cyber Café on Friday 12th December.
They provided a delicious buffet for their guests and received lots
of lovely gifts including flowers and a framed photo of themselves
together! There was plenty of dancing to the sounds of a special
playlist featuring all of their favourite romatic songs. Everyone who
attended the party had a fantastic time celebrating with the happy
couple, and all of us at Creative Support hope that they both share
many years of joy together!
The happy couple!
........................................................................................................................................
19
........................................................................................................................................
?
Did you know that you can watch lots of great films from Creative
Support on YouTube?
Simply visit our www.youtube.com/crtvspprt where you’ll find
service user profiles, reports from our events around the country,
documentaries, animations, and much more!
Philip
In each issue of Creative Life, Film and Media Officer Philip Sykes
tells us the stories behind our latest videos, and gives us his
views on how mental health, learning disabilities and people with
support needs are portrayed in the media.
A Look Back at 2014...
The last year has been an amazing time for Creative Support on film. We have been all over the
country making films to tell your stories on screen. Our ‘Pitch Your Film’ competition invited service
users to be the director and realise their creative ideas. The competition has delivered two films:
Ticket To Ride
Originally pitched by Creative Life columnist and LDOK radio
presenter Tony Brierley to coincide with the 50th anniversary of
‘A Hard Day’s Night’, this film was made in collaboration with
The East Lancashire Railway. Featuring Beatles songs played
by Breakthrough Rocks (the Cyber Café’s own music group) at
Ramsbottom station, Ticket to Ride was made in the classic black
and white style of the 1960s and has all the rock ‘n’ roll spirit of
the original film.
Dark Dark House
Filmed in Abney Park Cemetery and other spooky locations around
London, Dark Dark House is inspired by the great Hammer horror
films of the 1960s and 1970s and features the characters of a
witch, a vampire and American rapper Eminem! Both hilarious and
terrifying, watch out for Dark Dark House coming to our YouTube
channel very soon! Declan Leslie previewed his horror film with his
profile on YouTube last summer.
We are also very proud of everyone who got involved in our most
ambitious film, Autism Stories.
Released back in September, Autism Stories took us on the road to
film seven of our service users, their families and support workers.
The film is a very poignant and individual take on a complex
condition and we feel proud that it will be used in Autism training
sessions for new Creative Support staff members. We think that
it’s our best film yet!
........................................................................................................................................
20
........................................................................................................................................
Treherne,
Dudley
Kimberley,
Blackburn
What do you think is the best
thing about Creative Support?
My support worker loves to
talk!
What do you think is the best
thing about Creative Support?
The support we are given, the
friendly service users and the staff
are all fab!
rne
What’s the best advice you’ve
ever been given?
Don’t put your fingers in the
fire!
Trehe
Tell us something nobody
knows about you
If I told you, someone would
know!
Tell us something nobody knows
about you
I’m quiet.
What’s your favourite meal?
Pasta and green pesto.
What’s your favourite meal?
Steak, chips and salad.
Veron
a
What achievement are you
most proud of?
Qualifying as a nurse.
What achievement are you most
proud of?
Being the person I am!
What’s your favourite holiday
destination?
Verona in Italy, the location
of my favourite film ‘A Room
With a View’.
What’s your favourite holiday
destination?
Scarborough and Windermere.
What do you do to stay fit?
Dance around the house to music!
What do you do to stay fit?
Eat a healthy diet.
erley
Kimb
Who would play you in a film?
Kevin Spacey.
Who would play you in a film?
Goldie Hawn.
If you were an animal what would
you be?
A teapot Chihuahua.
If you were an animal what
would you be?
A shire horse.
What makes you happy?
When those around me are
safe and happy!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever
been given?
Quit smoking and stick to your
meds.
Stea
k, ch
What makes you happy?
My children and family... Oh yeah,
and shopping!
ips &
salad
........................................................................................................................................
21
........................................................................................................................................
If your goal for 2015 is to take up a new
hobby, why not try growing your own
fruit and veg? In this issue of Creative
Life, Gerry from Sandy Lane Gardening
Group tells you how to get started!
Start small:
You don’t need lots
of spare time or a
large allotment to
get started. You can start
with just a six-inch plant
pot, and expand your food
garden as you gain skills and
confidence! It’s a simple
and rewarding hobby for
everyone!
Eat your greens:
Heaven scent:
Go away grey:
Plant herbs in a window box
and enjoy the scent wafting
in through an open window.
Basil, coriander, mint and
parsely are all very easy
to grow, and are great
for adding plenty of
flavour to a variety
of soups and stews.
Is your garden more
grey than green?
Using pots you can
turn your patio into
a food garden.
Planting your own
food is a great way
to add a splash
of colour to your
world!
Animal kingdom:
Season’s eatings:
Salad leaves come
in a huge range of
varieties, take little
space and are so easy
to grow. They can be used
to make so
many quick,
simple and
exciting
meals!
Try to make your
garden wildlife
friendly, frogs and
hedgehogs protect your
crops by eating slugs, and it’s
fun to spot lots of
creatures sharing
your outdoor
space.
When the cold
weather arrives,
there’s no need to
stop gardening. You
can grow onions, garlic and
cabbages over winter. Eating
seasonal produce means
you’ll always enjoy the
freshest food nature has to
offer!
Food for thought:
Flower power:
Try recycling:
Try growing in pots
Grow what you enjoy
If you want to make
made from recycled
eating. Make a list
your vegetable
containers to save
of your favourite
garden more
money as well as doing your
ingredients, and look
attractive, grow
bit to protect the planet.
online or in your local library
some edible flowers.
Yoghurt pots are ideal for
for information on how to
Lavender and
small plants,
plant and care for them. Fruit
chamomile are just
simply poke some
and veg from your garden
two of the varieties
drainage holes in
will taste so much better
that are beautiful as
the bottom!
than supermarket produce.
well as delicious!
........................................................................................................................................
Calling all Gardeners - Your Chance to Exhibit at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show in 2015!
This year, Sandy Lane Gardening Group are inviting two Creative Support projects to join them at
The RHS Tatton Park Flower Show. The theme of their stand is ‘Allotmentality’, highlighting the
mental health benefits of growing your own food. They want to see photos of your fruit, veg and
edible flowers grown in pots, and the two best efforts will be picked by members of the group to
be displayed at the prestigious show. The winners will be invited to visit the show on VIP day, and
will receive a 1x1 metre raised bed to take back to their garden. For more information, call the
marketing team on 0161 236 0829 or email [email protected].
........................................................................................................................................
22
........................................................................................................................................
March
World Book Day
5th March, worldwide
World Book Day is a celebration
of authors, illustrators, books
and reading! Local libraries and
bookshops often hold events
to celebrate the occasion. Visit
www.worldbookday.com to
find out more!
April
Autism Awareness Month
Throughout April, Worldwide
The aim of this awareness
month is to highlight the
challenges faced by people
with autism, and celebrate
their achievements. Visit The
National Autistic Society’s
website to find out more:
www.autism.org.uk.
May
Early May Bank Holiday
4th May, UK
The first of two bank holidays
in May is a great opportunity to
take a well-deserved break and
head to a local park or beach
to enjoy the Spring weather
outdoors. British traditions
include maypole dancing and
village fêtes.
8th March, worldwide
represents an opportunity to
celebrate female achievements
and call for greater equality.
This year’s theme is ‘Make it
Happen’. As always,
Creative Support will
be planning lots of
events and activities!
Mothering Sunday
15th March, UK
Let your mum know
how much you appreciate
her with a card or a gift this
special day. Remember, it’s the
thought that counts, and most
people prefer a handmade
present to something
expensive, so put your art and
craft skills to good use!
April Fools’ Day
1st April, worldwide
On the first day of April, people
often play tricks on each
other, so get ready for fun
and laughter! But remember
to plan your practical jokes
before midday, because in the
afternoon, “april fool is dead
and gone, and you’re a fool to
carry on!”
Easter Sunday
20th April, worldwide
Easter is an important date for
Christians when they celebrate
the rebirth of Jesus. Traditions
include attending church
services, lighting candles, and
sharing special meals with
family and friends. Passover
is a similar festival which is
observed by Jewish people.
Dementia Awareness Week
17th-23rd May, UK
This campaign is held annually
by the Alzheimer’s Society
to raise awareness and
understanding of dementia.
You can find out more about
Dementia Awareness Week
by turing to the Health and
Wellbeing section on page
eight.
Buddah Day
25th May, Asia and worldwide
The birth, enlightenment and
death of Prince Siddhartha
Gautama is celebrated by
Buddists, who visit temples,
give gifts, and share vegetarian
food.This festival is also
known as Vesak, and is held
on different dates in various
countries.
.........................................................................................
Answers from page 13
1. Destination
2. Festive
3. Interior
4. Sibling
G
L
Y
P
C
O
S
Y
T
W
R
B
U
H
H
W
N
A
L
I
V
M
L
X
I
C
O
S
D
N
I
C
E
O
L
I
W
F
E
T
W
O
T
M
L
B
K
R
R
E
H
L
O
U
J
D
A
O
C
R
F
D
A
R
K
N
E
S
S
Q
G
P
A
E
S
C
R
T
D
U
Did You Know...?
You can find all the details
of Creative Support’s latest
events in the service user
section of our website:
www.creativesupport.co.uk/
5. Penalty
service-user-section/
L
U
B
N
T
I
A
Y
M
T
news-events
C
H
R
I
S
T
M
A
S
C
........................................................................................................................................
23
........................................................................................................................................
We want to help you get the best possible service from Creative Support. Here are some of the ways
you can get involved:
Share your views
• Complete a Client
Satisfaction Questionnaire
• Get involved in planning
your support
• Attend Tenants’ Meetings
• Attend Policy Review or
Consultation Meetings
• Share your views with
the Board of Trustees
Recruitment
Presentations
Tell families, carers,
other service users and
commissioners about
Creative Support at open
days and presentations.
Health and Safety
You can get involved in the
health and safety checks
where you live.
Help choose the staff who work Newsletters
for Creative Support by being
Set up your own newsletter
on the panel for interviews.
or contribute to local, national
or regional publications like
this one.
Work Experience
There are sometimes
opportunities for you to
Training
undertake paid work, work
Help to train our staff and
experience placements
other service users or become
or volunteering at some
a Training Advisor to assist
of our offices.
the Training Team.
Review Paperwork
• Check information is easy
and clear to understand
• Help create easy-read
policies and handbooks
• Give your views on new
designs for marketing
materials
• Take part in filmed
versions of policies
And...
You can be supported to take
part in all these activities and
you may be paid for some.
For more information ask your
support worker or contact the
marketing team or Lorraine at
head office using the details
shown below.
Creative Life is available in a range of formats including large print, Braille,
audio and other languages. Please contact Marketing using the details below.
........................................................................................................................................
www.creativesupport.co.uk
Contacts
Marketing Team
[email protected]
Service User Involvement Team
[email protected]
To submit content for Creative Life email
[email protected]
@
Creative Support Head Office
5th Floor, Dale House
35 Dale Street
Manchester
M1 2HF
T
0161 236 0829
F
0161 228 0560
Creative Support Limited is a Registered Society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (Register Number 27440R)

Creative Life Winter 2014

Transcription

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