Deafblind UK shortlisted for the Charity Awards 2024
Deafblind UK is delighted to announce that it has made the shortlist for this year’s Charity Awards, the longest-running and most prestigious awards scheme in the charity sector. Deafblind UK has been shortlisted in the Disability category for its schools project, which aims to help teachers and fellow students understand the challenges that young people living with deafblindness face. The Charity Awards is the sector’s most highly-regarded excellence recognition scheme. All 30 shortlisted charities this year have been judged by an independent panel of sector leaders as having demonstrated best practice in leadership and management, from which other organisations can learn. Deafblind UK specialises in supporting people with both sight and hearing loss. Visit their website here. The schools project, led by former teacher Carolyn Greig, set out to investigate the provision of support for deafblind children in mainstream education. Following the results of this research, Deafblind UK produced a set of resources to help teachers and students understand deafblindness, and to feel more confident in supporting pupils with sensory loss. The resources, called ‘Lesson in a Box: Discovering Deafblindness’ include interactive lesson plans and assemblies which span the curriculum of key stages 2, 3 and 4 and have been delivered to over 1600 schools across the country. Nikki Morris, CEO of Deafblind UK said: “At Deafblind UK, we are passionate about educating others about deafblindness to ensure that every child has access to a meaningful education, regardless of sight and hearing loss. We are extremely proud that our schools project has been shortlisted for this award, as it recognises how vitally important education around deafblindness is.” The 10 category winners, plus the recipients of the Overall Award for Excellence and the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement, will be announced at a black-tie dinner on Tuesday 9 July, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The evening will be hosted by broadcaster and commentator Baroness Ayesha Hazarika, who will be joined on the night by a host of celebrities, representatives of the shortlisted charities, as well as leaders from Britain’s best known and best loved charities. Matthew Nolan, chief executive of Civil Society Media which organises the Charity Awards, congratulated Deafblind UK on making the highly-coveted shortlist. He said: “Every year we are astounded and inspired by the breadth and depth of work going on across the UK’s wonderful charity sector. But this year in particular we have noticed a real improvement in the professionalism of the entries, signalling that charities are more cognisant than ever of the need for good governance, strong leadership and effective management. “Everything that we do at Civil Society Media aims to help charities have greater impact, and for the last 23 years the Charity Awards has identified and celebrated the sector’s great work. Congratulations to all the charities on this year’s shortlist; in a year of record entries you ought to be very proud of getting this far. “I wish Deafblind UK the best of luck on the night.” Peter Hugh Smith, chief executive at CCLA, Overall Partner of the Charity Awards, said: “Every year the Charity Awards serve as a moment for the sector to reflect and acknowledge the transformative power of compassion, determination and resilience. The awards amplify the voices of those making a difference, inspiring others to join in creating positive change. “We’re honoured to renew our role as the Charity Awards’ Overall Partner, championing the remarkable efforts of charities, large and small, right across the UK.” The Shortlist 2024: Animals & the Environment: Naturewatch Foundation, People’s Trust for Endangered Species and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, The Tree Council Arts, Culture & Heritage: Cockpit Arts, Derby Theatre, LUNG Productions Campaigning & Advocacy: Bliss, Citizens Advice, RNIB Children & Youth: Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, Storybook Dads, Yorkshire Children’s Charity Disability: Contact, Deafblind UK, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute Education & Training: Building Heroes Education Foundation, Keep Britain Tidy, Migration Museum Grantmaking & Funding: East End Community Foundation, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales, SafeLives Healthcare & Medical Research: Groundswell, JDRF UK, Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre International Aid & Development: Kids Operating Room, Reprieve, SolarAid Social Care, Advice & Support: Justice & Care, LandWorks, SIG Equinox The panel of judges for 2024 is: Subscribe to Ucan2 Magazine today and never miss an update.
ROARR! – The UK’s Largest Accessible Dinosaur Park
ROARR! the UK’s largest accessible dinosaur-themed adventure park, has been recognised for its accessibility in the coveted 2023-2024 East of England Tourism Awards. The Accessible Dinosaur Park was a finalist in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Business category and has been nominated for the Community Organisation Award for Disability in The National Diversity Awards. It is also a finalist in VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence 2024 Accessible and Inclusive category. In the past two years alone, ROARR! has introduced two new wheelchair-accessible mechanical rides, installed wheelchair-friendly picnic tables, opened a Changing Places facility (one of only three in the county) and resurfaced the Valley of the Dinosaurs Trail to make it more accessible. It has also added BSL (British Sign Language) signage to the Secret Animal Garden exhibits and introduced free admission for Essential Companions. Staff at the Park are trained in British Sign Language and there’s a Quiet Room with sensory aids and a non-binary character Raz, who features in live shows and meet and greets around the Park during peak periods, encouraging engagement with children across the gender spectrum. The 85-acre Park with over 25 dinosaur-themed activities is ideal for families with children aged 2-10. Its accessible Jurassic attractions include: ROARR!, has added a new 33-foot animatronic Apatosaurus in time for summer. The new ginormous dinosaur is located outside of Dinomite, Norfolk’s largest indoor adventure play area with slides, ball pits and bridges Full details of ROARR!’s accessibility provision can be found online at roarr.co.uk/accessibility/ including links to their full VisitEngland-approved guide and a handy chart. To check prices and which attractions are open when click here. ROARR! is located 9 miles northwest of Norwich, clearly signed from the A47. Drive time from London is around 2.5 hours. Greater Anglia operates regular service from London Liverpool Street to Norwich station, from where it’s around a 25-minute drive to the Park. Looking for more accessible days out for the family? Click Here for some of our articles featuring the best trips out!
Blue Horizons Surf School Champions Differently Abled With Lessons For All
The team at Blue Horizons Surf Club just outside Tenby in Pembrokeshire have been teaching surfing lessons for over 20 years. Recently, they have chosen to devote their time and energy into providing lessons for children and adults who are differently abled. This includes those with autism and wheelchair users. They are now one of a tiny handful of organisations across the UK to offer adaptive surfing including seated and tandem surfboards, as well as prone boards with chest raisers and handles. Most importantly, Blue Horizons understands the need for all users to feel safe and supported. This means providing a seated session for wheelchair users with support from two highly qualified instructors and four volunteers for the duration of a lesson. It’s an offering that relies heavily on support from qualified volunteers and local sponsors in order to keep costs affordable. However, Blue Horizons is committed to making its offering fully accessible financially as well as physically. Tuition can be tailored to include weekend courses (2 x half-day courses), individual lessons and – for local people – weekly lessons. There are several wheelchair-friendly accommodation options within easy driving distance from Blue Horizons including Bluestone National Park Resort, which has a number of adapted family rooms. A three-night stay at the Solva adapted lodge (with wider doorways and adapted wet room), for example, will cost from £630 including free use of an electric buggy and free access to the Serendome and Water Park. Prices for tuition at Blue Horizons start from £40 for a half-day surf course, rising to £120 for a half-day seated session supported by two instructors and four volunteers. Visit www.bluehorizons.wales or call 01646 685273. Images Courtesy of Becky Tooby. To keep up-to-date with all the latest news, advice and information on independent living, subscribe to Ucan2 Magazine.
Empowering Kids with Hearing Loss Awareness
Why hearing loss awareness should start with the kids By Kimberley Bradshaw Though the stigma bubble surrounding hearing loss is slowly evaporating, it remains stubborn, there’s still so much more that can and needs to be done. Like with most things we fear and struggle to understand, it’s the neglect of education and, perhaps, unwillingness that is the cause. Such awareness comes from being inspired, thought provoked, spoken to. It takes someone who believes enough to spread the word. Often this word is planting a seed of thought and change, filling in somebody somewhere’s failings – perhaps it should start with the kids? Let’s listen to the voices of our children. For even little people with little minds can nurture big ideas and better attitudes. From learning good listening habits to igniting empathy, they can inspire the next generation and squish this archaic stigma. Why start young? Among the hustle and bustle of our lives, the rise in earbuds, and the cacophony of modern sounds, hearing health often takes a backseat. A crazy realisation when the gift of hearing shapes our interactions, learning, and overall well-being. Whilst you may not be navigating the complexities of hearing loss yourself, the truth is that it is affecting billions worldwide. Therefore, the first (and huge) step towards addressing it begins with our youngest generation. But why bother starting young at all? The latest stats, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), state that over 1.5 billion people in the world live with some form of hearing loss – around 430 million are children and adolescents. Thus, batting away the age-old preconception that hearing loss is only among the elderly – highlighting the need for education about hearing health right from childhood. Empowering through awareness Hearing loss can affect any age and early intervention is vital when it comes to how your ear health pans out in the future. Not identifying and treating hearing problems in children can significantly impact their development and quality of life. As children rely on hearing for speech, socialising, and learning, an undiagnosed loss can cause delayed speech, educational struggles, language development concerns, and social isolation. One of the main causes of hearing loss in children is exposure to loud noises. With the rise of earbuds tucked in young ears and activities involving loud sounds in social spaces, children are increasingly at risk. Educating kids about the dangers of loud noises and the importance of using hearing protection, can reduce the risk dramatically. Knowledge is power, and giving kids the lowdown on how to protect their hearing is simply setting them up for a lifetime of healthy ears. But it’s not all about educating them on protecting their own ears. It runs much deeper than that. Hearing loss can make everyday situations, we often take for granted, more challenging. By teaching kids about hearing loss, we are fostering empathy and understanding in equal measure. Through knowledge, kids can create inclusive friendships, attitudes, and environments where all feel valued and understood. This, in turn, encourages a culture of acceptance and support, hopefully building diverse communities of the future. How can we teach them? This empowerment can all be attained through interactive activities, like games and quizzes – making learning about the topic more fun and engaging. Adding videos and stories with characters who have hearing loss can also nurture a deeper understanding and higher level of empathy. Encouraging open chats about ear health, the right listening habits, regular hearing checks, and how to protect ears sets a positive example. Ensuring that hearing loss awareness is normalised, relatable, and easily accessed. By giving kids the tools and the opportunity to learn more about hearing loss, we can reinforce the message that hearing is worth safeguarding and inclusivity is worth fighting for. Hearing loss awareness starts with the kids. Let them build a world where everyone can thrive and grow, regardless of their auditory abilities. Hearing Aid UK is your gateway to a network of local independent Hearing Aid Dispensers. To find out more visit their website. View our article ‘4 Common Hearing Loss Myths‘.
Accessible arts venue 53Two welcomes new patron, Ruth Madeley
Actress, Ruth Madeley, becomes patron of 53Two – as fully funded renovations get under way at region’s most accessible arts venue. Manchester-based theatre and arts venue, 53two, has welcomed Years and Years and Doctor Who actress, Ruth Madeley, as its latest patron. Ruth joins as a series of renovations and upgrades get underway that will enable 53two to deliver an enhanced experience to everyone who uses the space. The work has been fully funded by Backstage Trust and The Baker Family Charitable Trust, with support from Closomat, and will be completed in time for the venue’s third birthday in May 2024. Plans include improved backstage changing facilities and new, retractable auditorium seating to ensure the venue is as flexible and accessible as possible. Located in one of Manchester’s historic Grade II listed arches, the building’s infrastructure will also receive some much-needed care and attention. A new ventilation system will help to regulate temperature and humidity. The theatre will also be tanked, with a new drainage system put in place. The latest phase of work is part of 53two’s continued mission to make theatre accessible to all. It follows the installation of a Changing Places toilet in December 2023, which is providing increased independence to anyone who may be limited in their own mobility. “53two has always been very special to me, so to be appointed as a patron is a huge honour” said Ruth Madelely. “It’s vital that artists have a safe and accessible space to work in Manchester, especially at a time when much-needed arts funding is being cut. Changing Places toilets, for example, are vital for disabled people when accessing theatre, and the dignity, peace of mind and independence they provide is invaluable. “53two has always nurtured and supported under-represented talent, particularly disabled artists and I am delighted to be playing a bigger part in its future”. Simon Naylor, creative director at 53two added: ‘‘The support and funding we’ve received has been incredible and has enabled us to progress the next phase of our plans – to deliver the best possible experience to everyone who visits us at 53Two. May 2024 marks our third birthday in the arches, and it feels like the perfect time to unveil a new and improved space. We are thrilled to have Ruth with us on the journey.’’ To stay up-to-date with all the latest news regarding accessibility and independent living, subscribe to Ucan2 Magazine.
Flights for people with disabilities provided by ‘Aerobility’ and partners
Charity ‘Aerobility’ partners with Flynqy Pilot Training and Cornwall Airport Newquay to provide flights for people with disabilities. Flying lessons for people with disabilities will be available from Cornwall Airport Newquay for a limited time in August 2024. UK disabled flying charity Aerobility has partnered with Flynqy Pilot Training to provide an opportunity for specialist disabled flying in the far South West of England. Aerobility is a charity which provides anyone, with any disability, access to the magic and wonder of flight. The charity has headquarters at Blackbushe Airport in Hampshire and operates from Tatenhill in Staffordshire. Aerobility is also working with the flight instructor team at Lydd Aero Club to provide services across the South East. Flynqy Pilot Training which operates from Cornwall Airport Newquay, a regional airport with professional facilities and an all-weather runway. Andrew Boomer, Operations Director, Cornwall Airport Newquay said “Teaming up with Flynqy Pilot Training, Cornwall Airport Newquay is excited to announce our collaboration with Aerobility, championing inclusivity in aviation. Together, we’re paving the way for transformative flying experiences for individuals living with disabilities in the South West.” Bookings are now open for the first flights for people with disabilities with Flynqy Pilot Training from Cornwall Airport Newquay. These flights will be available on a trial basis between the 16th and 18th of August 2024. Aerobility Chief Flying Instructor, Al Rosser, said: “This exciting new opportunity shows that the charity is serious about growing its national catchment areas and enables us to spread the magic and wonder of flight to new and remote areas of the UK. “We are thrilled to be expanding our offering to Cornwall, which could help more people living with disabilities to try something new and realise their true capabilities.” Flynqy Pilot Training Operations Manager, Zara Dinnacombe, said: “Aerobility is an inspiring charity that enables people with physical or hidden disabilities to fly an aircraft. We’re very excited to be working with Aerobility and Cornwall Airport Newquay to bring these fantastic flight experiences to Cornwall and the South West this August. “We’d love to make this a more regular fixture, so we are working closely with the team to make this event a huge success! As a training organisation, we are all incredibly passionate about sharing our love of all things aviation with others, and teaming up with Aerobility will allow us to open up the world of aviation to so many more individuals this summer! “Disabled people that fly with us will get the same experience and support that they would get flying with the charity at Blackbushe, Tatenhill or Lydd as some of the Charity’s experienced staff will be on hand throughout the weekend!” Bookings for flights at Newquay, Blackbushe, Tatenhill or Lydd can be made at www.aerobility.com/enquire-now Subscribe to Ucan2 Magazine and never miss an update.
The National Autistic Society on personal independent payments (PIP)
The National Autistic Society has responded to the Government announcing a consultation into personal independent payments (PIP). Joey Nettleton Burrows, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the National Autistic Society, said: “We are extremely concerned about the Government’s suggestion of restricting payments for people with ‘certain conditions’ such as ADHD and learning disabilities – both of which affect a significant number of autistic people. “Reforms are desperately needed, but we are concerned that changes to personal independent payments (PIP) could have a detrimental impact on autistic people in receipt of it. “Autistic people already face an unsuitable system in accessing the benefits they are entitled to – with only 19% of autistic people telling us that the location of their health assessment was suitable. “Stricter rules won’t help, instead they are likely to take away a key source of income for autistic people who are unable to work or face numerous barriers to finding employment – currently only 3 in 10 autistic people are in work. Find more articles from the National Autistic Society here on our website. “The Minister also outlined that for many people in receipt of PIP, talking therapies and social care should be the answer – but he fails to acknowledge that social care reform has been promised and yet this Government has consistently failed to deliver. “We will respond to the PIP consultation and make our concerns clear that the current system is not suitable for autistic people and any proposed reforms must consider their needs.” The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. To find out more about the charity and autism, visit www.autism.org.uk. Follow the National Autistic Society’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, LinkedIn and YouTube. View our digital magazines here. Subscribe today and never miss an update from Ucan2 Magazine.
‘Sad-looking’ garden transformed into a relaxing haven for learning-disabled adults
A new sensory garden for learning-disabled adults at the Herald Resource Centre in Shefford, Bedfordshire, was officially opened last week. The garden was opened by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, and the Mayor of Shefford, Ken Pollard. The day service, run by the learning disability charity Hft, supports 32 learning-disabled adults who attend on various days throughout the week. However, the resource centre’s garden was very bare and uninspiring so staff took it upon themselves to apply for a grant as well as raise money to transform the space. It has taken 111 volunteer hours to see the garden go from being an empty patio area with only three “sad-looking” bedding planters to a relaxing haven where those who attend the service can enjoy the space with friends. For those who prefer some quiet time, there are outdoor sofas under a large pergola and a patio area with tables and chairs for soaking up the sun. “With much help and support, we have turned the space into a beautiful and tranquil area that boasts a large seating area with a pergola, swing chair, tactile hexagons lining the fence, wind-spinners, mirrored balls and even an LED colour-changing sensory water table,” explains Teresa Mead, one of the volunteers who also works for Hft as a community support worker. “In addition, for sensory seekers, the planters are now filled with tactile plants and there is an arch covered in thorn-less rose bushes. There is also a large greenhouse fully fitted out with new tools, work tables and accessories needed to continue and maintain the gardening sessions we run at the centre,” explains Teresa. A local Trust donated nearly £4,000 for the project. The amount needed for the walk was £1,550, which was raised by Teresa, her husband Dave, and friends Yvonne Woods, Jane Johnson and Tracey Wallace last August when they undertook a 10-mile sponsored walk at Grafham Waters. Another Hft colleague, Teresa McCracken, oversaw the gardening aspect of the project, working wonders in the soil while a group of learning-disabled adults who attended the day service did their part by planting seeds and flowers, helping with painting the planters, and having their say as to what they wanted in the garden, where they would like it, and even choosing the plants at the local garden centre. “They also chose the colour of paint for the planters, so they have been fully involved from the start,” says Teresa. “We have already noticed a difference in the demeanour of those we support, with many of them going out to look at the new space and, like the staff, they are all very excited to enjoy the finished project.” One of the parents who attended the opening said: “My son had a lot of fun in the making of the garden and he will now get pleasure from it,” while another added, “what I have seen today is a wonderful achievement … creating valuable space for the day centre”. Find out more about the charity Hft and what they do by visiting their website: https://www.hft.org.uk/ Alternatively, you can find a selection of various other articles by Hft here.
Berkshire disability charity to host horse racing night alongside Chris Tarrant
You won’t want to miss this… TV Presenter Chris Tarrant will be hosting a night of bookies and betting in aid of a Berkshire disability charity with a horse racing night. Swings & Smiles based in Thatcham will be holding its ‘Race Night in Bucklebury’ on Friday 17th May to raise funds for play and respite resources for disabled children and their families. Guests will bet on horses for eight different randomly selected races with the help of a professional race host. For the final race of the evening, guests will bid to become the owner of a horse. The lucky owner of the winning horse will take home a percentage of the total raised. The face of the event, TV presenter Chris Tarrant, is a patron for Swings & Smiles and will be introducing the evening. CEO of Swings & Smiles Rhonda Nicklin said she was looking forward to welcoming guests for a fun and entertaining evening. Rhonda said: “We absolutely love hosting events to highlight the work of the charity. The race night is perfect for work socials and meetups, as well as friends and family who want to enjoy a fun evening together. “I’m so grateful for everyone who attends our fundraising events. We get to celebrate all that we’ve achieved as a charity and say a big thank you to everyone who supports us.” Chris Tarrant said: “The work Swings and Smiles does for disabled children and their families is incredible. I’m really looking forward to supporting what promises to be a hugely entertaining fundraising event.” Tickets for the race night are £25 and can be purchased via the Swings & Smiles website: https://www.swingsandsmiles.co.uk/Event/race-night Swings & Smiles offers a unique and accessible place to play for disabled children up to the age of 18. Find a range of other events near you by visiting our events page.