Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity receives backing
Robert Walters Group UK has named the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity as its official UK charity for 2019. The charity supports under 5s with cerebral palsy and other motor learning impairments – focusing on helping children to realise their full potential. The bulk of fundraising for the charity will take place on the Group’s annual Charity Day, taking place on Friday 11 October 2019. All 400 of Robert Walters Group UK employees – across London, the South East, Midlands and the North West – will be taking a break from work for the day and will be tasked with raising as much money as possible for the charity. Last year fundraising activities included a non-stop 24hr cycle, a walk from St Albans to London, bake sales, all the way through to leg waxing for gents, pie in the face, and a chicken nugget eating competition. £35,213 was raised and donated towards 2018’s chosen charity Cancer Research UK. Globally, across 28 countries, £145,984 was raised in one day for local charities and community projects. Over the last seven years, the Robert Walters Group has raised over £800,000 for causes globally. Richard Johnson, Principal at Robert Walters, shares why this year’s chosen charity means so much to him: “Everyone at Dame Vera Lynn work tirelessly to help each and every little hero realise their full potential. They have provided amazing support to our son Joshua, helping him toward taking his first step in spite of his quad cerebral palsy, global development delay, infantile spasms (severe epilepsy) and cortical visual impairment (registered blind). “When Louise and I were first told of Joshua’s complex needs and given a prognosis that he would not live beyond his teens, hopes and dreams for the future left us. Joshua is battle hardened from a complex start to life and takes everything in his developing stride. As Joshua has got older, gained strength and gained a wickedly awesome personality our hopes and dreams for the future have very much returned! “For each story you read, there are many more out there un-spoken. Charities like Dame Vera Lynn work to support as many children as possible. The support from Robert Walters Group UK will significantly help Dame Vera Lynn provide crucial support to other children such as Joshua – giving them and their families hopes and dreams for their futures.” On 14 September 2019 Richard will be walking 21 miles (35km) for Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, an average of 42,000 steps – more steps than some children with cerebral palsy will walk in their lifetime. To donate click here. Chris Hickey, UK CEO at Robert Walters comments: “Our annual Charity Day is much looked forward to by everyone within Robert Walters. Each year it gets bigger, better and more creative – and most importantly we have consistently raised more money as each year passes. “As well as the effort that each and every Robert Walters employee puts into raising money, thanks must also go to our clients and partner organisations for the kind donations and support they lend on the day. “Given that the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity rely entirely on the community to raise funds I have no doubt that Robert Walters Group UK will put in a stellar effort on this year’s Charity Day.” Pilar Cloud, Executive Manager at Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity comments: “We are thrilled to be the chosen charity of the UK employees of Robert Walters Group because we know the positive difference that they have made to any number of charities over the years and that they will make in this coming year to our charity in helping us to support even more families. “For a small charity like ours, having the support, enthusiasm, focus and determination of so many new supporters up and down the country will help us to raise awareness of the services we provide AND to ensure more families are able to benefit from our early intervention support. Thank you, Robert Walters Group.” Click here for more information on the work that the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity do.
Visit Somerset website puts accessibility first!
Visit Somerset offers a wealth of information on exploring the county – from things to do, shopping and holiday accommodation. The newly launched site also puts the focus firmly on accessibility. It’s one of the UK’s first official tourism websites that features Browsealoud technology to give online users a little extra help whenever they need it. Visit Somerset offers a wealth of information on exploring the county – from things to do, shopping and holiday accommodation. The newly launched site also puts the focus firmly on accessibility. It’s one of the UK’s first official tourism websites that features Browsealoud technology to give online users a little extra help whenever they need it. Created by digital learning and accessibility experts Texthelp, Browsealoud assists visitors with visual impairments, cognitive disorders, learning difficulties and physical disabilities, in addition to those with limited English and who lack digital confidence. The software encourages site visitors to click on a friendly on-screen help button to hear information read aloud, text magnified for easier reading or translated into 40 different languages. Users with dyslexia can also use Browsealoud’s handy screen mask to help them focus on hard-to-read text. “Somerset is one of Britain’s best loved tourist destinations, attracting more than 25 million visits each year,” says John Turner CEO of Visit Somerset. “With around 1 in 10 of the UK population experiencing some form of disability, we’ve made it a big priority to make sure our new site is fully accessible to everybody who wants to know more about our beautiful county. It’s been brilliant working with Texthelp to make Visit Somerset an even more welcoming destination for all our digital visitors.” John went on to say: “We live, work and relax in the twenty first century, where we should all be accepting and accommodating of our varied visitors needs and requirements. The potential from becoming a more welcoming and inclusive county for our visitors and our businesses is extraordinary, we should all strive to do better for all. Adding Browsealoud to our website is a major part of our social inclusivity strategy and will help visitors browse our pages in line with their own needs. It is Visit Somerset’s intention to carry on working with TextHelp and Compass Disability, the County’s official disability agency in supporting our members to support disability on and off line, possibly becoming the first socially inclusive county in the UK” View the video here for more information on this new inclusive software supporting many of our customers needs throughout Somerset. Other developments will include signing video inserts on main video content distributed through digital channels together with off line training for Visit Somerset members starting in the Autumn of 2019.
Government To Introduce Natasha’s Law
A new law will require food businesses to include full ingredients labelling on pre-packaged foods, Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced today in a drive to protect the country’s two million food allergy sufferers. Following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, the teenager who died after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette, the Environment Secretary confirmed legislation will be brought forward by the end of summer to strengthen allergen labelling rules. Under current laws, food prepared on the premises in which it is sold is not required to display allergen information in writing, meaning allergy sufferers sometimes lack confidence buying food out. The new legislation, known as Natasha’s Law, will tighten the rules by requiring foods that are pre-packed directly for sale to carry a full list of ingredients – giving allergy sufferers greater trust in the food they buy. Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: “Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse have been an inspiration in their drive to protect food allergy sufferers and deliver Natasha’s Law. “These changes will make food labels clear and consistent and give the country’s two million food allergy sufferers confidence in making safe food choices.” Natasha Ednan-Laperouse’s parents Tanya and Nadim said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Secretary of State has announced the government’s decision to go ahead with full allergen and ingredient labelling. While Natasha’s Law comes too late to save our beloved daughter, we believe that helping save other allergy sufferers and their families from the enduring agony that we will always bear is a fitting legacy for her life. “We would personally like to thank Michael Gove and Health Secretary Matt Hancock for their unflinching support in doing the right thing on behalf of all people with allergies, and their support in setting up the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation which we are launching today in Natasha’s memory.” The government will introduce legislation by the end of summer mandating full ingredients labelling for foods prepacked for direct sale, and the new laws will come into force by summer 2021 – giving businesses time to adapt to the change. The introduction of Natasha’s Law follows a consultation in January proposing four options, including full ingredient list labelling; allergen-only labelling; ‘ask the staff’ labels on products; and promoting best practice to businesses. The consultation received overwhelming support from consumers for full ingredients labelling, with more than 70 per cent of individuals backing this option. The Food Standards Agency’s recent advice also recommended government should implement full ingredients labelling. Chair of the Food Standards Agency Heather Hancock said: “We want the UK to become the best place in the world for people living with food hypersensitivities. “The impact of food allergy and intolerance on quality of life can be as great or even greater than almost all other foodborne diseases. “Whilst it’s impossible to eliminate the risks entirely, we believe this change will mean better protection for allergic consumers.” The reforms cover labelling requirements for foods that are prepared and packed on the same premises from which they are sold – such as a packaged sandwich or salad made by staff earlier in the day and placed on a shelf for purchase. Currently, these foods are not required to carry labels, and if asked by a consumer allergen information must be given in person by the food business. Allergy UK CEO Carla Jones said: “We are delighted with the news that Defra’s labelling review backs mandatory full ingredient labelling for pre-packed direct sale food. “This move towards full ingredient labelling for pre-packed direct sale food will improve the lives of the allergic customer and it is warmly welcomed here at Allergy UK.” Food businesses across the country have already taken steps to improve food labelling and outlets are being urged to do all they can ahead of the implementation date to help consumers make safe food choices. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) will continue to provide food businesses with guidance on allergens, and through its Easy to Ask campaign it works to empower young people to ask food businesses about allergens when eating out so they can make safe food choices.
DriveAbility’s Thetford centre to unveil new driving & scooter assessment facilities
East Anglian DriveAbility’s Thetford centre to unveil new driving and scooter assessment facilities for elderly and disabled locals East Anglian DriveAbility (EAD), one of Driving Mobility’s UK assessment centres for elderly and disabled drivers, will be officially opening its enhanced Thetford centre on 11th July, 10am-4pm. Official opening of new facilities at East Anglian Driveability at 2 Napier Place, Thetford, IP24 3RL. All press, healthcare professionals and public welcome. Free access to the TGA test drive course for safe mobility scooter driving awareness. Driving Mobility accredits twenty independent organisations which offer professional support and driving assessments to people who need to gain, or retain, the ability to drive following a diagnosis involving impairment or disability. EAD is part of this network with centres in Thetford and Colchester. In addition to driving assessments and guidance regarding adapted vehicles, its Occupational Therapists and Driving Advisors provide several additional services focused on suitable mobility scooter, powerchair and wheelchair provision. Service users at EAD either self-refer or are signposted by the DVLA, Motability, Police and healthcare professionals such as Occupational Therapists (OTs) and GPs. The EAD centres are managed by a team of specialist OTs, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and administration staff who are focused on recommended solutions for independent mobility. Now with enhanced facilities at the Thetford centre, EAD has the ability to extend and diversify services further with a view to helping more East of England drivers to remain on the road. The new extension includes an impressive training room for drivers and professionals and a larger reception which is spacious and welcoming. EAD invites all healthcare professionals and members of the general public with an interest in adapted driving to attend the event. A vast range of adapted vehicles, WAVs (wheelchair accessible vehicles), specialist steering and driving controls will be on display and attendees will have the opportunity to try the vehicle simulator. Vehicle conversion companies will be supporting along with specialist suppliers such as Autochair car boot hoists and TGA mobility scooters. A scooter test drive course will be available so visitors can experience part of the EAD assessment process and determine which product is suitable for their needs. Yvette Bateman, CEO, East Anglian DriveAbility, comments: “The official opening of our new extension promises to deliver a successful day for all. We are proud of our new facilities and the enhancement to services on offer for all elderly and disabled drivers within East Anglia. Sue Rogers from the Department for Transport and Helen Dolphin MBE, our Chair and well known accessible transport campaigner, will be available throughout the day. They will be able to explain the latest developments in legislation and topics such as disabled parking and the extension to the Blue Badge scheme. The team and I invite everyone with an interest in independent mobility to attend.”
Flats for adults with complex autism open in Droitwich
On Wednesday 19th June Autism West Midlands in partnership with Fortis Living and Worcestershire County Council celebrated the opening of a new supported living scheme for autistic adults and adults with complex needs. The scheme was developed by Fortis Living – part of Platform Housing Group, with additional funding of more than £400,000 from Worcestershire County Council and Homes England. The Burrows is the first scheme of its kind in Worcestershire and consists of eight individual flats for adults with complex autism, giving them the opportunity to live in their own home with 24 hour support. All of the residents will have their own tenancies and support is to be provided by specialist provider Autism West Midlands. This exciting project for autistic adults was commissioned by Worcestershire County Council, speaking at the ceremony Adrian – Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said: “This scheme is truly exciting for us because it really demonstrates our commitment to developing innovative ways to provide support that is person and empowers people to achieve their full potential.” Supported living offers an alternative to residential care, enabling people to rent their home and have more control over the support they receive. A lot of thought and consideration has also been given to the design of the build to make sure it meets the needs of autistic people. Further adaptations have been made to each flat to meet the needs of each individual who will be living at the scheme. Richard Grounds, Group Commercial Director at Fortis Living who have built and own the new housing said: “The Burrows is a fantastic example of organisationsworking together in partnership to produce housing and support of the highest quality. Fortis Living is proud to have played its part in the development of this landmark scheme.” Autism West Midlands, who are the support provider for the scheme, are offering new and innovative ways of working to provide support that is person centred and focuses on empowering individuals. As well as being an innovative design, the scheme will offer new and creative ways of receiving support through the use of assistive technology. This technology aims to enable people to receive support in the least restrictive way. Technology may include monitoring and alerting systems to support the management of health conditions such as epilepsy, adaptations to the environment to help reduce anxiety as well as offer opportunity for people to develop their independence skills. Also speaking at the event Phil Middlewood, Chief Executive of Autism West Midlands said: “We are delighted to be supporting people to move back to Worcestershire to live in their own homes, with their own front door and keys. We firmly believe that everyone has the right to lead fulfilling, engaging and active lives and we are proud to be part of this new project. Autism West Midlands has been supporting autistic adults for over 30 years and our staff and managers are passionate about making a difference for everyone we support.” Health and social care professionals alongside families of those who will be supported through the scheme had the opportunity to tour the building and speak to the specialist support team from Autism West Midlands, whilst enjoying some light refreshments.
SurreyIDEA Will Help Social Mobility as the First of its Kind in Europe
A ground-breaking initiative from the University of Surrey is launching an inspiring innovation and digital enterprise academy, SurreyIDEA, to welcome individuals denied the opportunity of attending university due to social mobility or those looking to deviate away from the traditional academic route. The pioneering academy is the first of its kind in Europe, providing a novel and progressive learning experience that enables students to gain valuable skills in an interactive format free from prohibitive entry requirements based on academic achievement – recruitment will be based on potential. With under and post graduate programmes, the academy will offer development as an entrepreneur and funded scholarships to students who will join as part-owner of the business and intellectual property that they create on the programme. With the fundamental objective of making higher education available to all, the faces behind SurreyIDEA are passionate about the fact that they are not an elitist platform closed off to large segments of society and thus further increasing the gap between rich and poor. Whereas the current education system prioritises academic achievement above all else, SurreyIDEA want to acknowledge the cornucopia of varied attributes possessed by so many other individuals which are essential in the workplace and welcome those without the ‘gold standard’ qualifications or CV. Instead of charging students tuition fees like a conventional university, SurreyIDEA will invest in students’ enterprises and take a percentage of the profits. With no other business school in Europe having built an entrepreneurship programme on such a model, the expert panel of teachers will showcase their own experiences which have led to their involvement with the academy. As well as helping to shape the future of business education, the students can be part of history, too. Founder and Head of the School, Andy Adcroft, says “We want to create a new generation of digital entrepreneurs that we call the Disrupters, the people that will transform the way we learn and get noticed in a less conventional way. University should be a life changing experience, if you leave the same person you were when you arrived, we have done it wrong. I know what it is to be met by a preconceived opinion based on my postal code, it’s an unfair judgement and doesn’t reflect the individual’s capabilities and strengths. This must change. Equality of opportunity should be a running theme in all areas of education and business to prevent the distance between the wealthy and poor from increasing further, and SurreyIDEA aims to help encourage this.” Gavin Whichello, Visiting Professor and Founder of leading training provider Qube Learning, says “I came from a background that didn’t present life changing opportunities. Growing up in south east London, I went to a grammar school but didn’t fit in. I went on to spend time working on building sites but it was ambition that drove me finally to gain a degree and pursue a career in the computer science industry. Having trained as a teacher and worked in schools in London for four years, I became frustrated that ‘brilliant’ pupils from poorer backgrounds were still leaving with no future. I’m passionate about supporting young people and giving them the chance to change the world. Our students, the Disrupters, will be active participants, not spectators passively sitting in a lecture theatre taking notes. SurreyIDEA is not here simply to impart knowledge; we aim to change lives. Great entrepreneurs are willing to take risks and learn from their mistakes. If you aren’t getting it wrong, you won’t know how to improve.” SurreyIDEA was inspired and developed from Surrey Business School’s highly successful Young Person’s University programme, which has run at the school every July since 2015. The 30-40 Year 12 and 13 students who attend each year are motivated and often incredibly entrepreneurial. Many don’t come from traditional university-going backgrounds so are dropping out of the system after A-levels. However, after a week with Surrey Business School, most go on to apply to university and usually get in. If you’re ready to get your entrepreneurial career under way and think we can help, SurreyIDEA would love to hear from you. Or, if you’re not sure whether the academy is right for you and you’d like to know more, here’s how to get in touch with us: Phone: 01483 686323 Email: surreyIDEA@surrey.ac.uk Twitter: @SurreyIDEA
New Film Launched To Celebrate Disability Football
The Football Association [The FA] has today released an inspiring new film to celebrate disability football ahead of the 2019 FA Disability Cup, which will take place at St. George’s Park on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June. The film shines a spotlight on five grassroots disability footballers telling the story of their own individual journey into the game, from those seeking a competitive environment in which to play the game to others simply finding fun, sociable ways of keeping active. Their stories are being shared to encourage anybody with a disability to give football a try, whether they are an elite sportsperson looking to compete in the structured game or a complete newcomer exploring new ways to be active. It is part of The FA’s continued drive to improve equality, diversity and inclusion across English football at all levels through its In Pursuit of Progress plan. The film can be watched here and downloaded in various formats here. The featured players – who also appear in associated imagery here – include: Bradley Newton, Partially Sighted Footballer Cameron Osburn, Cerebral Palsy Footballer Che Gray, Amputee Footballer Darren Harris, Blind Footballer Rosie Hodgson, Powerchair Footballer Each of the five players will be competing at The FA Disability Cup, now in its fourth year. The competition will be held at St. George’s Park this weekend, with five finals scheduled to take place in partnership with a range of impairment-specific organisations: Amputee Cup Final in partnership with England Amputee Football Association Blind Cup Final in partnership with the National Blind Football League Cerebral Palsy Cup Final in partnership with CP Sport Partially Sighted Cup Final in partnership with the National Partially Sighted Football League Powerchair Cup Final in partnership with the Wheelchair Football Association Bradley Newton, who became involved in Partially Sighted football after his eye sight was affected as a result of a stroke at the age of 16, explained his excitement, saying: “Playing at St. George’s Park is a special experience and to be able to share that with a brilliant group of team mates is fantastic. Since joining North West Scorpions I’ve not only been able to improve my own game, but I’ve made lifelong friends along the way. We’re now hoping we can take that spirit into the weekend to bring the trophy home.” Paul Elliott, Chair of The FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board, said: “This film is a great way of celebrating disability football by demonstrating the impact the game is having on the lives of those people who already play. By telling these stories, we hope to raise awareness of the opportunities that exist for all within grassroots disability football.” This year’s event will also showcase the exhibition of a new format of 2v2 blind football which The FA is developing as a beginner friendly-format of the standard 5v5 format currently adopted within blind football. To find out how to get involved in disability football, visit: www.thefa.com/disability. Click here for more information on The 2019 FA Disability Cup. Tickets for The FA Disability Cup are available from https://fa.ticketline.co.uk/ priced £2 for adults and £1 for juniors and concessions.
Adults with learning disabilities to compete at Bradford dragon boat festival
A team of adults with learning disabilities and their support workers are taking to the water this month for Bradford’s annual dragon boat festival. The Aim Higher group, supported by national learning disability charity Hft, is one of the first mixed ability teams to participate in the Multi Charity Championship on 23 June, which forms part of Bradford’s annual three-day dragon boat festival. The 20-strong team is made up of seven people supported by the charity and 13 members of staff. Together they hope to raise funds for new musical equipment for one of Hft’s day opportunities centres, The Learning Zone. The keen rowers meet weekly at the service, which hosts the Aim Higher scheme, enabling people with learning disabilities to learn new skills, try a range of sports and challenge themselves. After enjoying activities spanning from cycling and rock climbing to wheelchair basketball, the group was inspired to enter the race by team captain Anthony Woods. The support worker participated in the festival in 2018 and shared his experiences with the Aim Higher group, who immediately decided they wanted a dragon boat of their own. Hoping to raise £1000, the team have been busy training and fundraising since August last year. As well as doing regular supermarket collections and fundraising online, they are being sponsored by Snap Fitness Bradford, who have also been fundraising, and have provided free use of their gym and a weekly personal trainer to provide a boost ahead of the big day. The race coincides with this year’s Learning Disability Week, which takes place from 17 to 23 June, and is themed around sport and inclusion. Anthony Woods, Hft support worker and team captain, said: “We’re really looking forward to taking part in the dragon boat race. Opportunities like these give people we support the chance to try something new and improve their fitness, all while raising funds that allow us to support people with learning disabilities to live the best life possible.” Speaking on behalf of Aim Higher, Khawer and Lewis said: “We are very excited to join all the other teams at the festival and to raise money for Hft. We take part in many different sports but rowing is something we don’t get much opportunity to do, so this is a good chance for us to try something new.” Gary Foster, manager at Snap Fitness Bradford, said: “‘Snap Fitness Bradford is proud to be supporting the Hft mixed ability team in their first ever dragon boat race. At Snap Fitness we are always looking to support our local community and were provided with a great opportunity with Hft to provide a training facility as well as tips and guidance for such a great cause.” Hft currently supports more than 2,900 people with learning disabilities to live the best life possible. Services range from supporting people with learning disabilities to live independently in their own homes to providing employment services to help people develop skills and experience for work and helping people to pursue hobbies, make new friends and get involved in their local communities. To sponsor the Aim Higher group, visit their fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hftmixedabilityteam
Charity donations harvested at Farm Fun Day
A residential care service in Leeds gathered a rich harvest of donations for charity when staff and residents held a farm-themed Fun Day in support of Kidney Care UK. Farm Fun Day hosted by Heathcotes Morley The Fun Day was hosted at Heathcotes Morley, a specialist service that supports adults with learning disabilities, Asperger’s Syndrome, Down Syndrome, sensory impairments, mental health needs and challenging behaviour. It combined agricultural fancy dress, live music from a country singer and various rural features, including straw bales, a milkshake barn and scarecrows made by the staff and service users. Prizes were awarded for the best scarecrows by special guest judges, Councillor Roger Bell and Christine Bell, the Mayor and Mayoress of Morley for 2018/19. Lynsey Clark, Service Manager at Heathcotes Leeds, said: “It was a fantastic day and the farm theme came together really well. We also set up a food stall, cake stall, tombola, raffles and bouncy castle for everyone to enjoy. We were delighted to welcome visitors from Heathcotes’ other three residential services in Leeds and we were very grateful for the support of the Mayor and Mayoress of Morley. Seven Heathcotes staff took part in a sponsored hair dye in unicorn colours to help the fundraising and we’ve raised over £300 for Kidney Care UK, the charity nominated by our service users.” Gemma Hollingsworth, Head of Heathcotes Services Northern, said: “Well done to everyone involved in making the day such a great success. These kinds of events are encouraged at Heathcotes services nationwide as they are very much in keeping with the core aims of our approach to care – they engage the people we support, involve them in activities and promote greatersocial inclusion and community integration. They also enable our service users to develop their skills and confidence, assisting the transition from a care environment to a more independent life which is the ultimate goal for many of our residents.” Kidney Care UK is the UK’s leading kidney patient support charity. It provides practical, financial and emotional support for kidney patients and their families and campaigns to improve care services across the UK. With a head office in Chesterfield, care provider Heathcotes Group has over 62 services nationwide including numerous services in the Yorkshire region. The company been a trusted partner to over 50 local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups since 2004. For other inspiration charity stories why not take a look at our features section.