“I live alone but fundraising has given me a purpose to get up and out everyday”
96-year-old Terry Holt has walked up to half a mile every day since 23rd March fundraising, to raise at least £1,000 for Save the Children’s Coronavirus appeal. Terry, who has been a volunteer for Save the Children’s Cheadle and Gatley Volunteering Branch for more than 61 years, wanted to do something to keep herself motivated. She said: “I live on my own and my family are not nearby, so in the beginning I was struggling and feeling lonely. Fundraising has given me a reason to get up and out every day.” “Coronavirus is keeping us all stuck indoors but, being 96 and walking with a walker, I wanted to keep mobile. I accepted middle age when I got to 90 so I’m still only middle aged now and if I stop moving, I feel like I might get old. Each day I do a daily walk and I’m using this as an opportunity to continue fundraising.” Terry has been living alone in lockdown for 69 days. As she crossed the two-month mark, she added: “Some days I did feel like giving up. It really is difficult not seeing anyone and it has really got me down. But I have been volunteering and fundraising since the age of 20 and helping others helps me to stay positive and keep going. “I had an early experience of how conflict can damage children’s lives, during the Second World War. I was in the Auxiliary Territorial Service and was posted to the Middle East. There I became a Pay Clerk for a company of locally enlisted Jewish girls who were mainly from Palestine. Through them I heard first-hand about their experience of escaping from fascist regimes. This was my first experience of hearing about the fate of children growing up in war torn areas and it is a passion I have carried through the rest of my life.” Deborah Forster, Volunteer Manager at Save the Children said: “Terry’s tenacity is inspiring and shows exactly why we want to say such a huge thank you to her and all of our volunteers and fundraisers. More than 13,000 volunteers support Save the Children in a huge range of roles, and many of them have turned to fundraising for our Coronavirus appeal, which enables us to reach even more children. Volunteers Week is a great opportunity for us to recognise and thank our great volunteers for everything they do, especially at the moment. “Even before the Coronavirus outbreak, four million children lived in poverty in the UK and we can’t let this number rise. The money Terry has raised will go to our emergency Coronavirus appeal, helping children survive and thrive both here in the UK and around the world. It’s acts of generosity, like Terry’s, that make this all possible”. Save the Children UK is using Volunteer Week to say thank you to all volunteers and fundraisers who make their work possible. It’s launched a raft of initiatives to help vulnerable British families who are feeling the economic effects of the Covid-19 crisis most acutely. These include an Emergency Grant Fund which gives families access to food vouchers, gifts in kind and goods such as beds, tables and chairs, thus enabling them to build suitable home learning environments. The children’s charity is also distributing early learning packs and advice to parents and carers, so children can continue learn and thrive from within the confines of the home. Terry’s JustGiving page is open until October: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paula-holt3 For further information on volunteering or to donate to Save the Children’s Coronavirus Appeal please visit: www.savethechildren.org.uk
Moto rolls out fuel service app for drivers with disabilities
Moto has become the first motorway service area operator in Britain to roll out a mobile phone app specifically aimed at helping drivers with disabilities across all 48 of its sites. One of the biggest frustrations for drivers with disabilities is arriving at a fuel forecourt and finding that no one is able to help them fill up. But the FuelService app allows drivers to book assistance at Moto service area forecourts in advance of their arrival. Using the app, they can identify which service area they want to use and automatically send a message asking if help is available. When they arrive on site the app alerts forecourt staff and tells them which pump the vehicle is at, removing the need for drivers to sound their horn or wave their blue badge to try to attract attention. Moto’s CEO Ken McMeikan said: “We are constantly looking at ways we can improve our customers’ journeys and wanted to find a solution to remove the frustrations drivers with disabilities can experience when trying to get fuel. We are delighted to introduce the FuelService app. We believe it will transform the experience for drivers who are unable to serve themselves.” The app is the creation of IT specialist Niall El-Assaad, who was left disabled after a cycling accident and recognised the problems facing disabled drivers the first time he tried to fill up his car. He said: “I’m delighted that Moto has become the UK’s first motorway service area operator to offer this service to its customers at all of its sites. Refuelling has always been a frustrating issue for disabled drivers. You have your independence in being able to drive, but the limited options to pump your own petrol can leave you with very few places to go. Moto’s roll-out means that the whole of the motorway network is now open to us.” FuelService is a not-for-profit organisation which donates all profits to spinal injury research to help find a cure for paralysis. The app can be downloaded at: www.fuelservice.org/en/ Drivers who do not have smartphones can use the service via an interactive voice service, SMS or on-line at: http://fuelservice.org/findstation
Eden Futures appoints new midlands regional operations director
Eden Futures, a high-quality provider of supported living services for adults with learning disabilities, challenging behaviour, mental ill health and autism, has appointed Lindsey Myers as its new regional operations director for the Midlands. With more than 20 years of experience in the social and health care sectors, Lindsey has held senior roles within a range of national organisations across the UK. In her role at Eden Futures, Lindsey will be working to ensure the delivery of local services with a national standard, collaborating with the company’s operations team across its services in the Midlands across Shropshire, Coventry and Warwickshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The region has seen rising demand for learning disability supported living placements, with this trend expected to continue. Commenting on her appointment, Lindsey said: “I’m very happy to have joined Eden Futures’ team at a time when the care sector is getting the attention it deserves. I was drawn to the company’s collaborative approach with the senior leadership team involved in all levels of the decision-making. I’m passionate about people’s right to live as citizens in the community and it is clear that Eden Futures whole-heartedly supports this people-first approach.” CEO of Eden Futures, Dawn Berry, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Lindsey to our team and I’m confident she’ll be a great asset to the company. “Lindsey has a wide range of experiences in the sector which will support Eden Futures as we continue to expand in the Midlands and will help us to continue to offer the highest level of supported living services.” The Eden Futures team, which is 1200-strong, provides care and support to more than 650 people with Learning Disabilities, Autism and mental ill health, ensuring they’re able to live independently in the community while occupying shared houses, sole apartments and specialist bungalows.
£22 million awarded to life-saving health charities during virus outbreak
Mental health, ambulance, social care, learning disabilities, autism and dementia charities are among those set to receive millions of pounds in Government funding, Health Minister Nadine Dorries has announced. Over £22 million in cash grants will be awarded to charities providing vital services to ensure they can meet increased demand as a result of COVID-19, while continuing their day-to-day activities to help those in need. Coming as the nation marks Mental Health Awareness Week, a total of £4.2 million will be awarded to mental health charities, such as Samaritans, Young Minds and Bipolar UK, to continue to support people experiencing mental health challenges throughout the outbreak. This builds on the £5 million already made available to Mind and the Mental Health Consortia. Nadine Dorries, Minister of State for Patient Safety, Suicide Prevention and Mental Health, said: “Mental health, learning disabilities and autism charities are providing vital support and advice during this public health crisis, working tirelessly alongside NHS and social care services to help people affected in many different ways. “This epidemic has had huge consequences for us all, but for some it has been especially difficult, leading to loneliness, anxiety and other mental health challenges. “The funding we are providing today – alongside £5 million already awarded to mental health charities – will help to give these organisations a much-needed boost during this outbreak so that they can keep doing what they do best.” St John’s Ambulance and Air Ambulances UK will each receive over £6 million to continue to provide life-saving services throughout the outbreak. The funding will also provide cash grants to charities supporting people with cancer and dementia, carers and to support the adult social care and community healthcare systems. Ed Argar, Minister of State for Health said “Every day, charities perform amazing work for our communities – whether that’s providing air ambulances during accidents and emergencies, or much-needed support and advice to people suffering from illness or just needing help and a friendly ear. During this COVID-19 pandemic, these services are more important than ever to many people. “Therefore, I am pleased that today’s funding awards to health and social care charities will help these fantastic organisations to continue with their vital work.” Other recipients of the funding include charities supporting unpaid carers, people with learning disability and autism, pregnant women, those affected by stillbirth or neonatal death and older people. The money is part of a UK-wide £750 million package of support for the voluntary sector announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in April. £360 million of this will be directly allocated by Government departments to charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the crisis. The Department of Health and Social Care has worked to ensure that funding reaches where it is needed most as soon as possible, with the aim for charities to receive money later this month. The funding will include: o Those working with people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs (National Autistic Society, British Institute for Learning Disabilities, MENCAP, Learning Disability England, Contact, Respond, The Challenging Behaviour Foundation); o Those working to support people with cancer (Anthony Nolan Trust, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, Blood Cancer UK); o Stroke and dementia charities, and those that support the adult social care system (Carers UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Race Equality Foundation, Royal Osteoporosis Society, Stroke Association); o This funding will also go to charities supporting pregnant women, babies in neonatal intensive care and those affected by stillbirth and neonatal deaths (Tommy’s, Bliss and Sands) and support for specialist addiction and recovery charities.
CHAS and Checkatrade announce new partnership
CHAS, the Health & Safety accreditation specialist, has signed an agreement with Checkatrade that will see the two organisations work together in a new partnership to help their trade members boost their accredited status and availability for work. Checkatrade is one of the UK’s leading directories of recommended, vetted and monitored trade experts, while CHAS helps construction clients to find certified contractors. The joint venture will enable Checkatrade members to secure discounted accreditation status through CHAS, helping them to compete for work that requires Health & Safety certification. In turn, CHAS members who pass Checkatrade’s robust 12-stage vetting process, will be offered an introductory discount on Checkatrade membership. Commenting on the announcement, Ian McKinnon, Managing Director, CHAS, says: “It has been a challenging period for the construction sector but this new partnership underlines our commitment to providing new opportunities for our members and helping them to recover and strengthen their businesses during this difficult time.” Mike Fairman, CEO of Checkatrade, said “our business is committed to making it easier for trades to find work and grow their business. One aspect of that is easy and affordable access to work tenders where Health & Safety accreditation is a pre-condition. All members that gain accredited status will be able to carry the CHAS logo on their Checkatrade profile pages. They will also benefit from the support of Checkatrade’s reviews and vetting team, creating a portfolio of verified customer feedback that demonstrates the quality of their work.
Charity supports children, young people and their families by offering online performing arts and tutoring classes.
West London Performing Arts Academy is a UK charity, that stands for inclusion and breaking down barriers. Founded in 2012 by three Mothers (Michelle Welch, June Billham and Shanti Babrah), that pride themselves in “going the extra mile to give their students a voice and enabling them to feel an integral part of the community.” Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, West London Performing Arts Academy offered community performing arts classes every Saturday during term time and education sessions during the week for children and young people that are homeschooled, in Ealing, West London. Michelle Welch (Co-founder) said: “We cater for children with special educational needs, from autism to verbal delay, downs syndrome, to children who have struggled in mainstream school on the academic side.” Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, West London Performing Arts Academy has transferred their tutoring sessions and performing arts classes from onsite to online.The charity supports children, and their families with structured, yet flexible online learning. June Billam (Co-founder) said: “Some of the children who are not comfortable in the classroom setting are coming up to the camera. We’re wondering. They’ve found another strength through this. It’s unique. We can now ask, does this child work better this way and it gives us something to think about in the future.” In addition to their online sessions, West London Performing Arts Academy is hosting an inclusive online talent competition which is free to enter and the winner of each category will receive a £100 Amazon gift voucher. Their online competition closes at 9am on Saturday 30th June 2020. Shanti Babrah (Co-founder) said: ” Our aim is to spread positivity and uplift as many people as possible during these uncertain times. We hope to inspire people to continue to do what they love or explore new skills.”
Urban village fete is back, but this year the event’s coming to you!
Mark it in your diaries; this year’s Urban Virtual Fete, is being brought direct to you, wherever you are! Greenwich Peninsula will be inviting you, your family and friends, into the fold of its creative community as they cel- ebrate Urban village Fete, the start of an exciting summer series of virtual events for local residents, virtual visitors, families and the wider community’. Curated by Hemingway Design, Urban Virtual Fete (see what we’ve done there?) sees the event bring together a mighty fine line-up of music, art, dance, craft, talks and workshops – plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Powerhouse Gospel Choir will present Sunday Service, an up- lifting start to the programme via a pre-recorded, carefully curated setlist aiming to bring together communities. It’ll be a super special opening to the online event and make us feel as though we’re right there alongside each other! Headline acts will see Gilles Peterson performing two sets, including for the first time a back to back set with the world’s undisputed ‘Don of gospel’, Greg Belson, live from LA for a unique and eclectic blend of gospel, house and disco not to be missed. “This will be the first time I have played at a virtual fete, so am very interested to see how it goes. I love a new chal- lenge.” Gilles Peterson Land of 1000 Dances will be with us again this year for an unmissable show, teaching four different dances throughout the session. Forget your inhibitions and dust off your party-wear as we’ll be live streaming and giving you the oppor- tunity to showcase your dance moves, the best costumes and general exhibitionism in all your finery. So log-on, get involved and get moving! Join in with our exercise experts, House of VOGA, with their yoga and vogueing dance fusion, set to nostalgic 80’s clas- sics – grab whatever neon lycra you have lying around and show us what you’ve got. Robert Elms, BBC Radio London DJ and broadcaster will be with us in conversation with Wayne Hemingway MBE dis- cussing “What now for creative independents?” and “What do we want post COVID-19 London be like?” The interactive session welcomes questions and comments from viewers, so join us for what is sure to be an interesting and varied discussion as always. Get crafty with back to back (no fuss) workshops – use what you have at home with household items and back of the kitchen cupboard ingredients, transforming them into something spectacular. Urban Village Fete was born from the desire to support and champion a broad array of over 100 incredible independent traders so although this year we’ll be virtual; we’re still committed to championing all of our wonderful and unique companies. Urban Virtual Fete will be providing a platform to shine a light on all of our independents throughout the day via our platform so do check out the names showcased, browse their brilliant products and treat yourself whilst sup- porting the independent businesses that so need our help right now. Our previous events have generated in excess of £260,000 for local businesses and the community so let’s keep up the good work! “We’re delighted to be bringing the Urban Virtual Fete to life for our community at Greenwich Peninsula, and beyond, as we mark the start of our virtual summer series. We’re immensely proud of the resourcefulness of those who have worked with us to reimagine a much-loved event, at a time where digital connectivity is just so important. The creative spirit of Greenwich Peninsula today runs stronger than ever and we invite everyone to join in the fun, wherever they may be.” Kerri Sibson, Greenwich Peninsula. “This would have been the 7th edition of The Urban Village Fete set amongst the ever-evolving places and spaces of the Greenwich Peninsula. We know it’s one of the favourite Sun- days of the year for tens of thousands of Londoners (not to say the Greenwich Peninsula and HemingwayDesign teams) and we have a lot to live up to with the Urban Virtual Fete. We’re going to give it a go but as always we need everyone to play their part . Whilst it’s been great over these past years enjoying those sunny May Sundays outdoors on the Peninsula, I’m quite looking forward to seeing the Urban Village Fete community’s front rooms as they try out the twerk, floss, shimmy or watusi during the Land of A Thou- sand Dances hour, and seeing a few thousand people doing Voga should be interesting. I must say that I am especially looking forward to the Greg Belson / Gilles Peterson link between LA and London – I’m so excited that we’ve man- aged to make this collaboration of two huge talents happen across the Atlantic.” Wayne Hemingway, Hemingway Design. FULL LINE-UP SCHEDULE: 12PM – 12.30PM – PERFORMANCE (POWERHOUSE GOSPEL CHOIR) 12.30 – 1.30PM – SUNDAY LUNCH DJ SET (GILLES PETERSON + GREG BELSON) 1.30PM – 2.30PM INTERACTIVE FAMILY FRIENDLY ELEMENT (HOUSE OF VOGA) 2.30PM – 3.30PM FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKSHOPS (2 x CREATIVE WORKSHOPS) 3.30PM – 4.30PM PANEL/TALK DISCUSSION (ROBERT ELMS & WAYNE HEMINGWAY) 4.30PM – 5.30PM INTERACTIVE MUSIC & DANCING (LAND OF A THOUSAND DANCES) 5.30 – 7PM MAIN SET (GILLES PETERSON) Surely no more persuasion needed to come and join in the fun – we’ll see you on screen soon…..! #URBANVIRTUALFETE | WEBSITE: WWW.URBANVIRTUALFETE.CO.UK | INSTAGRAM: @thepeninsulist | TWITTER: @thepeninsulist | FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/events/
Midlands automotive firm driving mobility forward with HSBC support
Sirus Automotive, the UK’s leading provider of Upfront Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), is supporting its customers (some of the most vulnerable in society) by driving mobility forward – during lockdown whilst securing a six-figure loan from HSBC UK through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). Sirus converts and adapts vehicles for disabled people using pioneering technology and design, currently supporting over 1,500 customers across the UK. Its innovative WAV’s enable people with limited mobility to drive from a wheelchair or travel upfront as a passenger. The business has supported over 13,000 drivers and passengers to overcome every-day mobility issues through their car adaptation service. The funding from HSBC UK will assist Sirus to recommence full operations as it exits lockdown. Sirus has continued with key operations including the development of new products and continued to support its vulnerable customers by maintaining a compliment of key staff, comprising field service engineers who are on call to provide help for those in need. One of these customers was Doctor Catherine Wight, a pathologist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire. Dr Wight received support from one of Sirus’ field service engineers during lockdown who was able to repair her vehicle at her home, instead of taking it back to Sirus’s workshop, which ensured she was able to travel to work that day. All Sirus Automotive field service engineers comply with the government’s two-metre social distancing rules during customer calls, as well as offering an essential shopping service if required. Simon Pearson, Managing Director at Sirus Automotive, said: “During these unprecedented and uncertain times, we know that our customers rely on us now more than ever. That’s why it was crucial for the business to remain partly operational, despite the situation, to help keep our customers on the road with access to work, if essential, and local grocery stores to buy their food. Thanks to our Relationship Manager at HSBC UK, Alex Richards, we have the support required to confidently resume business as usual as and when appropriate, and continue to provide an exceptional level of service to ensure our customers can stay on the road”. Doctor Catherine Wight, a Pathologist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire and customer of Sirus Automotive, said: “Without my Sirus vehicle conversion which I drive, I wouldn’t be able to go to work. I work 48-hours a week, so if I didn’t have my vehicle, I would have to catch two buses which would be very time-consuming! I really couldn’t be without it for any period of time at the moment. Since I have been a Sirus customer, I feel like I’ve got more mobility than ever.” Ian Coulson, HSBC UK Area Director West Midlands Business Banking, added: “HSBC UK is committed to supporting its customers during this period of uncertainty. We were delighted to support the Sirus team who are now able to operate with a skeleton staff and continue to go above and beyond for their customers.” HSBC UK is working closely with the Government and UK Finance to identify emerging issues and make sure customers and businesses have the advice and support they need. For tips and advice for businesses around planning for any possible disruption, visit www.business.hsbc.com/novel-coronavirus. The new measures build upon the package of support that HSBC UK has already announced for business customers: – £3bn to importers and exporters that need additional support– pre-approved 60-day extensions on trade loans for customers with a sound trade loan/financing record– a one-hour turnaround on the issuance of Shipping Guarantees, enabling customers to transfer or receive goods from their counterparty faster– a dedicated helpline that connects directly with trade finance specialists (0800 783 1300, open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday), in addition to the support being offered by relationship managers
Avon Riding Centre RDA launches emergency appeal to care for horses
Avon Riding Centre for the Disabled, an independent charity and one of the largest of the Riding for the Disabled Association’s (RDA)’s centres in the UK, is launching an emergency funding appeal. The appeal will support the Avon Riding Centre through this immediate crisis with vital money being used to care for 23 horses and ponies. The centre operates from a 100-acre estate in Henbury, Bristol (BS10) and the emergency fund appeal will help to support it following the enforced shutdown. It currently faces serious financial hardship and without a vital injection of funds is at risk of permanent closure. The Centre relies almost entirely on its income from riding, non-mounted therapeutic sessions with horses and Hippotherapy. Activity at the Centre may have stopped, but care for its horses and ponies, including feed, hay and vets bills, has necessarily continued. The emergency fundraising appeal is needed to support the costs of caring for the horses and to enable the Centre to be able to re-open (in a phased manner) when appropriate. The Centre’s closure has negatively affected not only its beneficiaries (around 200 disabled adults and children), many of whom rely on their weekly RDA sessions for physical therapy, health and wellbeing, but also their families and carers who greatly value the difference that access to the Centre’s specially-trained horses makes to the children and adults in their care. In addition to the Centre’s beneficiaries more than 200 regular volunteers were involved each week at the Centre providing support to the riders. Many of the volunteers are over retirement age and relied on their regular sessions to keep them fit and to maintain mental health via vital social connections. Prior to the coronavirus closedown, the Centre had embarked on an ambitious development plan to diversify and provide further services at its estate in connection with new partner charities for both the local and the wider communities of Bristol and North Somerset. These plans will be put into effect as soon as Government advice allows, but only if the Centre can achieve its funding appeal target of £150,000. Charity patron Jonathan Dimbleby said: “Long after COVID-19 becomes a terrible memory, people with disabilities will still need support. Without your help now this wonderful charity which meets that need brilliantly may be forced to close permanently and not just during the lockdown. You can help make the difference between its life and its death. Please do so.” Donations can be made via the Centre’s Just Giving page details of which can be found on its website www.avonridingcentre.org.uk.