Autism Apprentice Packs Boxes of Success!
Autism Apprentice Packs Boxes of Success Working as John Lewis & Partners Warehouse Assistant Working at John Lewis & Partners Blakelands warehouse, John Fortescue, from Ampthill, enrolled on a Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Apprenticeship run by the John Lewis Partnership in February 2018 and can now reflect with pride on how far he has come since joining the high-end department chain. He never imagined with autism that he would be able to feel success the way his colleagues, friends and family did but with the help of his employer and Qube Learning, a leading national training provider, his hard work and commitment has paid off as John recently celebrated not only passing his End Point Assessment but achieved a Distinction in all parts of it. John’s career saw him previously employed in a pharmaceutical factory making and packing test kits for the medical sector worldwide, which he said ‘had similar protocols’ as his current role. However, it was not in an area he felt enthused by and knew that a looming expiry date meant a change was needed. Joining John Lewis & Partners in 2013, the opportunity arose to gain a qualification towards the end of 2017 when the John Lewis Partnership advertised the Warehouse Apprenticeship course as a development tool. This allowed John to improve his warehouse expertise to assist the company in a challenging time in retail on the high street and online. John’s time in the Partnership has allowed him to discover where his strengths are and realise, he is more than able to meet and excel expectations and that autism is not a barrier to his success. He finds the work life balance manageable and has seen the efficiency skills he has gained impact on his personal life too. Now a Warehouse Assistant Apprentice, he couldn’t be prouder of what he has achieved and his expanding knowledge in the industry. John Says “Autism has presented many challenges for me. It has knocked my confidence, I’ve felt inadequate and compared myself to others but with support I have seen my world change. I have never felt such consistent belief in me professionally as I do at John Lewis & Partners, along with Qube Learning’s motivation and guidance it has given me bravery like I have never experienced before, and I can say I have passed with flying colours – a Distinction! I know I can get through the end point assessment both with the paper and practical exam and have developed enhanced warehouse knowledge in everything I do, and I count these as great achievements. Going forward, I want to grow within my role and look forward to my journey here and in a personal setting. For anyone looking to start an Apprenticeship programme, go with confidence, make sure tutors, local management and examination authorities are aware of any sort of impairment both physically or mentally, these will help shape your experience and finally, embrace it!” Qube Learning Skills Tutor, John Smith, says “Working with John has been inspirational, he has shown such force and determination to not be defeated. His courage is applaudable and he is a great example of not giving up and continuing to meet his goals. We have seen growth and progression on his apprenticeship programme and are excited to see what is next for him. At Qube, we work with many individuals from many backgrounds and we commit to pushing them to meet their goals. We thrive off our student’s success as this is what keeps our business going, we help our students prosper and get the best out of working and learning whilst gaining invaluable expertise that will set them up for life.” Qube Learning is proud to be an OFSTED grade 2 (Good) training provider and works with hundreds of employers across the country to deliver a range of training and qualifications to a multitude of learners. If you are interested in finding out more about the positive opportunities an Apprenticeship or Traineeship can bring, either as a learner or an employer, then speak with the experts at Qube Learning. Find out how an Apprenticeship or Traineeship could kick-start your career or contribute to your organisation by contacting the training experts at Qube Learning. The John Lewis Partnership has had over 900 Partners to date enrolled on its apprenticeship programme. Partners can do apprenticeships ranging from LGV driving, hospitality, butchery, fishmongery, chef specialisms, customer Service, vehicle maintenance and repair and human rescources. For further information on jobs with the John Lewis Partnership visit www.jlpjobs.com Email: tellmemore@qube-learning.co.ukTelephone: 01235 833838 Website: www.qube-learning.co.uk
Naidex 46: Aspiring for a Better Future of Independent Living
Naidex 2020 and all co-located events postponed due to coronavirus. The show will confirm the new dates by Monday 16th March. For more details, please visit the Naidex website: www.naidex.co.uk. Naidex is Europe’s most established event dedicated to the disability and independent living industries, taking place this 17th & 18th of March. Showcasing the latest innovations in mobility, care, rehab, assistive technology, accessible design and more, the show brings together visitors into the halls of Birmingham’s NEC for two days of opportunities, innovation, discovery and education. As technology continues to evolve and society advances towards inclusion and accessibility, Naidex sets itself as the point of reference for the future trends set to take over the independent living and healthcare sectors. Boasting hundreds of world-class suppliers, educational seminars, expert-led panel debates and countless educational features, Naidex is a must-attend for anyone who is a professional from the health and care sector. So, whatever the purpose of the visit, whether you’re looking to adapt your home to make it more accessible, land your dream job, or learn about what’s been going on in the sector, you’ll find what you’re looking for. With all this lined up, Naidex offers all the innovations that are improving accessibility and inclusion, as well as empowering people with a disability. And if this wasn’t enough, tickets are completely free at naidex.co.uk. What’s in store for 2020? In 2020 Naidex will be back for its 46th anniversary – Europe’s most established event dedicated to the disability and independent living industries will be flooding Birmingham’s NEC once more on the 17th & 18th March 2020. Always looking to bring you the latest solutions that allow disabled people to live more independently, 2020’s show will put its focus on the key topics taking the industry by storm – from inclusion and accessibility to mobility and employability, Naidex 46 has you covered. You will be able to shop from 400 world-class suppliers and try before they buy, but Naidex has always been much more than a marketplace where visitors can find the latest innovations – it is a place where people come together and learn about the industry’s future. As the epicentre of the disability and healthcare world, Naidex 46 will also boast an unparalleled speaker line-up, providing you with 300 inspirational seminars from renowned names such as Microsoft, Sainsbury’s, BBC, O2, Monzo and more. Throughout both days, seminar theatres will be brimming with information and advice, leaving audiences uplifted and empowered. What’s more, the most loved features will be making a comeback – you will be able to test the very latest mobility products on the Mobility Test Track, get involved in the Live Sports Arena, or discover the latest in digital and physical accessibility, courtesy of the Accessibility Summit. If this wasn’t enough, the 46th edition of the show will also see the launch of new features, such as the Naidex Junior Trail, which will be providing children and their parents with paediatric solutions created specifically with children at heart. With all this lined up, Naidex will once again become the hub of the disability sector. And the best part? Tickets will be remaining completely free at naidex.co.uk.
Holiday at Camprond Farmhouse Retreat
Camprond Farmhouse Retreat is very well-positioned within a traditional rural farming community and is a luxurious old farmhouse with old French furniture and shutters, arranged over three floors. It offers peace and tranquillity ensuring a good night’s sleep. The house has been beautifully renovated and has a very peaceful ambience. There is easy access to the beaches and masses of things to do in the surrounding areas. Camprond Farmhouse Retreat sleeps 16 people. There are a total of eight bedrooms – five in the main house and three in the adjoining Gite. There are three very large doubles and two large twins in the main house, but there is room for extra beds if needs be. All are en-suite – three with baths and showers, and the other two have showers. Fluffy white towels and crisp white linen is also provided There is a separate sitting area with television and its own kitchenette on the top floor, which has a double truckle and could sleep an additional two people. The dining room can seat all guests in the house and there is seating in the sitting-room and common areas for the number of people accommodated. There is underfloor heating, throughout the ground floor and large radiators in the bedrooms with heated towel rails in the ensuites, making this an ideal winter hideaway. The luxury kitchen and breakfast room has solid marble surfaces and is fully equipped with a large double oven range cooker, dishwasher, crockery, cutlery, and cooking utensils. There is also a utility room with washer and dryer and a further ground floor toilet and shower facilities. In the disability adapted Gite there is one ground-floor double bedroom with profiling bed, which can also be used by non-wheelchair users, and overhead hoist. The kitchen is fully adapted, and the bathroom has an Aquanova bath with spa/jacuzzi facility and integral drying platform as well as a wet room shower. The two twin bedrooms upstairs also have their own ensuite facilities. Outside there is space to seat in excess of 20 people with tables, umbrellas, and chairs. There is a fish pond, hot tub, sauna, and a yurt, which can be used for exercising such as Pilates or Yoga in the summer months. We also have a separate large games room which can be used for table tennis, functions, and board meetings. Additionally, there are further toilets and showers as well as laundry facilities housed within the former kennels. Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Camprond Farmhouse Retreat. In the area: There is a beautiful walk to Camprond (within three-quarters of a mile), where you can purchase provisions. There is also a cycle track to Countances (four cycles are provided with helmets and reflective tabards). The main shopping is in the beautiful Cathedral town of Coutances, which is ten minutes away by car and boasts a lovely cobbled market square with restaurants. The sandy beaches are 20 minutes away, and have good swimming facilities, sand sailing, and windsurfing with a parade of shops on the promenade. There are a number of traditional French cuisine and Michelin Star restaurants, all within 20 or 30 minutes. Markets are held every day of the week in different towns. There is also Vide Greniers, who have sales every Sunday, A Depot Ventes is just outside Coutances and is circa 10 minutes away, which sells the most amazing antique French furniture, jewellery, rugs etc. The Dior House is at Granville, where Christian Dior grew up and where there is an exhibition of his work and the actual dresses shoes and jewellery worn by celebrities, which changes regularly, not to mention the beautifully laid out gardens with seating areas from which to admire the view over the bay. The Bayeux Tapestry, the American and German Cemeteries, and all the landing beaches from World War II and exhibitions are all within easy access. There are ferries from Portsmouth or from Poole to either Cherbourg or Caen, and the house is just over an hour from each port. Contact Camprond Farmhouse Retreat at: camprond@ccmservices.co.uk Make a booking
Visit Bletchley Park, home of the Codebreakers
Bletchley Park, once the top-secret home of the World War Two Codebreakers, is now a vibrant heritage attraction, open every day to visitors. Step back in time to experience the stories of the extraordinary men and woman who worked here. A place of exceptional historical importance, Bletchley Park is also the birthplace of modern computing and has helped shape life as we know it today.Highlights include the restored codebreaking huts, with their WW2 interiors faithfully recreated, the Mansion and hands-on displays in the blocks. Explore the beautiful grounds and historic buildings with an interactive multimedia guide and enjoy the atmospheric soundscapes, galleries and exhibitions.Visit the Hut 11A: The Bombe Breakthrough exhibition to learn how this Polish inspired machine helped the Allies break into Enigma.Not to be missed is a new immersive cinematic experience – D-Day: Interception, Intelligence, Invasion, detailing for the first time how intelligence produced at Bletchley Park directly impacted on the Normandy Invasion.Bletchley Park welcomes all people with disabilities and understands that some visitors to require extra support to enjoy this historic site. Bletchley Park offer a variety of facilities and services for those with access needs, including allocated parking for disabled and elderly visitors, wheelchair loans, step-free access throughout the site and induction loops at public counters. All registered Assistance Dogs and Guide Dogs are welcome into Bletchley Park. On certain selected dates we offer relaxed opening for those who would benefit most from visiting at a quieter time and appreciate the opportunity to explore the exhibitions in a calm and relaxed environment. BSL interpreted guided tours are available throughout the year on selected dates. Check our events calendar online for available dates and to book.Full details on accessibility can be found on our website: https://bletchleypark.org.uk/visit-us/accessibility
The Donaldson Trust Scotland’s National Centre for Neurodiversity
The Donaldson Trust today sets out its ambition to become the national centre for neurodiversity in Scotland, supporting a wide range of people with often hidden neurological conditions such as Autism Spectrum, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette’s and social anxiety. Aiming to increase understanding and improve the experiences of people with neurodiversities, the Trust, headquartered in Linlithgow, has set out its aims in a 10-year strategy which launches today (27 January) in conjunction with a new brand identity. The Donaldson Trust, Scotland’s leading charity for neurodiversity, launches its ambitious strategy at a time when an estimated one in seven people in the UK, more than 15% of the population, are neurodivergent¹. The Donaldson Trust is supporting people and organisations to understand that being neurodivergent means that an individual’s brain is wired differently and that they may think and learn in a different way to others. For some people, their neurodiversity can mean that they are better at some things than many other people and for others additional support or adjustments are required. Established in 1850, the Donaldson Trust has provided much needed education and other support throughout its history. Today marks a new chapter for the Trust which has developed over the years from a hospital for destitute children, into a school which previously supported deaf and hearing-impaired children and young people in Edinburgh. In more recent years the Trust has grown to provide educational services for children with complex additional support needs, and transitional support services for young people with neurodiversities. The Trust has been led by chief executive Laura Watkins since 2014, supported by the Governors of the Donaldson Trust. Within its ambitious new strategy, the Trust sets out its plans for a national centre for neurodiversity. Currently supporting children and young people across the central belt, the Trust aims to work in collaboration with individuals, partnerships and businesses to develop services and increase knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity and improve the experiences of neurodivergent people across Scotland. The Donaldson Trust will also ensure that the voices of neurodivergent individuals are at the forefront of driving change in policy and practice through its work with individuals, partners and the Scottish Government, with the aim of ensuring neurodiversity is incorporated into educational policy and workplace practice. Laura Watkins, chief executive of the Donaldson Trust, said: “Today marks an exciting new chapter in the Donaldson Trust history, as we set out our aims to support and advocate with and for people with neurodiversities at a national level. “Our 10-year strategy ensures that the Trust extends its reach to a wider group of people across Scotland by providing a range of services that promote and support the needs of neurodivergent individuals. “As Scotland’s leading charity for neurodiversity we will promote and develop good practice related to neurodiversity within education services, organisations and businesses. We will work in collaboration with partners to improve accessibility and inclusivity for neurodivergent people, and through our work with neurodivergent individuals will improve the representation of neurodiversity socially, politically and culturally. “Through the implementation of our ambitious strategy we will continue to grow a community of partners and partnerships that support neurodiversity throughout Scotland. Our strategy will ensure the Donaldson Trust is known and respected as the national centre for neurodiversity in Scotland by 2030.” The Donaldson Trust provides a number of services to support children and young people. The Learning Centre currently supports young people with complex additional support needs up to the age of 18, providing tailored educational services to meet the individual needs of each pupil, as one of seven grant aided special schools. The Trust’s #JunX10n service supports neurodiverse young people aged between 14 and 25 during their transition into adulthood. #JunX10n provides a safe space, guidance, mentoring, bespoke person-centred plans and support for each individual and their family. The Trust has also established Connect, a service which provides individual and team support tailored to specific and organisational needs to support neurodivergent people in the workplace, in education establishments and within the community. For more information on the Donaldson Trust visit www.donaldsons.org.uk.
Disabled passengers set for more accessible journeys at sea
Journeys by sea for thousands of disabled passengers are to be improved thanks to the Government issuing new guidance on improving accessibility to operators. Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani announced the publication of the Passenger Rights toolkit during a visit to Liverpool today (Wednesday, January 22) where she met key stakeholders including Mersey Maritime, Wirral Waters and Port of Liverpool. The toolkit provides operators in England and Wales with a high-level guide on what they must do to comply with passenger rights regulations, as well as recommendations on how maritime transport can be made more accessible. It will apply to services such as ferries operating from Liverpool and makes recommendations on how maritime transport can be made more accessible to make journeys better for disabled passengers and staff. Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani said: “I am delighted to be launching our Passenger Rights toolkit today in Liverpool which shows how making small changes has the potential to make a huge impact on the lives of disabled passengers. “This is one of the commitments set out in our Inclusive Transport Strategy, and I am proud we are leading the way with this work to complement the UN’s sustainable development goals – helping make the world more inclusive for disabled people. “I encourage as many operators as possible to support our vision to make sure disabled people have the same access to transport as everyone else.” The toolkit covers the whole journey experience, from accessing information at the booking stage through to arriving at the final destination. It highlights the challenges disabled people can face in travelling by sea, whether their disabilities are visible or hidden. Maritime transport already benefits from comprehensive passenger rights regulation and this is enforced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The toolkit provides guidance to support the regulations and will help industry to comply with them. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) conduct inspections on operators and ports to ensure compliance with passenger rights regulations and they can be prosecuted in the courts and fined if they don’t comply. Keith Richards, chair of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) said: “DPTAC welcomes the launch of this toolkit which delivers an important commitment the DfT made in its Inclusive Transport Strategy. “In turn it will help the industry deliver better access for disabled people, not just by bringing some much-needed clarity to what the law already requires on accessibility, but by promoting ideas on what good practice looks like. “This will help the industry tap into a large and growing market of disabled people who simply want to spend their money on maritime services and have the confidence to enjoy the same access as everyone else.” Bob Sanguinetti, Chief Executive of the UK Chamber of Shipping, said: “It should be a basic entitlement that everyone has the option to travel independently and we are delighted to see the launch of this new passenger toolkit. “We will work with our members to ensure disabled passengers travelling by ship have the same access as everyone else.” At the end of 2018, the MCA carried out its first survey of disabled passengers’ experience when travelling by sea and the results were used to inform the recommendations made in this toolkit. The department worked closely with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) and industry representatives including the UK Chamber of Shipping and British Ports Association in its development. The development of the toolkit was a commitment in the Inclusive Transport Strategy, which was published in July 2018. It sets out the Government’s ambition for disabled people to have the same access to transport. It’s everyone’s journey It’s everyone’s journey is a communications campaign developed by the Department for Transport in association with disability, transport and charity partners. The campaign aims to improve the public transport experience for disabled people by creating a more considerate and supportive travel environment. If you’re interested in learning more about ‘it’s everyone’s journey’ or becoming a campaign partner, visit gov.uk/everyonesjourney follow @IEJGov or email everyonesjourney@dft.gov.uk.
Visit The Moat House Annan
We couldn’t find holiday homes with space and adaptions for wheelchair users, so we made our own! Located on the bank of a 12th century motte and bailey castle, built by the de Brus’s (later Clan Bruce, ancestors of King Robert “the Bruce”), the 200-year-old Moat House, once home to famed Scottish poet James Grahame, has been lovingly restored and adapted for disabled guests and their families, friends and carers. The house has 5 double bedrooms (two twin, two double and one twin or double), accommodating 10 guests, but this can be expanded to 17 guests using sofa beds and luxury blow up beds (great for kids! Travel cot available too). The Moat House is luxuriously decorated throughout and equipped with the adaptions you need, e.g. twin rise/fall profiling beds with cot sides, one double profiling bed (both of these rooms have overhead hoists), two accessible bathrooms, one wetroom style with electric shower bench, clos-o-mat loo, choice of shower wheelchairs and overhead hoist, the other with bath (accessible using portable hoist). We also have a manual wheelchair and a strollator/walker guests can use. Upstairs bedrooms can be accessed by a lift. The large kitchen/diner has a rise & fall kitchen worktop/hob/sink unit, a massive dining table suitable for wheelchairs, 3 ovens, a microwave, dishwasher and a good variety of cooking pans and equipment. The lounge is large, complete with TV and sound/entertainment system and has two reclining rise-to-stand armchairs and a variety of sofas and beanbags – enough to accommodate the whole family. The multi-layered south and west facing garden is accessible throughout and overlooks the castle grounds, which is a public park (accessible from the garden), the sheltered, upper courtyard style part of the garden includes an enclosed sensory garden and covered BBQ area. Only 7 miles from the M6/M74 at Gretna Green, The Moat House is ideally located for exploring Dumfries & Galloway’s historic towns, such as “The Artists Town” Kirkcudbright, castles, coast and countryside, the Scottish Borders, historic Carlisle and Hadrian’s Wall and Keswick and the Northern Lake District.
Northumberland’s Gordon Moore awarded MBE
Gordon Moore, chief executive of Northumberland-based mental health and learning disability charity, Blyth Star Enterprises, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2020 Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. Gordon Moore has been officially honoured for giving over 40 years’ service to helping thousands of people living with mental health issues and learning disabilities in the local community, and establishing much needed supported accommodation, outreach, social care and sheltered employment to improve social inclusion. As one of the founding directors of not-for-profit Blyth Star Enterprises, Gordon has worked tirelessly over the past 30 years on behalf of individuals and their families to make a real difference and enable their voices to be heard, often at challenging times of their lives. He established the charity in 1987 along with a small group of parents, carers and professionals with the mutual aim of raising standards of localised mental health services. His experience, including 30 years as a psychological therapist, nurse and manager in the NHS and simultaneously 25 years working alongside the Society for Social Psychiatry and Mental Health in Greece, has led to significant improvements in the lives of many people in Greece and across Northumberland. His drive, commitment and vision has also enabled Blyth Star to successfully develop a pathway of supported accommodation that aids people towards independent living, as well as some of the most innovative social care and sheltered work services in the UK. These being based upon the fundamental values of, somewhere to live, somewhere to work and someone to care. Regarding his MBE, Gordon commented, “I’m truly honoured to receive an MBE, and although it has been given to me personally, it is really an award for the many people I have had and continue to have the pleasure of working with; colleagues, the users and in particular, the staff at Blyth Star who really are the heart and soul of the organisation. They all make a huge and positive difference to so many people’s lives. “I’m delighted and so too are my family. I’ve had an extremely privileged career that’s taken me to many places, but I’m rooted in Northumberland and the local community. It is my home and I would like to think that it would make my parents proud. My father was a miner at Ashington Colliery and my mother a local dinner lady. “Of course, it has been emotional, difficult and overwhelming at times but it is all worthwhile, and I’m especially grateful to my wife of 30 years, Christina, for her ongoing support. Around me are some truly inspiring people and being able to help people, with often lifelong disabilities to live, work and be a part of their local community is totally fulfilling.” Tim Chrisp, Chairman of Blyth Star Enterprises, added, “I won’t be the only one to say that this award is thoroughly well deserved and everyone at Blyth Star offers our congratulations. Gordon has become an integral part of the organisation and has created a legacy that is held in very high regard by many, both inside and outside of the charity. It is not only his work on-the-ground however, but also his dedication, loyalty and compassion for those he works tirelessly for which is insurmountable. It’s fantastic news.” Blyth Star Enterprises is a not-for-profit charity providing living support services, training and sheltered employment opportunities. It offers innovative day services to over 350 people living with learning disabilities and lifelong mental health issues across Northumberland and the North East.
Support worker performs lifesaving first aid
A banker turned support worker from Gloucester has saved the life of someone she supports by performing an abdominal thrust while at work. Angela Burrows works for national charity Hft at a service in Stonehouse, where she supports people with learning disabilities to live independently. The 57 year old was at work late last year when she noticed that someone who lives at the service was choking while eating dinner. Realising that he needed assistance, Angela acted quickly and performed an abdominal thrust. When this didn’t work, she performed two further thrusts which eventually dislodged the food and ensured the individual’s wellbeing. Other staff members present during the incident were impressed with Angela’s quick thinking and her ability to stay calm under pressure, and have since nominated her for the charity’s staff rewards scheme. Despite her first class first aid, Angela has only worked in social care for around 15 months, after three decades climbing the corporate ladder in the IT and banking industry, which saw her working in Switzerland and London. Seeking a change of pace and a role where she could make a difference to the lives of others, Angela now spends her days supporting adults with learning disabilities in all areas of their lives. She has even recently been promoted to senior support worker at the specialist service, which is designed to meet the needs of people on the dementia pathway or receiving end of life care, and was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2018. Angela Burrows said: “When I noticed the person I was supporting struggling, it was just instinct to take action. My first aid training from when I first started at Hft came flooding back and I didn’t have time to hesitate – if I hadn’t done something the consequences could have been grim. “Since becoming a support worker in 2018, I haven’t looked back. You never look at the clock in this job. After working in banking for over 30 years, I was happy to make the switch into a role where every day is different. There are some surprising similarities between my old and new roles, including problem solving and juggling priorities, although I now support people rather than software! If you’re thinking of becoming a support worker, all you need is a positive attitude – it doesn’t matter what career path you’ve taken before.” Janet Humphry, Regional Manager at Hft, said: “Support workers are the bedrock of care, and people like Angela exemplify why this role is so crucial to ensuring people with learning disabilities are able to live the best life possible. When her first aid training was put to the test, Angela displayed qualities we strive to find in all our support workers, including compassion, skill and bravery. We hope that anyone considering support work is inspired by Angela’s story, which highlights that there is no set path to this important and valued profession.” Hft currently supports more than 2,500 people with learning disabilities across the country. This includes supporting people with learning disabilities to live independently in their own homes, 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.