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.
Vulnerable people able to see families for first time in months thanks to iPad donations
A 90-year-old care home resident from Cumbria has told of her joy after being able to see her husband again after over a month thanks to iPad donations to care homes. Gwenie, who is 90, hadn’t been able to see her husband Bill since the beginning of April when her care home was closed to visitors due to the coronavirus lockdown. Thanks to the donation of a second-hand iPad she can now see him and their two sons every day by video calls. Gwenie is one of many care home residents who has been helped by Connect the Love, a new charitable initiative which connects vulnerable people to their loved ones through video calls, by donating iPads to care homes and hospitals across the country. Connect the Love’s mission is to fight loneliness and provide a way for those most affected by isolation to see their families again. The organisation has already distributed over 45 iPads and other devices to care homes and hospitals across the country in just the first two weeks of operation, meaning residents and patients can see and speak to their loved ones for the first time in many weeks. 90-year-old Gwenie moved into St George’s Care Home just before the lockdown. When the home had to close to visitors she desperately missed her daily visits from family but now, thanks to Connect the Love and with the help of the care home staff, the video calls have become an essential part of Gwenie and her family’s daily routine. Gwenie says: “I speak to my husband Bill and our sons Colin and Adam on the iPad every day at 11.15. We talk about what we are doing and just have a general chat which is such a comfort. I hadn’t used an iPad before coming to the home, but it’s a great way to stay in touch with family, who can’t visit at the moment. It has been a real joy to be able to speak to them and to feel connected again.” Sophie Fisher, a carer at St George’s Care Home, said: “Gwenie had been feeling low since moving into the home just over a month ago, but the Connect the Love iPad has helped her a lot. She now sits in the lounge with the other residents and her family have noticed the difference to her mood too since they’ve been able to speak and see her on the tablet. Having to be closed to visitors has been upsetting for all our residents, but the iPads from Connect the Love have really helped. Being able to see and speak to family has boosted the mood and wellbeing of residents at such a daunting time.” Gwenie’s sons Colin and Adam said: “Our Skype calls have been essential to us all. To be able to talk and see Mum, when the circumstances don’t allow us to physically be there, it’s become an important part of our daily routine. Having the ability to Skype call has made this uncertain time easier on us all, we enjoy our chats and can see that Mum does too. The staff being there while she talks to us is fantastic too, as Mum interacts with them also, boosting her social interaction and being comforted when needed.” Connect the Love was launched by Lucy Russo, who devised Connect the Love as a way to give vulnerable and digitally unconnected individuals a way to see and speak to their loved ones. Lucy has a busy day job in the venture capital sector but set up the initiative in her spare time, so moved was she by the inability for those in care homes to see their families and friends. The charity has now received a £5,000 donation from the CareTech Foundation to fund over 100 extra devices. The Foundation has also agreed to provide wider support to the new initiative to support its development and promote its work. Lucy Russo, who started the initiative, commented: “During this difficult time, no one should suffer from feelings of loneliness. Staying connected to my family and friends through video calls has a real positive effect on my mood, and to some extent lessens the distance between us. Through Connect the Love I’m determined to support our most vulnerable and people who have previously fallen through the gaps. The testimonials we are hearing so far show that the initiative is having a really positive effect and helping tackle a problem that existed before Covid-19. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received to date and I hope with more support we can Connect the Love all across the country.” Jonathan Freeman, Chief Executive of the CareTech Foundation, commented: “At such a difficult time for the care sector, people like Lucy are an inspiration to us all and the work she is doing to connect care residents with their friends and family is incredible. The CareTech Foundation is so proud to be able to be involved with Connect the Love, alongside our other support for the care sector at this incredibly difficult time.” Donations to Connect the Love to help connect vulnerable people with their families can be made at: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?charityCampaignUrl=connectthelove
Over 65s staying fit and active, even during lockdown
Older people in the UK staying fit and active, especially during lockdown, according to Audley Villages. Before lockdown in the UK, over 65s at Audley Villages were keeping fit with daily walks and exercises but this has also continued well into lockdown at home. Whether this be making the most of their daily outdoor exercise or doing Pilates and aerobic classes from their living room, daily activity is keeping people in retirement villages positive, healthy and happy during this current period. – Couple at Audley Stanbridge Earls, in Romsey, doing daily exercise including long walks, cycling, strength training from home like Pilates and yoga, and YouTube videos from trainers like Joe Wicks – Owner at Audley Stanbridge Earls keeping up daily exercising despite hip and knee operation, whilst husband hitting 100,000 steps and 8-10 active hours a week Melissa Bray-Spicer, Club Manager at Audley Stanbridge Earls, said: “Both active exercise and leisurely walks are extremely beneficial to both the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals. Everyone should find the exercise they feel comfortable with and listen to their body, but if individuals are able to stretch to active exercise it will have countless benefits. Their body will be working at a higher intensity and the cardiovascular and muscular system has to work harder to keep up with the demands of the exercise. This means you are testing your body and encouraging it to react and change as you get older and the needs of your body change. “An example of this is osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones. You can improve or slow down the progression of this condition with regular training. When you take part in active exercise, your muscles strengthen along with the bones as they are the structure which our muscles are connected to. So, to help reduce pain and weakness in the bones we have to keep our muscles working and improving.”