Winter 2013 Just Chill - Creative Support Ltd · Winter 2013 Just Chill Hobbies page 6 Training page 7 ... 22 Top Tips How to Cook for Less ... Rated: 8/10 Have you tried Your Shape?

Winter 2013

Just Chill

Hobbiespage 6

Trainingpage 7

Women’s Daypage 10

Make A Wishpage 13

Would you like to be a regional reporter for Creative Life? Call Suzy Kennedy at head offi ce on 0161 236 0829 to get started!........................................................................................................................................

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If you contribute to this magazine, you will get a £10 One4All voucher. One4all vouchers offer plenty of choice. They can be used in over 18,000 stores including Argos, Boots, BHS, Debenhams, New Look and WHSmith.

Please contact the marketing team if you would like to access this magazine in different formats - large print, Braille, audio, easy-read and other languages are all available. Ring 0161 236 0829 or email [email protected].

3 Stop Press Calendars and Quit Smoking

4 Radio and Letters The Creative Support LDOK Radio Show and Creative Life Letters Page

5 Reviews and What’s On Film and video reviews, Frogtastic Club Nights and Start2, the new NHS online wellbeing resource

6 Hobbies Read about Rob, who collects fairground attraction models

7 Training Opportunities with our Training Department

8 Health and Wellbeing New Year, new healthy lifestyle!

10 Consultations and Worldly Wisdom Feedback on our recent consultations, and this edition’s Worldly Wisdom

12 International Women’s Day What is Women’s Day and why do we celebrate it?

13 National Heart Month Take care of your heart this February

14 Make A Wish We’ve been involved in Manchester Evening News’ Make A Wish initiative!

15 Ian’s Story Read about his background in music

16 Brian’s Quiz As the Saying Goes ...

18 Creativity Corner Artwork, poems and life stories

20 Newsbites Your news from around the country

21 Benefi ts and Safer Internet Day Ian’s take on benefi ts, and info on Safer Internet Day

22 Ten Questions Read about our staff and service users

22 Top Tips How to Cook for Less

Save the Date February, March and April

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The Creative Support 2013 Calendar is now available!

Calendars have been sent out to our projects, but if you would like your own personal calendar, or would like extra copies to give to your family and friends, please contact marketing at 0161 236 0829, or you can email us at [email protected]

Quit It!Are you thinking about quitting smoking? Are you a Creative Support staff member or service user?

Join our Creative Support Quit Smoking Scheme to improve your health and earn £130 after 13 weeks of no smoking.

Since 2012 215 staff members and 87 service users have successfully quit smoking using the Quit Smoking Scheme!

For more information or to request a form please contact Natasha Kirby on 0161 236 0829 or email [email protected]

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Happy New Year from Creative Support, and welcome to the fi rst Creative Life of 2013!

Now that we’ve got the festivities of Christmas out of the way, this edition focuses on the new year and what that brings with it. A new year means new plans, new opportunities and new goals.

Turn to page 4 and read about Creative Support’s exciting new partnership with LDOK - an online radio show which you can be a part of.

On page 6 leave the winter blues behind and get your summer holiday booked with Disabled Holiday Directory. Or turn to page 7 for new opportunities you can get

involved in with the Training Department.

Make your New Year’s Resolution on page 8 and start looking after your heart on page 12.

We hope this edition will give you some ideas and motivation to have a cracking 2013!

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Get Your 2013 Calendar!

After the 13 weeks of completion, staff are entitled to £130 in vouchers or their salary (taxed) and service users are entitled to £130 vouchers, cash or cheque. When you receive this incentive, you are also commiting to not smoke for at least a further three months, and if you do you will have to return the £130 to Creative Support.

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What would you like to see in this magazine? Call Suzy Kennedy at head offi ce on 0161 236 0829 with your ideas........................................................................................................................................

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Letters........................................................................................................................................

Have you been to one of Creative Support’s recent events? What did you think about it?

What do you think about the magazine?If you have an opinion on an article in Creative Life or an idea for something we could write about, please email your comments to:[email protected] write to:

Suzy Kennedy, Creative Support, 5th Floor, Dale House, 35 Dale Street, Manchester, M1 2HF.

Sweet Escape

Thanks for keeping me confident.

Carry on keeping me confident.

Doctor, GP, Psychiatrist.

Consultant Psychiatrist.

CPN, Occupational Therapist.

Group Worker, Key Worker.

Care Worker. Care Assistant.

Co-Worker, Coordinator.

Ward Clerk, Handyman.

Caretaker, Executive.

Breakthrough Project, Creative Support.

Football Project.

Ward Clerk Secretary, Admin.

Thank you for looking after me.co.uk.

Finally, if you see it, say it. Say what you see.

By Stephen from Manchester

Do you want to be on the Radio?LDOK.net is a new online radio station which lets people of all abilities make their voices heard on the airwaves, and

Creative Support has its very own regular slot on the schedule!

Our show is broadcast live every fortnight on Wednesday at 11am, and repeated at 6am and 6pm on Saturday and 1am and 1pm on Monday.

We want you to come along to the LDOK studio in Salford Quays and help us to record the show. Maybe you’re in a band and you’d like your music to be featured? Or if there’s a song you’d like us to play on air, you can send us your requests. For more information on how you can get involved, email [email protected]

Stuart on the

microphone


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Frogtastic Comedy NightsFrogtastic in Manchester is widely recognised as one of the UK’s Premier inclusive club nights for people with learning disabilities, their friends and guests.

Admission is by ticket only and you must be over the age of 18 to attend.

Places can be reserved from the Heroes Project on 0161 872 8787.

Advance tickets: £5.50.

Venue: The Frog and Bucket, Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LJ.

Visit www.heroesproject.org.uk for more information.

Upcoming dates:

Wednesday 6th MarchWednesday 24th AprilWednesday 5th JuneWednesday 24th JulyWednesday 11th SeptemberWednesday 23rd OctoberWednesday 4th December

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Kept wondering

what’s going to

happen next

The Hobbit

Rated: 7/10

This game is good for exercise

Reviews By a service user from our Oxford Road project

Your Shape

It comes with a camera that assesses your performance and helps you burn off all the extra turkey

This fi lm keeps you on the edge of your seatI bought this

game pre- owned at the bargain cost of £5 including the camera.

A good family fi lm and good all - round family adventure

Rated: 8/10

Have you tried Your Shape? What did you think of The Hobbit? Send us your feedback!

Start2 - Change your life with art Want to challenge yourself to be creative? Feeling in need of a little support with low mood, anxiety or other health issues? Hoping to support someone you know through creative activity?

Start2 is an exciting online wellbeing resource that uses art and creative activities to boost health. It’s full of ideas that anyone and everyone can enjoy regardless of experience of taking part in creative activities. Absorbing, interesting, fun, with fantastic interactive features, it offers over 70 creative activities including mindfulness. Go to www.start2.co.uk


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Rob from Warrington has a hobby inherited from his childhood - he collects and makes fairground models.

What is your hobby?

I enjoy making fairground models. I use metal, cardboard and wood to create these models.

When did you become interested in this hobby?

My father was a manager of Silcocks Fairground for 54 years and when I was younger I used to help out with running the fairground rides. I still have family members involved in Silcocks. My inspiration and interest in fairground models grew out of this.

What does it involve?

It involves charity work, going to various steam fairs and exhibitions.

Why do you enjoy this hobby?

I really enjoy this hobby as it allows me to keep the family

name of Silcocks going, which is really important to me.

Have you entered any competitions?

Yes, I have won a number of trophies and medals for my model making.

I am very proud of my work.

Have you got an interesting hobby? Do you collect something, make something, play a sport or enjoy a special activity? Tell us about it! Contact Suzy Kennedy on 0161 236 0829 or email [email protected] to get your hobby in the magazine!

Rob with his models The carousel

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Booking Your Holiday?Disabled Holiday Directory provide supported holidays to people living with a disability. Their directory has the largest choice of accessible holidays in the UK and abroad.

They understand both the difficulties that a disabled holiday maker can face and the worry that this causes. Their job is to take away that worry by providing you with all the support you need at every step including choosing, booking, preparing to go, travelling, holidaying and coming home.

They have a fully accessible travel shop in Mossley, Manchester or you can enquire by calling FREE on 0800 993 0796.

Visit their website: www.disabledholidaydirectory.co.uk

Quote: CREATIVE at the time of enquiry to receive an exclusive discount:

£25.00 OFF all UK breaks booked

£50.00 OFF all overseas holidays and cruises

Would you like to be a regional reporter for Creative Life? Call Suzy Kennedy at head office on 0161 236 0829 to get started!........................................................................................................................................

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Training our Staff By Gerry Burke

Over the last two years service users have become more and more involved with training and are now an integral part of the training team at head office and around the country. Myself and a number of service users regularly attend the training strategy meetings. We have been able to influence the inclusion of courses aimed specifically at service users such as Employability Skills, Assertiveness, Finances and Budgeting, Self Confidence Building and Health and Safety in the Home. During this last year there has been a huge programme of auditing of the training which Creative Support delivers to their staff. This has been entirely carried out by service users who sit in on the training and report back on the quality of the training and to what extent the service user point of view is represented. An initiative which has been in place for a couple of years is for service users to help present the

training, especially that relating to specific conditions and Service User Involvement for staff and for service users. Delegates have found it very helpful to hear directly from service users about their experience of living with the conditions and how staff can best help support service users.

If you would like to get involved in training or auditing please contact Tracey Oliver - Walsh on the Training Team at 0161 236 0829 or email [email protected]

Service User Training ........................................................................................................................................

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What would you like to see in this magazine? Call Suzy Kennedy at head office on 0161 236 0829 with your ideas........................................................................................................................................

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Service users are welcome to attend any Creative Support training on the service user calendar. Contact the Training Department to find out what courses are available and to request a training application form on 0161 238 7664.

You might be interested in these courses:

Assertiveness

Self Confidence Building

Employability Skills

Keep an eye out on the website for other upcoming training opportunities. Visit www.creativesupport.co.uk/service-user-section/news-events/

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• Make a new friend – join a voluntary group or start a hobby, like gardening, photography or even a chess club!

• Stop smoking – join the Creative Support Quit Smoking Scheme

• Get fi t – start off with walking and work up

• Drink more water – the government suggests 6-8 glasses a day

• Eat more vegetables – eat your fi ve a day!

• Save money – making a budget helps to keep hold of the pennies

• Go on holiday - home or abroad

• Spend more time with family and friends

Make a new friend – join a voluntary group or start a hobby, like gardening,

Pet’s Corner “Snork the hedgehog has survived for almost two years under my supervision. He will do anything for roast chicken. He’s a special breed of hedgehog which doesn’t hibernate, in fact it’s dangerous for him to hibernate as he might die. Once I found him hibernating and had to put him in my bed to warm up. I forgot he was there and fell asleep, so when I rolled on him in the middle of the night I got the shock of my life!” By Amy from Bolton.

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New Year’s ResolutionsWhat’s your New Year’s Resolution?

I’m sure you’ve been asked this many times in the past few weeks. It’s a cliché, but the New Year is the perfect time to reassess what’s important to you and what you want your goals to be for the next 12 months. Your resolution doesn’t have to be completely life changing, but could be a number of small changes that overall will make a positive impact on your life. Here are some of the best resolutions that we’ve heard this year, both big and small!

Save money – making a budget helps to keep hold of the pennies


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Thanks to everyone who attended the recent round of Service User Regional Consultation meetings.

Everyone who attended was asked about what was good and what was not so good about Creative Support’s service over the past year and we set some new targets for 2013. We then talked about what had happened as a result of last year’s consultation, including:

• More opportunities for local events and activities, and new Regional Development Officers

to help organise them.

• New training courses for service users

• More computers made available for service users

• New penfriend scheme being trialled

It was good to hear that there was a high level of satisfaction in many of the regions visited, although cuts in benefits and cuts in local services continued to be a cause for concern.

There were still some areas for improvement, however, and we will be working on how to put your ideas into practice over the next 12 months.

If you would like a copy of your regional minutes or a copy of the You Said We Did leaflet contact Lorraine Gainsborough on 0161 236 0829 or e-mail [email protected]

Peter Flynn

North Lincs

Birmingham

By Peter Flynn It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish. JRR Tolkien, English Novelist. (1892 - 1973)

I could never have done what I have done without habits of punctuality, order, and diligence, without determination to concentrate myself on one subject at a time.Charles Dickens, English Novelist. (1812 - 1870)

When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.Wayne Dyer. American Psychologist. (1940 - )

I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it is the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person.Audrey Hepburn. British Actress. (1929 - 1993)

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Regional Consultation Meetings What would you like to see in this magazine? Call Suzy Kennedy at head office on 0161 236 0829 with your ideas........................................................................................................................................

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Early 1900s Traditionally men were perceived as smarter and more reasonable than women. They had better access to education and higher paid jobs. At the beginning of the 20th century, women had a limited voice in society. For example:

•Women could not vote

•Women could not own property

•It was extremely difficult for a women to divorce a man and if she did, she could not keep her children

•Women could not go to university

In the early 1900s a movement known as the Suffragettes began to actively demonstrate to raise the status of women in

society. Women like Emmeline Pankhurst fought bitterly for social reform, including the right to vote and the right to work. Tactics ranged from peaceful marches to hunger strikes.

The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1909, and was originally named International Working Women’s Day, to gain recognition for every woman’s right to be educated and work.

First World WarThe First World War was the first real opportunity for women to enter full time employment, as so many men left their jobs to participate in the war. Women began to learn the skills for traditionally male jobs. When women in the UK received the vote in 1918, many people who agreed with the bill said that women deserved it due to their conduct during the war. However, only women over 30 received the vote in 1918. It was not until 1928 that women over 21 had the right to vote in Parliament, which was equal with men at the time.

Second World WarThe Second World War saw even more women entering industrial jobs in steel plants and factories. However, as men returned home at the end of the war women were encouraged to return to the home or find ‘female’ jobs.

1950sThe end of the war saw a dramatic baby boom, and women were encouraged to stay home and look after the babies. Many women returned to the household – the ‘1950s housewife’ remains a well known stereotype to this day.

March 8th is International Women’s Day. Every year Creative Support holds a great event full of workshops, activities and presentations, to celebrate International Women’s Day. But what is it, and why is it so important?

Women’s Day celebrates how far women have come to achieve equality, respect and choice.

Emmeline Pankhurst

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Women’s Day 2012

1960sThe 1960s were seen as a decade of change for women. Women began to fi ght for equal pay and better recognition in the workplace. The feminist movement grew in popularity, particularly amongst young women, and opportunities for women in education and the workplace slowly began to improve. The contraceptive pill was introduced and became increasingly popular.

1970sThe 1970s were known as the era of liberation and the feminist movement took prominence in society. More women entered education and in 1979 the United Kingdom gained their fi rst female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.

TodayFrom the 1980s onwards the equality of women in society has continued to grow – women continue to have greater access to education and employment.

Full equality has not yet been achieved, however. Men still continue to dominate the highest paid jobs and the most powerful roles in government. It is still incredibly important that we remember what women have achieved throughout the 20th century, and recognise International Women’s Day.

In the 21st century we now also recognise the importance of an International Men’s Day, to refl ect on ‘masculinity’. In November 2012 Creative Support was proud to join this movement by holding our fi rst International Men’s Day event, and we intend to make this an annual event also.

This March The theme for this year’s Women’s Day is ‘The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum’. Keep an eye out for information on Women’s Day events that will be taking place throughout March to celebrate women all over the world!


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February is both Valentine’s Day and National Heart Month. Many of you may be dreading the 14th February, while others may be keenly looking forward to it. Either way, February is a great time post - Christmas to really focus on your heart, and look after it both physically and emotionally.

Use these tips to protect your heart inside and out and make it strong and healthy for the New Year:

Look after your heart physically Look after your heart emotionally

• Be creative – doing something creative can help you relax and reduce stress. Try writing, photography, arts and crafts, cooking, or gardening

• Value Yourself – focus on your positive attributes and what makes you an individual and special person

• Socialise – spending time with other people can have a positive impact on

your mental health

• Volunteering can seriously improve your confidence. Talk to your support worker about volunteering opportunities at Creative Support

• Talk about your problems – a problem shared is a problem halved

• Learning a new skill increases your confidence and can also improve your chances of getting a job

• Get enough sleep – Allow your body to revitalise by getting 6 – 8 hours of sleep

a night if possible

• Exercise can help if you are feeling depressed or anxious. It relieves stress and helps you to sleep

• Exercising gets your heart pumping and keeps it strong. Start off with walking three times a week and see your fitness levels improve. Then why not try swimming, cycling or running?

• Eat a well balanced diet, with low fat and plenty of fruit and vegetables

• Quit smoking – By not smoking you reduce your chances of getting heart disease dramatically. It’s never too late to stop smoking – join the Creative Support Quit Smoking Scheme to help get you started

• Cut down on alcohol – Drinking too much can cause high blood pressure and damage the heart. The government suggests that women have no more than two units of alcohol a day, and men no more than three units of alcohol

The British Heart Foundation has lots of information on how to look after your heart. Visit http://www.bhf.org.uk for more information.


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Breakthrough members at our Howe Top holiday home in the Lake District

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The Manchester Evening News recently ran the Wish Campaign 2012 to give local not-for-profi t groups the opportunity to win a share of a £25,000 prize pot. The more tokens each group collects, the larger amount of money they will receive.

Creative Support’s staff and service users have collected tokens on behalf of Breakthrough in order to buy new art equipment and materials for the service.

Creative Support has collected a fantastic 1,564 tokens, with huge contributions from the Marketing and Training departments at head offi ce,

Hibiscus Court and 24 Park Road. Charnwood Avenue have all won a £50 prize after collecting 264 tokens!

The results of the Wish Campaign 2012 will be published in a supplement in the Manchester Evening News week commencing Monday 21st January 2013. After the results are published, Breakthrough will receive their share of the prize pot.

Breakthrough currently runs several arts and craft sessions, including a salt dough class, and are planning to use the prize money to buy more art materials and update their equipment.

A big thank you to everyone who has supported Breakthrough in the Wish Campaign 2012! Keep an eye out for more information on how much money Breakthrough receives in January and how the prize money is spent.


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Ian’s Blog:www.ianbirch.com/equipment.html

Flightcase

The Studio

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As I write this, it’s New Year’s Day, and what a great Christmas I’ve had with lots of good will, food, presents, music and Shloer. I really enjoyed buying myself half price bargains in the sales (online this year – some local stores, plus two in Germany and one in Belgium – yes, I’m a Europhile). Amongst these purchases was some pro-audio gear to add to my home recording studio – and that’s the theme of this issue’s column.

I went to high school in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley – a school renowned for its music. We performed on BBC radio and television and C4 nationally and premiered musicals at the Barbican and Festival Hall. The school had a keen interest in music technology. It had an Atari with C-Lab Notator (now known as Apple Logic), a Korg M1 keyboard and 8 track multitrack recorder.

I did compositions for GCSE and later was so taken by music technology that I investigated colleges in Lancashire with hi-tech facilities. Afterwards, I went to a college with a state-of-the-art 16 track studio. I did the 2-year Lancashire Music Foundation Course alongside my A-Levels and again got an A in Music and reached Grade 6 with distinction.

Such was my passion for music technology I would leave home

at 6.30am on the train and get back at 11pm, just basically having fun all say and night with like-minded people!

After getting ME/CFS at 16, severely at 19, I left uni for a year to do hospital radio, where I discovered I was as happy in front of the microphone as behind. So I decided to do Media Studies at college and then returned to uni do a Journalism/Broadcasting degree.

I was earning small amounts of money and began to build a home studio. This studio has morphed from music studio to live broadcast studio (I’ve read the news and filed reports via ISDN all over the UK) to a talking magazines and voiceover studio – and I still enjoy making music in it. I have a 16 channel digital mixer, 64 track multitrack editing with MIDI, a Roland keyboard, a stage piano, amplified (active) speakers, about a dozen condenser microphones plus two specialist broadcast dynamic ones, and a load of FX (effects/outboard). I’m about to buy a multitrack portable recorder by Tascam – not a Portastudio. I’m saving up as I type, month by month!

Instead of linking to my blogs this time, I thought I’d link to my studio webpage. Until next time, HAPPY NEW YEAR, and take care!

Ian


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Answers to Quiz on Page 22

As the Saying Goes...Can you complete the following sayings?

1. Never look a __________ in the mouth.

2. A __________ kettle never __________.

3. Burning the __________ at both __________.

4. Look after the __________ and the __________ will look after themselves.

5. Like looking for a __________ in a __________.

6. A fool and his __________ are easily parted.

7. Nothing succeeds like __________.

8. And never the __________ shall meet.

9. To turn over a __________ __________.

10. Any old __________ in a storm.

By Brian Holley


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An art group was recently formed at a Creative Support service in North Tyneside where tenants were able to experiment using pastels.

Stephen informed staff that this is the fi rst time he has ever produced art work and he is quite rightly very proud of his work.

By Stephen From North Tyneside

By Harry From North Tyneside

Poem by Bradley from Oxford Road The Midnight howl of an arrows burst blossoms in the abstract skyline.

Helping lovers and cupid to fall for the suns prosperity of two young loves, Stains the coffee cup.

To no avail the angels writing poems get slaughtered by a fearless lover.

The man sits on his chair, as the arrow continues into an achievement of light.

The cannons trumpet for the maiden’s way up high the lover sets his throne.

My uncomfortable feeling of a hard child’s hand throws his battle of a better land.


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My Life StoryOver the past few months Derek from Cumbria has been writing his life story and the fi nal version is a great read. Over the next few editions we will be including parts of his story, so read on for the fi rst excerpt, and keep an eye out for other excerpts in the future!

From an early age of about three or four my life was decided by my grandfather and father as they had strong links with gardening. They were both encompassed by the war which raged during the 1930s to 1945. My father was a fireman during the war and worked in the shipyard … he worked there before the war started. He also worked with Dalton Fire Service … My youth was spent playing marbles on fine days when the Germans were not around. These days provided calmness and enjoyment such as it was.

Terry Deveraux, Peter Hall, John Gill and Keith Barnes soon became good friends of mine. Hide and seek, blind man’s buff and so forth being our favourite pastimes along with footie

and cricket, after the all clear was sounded. We had grown a bit by then and using the bin as a wicket was no uncommon thing.

I was in Terry Deveraux’s house when I heard the news. Terry and I were gathered around the wireless with Terry’s family when the broadcast went out that the war was over. Terry’s father worked on the railways, Keith’s father and my father worked together at Glaxo after the war and we all went to the same school. We used to go to The Hags together, where we would chop wood and trees for dragging for a bonfire. The bonfires used to be set up on the spare ground at the back of my grandmother’s house. We would eat hot potatoes and drink cold ginger beer. We stayed up late with no thoughts of school or the war past.

Excerpt One:


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With the cheque!

Stall at the flashmob

Cumbria Weekly Art Workshops In Cumbria we are happy to have the chance to hold weekly art workshops in our Kendal offi ce. We have two groups that meet on alternate weeks, to explore creativity and have fun. The sessions have been very productive with some fantastic art work being produced and new friends being made. We are looking forward to seeing some excellent pieces in 2013!Artwork Working hard

Creative Support Flashmob in Birmingham On the 10th December Creative Support participated in a fl ashmob in Birmingham! A fl ashmob is a group of people who appear out of nowhere to perform an action in sync. Service users, volunteers professionals, family and friends got together to dance in public to ‘Cha Cha Slide’ by DJ Casper. The fl ashmob was organised by the BDAAT team (Birmingham Drug and Alcohol Action Team) and took place in the Bullring Shopping Centre.The event raised awareness of staying safe when drinking over the Christmas period. Creative Support had a stand at the event to raise awareness of the Hub and Spoke service that was available to people suffering with mental health needs over Christmas.

Donation from Rotary Club in BarrowIn November Creative Support staff Sasha and Nikki from our Barrow Floating Support Team gave a presentation to their local rotary club. They introduced our Barrow services and their idea of a starter pack for the homeless.The staff team are used to accessing local charities for furniture and basic essentials as many of their clients are homeless when they are introduced to Creative Support. To combat this problem, the Barrow team sourced discounted items from B&M Bargains for the pack, including a double duvet, pillows, a dinner set with knives and forks, a kettle and a towel. The Rotary club loved the idea and gave them a cheque on the night for £500 which equates to ten starter packs! They have also passed

on Creative Support’s details to the other Rotary clubs in the area, for further potential donations! Well done to the Barrow Team for their innovation and hard work!

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At the allotment

The balloon release

The artwork! Getting creative

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Community Links in BradfordBradford Community Links have begun a gardening group. The project has a large allotment and two volunteers support older people to benefit from fresh air, exercise and working together. In the spring they hope to be planning, planting and growing!After an event in Keighley the Community Links staff also recognised the opportunity for a skills sharing computer group. They provided computer mice so that older people could use laptops. The laptops belong to Hainworth Wood Community Centre in one of the most deprived areas of Keighley. Two volunteers run a weekly class to teach older people computer skills which continues every Tuesday.

Craft Day in the North EastRecently Creative Support North East services held a craft day! Polly, a service user, helped run the day and shared her craft skills. She came up with lots of ideas and used a range of materials, showing others what can be done with them. They are holding two more craft days soon, a Valentines one and an Easter one, which Polly will be helping out with as well. Get in touch with the North East Office if you would like to get involved!

Lyne View Coffee Morning Lyne View in Hyde held an event in support of Macmillan Cancer Support’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. At the event, there was coffee and cake, a raffle, tombola and a book sale. As the event came to an end, tenants and staff held a commemoration and released balloons for loved ones who have been affected by cancer. Lyne View raised £447.18 and the total is still rising as friends and neighbours continue to make donations. Pat Killenaull, Senior Support Worker at Lyne View, said: “Tenants at Lyne View suggested holding an event for Macmillan Cancer Support and we are keen to raise awareness of the charity and all the fantastic work they do. We are so happy to have worked with tenants, colleagues, neighbours, families and friends to have achieved this massive and unexpected amount. I’d like to thank all the local businesses who have generously donated raffle prizes and everyone who has supported us.”

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Benefi ts and Work – www.benefi tsandwork.co.uk Disability Rights Handbook - http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org Mind Big Book of Benefi ts & Mental Health – www.mind.org.uk

What a year 2012 was if you were a high-profi le disabled person with exceptional sporting ability picking up a medal – or just participating – in the Paralympics. I hope you were as glued to C4’s coverage as I was. At the same time, stories in the tabloid and broadsheet newspapers alike were awash with stigmatising, ignorant and hurtful stories about “lazy, workshy scroungers” receiving “state hand-outs”.

But something did change in public opinion towards those of us with mental health needs and physical or learning disabilities (or a combination). When polled recently, less than half the public said that they support harsh cutbacks to the welfare budget. This is in contrast to more than three quarters of the public when Iain Duncan Smith announced his new benefi t for 2013 - Universal Credit.

It’s clear this is going to be a very tough and challenging time for all of us on benefi ts with disabilities, as Universal Credit is rolled out, and alongside this, Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

The main sources of help are having funding withdrawn (CAB and Welfare Rights).

There is however always help from your local Creative Support project and lots of advice and step-by-step guides to maximising your chances of retaining benefi t from Benefi ts and Work online (see link below), The Big Book of Benefi ts and Mental Health, and the books and factsheets from Disability Rights UK. Good luck!

Keep an eye out Creative Support’s Welfare Benefi ts Bulletins, which will give you up to date information on changes to benefi ts.

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Safer Internet Day Shopping for second hand bargains on eBay. Chatting with friends on Facebook. Catching up with TV shows on iPlayer. Imagine how much more diffi cult our everyday lives would be without the internet.

It’s important to be aware of the risks of browsing the web though. For example, viruses can damage your computer, identity theft can cost you money and harm your credit rating and cyber bullying can make you feel upset or afraid. By following some simple tips and advice you can protect yourself in the digital world.

Safer Internet Day is here to take care of you online. 5th February 2013 is the tenth anniversary of the event. This year’s theme is ‘Online Rights and Responsibilities: Connect with Respect’.

For more information visit www.saferinternet.org, and look out for updates on our website and social networking pages.

By Ian Birch


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Ricky, Training Apprentice What is the best thing about Creative Support?The people I work with. We have different characters, ie. the comedian, etc. so it feels like more than just work.Tell us something that noone knows about you. I have medals in football, basketball, music and art! What’s your favourite meal? I’m fussy but I do enjoy pizza. What achievement are you most proud of?In Spain I played with my local football team. I went through the ranks quickly and almost made the youth team at Malaga C.F, playing in the Spanish First Division. I didn’t make the team, but it’s still one of my proudest achievements!What’s your favourite holiday destination? Living in Spain for 7 years felt like a holiday… just really long.What do you do to stay fit?I tend to do some sport every week, mainly football. Who would play you in a film of your life?Maybe Lucas Till? I’ve been told we have the same hairstyle!What animal what would you be?I think some kind of bird.What makes you happy?Family and friends.

Debbie, North TynesideWhat is the best thing about Creative Support?Getting staff support - they are very helpful.Tell us something that no-one knows about you. I am getting really good at bowling.What’s your favourite meal? Chicken dinner. What achievement are you most proud of?Cooking for myself and cleaning my flat. I also enjoy it when I can help my friends.What’s your favourite holiday destination? Benidorm or a caravan holiday.What do you do to stay fit?I go to the gym and I dance!Who would play you in a film of your life?Hugh Grant. What animal what would you be?A dog because they are soft and they are cuddly. What makes you happy?Singing, dancing, art, DVDs, jokes, friends, seeing my family, going out and meals out - lots!

Debbie

Dogs!

Spain

Ricky

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Buy fresh fruit and vegetables loose rather than in a packet as they can

be up to half the price

Stock up on canned fruit and vegetables, they have a long shelf

life and are cheap

Cook your meals in bulk then freeze the rest for another time

Try to use alternatives to meat e.g. quorn or lentils as they

are much cheaper

Write a shopping list and stick to it, this will prevent you buying things you don’t need

Why not take up a new hobby and give growing your own vegetables a go?

Look in the frozen section for your shopping essentials as they are usually cheaper and last longer

Keep an eye out for buy one get one free deals

Replace snacks with fruit or vegetables rather then chocolate bars and sweets, a banana is around 20p when chocolate is around 60p

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Answers to Quiz on Page 15

1. Gift horse2. Watched, boils3. Candle, ends

4. Pennies, pounds 5. Needle, Haystack 6. Money

7. Success 8. Twain 9. New leaf 10. Port

How to Cook on a Budget


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FebruaryDignity Action Day, 1st February, worldwide. A day in which we are all encouraged to remember that everybody has the right to receive dignity in care, no matter what age, gender or race they are.

Parinirvana, 8th February, worldwide. Buddhist holiday which is also celebrated by some on the 15th February. The day recognises Buddha

achieving complete Nirvana, upon the death of his physical body. The day is a time of refl ection for many Buddhists.

Chinese New Year, 10th February, worldwide. The beginning of the Chinese annual calendar. 2013 is the Year of the Snake.

St Valentine’s Day, 14th February. Don’t forget to send a Valentine’s card!

Shrove Tuesday, 12th February, worldwide. The last day before Lent begins, and a day to eat pancakes!

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April Easter Monday, 1st April, worldwide. The day after Easter Sunday, and a bank holiday!

April Fool’s Day, 1st April, worldwide. Remember, if you trick someone after 12 noon: April Fool is dead and gone, you’re a fool to carry on!

World Autism Awareness Day, 2nd April, worldwide. Began in 2007. This day is intended

to draw the world’s attention to autism, and educate people about what this condition involves.

Know Your Blood Pressure Day, 20th April, worldwide. This awareness day encourages people to get to their GP and fi nd our their blood pressure.

Early diagnosis of high blood pressure can be life saving, so gets yours checked asap!

St George’s Day, 23rd April, England. The feast day of St George, the Patron Saint of England.

March International Women’s Day, 8th March, worldwide. A day to celebrate women - this year’s theme is ‘The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum’. Keep an eye out for information on the Women’s Day events that Creative Support will be holding throughout the country!

Mother’s Day, 10th March, United Kingdom. Let your mum know how much you appreciate her with a card for this special day.

Passover Begins, 26th March, worldwide. This is one of the most important Jewish festivals of the year, and remembers the Jewish people being led out of slavery in Egypt by Moses. Celebrations continue for seven to eight days.

Good Friday, 29th March, worldwide. The Friday before Easter. Good Friday is a day of mourning, when Christians remember the crucifi xion of Jesus.

British Summertime Begins, 31st March, worldwide. Wind your clocks forward!

February. send a Valentine’s card!


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Creative Life is available in a range of different formats including large print, audio and other languages. Please contact Marketing using the details below. ........................................................................................................................................

www.creativesupport.co.uk

Creative Support Head Offi ce5th Floor, Dale House35 Dale StreetManchesterM1 2HF

T 0161 236 0829F 0161 228 0560

Marketing [email protected]

Service User Involvement Team [email protected]

To submit content for Creative Life [email protected]

Contacts @

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Creative Life Winter 2013........................................................................................................................................

Share your views• Complete a Client

Satisfaction Questionnaire• Get involved in planning your

support• Attend Tenants’ Meetings• Attend Policy Review or

Consultation Meetings• Share your views with the

Board of Trustees

RecruitmentHelp choose the staff who work for Creative Support by being on the panel for interviews.

Work ExperienceThere are sometimes opportunities for you to undertake paid work, work experience placements or to volunteer at some of our offi ces.

PresentationsTell families, carers, other service users and commissioners about Creative Support at open days and presentations.

Health and SafetyYou can get involved in the health and safety checks where you live.

NewslettersSet up your own newsletter or contribute to local, national or regional publications like this one.

TrainingHelp to train our staff and other service users or become a Training Advisor to assist the Training Team.

Review Paperwork • Check information is easy

and clear to understand• Help create Easy-Read

policies and handbooks• Give your views on new

designs for marketing materials

• Take part in fi lmed versions of policies

And... You can be supported to take part in all these activities and you may be paid for some.

For more information ask your support worker or contact Lorraine or Olivia at head offi ce using the details shown below.

We want to help you get the best possible service from Creative Support. Here are some of the ways you can get involved:

Documents

Winter 2013 Just Chill - Creative Support Ltd · Winter 2013 Just Chill Hobbies page 6 Training page 7 ... 22 Top Tips How to Cook for Less ... Rated: 8/10 Have you tried Your Shape?