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NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2014

Gateway Awards Bronze and Silver Achievers

Two celebratory cakes (one bronze and one silver) were cut following the presentation of the Gateway Awards. 13 Gateway club members achieved the bronze award and another 12 achieved the silver award.

Awards were presented by: Rob Marris (Patron Mencap Wolverhampton), the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Michael Heap (Vice Chairman of Mencap Wolverhampton) and Mayoress, Frances Heap (member of Mencap Wolverhampton).

The presentation, which was held on Friday 20th June at Beckminster Church, was followed by a buffet and disco for guests, Gateway club members and staff in Beckminster Church Hall.

Our thanks to everyone who helped to make this such a wonderful occasion.

M E N C A P W O L V E R H A M P T O N

AGM The AGM was held on 6th May at The

Molineux.

The formal business of the meeting was followed by a “Question Time” session when members were able

to pose questions to the panel which comprised:

Alpa Thakar (Royal Mencap Society); Councillor Mike Heap (now Mayor of

Wolverhampton); Tom Denham (Wolverhampton City

Council); and

Rob Marris (Patron of Mencap Wolverhampton).

The event was very enjoyable as

well as informative and members suggested that it ought to become

a regular part of the Mencap programme.

Gateway club members enjoying a game of bingo.

Thomas Bristow, Rosemary Fox, Rebecca Roberts, Everton Simpson, Alex Davies and Becky Duroe

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MENCAP WOLVERHAMPTON SUMMER 2014

Congratulations

Gateway Awards

The Mayor joined Rob Marris in presenting the awards to our Gateway Members. Well done to Tony Beardsmore and Ben Duckett, both Silver Award achievers, and to all of the other recipients:

Andrew Beardsmore (S); Baljeet Bhogal (S); Abby Burgess (S); Thomas Bristow (B); Alex Davies (S); Anthony Draper (B); James Facey (B); Rosemary Fox (S); Gemma Hepwood (B); Jamie Higgins (B); Philip Humphrey (B); Emma Hunt (S); Rachel Jones (S); Darren Laing (B); Tracey Medlem (B); David Pillinger (B); Rebecca Roberts (S); Natalie Saunders (S); Greg Silvester (B); Everton Simpson (B); Michael Solomon (B); Helen Tranter (S); and Chloe Ward (B). B = Bronze and S = Silver

Part Bronze Award achievers were: Angela Bailey; Ann Symmonds; Ashley Spence; and Sam Burt.

We wish to congratulate our Vice Chairman, Councillor Michael Heap, on being elected as Mayor for 2014-15. We hope that Mike and Frances enjoy their year in office as Mayor and Mayoress of Wolverhampton.

A message from the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Michael Heap.

I'm delighted to have been elected to serve the people of Wolverhampton as Mayor during 2014-15.

The last few years have been difficult for the people of Wolverhampton and the city is facing huge financial challenges.

However, by thinking differently and by becoming more efficient and effective, we can help our great city to grow; creating jobs, apprenticeships and new businesses opportunities across Wolverhampton.

And despite the hard times, we still have much to be proud of - Jaguar Land Rover is moving into i54 and creating hundreds of jobs in the process, big businesses like Sainsbury's, Tesco and Debenhams are investing in our city, and we're continuing to transform our secondary schools through the Building Schools for the Future programme.

And let's not forget Wolves' record-breaking promotion last season, which has put a spring in everyone's step.

I'm looking forward to seeing more exciting developments come to fruition during my year in office, and also raising awareness of and much needed funds for my three chosen charities: Mencap Wolverhampton; Wolverhampton Interfaith and the Breast Cancer Unit at New Cross Hospital. Councillor Mike Heap The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Wolverhampton, 2014-2015. Mencap Wolverhampton is delighted that Mike has chosen us as one of his three named charities.

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WOLVERHAMPTON GATEWAY CLUB

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Walk around Bantock Park. They all did really well despite the disappointing weather which meant that the BBQ had to be held indoors.

On 20th July a group went on a return visit to the West Midlands Safari Park.

Future events include a visit to Shrek the Musical early 2015 but there will be parties and activities on the lead up to Christmas.

In the meantime, on Friday 25th July we shall be wishing Paul Ricketts and his Mum, Anne, a fond farewell as they move out of the area to Glastonbury. Good luck and we hope that you will soon make new friends but still retain fond memories of Wolverhampton and the Gateway Club. We wish you well.

Hear My Voice In the Autumn the Gateway Club will be joining Royal

Mencap’s campaign to encourage people with a learning disability to vote in the next general election.

We shall be organising an evening when members, parents, carers and other people with learning

disabilities can hear Rob Marris’s first experiences in politics and what made him become involved in

politics. We shall be helping members to register to vote if they are not already registered and we shall be

holding a hustings with questions being put to prospective candidates. Watch this space.

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On 18th May members of the club visited Warner Brothers Studio Tour at Harry Potter World. It was a very warm day and everyone enjoyed their own picnics in the sunshine before entering the make-believe world of Harry Potter.

As it was Jamie Higgins’ birthday he had the honour of opening the doors to the Great Hall. Daniel Beardsmore and Kate Hunt demonstrated their wand techniques whilst others took broomstick rides, “drove” the flying car, completed their activities passports, sampled the “butterbeer” or just enjoyed wandering around the giftshop. Everyone agreed that it was a very good day out.

Thank you to everyone who helped our members to raise over £1,000 on the Sponsored

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ROYAL MENCAP SOCIETY “Planning for the Future” Event

Hear My Voice – Sara Pickard

You are probably worried about how your loved one will manage their financial affairs when you are no longer around and concerned that a large amount of money may leave them in a vulnerable position. You may also be keen to ensure that they continue to receive their benefits but still enjoy their full inheritance. Mencap’s Wills and Trusts team provides parents, families and carers with free booklets about writing wills and setting up trusts for the benefit of a loved one with a learning disability. They also organise free seminars around England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The free two-hour seminars offer vital, specialist legal advice and give families and carers a much needed opportunity to get answers to those difficult questions - that often make the process seem so daunting. The next event in Wolverhampton will be held on Monday 20 October, 12.30pm – 2.30pm at All Saints Community Centre, All Saints Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 1EL . For details about other venues please go to http://www.mencap.org.uk/what-we-do/wills-and-trusts/planning-future-events#October%20-%20West%20Midlands

My name is Sara Pickard. I am a local community councillor in Pentyrch in Wales. I am also a project officer for Mencap Cymru. In my spare time (what bit I have!) I perform in plays. I have a learning disability, but it hasn’t stopped me from doing any of these things. I first became interested in politics by watching the news. That’s key to my work. Then my parents urged me to follow my heart. Workshops on democracy

I started off by helping to promote politics to people with a learning disability as Mencap Cymru’s project officer. I delivered workshops on democracy. It felt good to be able to go out and inspire people to get involved in politics and to make a difference

I was elected to Pentyrch community council in 2008. I decided to stand for the council because I felt that there needed to be a lot more people with a learning disability in the public eye. I was voted in uncontested and I was re-elected in 2012. My work as a councillor involves attending regular meetings and raising issues for local people. Recently people have asked me about having allotments in Pentyrch. I have been raising this at our meetings and I always take part in any votes that take place during our meetings, even though I might not agree with everything being discussed. That’s what being a good representative is about. I was only 24 when I became a councillor. It’s important to make sure that young people’s voices are heard in politics. Young people in the constituency can come to me to get an issue raised. I’d like to see people with a learning disability getting much more involved in politics. It is really important that people with a learning disability are listened to by politicians and, if they want to, become politicians themselves. If people see that I have a learning disability and I’m doing this, then I can be a role model for them. I hope it helps them to believe in themselves and think that if I can do it, so can they.

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I don't want other parents to feel the overwhelming despair I did in the early days, due to my own ignorance or to waste precious time getting over the shock of Down's syndrome. I can't turn back the clock and relive those early days, but I can buy time for new parents and support them. I write a blog of our adventures called Downs Side Up, …………… I am the Britmums Special Need Round-up Editor and write a regular column for prestigious Special Needs Jungle as well as contributing to charity and professional body blogs and magazines. I sit on the panel of judges in the SWAN (Syndrome without a name) SEN blog awards. You can find our support network on Facebook and Twitter as well as beautiful photos on Pinterest and Instagram.“ Hayley’s daughter, Natty, is modeling Sainsbury’s Back-to-School range of children’s clothing and Hayley says “ The more that advertising is inclusive – showing children in wheelchairs, with Down’s syndrome or any other disability – the better. And one day, we hope it won’t be surprising.” The Daily Telegraph 25 June 2014

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Article Hayley Goleniowska writes …….. “I’m a former language teacher and voice-over artist. I'm married to husband Bob who works in the music biz and funds my Downs Side Up efforts which have taken over as my life's work, in addition to being a Mum to Mia, 10, and Natty, 7, who has Down's syndrome. A few years back we were thrown onto a crash degree course in Down's syndrome when our youngest was born with the condition, at home, in the bathroom. I'm now as much of an expert as any parent can hope to be, for life is one great learning curve. You can contact me on…………………………. downssideup@gmail.com My mission is now to inspire new parents, show the world that many incredible things are possible for our children, and shout out that Down's syndrome truly is wonderful and that life will carry on, only just a little bit better.

Victor Olisa: Withdraw the police caution given to my 19 year-old with Down’s Syndrome. A petition has been set up on behalf of Abdulkarriem who was arrested, handcuffed and held in a police cell for nine hours after trying to go to school on a bank holiday to collect his favourite basketball cap that he had left in the classroom. You can read more about this story on http://www.change.org where there’s a link to the petition.

High Flyers Their fantastic High Flyers video is now on Youtube - to check it out click on the link below to see just what fun adults with learning difficulties can have! Click here for link to the video! If you want to support their appeal you can, by texting "HIGH51 £2" to 70070 to donate £2 via your mobile. For further information contact Sheila Baker, High Flyers, 17 Elder Grove,Wombourne, Wolverhampton, South Staffs WV5 0EN or Phone:01902 893204

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RACE FOR LIFE

   

Me & You Taster Sessions – Summer Holidays Albrighton Trust Moat & Gardens are arranging free Taster Sessions running in the school holidays.

Date Activity* Time 23rd July Conservation/Wildlife 10-4pm 30th July Conservation/Wildlife 10-4pm

6th August Horticulture 10-4pm 13th August Horticulture 10-4pm 20th August Angling/Horticulture 10-4pm 27th August Angling 10-4pm * Activity may change

Please note that due to funding restrictions they are only able to offer free places to young people with disabilities; this includes those with significant sensory, physical and intellectual impairments and those with complex and challenging behavioural needs. All places need to be booked so please do not hesitate to contact: Rachel Harding - Project Coordinator Albrighton Trust Moat and Gardens Blue House Lane Albrighton Nr Wolverhampton West Midlands WV7 3FL Tel: 01902 372441 or go to www.albrightontrust.org.uk Special Olympics Special Olympics have arranged dates for outdoor bowls at the Woodfield Sports and Social Club

Tuesdays 5th August, 12th August, 19th August and 26th August 10.30 to 12 noon

The cost is £1.50 per athlete per session. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Yours in Sport, Sophie Roberts 01902 750803 or email sophieroberts47@talktalk.net

Five members of Mencap Wolverhampton entered the Race for Life at Dudley and raised money for Cancer Research UK. You can catch up with their finish line photo on Heart FM http://fw.to/Kd8q1tg Dudley PM: Best Dressed – probably due to their fascinators which were designed and made by Pam Bhogal (on the left) who was accompanied by Penny Slade and Sophie Roberts (cancer survivors), Liz Pentecost and Jill Hepwood.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

MENCAP WOLVERHAMPTON SUMMER 2014

Following a fall at home Margaret has spent the past few weeks in New Cross hospital.

On Wednesday, 16th July she left New Cross to go to a residential home but unfortunately suffered another fall and a broken hip. Margaret has undergone a partial hip replacement and hopefully is now back on the mend.

We all send our President, Margaret, our very best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

Easyhealth Easyhealth was made so that people know where to find ‘accessible’ health information i.e. information that uses easy words with pictures. There are over 500 leaflets on Easyhealth, made by many different organisations. You can print off nearly all of the leaflets straight away. It is run by an organisation called Generate Opportunities Ltd www.generate-uk.org and it is sponsored by Mencap and part sponsored by Wandsworth PCT.

MARGARET POLACK

Transformation of Learning Disability Provision in Wolverhampton In the present financial climate Wolverhampton City Council, like other local councils, are making cutbacks, both in the services they provide and in the donations/grants they make to the voluntary sector. For example, the Gateway Club has lost its grant of £2000 from the City Council. We want to identify the changes and, importantly, how they have affected your everyday life, either positively or negatively, and are seeking your help to do this. Tom Denham (Wolverhampton City Council) asked us to feedback any views we received about the changes in Wolverhampton and we want to be in a position to do this at the next Executive Committee meeting in September. Please tell us: What has changed? and How this has affected you? Contact Liz Pentecost: mencapwolves@btinternet.com

Radar NKS Key

The National Key Scheme (NKS) offers disabled people independent access to locked public toilets around the country. Toilets fitted with National Key Scheme (NKS) locks can now be found in shopping centres, pubs, cafés, department stores, bus and train stations and many other locations in most parts of the country. The Radar NKS Key, price: £4.50, is for people who require use of the toilet facilities due to their disability or health condition. By purchasing a key VAT free you are declaring yourself eligible to claim VAT relief and that the key is for your domestic and personal use only. The key is only available VAT free for individuals. To find out more about this and to order the new Disability Rights Handbook 39th Edition go to: http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org

MENCAP WOLVERHAMPTON SUMMER 2014

MENCAP WOLVERHAMPTON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The Executive Committee comprises President Mrs M Polack Members Mrs S Crook Chairman Mr A M Chilvers Mrs P Davies Vice Chairman Mr M Heap Mrs J Hunt Secretary/Treasurer Mr G Peters Mrs S Roberts Assistant Treasurer Ms J Hepwood Mrs J Silvester

Ms M Solomon Attendees Gateway Active Officer Mrs P Bhogal Administrator Mrs E Pentecost Gateway Club Leader Ms T O’Hara Royal Mencap Rep Ms A Thakar Patrons of Mencap Wolverhampton Lady Harriet Hamilton and Mr Rob Marris Forthcoming meetings of the Committee are scheduled as follows:

v Thursday 11 September 2014 at 7.30 p.m. v Tuesday 14 October 2014 at 10.30 a.m. v Tuesday 11 November 2014 at 10.30 a.m. v Tuesday 9 December 2014 at 10.30 a.m.

For further details about Mencap Wolverhampton go to our website http://www.mencapwolverhampton.org.uk

Lunchtime Link-up At our last Lunchtime Link-Up we decided to meet at 12.30 pm on the first Thursday in the month commencing 4 September. We will again meet at 12.30 pm at Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre but for the October meeting and possibly future meetings we plan to meet at Northycote Farm so that other members who cannot get to the garden centre can join us. if anyone would prefer an alternative venue please let us know. If you or anyone you know would like to come along please let one of us know by the Monday prior to the link-up so that we can arrange for an appropriate table. We look forward to seeing you whenever you are able to join us.

Liz Pentecost - mencapwolves@btinternet.com Sophie Roberts - Sophieroberts47@Talktalk.Net

A company limited by Guarantee Registered Number 2329515 England Registered Office: 13 Lloyd Street, Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton WV6 0RL Charity Registration No 701532 Mencap Wolverhampton is affiliated to The Royal Mencap Society