Hello newsletter Winter-Spring 2018 edition

We are a charity that helps people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities achieve their

ambitions and go beyond their expectations.

Henshaws, 4a Washbrook House, Lancastrian Office Centre, Talbot Road, Stretford, Manchester

M32 0FP

Phone: 0300 222 5555 Visit: henshaws.org.ukContentsPage 2 Welcome letter from Robert CooperPage 4 Henshaws storiesPage 5 Community Services newsPage 8 Fundraising updatesPage 10 Group updatesPage 11 Groups TimetablePage 16 Arts & CulturePage 19 RecipePage 20 Other news

Hello and welcome to the winter/spring 2018 edition of Henshaws ‘Hello’ Newsletter.Hopefully, you will be aware that there have been a number of changes across Henshaws Community Services over the past few months, including the moving of staff and digital services from Henshaws Trafford hub in Atherton House to the new location of Lancastrian House on Talbot Road, and the relocation of groups previously based at Atherton House, to venues across the Trafford area more easily accessed by public transport.The moves will enable better use of the charity's future funding and support our community based strategy, which aims to help more people in their local community. In order to support more people across Trafford, we have created a new community hub at the Trafford Carers' centre, where a number of the Friendship Matters groups 2

have relocated. The groups' timetable is available on page 12, and if you need any more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our First Step team on 0300 222 5555 or at manchester@henshaws.org.uk.Over the last two years I am proud to say we are now supporting more people than ever before, transforming our presence in the community from one central resource centre to several community hubs across Greater Manchester; this has allowed more and more people to access our services, and since we started delivering in the community two years ago, we have helped over 1300 new people.In Merseyside we are also changing the way we deliver services and are looking at better ways to support people in their community - similar to the changes which have taken place in Greater Manchester. As part of the changes, sadly we have made the difficult decision to transfer the services at Henshaws Newcastle Resource Centre to other local providers, as well our supported living service, ‘Yew Tree Lane’, in Manchester.If you attend one of our Greater Manchester hubs, please note that these changes will not have affected your groups or activities, but if you would like any more information or have any questions about the changes, please get in touch on the telephone number and email previously mentioned.I would like to thank you for your patience whilst we have been making the changes to the way we run our services, and for the much appreciated support from Henshaws volunteers and group members over the past few months.I hope this newsletter helps clarify the changes and allays any concerns you may have had. If you are

3

interested in finding out more about the general changes in healthcare provision in Greater Manchester and Henshaws' role in this, please see page 20.I hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Hello’; as always, if you would like more details about anything mentioned in this issue, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on our new number - 0300 222 5555.Robert Cooper, Director of Community ServicesHenshaws StoriesFrank has been involved with Henshaws since the war!More recently, he has learnt about life-changing new technology with our digital enablement team, and taken part in our ‘Living with Sight Loss’ and social groups. Frank tells us his story:

"I was with Henshaws in the war, then reconnected with them in 2017. I met Gail at Henshaws' Patient Support in Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, and got to know her quite well because Iattended the ‘Living with Sight Loss’ course. Amongst other things, what I gained from the course was learning how to get out and about. At the time, my sight was deteriorating a lot, but since I’ve had a cataract operation, things have improved.

I’ve got a phone and a magnifier, and Carrie from Henshaws’ Digital Enablement team showed me how to use the magnifier in our sessions - I can even read the telephone directory with it, which is magic! I can find the number I want, press the button to hold the image, then dial the phone number whilst the magnifier holds it; it’s been a big help.

4

The main thing about my phone is I can text by speaking, so I don’t have to write it out, and when I get texts they are spoken as well, which is brilliant for me; I’d heard about this but I didn’t really know how it worked – Carrie showed me more about it, which was very helpful.

The main thing I get from Henshaws is friendship and companionship, and I enjoy coming to the Tuesday Group as we have some good times. Everybody’s friendly, you can have a chat with people and I enjoy the Tuesday Group quizzes – especially the music ones!”

Henshaws digital enablement team provide free training and assessments on a variety of different equipment, from magnifiers to phones, in Trafford, Bolton, Oldham and now also at Manchester Central Library (read more on page 6). If you would like to find out more, call us on 0300 222 5555.

Community Services NewsNew phone systemOur new phone system is now up and running and you can get in touch with our team on the new number, which is 0300 222 5555. When you ring, you’ll be presented with a number of options to make sure you’re put through to where you need to be.

If you have any requests for information, advice or guidance, press number 1, and you’ll be put through to our First Step team who will be able to provide you with the support youneed. If there are no members of our First Step team available, leave a message with your number and we’ll

5

get back to you as soon as a member of the team is free. Please note our operating hours are 9am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Henshaw’s new Enablement Hub in TraffordHenshaw’s Trafford Enablement Officer Chris Garry, who was previously based at Atherton House, has moved to the new Trafford Hub based at the Trafford Carers' Centre in Sale.

Chris will be based at the centre on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings; as well as providing Information Advice and Guidance for Trafford Service users, he will be running his weekly exercise class and his ‘Living with Sight Loss’ course there. For more information on the groups or to get involved, get in touch with Chris at chris.garry@henshaws.org.uk or ring 0300 222 5555.

New counselling offer at MREHWe are now offering additional emotional support at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH) on Oxford Road. Henshaws understands that visiting hospital and receiving diagnosis or treatment can be challenging, so we want to ensure patients feel supported at these times.

Henshaws’ Patient Support Officers, Gail and Zoe, and the team of demo desk volunteers, are already providing invaluable support and advice, and now we’re working with an experienced counsellor, Suzie Poyser, to provide additional emotional support to patients. Visit Henshaws office in MREH on Thursdays between 9.30am and 4pm to speak to Suzie, or ring 0300 222 5555 to book a session.

We’ve teamed up with Manchester Libraries6

We're pleased to announce that we have teamed up with Manchester Libraries to extend the support, advice and resources available within the city's libraries for people with a visual impairment. A staff member from Henshaws is based on the second floor in Central Library, offering specialist support, technology assessments, demonstrations and training as part of our digital support for people with sight loss, on an appointment basis.

Henshaws staff will offer training on how to use SuperNova from Dolphin (the software currently available on Manchester Central Library computers) and a range of other products and solutions, including Apple products, JAWS, OrCam and much more. Staff will be available at Central Library from 10am to 4.30pm every Friday, so book a free appointment in advance by calling Henshaws on 0300 222 5555.

Volunteer Event in BoltonOur thanks go to all the volunteers who took part in our Bolton Volunteer Event in February, where over 20 volunteers attended our morning, celebrating all the fantastic work, past and present, done by our volunteers from BSBP and Henshaws (some for as long as 15 years!).

If you would be interested in hearing more about the services we offer in Bolton or to become a volunteer, get in touch with Justine or Suzie on 01204 337 896 or email manchester@henshaws.org.uk.

Henshaws Knowledge Village

7

We return with another Henshaws Life Hack, and this time we’re sharing a hack that’s been one of the tricks from our Life Hacks eBook:

Use elastic bands around different products to help identify them. For example, one elastic band on tins of soup, two on tins of tomatoes, three on tins of chickpeas, etc. You could use this technique on various products, such as cereal boxes, salt and pepper and herbs and spices.

Mark has created a short video demonstrating this particular hack and you can see it and other tips and tricks from our Life Hack videos and eBook in action on henshaws.org.uk/lifehacks. If you have a life hack that works well for you, get in touch at stories@henshaws.org.uk, so we can share your useful tip with others.

Seeing AIMicrosoft’s Seeing AI is now available in the UK. Using the power of artificial intelligence, Seeing AI is a free app that narrates the world around you, describing people, text and objects, including currency recognition and a colour detector, and is currently available for iPhones and iPads. We’ve been putting the app to the test in our latest videos, which are available at henshaws.org.uk/apps.

If you would like to learn more about the app or would like a free training session, get in touch with Carrie or Mark on 0300 222 5555 or email manchester@henshaws.org.uk.

Tai Chi fun!A number of Henshaws staff members and volunteers are undertaking Tai Chi training in March, and will be

8

introducing new Tai Chi exercise classes in April at our Bolton hub as well as in Harpurhey and Wythenshawe.

To express your interest in the new classes, please let a member of the team know on 0300 222 5555 or email manchester@henshaws.org.uk.

Fundraising UpdatesA big thank you to everyone who helped sell raffle tickets or took part in this year’s Christmas events, appeal and raffle.We raised over £6,500 in our Christmas raffle – a fantastic amount that will help support our Community Services groups. We were pleased to be joined by our good friend, Ray Kelly, Atherton House Building Manager who has worked with Henshaws for 23 years, who drew the winning tickets on Friday 15th December. The winners were:£1500 – No. 14750 Mrs Teale£100 – No. 67564 M Smith£100 – No. 33371 K Crompton£100 – No. 29322 Mrs Haydon£100 – No. 31374 S McGregor£100 – No. 33032 B BradleyCongratulations and many thanks to everyone who took part and helped sell tickets.Saturday 2nd December saw Manchester Cathedral illuminated by Henshaws’ Carols by Candlelight Concert. This year’s concert featured wonderful performances from Chapel Street Primary School, Chethams School of Music, Jess Bennett, Sale Salvation Army Brass Band,

9

Manchester Chorale, and concert regulars Denise Leigh and Stefan Andrusyschyn.

We hope you enjoyed all the performances and speeches; some highlights for us were Henshaws Children Hana and Zara’s ‘Christmas Reading’, and the two moving poems read by Dave Steel. A huge thank you goes to Warren Smith, Graham Dixon and Fred Hernandez for their speeches, to all the acts, and to all the volunteers and visitors for making it such a special evening.Henshaws Parachute Jump DayJoin Team Henshaws as we take to the skies for our Henshaws Parachute Jump Day! We have 10 skydiving places available on Sunday 29th April and Sunday 16th September at the Black Knights Parachute Centre in Lancaster if you would like to jump from 10,000ft to raise money for Henshaws.

For more information and to join Team Henshaws, contact Faye Li at fundraising@henshaws.org.uk or by ringing 0300 222 5555.Used Stamps AppealIn 2017, we raised nearly £1,000 - not bad for stamps that would otherwise have been thrown away! It won’t cost you a penny to donate your used stamps to Henshaws, where they will be turned into much needed funds to support our services.Just cut the stamps off used envelopes and drop them off at one of our centres, or post them to our Manchester office at Lancastrian House. If you need any more information call the fundraising team on 0300 222 5555 or email fundraising@henshaws.org.uk.

Henshaws awards

10

On June 21st 2018, Henshaws awards event returns to celebrate the achievements of our service users. There are two new awards this year, making a total of seven - Gillian Lawrence, Friendship Matters, Volunteer of the Year, Technology, Visual Impairment Friendly Business of the Year, Eye Health Professional of the Year, and the Visual Impairment Friendly Opticians. In order to give awards to the worthy winners we need your help, so if you know someone who you think deserves an award this year, we would love you to nominate them.You can fill in the enclosed nomination form and return to us with the freepost envelope, or you can go onto our website and fill in a form online at henshaws.org.uk/awards. If you have any questions or would like a form sent to you in the post, contact Faye in Fundraising on 0161 786 3656.

Legacy givingWe were grateful to receive a generous gift from the will of Mr David Taylor earlier this year, which will help us continue to support people with sight loss across Greater Manchester. Mr Taylor, who was an accountant, was from Milnrow and his Uncle, Eddie Stanton, was a pupil at Henshaws school in the early 1930s. Mr Taylor’s mum and dad ran a social club for visually impaired people at the Lees Street Congregational Church in Openshaw for a number of years and David’s generous gift was testament to the family’s generosity and kindness.

If you would like to know more about leaving a gift in your will to Henshaws, please contact Fiona Ashcroft, Director of Fundraising on 0300 222 5555.

Group Updates

11

A winter highlight for the Galleries & Museums Group was a trip to the People’s History Museum for the ‘Savage Ink’ exhibition, which explores the history of satirical cartoons from the late 18th century to the present, with description from Anne Hornsby.

One group member said:“I think it was my favourite so far, and a great way to end the year. The cartoons were such a fascinating subject and it was great to have them so brilliantly described by Anne (as usual!) as normally I would miss so much of the detail. Anne's expertise combined with Mark's knowledge was a winning combination, and I learnt so much - I could have listened happily to them all day.”

Henshaws Hikers have enjoyed trips to local scenic routes across Greater Manchester and beyond, including a visit to Higher Poynton near the Macclesfield Canal, and a walk around the Ladybower Reservoir, near the Ashopton Viaduct on the Snake Road (see photo). On the first Thursday of every month our walking group meets for a new walk, ranging in length from four to six miles, so ring 0300 222 5555 to find out about the next walk.12

In December, Henshaws Pennine Vale Group celebrated their first birthday in style with cake (pictured), Prosecco, crafts and a sing-a-long! The group was launched in Uppermill in November 2016 and has been run by local volunteers ever since, for visually impaired adults to meet others, enjoy different activities, and find out what support is available.

The group meets on the third Friday of each month at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall in Uppermill, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, and partners and carers are welcome to come along. For more information, ring Kate Nattrass on 0161 770 1824 or Christine Barrow on 01457 874985.

Greater Manchester Groups Timetable

Friendship Matters Groups UpdateWith the closure of our centre at Atherton House, there have been changes to where some of our Trafford FM groups meet. We would like to thank all our volunteers and group members for their patience and help in finding new homes for the groups and to wish them well as they settle into their new venues.

13

If you are interested in joining any of our groups, please call 0300 222 5555 for further information.Trafford, Sale and AltrinchamAltrincham Coffee Morning - Altrincham LibraryThursdays (monthly), 10.30am-12.30pmArts and Crafts Group - Trafford Carers Centre, SaleFridays (fortnightly), 1.15-3.15pmArt Galleries & Museums Groups (venues vary each month)Thursdays (monthly), 10.30am-12.30pmBraille Group - Stretford LibraryFridays (weekly), 10am-1.30pm (drop-in)Film Group - Trafford Carers Centre, SaleThursdays (monthly), 1-3pmFriday Social - Stretford LibraryFridays (weekly), 10am-1.30pmHappy Appers - Trafford Carers Centre, SaleThursdays (monthly), 12-2pmHenshaws Hikers (location varies each month)Thursdays (monthly), 10am-4pm approxTrafford Tech Talk - Trafford Carers Centre, SaleThursdays (monthly), 10.30am-12.30pmTuesday Social - Avenue Methodist Church, SaleTuesdays (weekly), 1.15-3.15pmWednesday Social - Trafford Carers Centre, Sale (TBC)Wednesdays (weekly), 12.30-2.30pmYoga (venue to be confirmed)Tuesdays (weekly), 12-1pm

14

Salford:Broadwalk Social - Pendleton Gateway, SalfordTuesdays (monthly) 10.30am-12.30pmCounselling - Pendleton Gateway, SalfordTuesdays (weekly)Eye Eye Social - Wardley Community Centre, SwintonWednesdays (weekly) 12.30-2.30pmExercise class - Pendleton Gateway, SalfordMondays (weekly) , 1.30-3pmI Spy Social - Rainbow Rooms Community Centre, Ec-clesTuesdays (fortnightly) 2-4pmInformation, advice & guidance - Pendleton Gateway, SalfordMondays (drop-in, weekly), 9.30-11.30am

South Manchester: Coffee Morning - Wythenshawe ForumThursdays (monthly), 10.30am-12.30pmCounselling - Wythenshawe ForumThursdays (weekly)Exercise class - Wythenshawe ForumWednesdays (weekly), 2.30-4pmInformation, advice & guidance - Wythenshawe ForumWednesday (drop-in, weekly), 9.30am-1.30pm

Oldham:Braille Group - Oldham LibraryTuesdays (weekly), 9am-12pm

Chadderton Social - St Herbert’s Court, Chadderton15

Wednesdays (monthly), 10am-12pmPennine Vale Social - Sacred Heart Centre, Saddle-worthFridays (monthly), 10.30am-12.30pmRoyshaw Vale Social - St Peter’s Downy House, RoytonTuesdays (weekly), 11am-1pmTech Talk - Skills Zone, OldhamThursdays (monthly), 10.30am-12.30pm

North Manchester: Coffee Afternoon - North City Fitness Centre, HarpurheyTuesdays (monthly), 1.30-3.30pmCounselling - North City Fitness Centre, HarpurheyMondays (weekly)

Exercise class - North City Fitness Centre, HarpurheyMondays (weekly), 1.30pm-3pm

Information, advice & guidance - North City Fitness CentreMondays and Tuesdays (weekly), drop-in

Bolton:Afternoon Tea - The Sensory Centre, Tonge MoorThursdays (fortnightly) 1-2.30pmBraille Group (Bolton) - The Sensory Centre, Tonge MoorTuesdays (weekly), 12-2pmDigital Assessments & Training - The Sensory CentreThursdays: get in touch to book an appointmentLuncheon Club - The Sensory Centre, Tonge Moor

16

Wednesdays (weekly), 11am-2pmTech Talk - The Sensory Centre, Tonge MoorThursdays (monthly), 10.30am-12.30pm

Wigan:Wigan Social - 40c Warrington Lane, WiganTuesday (monthly) 10am-12pmLeigh Social - Charles House, LeighThursday (monthly) 10am-12pm

Information, advice & guidance - 40c Warrington Lane, WiganWednesdays (weekly)Wigan exercise class - 40c Warrington Lane, WiganMondays (weekly), 10am-11.30am

Arts and CultureThe Art Galleries & Museums Group meets on Thursdays, once a month, at a variety of Museums & Gal-leries across Manchester.Group leader Mary Gifford takes an escorted group to a museum or gallery event, many of which include audio description and sometimes a touch and handling element and are an ideal way for blind and visually impaired people to appreciate the arts. The events finish with re-freshments and time for a chat; where possible, transport is provided for the participants. For more information about the group, ring 0300 222 5555.

Making Conversation workshop at Manchester Art Gallery

17

These lively and sociable workshops are led by artist Na-omi Kendrick and supported by audio description; they take place on the last Tuesday in the month, from 1-4pm and are open to everyone.NB please note weekday change to Tuesday.

Future dates:27 March - responding to exciting, critically engaged work by Sonia Boyce.24 April – “And Breath “ - exploring how we can de-stress with art in our Mindfulness gallery featuring art works from our collection.29 May - Get surreal with Kate Heywood's ceramic sculp-tures containing textile, glass and ceramic elements.

26 June - Learn how one piece of art can tell many stor-ies with our Speech Acts exhibition of 20th century paint-ings, photography and sculpture.Materials and refreshments are provided, and Manchester Art Gallery may be able to help with travel costs/arrangements. If you would like to attend, you will need to book a place before the session.Call Kate Day at the Gallery on 0161 235 8855 or email: k.day1@-manchester.gov.uk for further information.

Audio Described Events – March - June 2018The following list has been compiled from information provided by Anne Hornsby of Minds Eye Professional De-scription Service, The Lowry and Vocaleyes.

Most theatre performances include a touch-tour about an hour before the performance and you can check with the Box Office or Mind’s Eye for details. Ticket prices, includ-ing concessions, can be checked at the Box Office, as well as seat and headset advance bookings. NB: most theatres offer special prices to blind and visually im-

18

paired people, so please enquire. The telephone numbers are at the end of the listings.

March5 19.30 Hamlet Bolton Octagon7 20.00 Council Depot Blues Liverpool Royal Court8 19.30 Madama Butterfly (Opera North) The Lowry14 19.30 Wicked Liverpool Empire16 19.30 Circle Mirror Transformation HOME17 14.00 Cinderella (Matthew Bourne) The Lowry29 19.30 Paint Your Wagon Liverpool Everyman31 14.30 Frankenstein Royal Exchange

April3 19.30 Whisky Galore Oldham Coliseum5 19.30 East is East Bolton Octagon7 14.00 The Flying Lovers of Vtebsk HOME7 14.30 Birdsong The Lowry12 19.30 Miss Saigon Palace25 20.00 Liver Birds Liverpool Royal Court28 14.30 Relatively Speaking Oldham Coliseum

May2 19.30 The Big Corner Bolton Octagon4 19.30 Corrido HOME10 19.30 A Clockwork Orange Liverpool Everyman18 14.30 The Cherry Orchard Royal Exchange22 19.30 Blood Brothers Palace23 19.00 Long Day’s Journey into Night HOME

19

24 19.30 Othello Liverpool Everyman

June7 19.30 A Taste of Honey Oldham Coliseum9 14.00 Jane Eyre (Northern Ballet) The Lowry16 14.30 Happy Days Royal Exchange20 19.30 Summer Holiday Bolton Octagon23 14.00 War Horse (National Theatre) The Lowry26 19.30 The Big I Am Liverpool Everyman28 19.30 Legally Blonde Palace

Useful telephone numbers:Mind's Eye 01204 522481 or 07889 232438Bolton Octagon Theatre 01204 520661HOME 0161 200 1500Liverpool Empire Theatre 0800 912 6971Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse 0151 709 4776Liverpool Royal Court Theatre 0151 709 4321Oldham Coliseum Theatre 0161 624 1731Palace Theatre & Opera House, Manchester 0161 245 6605Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester 0845 450 4808The Lowry 0161 876 2183VocalEyes 0207 375 1043

20

Audio Described Films and Events at HOME

Film buffs can now hear, weekly, in advance about audio described films at HOME. HOME is the name of the new Arts complex at 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN, which replaced the old Cornerhouse. HOME is located on First Street, just off Whitworth Street West, roughly opposite the Hacienda apartments and a short walk from Oxford Road and Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop.

HOME can send you a new weekly email newsletter, letting you know about all the audio described films coming up at HOME that week. You can expect this email in your inbox every Tuesday afternoon and they will also be sure to let you know about any other audio described events taking place at HOME.

To sign up to the mailing list you can call 0161 200 1500 or email access@homemcr.org and request to be added to the mailing list for audio described films and events.

RecipeThis edition’s recipe is for cauliflower and lentil curry, from Henshaws Savoury Cooking Group in Liverpool. It’s an ideal recipe for any sight level, and perfect to warm you up until summer arrives!

Cauliflower and lentil curryServes 6, cooking time 30 minutes.Ingredients1 large cauliflower, chopped21

2 onions, finely chopped1 packet red lentilsTin of coconut milkQuarter teaspoon turmericHalf teaspoon ground chilliQuarter teaspoon curry powderSalt to tasteLemon juice to tasteNaan bread to serveMethod1. Fry the onions for 4-5 minutes in a little oil.2. Add the cauliflower, lentils and all the spices including the coconut milk and salt, to the onions.3. Add a cup of water and cook on medium heat until the cauliflower is soft.4. Add the lemon juice to taste, and serve with naan bread.

Other News, Services and Useful NumbersChanges in health and social care across Greater Manchester

Often referred to as ‘Devolution', there have been a number of changes to the way in which health and social care services are provided across Greater Manchester. One of the key aims is to provide care closer to home and reduce health inequalities, often known as the postcode lottery of health and social care services.

22

To ensure sight loss remains high on the agenda, Director of Community Services Rob Cooper has been working with the Greater Manchester NHS Eye Health network and created three documents to raise awareness of eye health; these documents are: NHS Greater Manchester Transformational Plan - De-livering Improved Eye Health across Greater Manchester; NHS Greater Manchester Community Sight Loss Framework – Providing eye care closer to home; and Greater Manchester 7 Steps - understanding the eye health pathway.

The Greater Manchester Eye Health Network has made some key recommendations to ensure all people with sight loss have access to better care in their community; these recommendations include: Central Point of Access

One register to ensure all people with sight loss are informed about services in their community.

Community Low Vision AssessmentAll people with sight loss can have their vision assessed in their community.

Community Support ServicesAll people with sight loss can have access to a Living with Sight Loss course and Digital Assessment.

It has been further recommended by the network that

to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to com-munity care services, all patients have access to a Sight Loss Advisor/Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO), and that

a review of Rehabilitation Services be carried out to ascertain whether there is a need to develop new supporting roles to address workforce shortages

23

(planned Task and Finish Group to commence in early 2018).

If you would like a copy of the Framework, or would be willing to take part in a consultation about the recommendations, please contact Henshaws on 0300 222 5555 or email info@henshaws.org.uk.

Cake and books – what else could you want?

Deb Ryan, Henshaws First Step Team Leader, recently visited the audio book reading group at Shaw Library and wrote about her visit for ‘Hello’ newsletter. Deb says, “Do you miss reading? Do you like to have a chat about the books you have enjoyed - or didn’t, for that matter? Well, you can still even if you can no longer read print.Recently I was invited to an audio book reading group at Shaw Library in Oldham. On the first Tuesday of the month at 2.15pm, a small group meets to discuss their recently finished books and to choose new ones, accompanied by tea and cake.I met up with Ron Tench, the volunteer group leader and other group members to see how it all works. Among the titles recommended by the group this month were a fast paced thriller, ‘Stay Close’ by Harlan Coben; ‘Death Tree’, a more traditional 'whodunnit' by Brian Eastman, featuring gardening detectives Rosemary & Thyme, and ‘State of Emergency’ by Andy McNab, a full-on action adventure story.

24

The group is open to blind and partially sighted people who are members of Oldham libraries. The meeting starts with a 'round robin' discussion about the books people have read, then the members choose one of these recommended reads or from a range of audio book titles provided by the library service. Ron and Marian read the synopsis of the titles to help members decide whether or not they like the sound of each book.If you are interested in joining the group contact Henshaws on 0300 222 5555 and we can pass on your details, and if you like the idea of a book club but don’t live in the Oldham area, you could always approach your local library to see if they can help you set up a reading group of your own.”

Speed of Sight track event in Trafford!Are you, or do you know someone, who has been told they can't drive, or has had their licence taken away due to disability?With the charity Speed of Sight, anyone can get behind the wheel of a car! Cars are dual controlled with two steering wheels so they can be fully driven from either seat. Every experience is tailored to suit the driver under the supervision of one of our fantastic instructors, making it a day to remember.The charity is holding a race day at the Trafford Centre on Thursday 26th April, 10am-4pm, with each place costing £45 per person. Get in touch for more information or to reserve a place on 0161 7144567 or info@speedofsight.org.

New exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool

25

Don't miss 'The Blind School: Pioneering people and places'; a free exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool, running until 15th April 2018.

The exhibition tells the story of Liverpool's Royal School for the Blind, the first school for blind people in Britain and the second in the world. The exhibition explores what life was like for the pupils of the school over its 227 year history as well as the design and location of the different buildings that housed it.

The exhibition incorporates accessible methods such as audio description, BSL interpretation, and multisensory features. Find out more on the Museum of Liverpool website at www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk.

Help us spread the word!Once you have read or listened to our newsletter, please pass it on to a friend or family member, or you could enquire at your local community centre, GP, church or library to see if you could leave it there for others to enjoy.

We also have leaflets explaining who we are and what we do – maybe you could ask about leaving some of these; you can get a supply by calling us on 0300 222 5555. Remember, the more people know about us and support us, the more support we can offer visually impaired people, so please do all you can to help us get the word out.

Disclaimer

26

Although every attempt is made to ensure that the information contained within this newsletter is timely and accurate,Henshaws cannot be held responsible for any information herein. This newsletter is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be either legally binding or contractual in nature.

27