New Directions’ new supported living service based at Lennon Court and in the community provides both accommodation and outreach support services to 26 people with learning disabilities in their own homes. A team of dedicated staff encourage people to achieve and improve their daily living skills and access the community. The support services are a stepping stone to living more independently in the community.

Getting People’s Benefits on Track

NEW SERVICE

Marygold Challenor is New Directions’ new Housing Support Officer. She will support tenants in all aspects of their tenancies. She will help them claim benefits, manage their finances and help them to find work, either paid or as a volunteer.

NEW DIRECTIONS’New Services in the Community

Right: Marygold providing support Above and below: At home with some of the tenants

Above: Quizmaster Chris with Organiser Cheri

Above: Quiz teams pit their wits to answer quiz questions

Quiz Fans Raise Hundreds for Art Therapy

Volunteer Mark, who also uses New Directions’ services, is helping Senior Administrator Tracy and the charity to create a noticeboard display with pictures and stories about New Directions’ history from the 1900s to the present day including the latest Richmond Court development. The board is made up of documents, photos and reminiscences about the evolution of our charity. There will soon be a story with more information on our website at www.newdirectionsrugby.org.uk

Mark said, “We have been working on this project a long time and have done a lot of research in the library. It is helpful to go back in time to help in the future.”

Mark Helps With Charity History

Above: Mark and Tracy working on the noticeboard display design

Everyone was a winner at our fundraising Charity Quiz Night raising an impressive £602 for New Directions. The funds will go toward art therapy for people with learning and physical disabilities. Organised by Team Leader Cheri, there were 15 teams taking part and answering fast-paced trivia questions set up by Gary Newbon and delivered by Quizmaster Chris Newsom.

Cheri said, “It was a fun evening with a brilliant atmosphere. The funds raised will be of great benefit to us and art therapists coming to our services for drama, art and music.”

Above: Poppy Place sensory garden and water feature

Above: Poppy Place, our new purpose-built residential home

Above: Ian Southcott cutting the celebration cake

Official Opening of Poppy Place

The Mayor of Rugby, Cllr. Sally Bragg, officially opened Poppy Place, our new residential home. The Mayor and special guests were invited to take a look around the bespoke home which provides the highest standards of support.

Poppy Place recently received a major boost thanks to a very generous donation from Ian Southcott from the Rugby Group Benevolent Fund for solar panels and track hoists. A new sensory garden provides access to nature for residents thanks to the UK’s largest automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover, whose representatives, Peter and Sharon Gray and Barry Jarman, attended the opening.

CEO Doreen Woodward said, “The accessibility of this home is transforming the lives of its residents, having a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.”

Above: Friends and families watch the drama performance in full swing at our community space

Becky Aucott from Particip8 has been working with our drama group at Community Choices Network every Friday. The group have put together a moving drama performance which they have called ‘True Colours’. The star of the show, Tina, played an excellent part as a vulnerable girl who deals with being bullied by making relationships with new friends.

After the show Tina said, “This performance makes me feel confident about being loved and accepted.”

The performance was showcased at our community space at Webb Ellis Business Park.

Some of the people who attend Community Choices Network visit Hilltop Farm every other Friday, to reap the benefits of their arts and crafts studio. The studio is fantastic and each session is delivered to the group by the owner of the workshop.

Individuals pay a cost for each session to select a piece of pottery from the workshop to decorate. These items have made excellent handmade gifts to take home and give to their families.

Getting Creative at Hilltop Farm Studio

Above: Taking part in studio activities at Hilltop Farm

Drama Performance About Bullying

Richmond Court Opening March

2017

Richmond Court will be opening in March 2017 and will provide 11 one bedroom supported living flats for people with learning and physical disabilities. This latest supported living development provided by New Directions will enable more people with disabilities to have their own home with the support to live a more independent life, to develop new skills, make new friends, and have a strong presence in the local community.

The people who will live there will be supported to live the life they choose. Richmond Court offers disabled people the opportunity to move further toward fulfilling their potential and taking more control of their life path.

If you would like to get more information about our new supported living flats at Richmond Court or would like to apply, please phone:

01788 573318.

Above and below: The designs for Richmond Court flats opening soon

lnisbet@newdirectionsrugby.org.uk

Christmas ChARITY Fete

Senior Support Worker Dee said, “Thank you to everyone who got into the Christmas spirit and took part in our fundraising event. There was a wonderful amount of support from those who popped in off the high street, friends and families who were all the inspiration for this Christmas Fete to raise much needed funds for our great cause.”

The craft stall made over £100 from the gifts such as table runners, broaches, material bags and Christmas table decorations, handmade by the people who use our services.

New Directions’ Christmas Fete raised an impressive £320 toward activities for the learning and physically disabled people who use our services. There was a steady flow of visitors with faces old and new throughout the event at The Exchange. The event was organised by the staff team at our day opportunities and activities service.

Keeping Healthy and HappyPaul’s StoryPaul who is supported by New Directions joined Slimming World at the end of July 2016 and has lost 2 stone. He was awarded certificates, a ‘Mr Sleek’ tie and a mug. He enjoys preparing healthy meals with his keyworker Lisa, planning ahead and eating lots of fruit vegetables and yoghurt.

Keith and Kyle’s StoryKeith and Kyle, who both use New Directions’ services, have been attending a wheelchair-based exercise class at the local sports centre for over 6 months to build up their muscle tone and help with their co-ordination. They have been welcomed by the group so it is also a social event for them. The trainer Chris is an inspiration as he is also in a wheelchair and encourages them both to reach their full potential.

Asked what he thought about the exercise classes, Keith gave a double thumbs up and agreed that it was a good day when he goes.

Above: Paul with his certificates

Left: Keith stretching his legs and strengthening his muscles

Right: Kyle lifting weights working his arm muscles that he uses for his wheelchair

Paul likes that he is in control of his healthy eating habits and said, “I love it, it makes me happy.”

Above: Janine, Maureen and Linda

Our Supported Ladies Take to Their Cleaning Roles

A Tribute To Peter Jackson’s Memory

Three hardworking ladies who live together at one of New Directions’ homes are in paid employment at our charity working as cleaners. Janine, Linda and Maureen enjoy their work and their roles which have given them more independence, confidence, fulfilment, and their own wage.

Janine said, “I enjoy cleaning at New Directions’ homes and whistle while I work. I do polishing, hoovering and mopping. I have more independence earning my own money and have bought myself some treats and go out for meals.”

Above: Peter Jackson

CEO Doreen said, “We thank Peter for his dedication and legacy of support that helped people with learning disabilities and their families. He will be fondly missed.”

Peter Jackson, who was a trustee for a number of years at New Directions and a member from its early beginnings as Rugby Mencap, has sadly passed away. He was also a family member and will be remembered for his commitment to getting the voices of disabled people and their carers heard, and his battle to get the provision and funding of local services to be more transparent and objective.Peter was a photographer in the RAF before his career as an industrial chemist, working at companies including Rugby Cement. During his retirement he continued to speak out for disabled people and carers.

Our Supported Ladies Take to Their Cleaning Roles

Sue Celebrates Another Year Volunteering

Volunteer Sue Windows believes she is privileged to be able to support Elaine

and Kyle at Gateway Court. She is looking forward to her third year and wishes she could devote more time to helping out.

Kyle said, “I am grateful for the time Sue spends with me and look forward to it every week.”

Elaine said, “I have been to lots of exciting places with Sue.”Above: Sue with Elaine and Kyle

Thank You Volunteer Bernie

Above: Bernie supportingAlison and Tony with crafting and making cakes

Bernie Watson, who volunteers at Poppy Place has supported Alison, Tony and Denise with craft making and cooking for over a year now. Bernie thinks up all of the creative projects herself and they have made many seasonal items together including cakes, crackers, papier-mache Easter eggs, and Christmas, birthday and get well cards.

Alison said, “I like putting things together and like to see things work like the printed holly Christmas cards.”

Bernie said, “I like coming to Poppy Place and doing things with everyone. I enjoy my time here and have been friends with all the residents for many years.”

New Directions’ own pop up reminiscence experience pods or RemPods™ were set up for display at our charity’s community space at Unit 8, Webb Ellis Park, Rugby and are available to hire. This open day event demonstrated the versatility of these pop up experiences.RemPods can transform any space quickly and effortlessly with a complete environment, authentic furniture and interactive items. They are easily transportable and we offer a wide variety of these pop up experiences such as a beach, traditional pub, bingo hall, cinema and modern supermarket.

Senior Manager Laura said, “The RemPods and the charity’s RemPod vehicle were purchased after New Directions successfully received a grant from Warwickshire County Council. RemPods provide fun and meaningful activities for schools, young people with disabilities, children, older people and for parties.

For more information phone Francis: 01788 577586 or email: ffrere-benz@newdirectionsrugby.org.uk

Pop Up Experiences on Display

Above: Some of the RemPods set up and available to hire

A group of charitable teenagers took part in ‘The Challenge’ fundraising event for their National Citizen Service, raising over £279 in total for New Directions’ activities. ‘The Challenge’ is a government-funded activity programme

that brings together 16 to 17 year olds from different backgrounds to complete a series of action-packed challenges to make a positive difference in their local area.

As part of a school project to use active and healthy exercise for charity, three enthusiastic pupils from Caludon Castle School in Coventry have raised an impressive £170 for our New Directions’ Christmas celebration lunch by completing a sponsored walk around Coventry Memorial Park. The 12 year old pupils Rachel, Lucy and Sophie, embraced the challenge to fundraise for our charity.

Young People Fundraising for New Directions

Above: NCS participants at The Exchange with Joyce and Mark

Above: The fundraising schoolgirls with Elaine and Kyle

National Citizenship Challenge

Coventry Memorial Park Walkathon

‘Browse’ Our New Look

Website

New Directions has installed new software called Browsealoud on to the charity’s website which makes it more accessible to people with learning and physical disabilities. This assistive software helps people by adding speech and reading options that help people to access information. These include making text bigger, reading text outloud, accessing different languages, changing the colour of text for easier reading and more.

Accessible Information Champion Laura said, “New Directions is committed to enabling people to access its website so has produced an easy read information sheet to show disabled people to look out for the Browsealoud headphones icon and access its toolbar.”

Taking on Dementia Together

Deputy Manager Andrea is now our Dementia Champion and she will be supporting our staff team, people who use our services, their families and carers in

understanding and working with people with dementia.

Above: Andrea

Taking on Dementia Together

Andrea said, “We help to support people to avoid getting anxious about the symptoms of dementia, taking some of the confusion away and enabling them to remain calm so as to carry on with their daily tasks and interests for their independence.”

Our Media Officer Abbi called round to Sam’s supported living home to catch up with him before Christmas. Here’s what he had to say...

Abbi: So Sam, you turned 20 this year?Sam: Yes, I had a get together to celebrate with my family.Abbi: You have been supported by New Directions

for 4 years now. How have things changed?Sam: I can do more skilled things now and am able to do more for myself. I am at college now after leaving school. We had a school prom night. I am now doing Entry Level 3 courses in Maths and English etc.Abbi: So I hear you also treated yourself to a holiday in 2016?Sam: Yes, I went to Bulgaria. We stayed in a posh hotel with only a 10 minute walk from the sea. It was my first time on an airplane. We spent most of our holiday by the pool and on the beach. I went on a jet ski.Abbi: Wow! Would you go there again?Sam: Yes but I like different countries and want to explore the world.

Spotlight on SamSpotlight on Sam

Above Sam’s birthday

Above: Sam on the jet ski

Below: Sam going to his school prom in style

New Directions is keeping up-to-date with the latest digital technologies to enhance the quality, efficiency and compliance of our support services. Our charity now utilises laptops, tablets, Gmail, social media, digital systems and recording every day. The benefits of accessing this technology for the people who use our services includes better communication between them and their support network and

efficient support planning. These technologies can also make record keeping safer, more accurate and streamlined for a smarter process.

Digital Champion Jo Jarman said, “Digital technology has transformed the workplace. Information can be delivered in real-time, making the systems more compliant. We promote peer support for our staff and their development in learning these new systems.”

New Technologies Improve Our Services

Warwickshire Police ran two groups on keeping safe in the community at our day opportunities service, Community Choices Network.

Police officers talked about what happens when someone is arrested, the equipment that is used by the police, how they help with crime, and why all police cars have large numbers on the roof. They also invited the people who attend the service to see the police cells and custody office which they thoroughly enjoyed.

Personal Safety First Police Visit

From left to right: Martin, Linda, Bob, Janetand David in the police cells

Above: Laura supports Kyle with his online food shopping

Maureen and Janine, who use New Directions’ services, visited Maureen’s family in Ireland with support staff Sasha and Vicki for a long weekend. They stayed in a 6 bedroom cottage which enabled Maureen to invite her family for a big get together meal there on the Sunday. The following day Maureen and Janine went to Dublin and its zoo. During their break they also met more of Maureen’s family in Drumlish and were treated to another family meal out.

Maureen said, “I had a lovely time. New Directions helps me to visit my family.”

Terrific Tenerife HolidayAlison, who is supported by New Directions took a week's vacation to Tenerife with Support Worker Alice. They stayed in a hotel and hired a car so they could visit many areas around the coast. The hotel is specifically adapted for people with physical disabilities with features like ramps, lifts and grab rails. Access to the outdoor swimming pool was no exception and Alison was therefore able to get in and out of the pool easily despite having a physical disability.

Alison said, "The weather was hot and I had a lovely room. The food was nice. I am looking forward to my next holiday."

Above: Janine and Maureen at Dublin ZooBelow: Maureen

Maureen’s Family Visit to Ireland

Above: Alison enjoying sightseeing in Tenerife

Above: Kyle with his new mobility car

Kyle’s New Wheels

Kyle, who is supported by New Directions, has a new mobility car that is enabling him to take part in community activities. Kyle has a physical disabilty and

uses a wheelchair so having this vehicle is a lifeline.

Kyle said, “My Dad takes me out in my new car. It is easy to get in and out. I feel safe inside.”

Kyle uses the mobility car to go shopping and for day trips but would really like to take it on holiday this year so that he can visit tourist attractions.

Art Gallery Experience

Milner House Museum Visit

Poppy Place Pantomime

Interactive Shopping Trip

Days in and out with New Directions

A Christmas celebration lunch for the people using New Directions’ services, their families and carers has been hosted by Dunchurch Park Hotel in their marquee for 200 people. Organised by New Directions, this seasonal event celebrated the spirit of Christmas and our charity’s 65th anniversary.

The Long Lawford Community Choir and New Directions’ staff member Caroline Imonikhe created a fun atmosphere for the guests with Christmas songs, followed by a festive lunch.

Our Charity Celebrates 65th Anniversary

Above: Caroline (centre) and the choir Below: Guests enjoying the festivities.

Above: New Directions’ staff member Dee, the hotel’s General Manager George Briffa (centre), with Santa and his elves

Our charity received donations for the Christmas celebration lunch from local businesses: Handelsbanken customers, Stoneway Estates, Atkinson Finch, Leader Systems, and Rugby Round Table, though staff members also raised funds to help cover the costs through cake sales, raffles and craft fairs. CEO Doreen Woodward said, “I would like to thank George Briffa, General Manager, and Dunchurch Park Hotel who

have gone the extra mile to make this a special event for all. I would also like to thank our sponsors for their generosity which has enabled us to hold this celebration for the people we

support with learning and physical disabilities. The people we support

are at the heart of everything we do so what better time than Christmas to bring them and their loved ones together.”

Our Charity Celebrates 65th Anniversary (continued)

Above: Cynthia and Colin receive their retiremment gifts

Above: The Trustees say goodbye with a farewell meal

Farewell to Our Two Trustees

Trustees Colin Davis and Cynthia Martin have retired from their voluntary roles with New Directions after many years of supporting our charity and guiding its endeavours. Colin is the brother of a resident and the son of one of New Directions’ founding members in the

1950s. He runs his own design and management company in London.

Cynthia has experience as part of the academic staff of Warwick University where she lectured in Maths and primary curriculum studies which included a large section on Special Educational Needs. She has also been a governor of a local infant school.

CEO Doreen said, “We are very grateful to have had the benefits of Colin and Cynthia’s experience over many years. I would like to thank them for all their hard work.”

Anthony and Philip who use New Directions’ services spent a week in a log cabin in the Peak District.Anthony said, “I had a nice time on holiday. I would go again.”During their stay they visited Derby town centre where Anthony bought a new hat. They also took day trips to Buxton, Dovedale and Eyam Village.

Sneaky Peak District Holiday

Above: Anthony sportinghis newly purchased hat

Our Charity Celebrates 65th Anniversary (continued)

Milestone BirthdaysIan Turns 50Ian, who uses New Directions’ services, celebrated his birthday with family and friends, including his neices and nephews and his sister Margaret who he had not seen in years.

Ian said, “Thank you everybody and cheers.”

Above: IanBelow: Tony

Tony is 70Tony, who is supported by New Directions, celebrated his 70th

birthday with a party for friends and family and a buffet lunch at Poppy Place. A few days before his birthday, as a special treat, staff took Tony to the Sea Life Centre in Birmingham which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Contact Us:New Directions (Rugby) Ltd.Head Office27 Bilton RoadRugbyCV22 7AN

Tel: 01788 573318Email: admin@newdirectionsrugby.org.uk

Registered No: 2647131Registered Charity No: 1005302

Website: www.newdirectionsrugby.org.uk

New Directions Rugby Ltd

newdirectionsrugbyltd

@CeoRugby

New Directions Rugby Ltd

Right: Ian’s birthday cake