mk cil team talk winter 2016

Milton Keynes Inclusive TennisThe Mobility RoadshowDisability Awareness Day

TeamTalkin

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www.mkcil.org.uk Supporting disabled people, their families and carers

Issue 6

The Newsletter of MK Centre for Integrated Living

TeamTalk2 Milton Keynes Centre for Integrated Living 01908 231 344 3

Inside this issue of TeamTalk

For any contributions for future editions of TeamTalk please contact:Annette Holcroft, Editor: [email protected] Allison Carlton, Network and Engagement Manager: [email protected] Tel: 01908 231 344

Published by Focus Magazine Group on behalf of Milton Keynes CIL

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2 Getting in touch with MK CIL

4-5 Message from the Chief Executive

6 About MK CIL7 Mission Statement8 MK CIL Diary9 Forthcoming Events10-11 Fundraising

at MK CIL12 VolunteerProfile 13 Thyroid Foundation

Yoga Classes14-15 Naidex National16 TrusteeProfile17 Bank Holiday Opening17 Jokes18 Quiz Questions

19 Milton Keynes Reference Library

20 The Mobility Roadshow21 Arts for Health

Workshops22-23 Recipe for Tomato Soup24-25 News from the ULOs:

Carers MK26-27 Milton Keynes

Inclusive Tennis28 Community Car Service29 Leisurebility30-31 Disability Awareness Day

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Getting in touch with Milton Keynes CILMilton Keynes Centre for Integrated Living 330 Saxon Gate West, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 2ES Tel: 01908 231 344 Fax: 01908 231 335 Minicom: 01908 231 505 email: [email protected] Web: www.mkcil.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 1096402Registered Company No. 4391864

SILBURY BOULEVARD

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MIDSUMMER BOULEVARD

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CHURCH

You can find us inside the Milton Keynes City Church, in Central Milton Keynes.


Message from the Chief ExecutiveHappy new year to all of our readers I really hope that 2016 is a good year for you all.

Here at MK CIL, we have had a few changes to our Board of Trustees with both Geoff Saunders and Dave Ewing stepping down. Both Geoff and Dave have been involved in the organisation for many years and we will be very sorry to see them go. Thank you to Dave and Geoff for all your support over the last few years and for your input into making the organisation what it is today.

We now have a new Chairman Derek Eastman, who has also been involved with the organisation for many years, we know that Derek will do very well within this role and we are all enjoying working for him.

Cathy Moughton, our Employment Support Manager, is also leaving us and again

asking for nominations (from people with a disability) of organisations and services that have worked hard to improve access. Examples of this might be organisations, shops orservicesthathavefittedahearing loop so that customers with a hearing impairment are able to communicate more easily, organisations that provide an easy read pen for customers with a visual impairment, or for organisations that have made a real effort to improve general access by providing disability awareness training to their staff.

We will be open for nominations in the next few weeks and we would love to hear from you about organisations, businesses etc. that do well in improving access. A nomination form is available from MK CIL if you can think of a business that does really well at this.

There are ten categories for the award each category will have a winner and there will be an overall winner. We will be having an awards evening where winners will bepresentedwithcertificates

and plaques that they can display in their premises to promote the good work they have done. Nominees will also be invited to this evening so please go ahead and nominate organisations that do well.

2016 also brings to an end the Choice and Support contract that we have been providing for the last six years. Milton Keynes Council have seen the need to extend direct payments and the opportunities these bring to people with a disability and have put a new revised contract for working with these people out to tender. MK CIL fully support the growth of direct payments and encourage people to take responsibility for their own carer. Within our current contract we provide support for people that employ their own carer in many different ways. If you have any questions about this please do not hesitate to contact us.

So… Hope 2016 has got off to a good start for you and I hope that it gets better and better.

Christine Pearce Chief Executive Officer

although we wish Cathy every success in the future we are all very sad to lose her. Cathy has worked with people with a disability for many years in MK and has worked extremely hard within MK CIL. Cathy has been offered a fantastic and exciting job and we all wish her the very best for the future.

Meanwhile I have been working with a group of people who represent several different groups in Milton Keynes to improve the access for people with a disability in MK. The Accessible MK steering group aims to improve access in MK to people with a disability and theyhavechosentheirfirstproject. The Accessible MK award scheme will open in the next few weeks and will be


About MK CIL

Mission Statement

Disability Information ServiceOur Trained Volunteers, most of whom live with a disability themselves, can assist with answering any enquiries related to disability. If they cannot help directly they can sign post to a relevant service or organisation.

Topics include:

• Benefits • Equipment • Holidays• Transport • Support Groups • Radar Keys For Sale

A Wheelchair Users Weighing Machine is situated at the MKCILofficesforanyonetousefree of charge, during our hours of opening, which are: 10.00am - 4.00pm, Monday to Friday

Equipment DisplayWe have a bathroom and kitchen with daily living aids.

Peer Support ServiceThis service can assist with writing a support plan by someone who has had similar life experiences.

Employment Support ServiceThe Employment Support Service helps people who employ a carer, or personal assistant. Including advertising, interviewing and paying wages.

Accessible Meeting Rooms For Hire

• City Centre location • Reasonable rates• Hearing Loop

Mission Statement:“MK CIL will aim to inspire, empower and enable people with disabilities, their families, carers and others. Through the provision of a range of information and services, MK CIL will support people in making informed choices, exercising their rights to full participation and to maximise their independence and potential.”

User Led NetworksMK CIL works to support User Led Organisations providing a united voice for disabled people, carers, groups and organisations. We support an active and inclusive network of groups and organisations offering information, guidance, support or simply a helping hand to others to live full and active lives.

Advert


MK CIL Diary

2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month Deaf Community Drop-In9.30am – 12.30pm

ThursdayTable Games Group Drop - In2.00pm – 4.00pm

Form FillingPIP (Personal Independence Payment)DLA (Disability Living Allowance) for under16AA (Attendance Allowance) By appointment only

Forthcoming events:Quiz

1st and 3rd Tuesday of the monthHard of Hearing Support Group Drop - In(SARC) Sensory Advice Resource Centre10.30am – 12.00pm

MK CIL Charity Quiz Night

Wednesday 15th June 7.00pm – 10.00pm

The Guildhall, Christ the Cornerstone Church Central Milton Keynes

All forthcoming events are on our website:www.mkcil.og.uk

Advert


which we are thankful; these have included some MK Dons Memorabilia, a Marshall Amp, tickets for Centre Parcs Woburn and a special edition Bletchley Park Monopoly game.

Our efforts will continue into 2016 so please keep a check on our website, Facebook and Twitter pages for more opportunities to show your support for our wonderful organisation.

Fundraising at MK CILThis year, 2016 starts with a big THANK YOU to all who supported our fundraising effortsin2015.Wefinishedthe year with our Christmas Hamper winner Lynda Heather scooping up all the goodies for the festive season.

The Christmas Appeal for those wishing to make a donation rather than hand out Christmas cards this year reached over £600.00, and with the support of our staff and volunteers we increased our sales on last year for the MK Community Foundation CharityCarRaffletickets.Forthose who bought tickets the CarRaffleDrawtookplaceduring the MK Dons v. Bristol City match at Stadium MK on Saturday 27th February 2016.

We kicked off events this year with another of our successful

Quiz Nights in February at The Guildhall. Future Quiz Night dates are Wednesday 15 June and Wednesday 12 October 2016. Tickets are £7 which includes a buffet, and the chance to win some great prizesinourraffle.Teamsof up to 6 people max.

We have also raised funds through some donations for

Advert


YOGA CLASSThursday 31st March 10am-11am

Sweat Studios, in association with the BTF, are holding a class on behalf of people with thyroid disease. All welcome. Proceeds to the British Thyroid Foundation (MK) local support group, which provides support and help to local people with thyroid conditions.

Yogahasgreatbenefitsforpeople suffering with thyroid disease and is a great all round stress reliever. Come along tofindouthowgreatitcanbe and how it can help you.

The class will be held at Sweat Studios The Hub 2 Rillaton Walk Milton Keynes MK9 2FZ

Limited availability £9.00 on the day, £7.00 early bird price.

To book please call Georgia on 07590 558765 or email: [email protected]

Studio location map on web site: www.sweatsudios.co.uk

Hi, I’m Holley, I am a volunteer at MKCIL I’ve worked here for over a year now just one day a week. One of my jobs here is to phone people and confirmtheirCitizensAdviceBureau appointments, then I email the Citizens Advice Bureau adviser and send the list of people who have confirmedtheirappointment.I also deal with people’s enquires and send information out to them if that’s what they want.

In my spare time I like spending time with my family, I also like going swimming, I am a member of the disabled swimming group. I like going shopping for clothes I love a good old spend up.

Volunteer Profile Holley Johnston


For more information phone: 02030 332 500 Email: [email protected] Web: www.naidex.co.uk

Show Features NAIDEX National offers a comprehensive range of show features that are tailored to helping you discover and experience the latest products, getexpertadviceandfindout the latest developments across all facets of homecare, disability and rehabilitation.

Naidex National NEC BirminghamVenue: NEC Birmingham

Opening times:

Tuesday 26th April 10.00am – 5.00pm

Wednesday 27th April 10.00am – 5.00pm

Thursday 28th April 10.00am – 4.00pm

Naidex is the UK’s largest disability, rehabilitation and homecare event with over 300 exhibitors featuring the latest products and services to aid independent living.

The show brings together healthcare professionals, members of the public, retailers, buyers and dealers to:

•Discoverthelatestproductsavailable all under one roof

•Meettheexpertsandgetindependent advice

Product Categories •Mobility&Transport•Bathing&Showering•DailyLivingAids•Children’sEquipment•AccessEquipment•Furniture•Communication&Telecare•Adaptation•Leisure&Sports•Charity&Advice

Advert


Trustee ProfileEdith Dunse

I acquired my disability in 1986 when a chair moved as I went to sit on it and I ended up with compression fractures of the lower spine which has led to many other problems. I use sticks and a wheelchair when I need to go out.

I have been married to Keith for 40 years and have two “grown up” children. I have been a volunteer and Trustee at MK CIL for over 20 years and I am enjoying all the daily challenges that the role involves. No two days are the same.

I originally came to Milton Keynes from Harrow, Middlesex in 1976 with a 14 day old baby and lived on Stantonbury.

The volunteering work that I do at MK CIL is to assist people

with their DLA, PIP and AA forms, I really enjoy my

meetings with our service users by helping, talking and listening about their disabilities as I am basically a nosy person so enjoy

asking questions and then researching

the answer for them.

I don’t know what I would be like today if I hadn’t had my accident but I feel that it’s the best thing that could have happened. I have a job that I enjoy and good friends and colleagues. I am doing things that I never thought possible or have the courage to do.

Jokes!What did the femur

say to the patella?

I kneed you

What kind of jokes do you

make in the shower?

Clean Jokes!

Why didn’t the skeleton go to the dance?

Because he had no-body to go with!

What did the tie say to the hat?

You go on ahead and I’ll hang around!

What goes up when the rain comes down?

An umbrella!

What do you call a dentist in the army?

A drill sergeant!

Bank HolidaysMK CIL will be closed on these Bank HolidaysFriday 25th March, Good FridayMonday 28th March, Easter MondayMonday 2nd May, May DayMonday 30th May, Spring Holiday


Quiz Questions (Answers on page 21)

1. In which European city can you findthehomeofAnneFrank?

2. How many stars has the Americanflaggot?

3. How long is the GreatWallofChina?

4. WhoinventedFerrari?

5. What is Elvis Presley’s middlename?

6. How many strings has amandolingot?

7. What is the name of the winged horseinGreekmythology?

8. Who is the director of ReservoirDogs?

9. WhatistheofficiallanguageinKosovo?

10. What colour is the French wineBeaujolais?

Milton Keynes Reference LibraryCANS (Citizens Advices Notes Service) www.cans.org.uk is an online resource and provides access to legal up to date information, mainly within the social law.

Some information may be of interest to customers of MK Centre of Integrated Living as the chapter on Social Security covers disability allowances, such as Carer’s Allowance or Personal Independence Payment and others.

CANS is only available at Milton Keynes Reference Library.

Customers can be logged in on a computer and use it free of charge.

Please note the library staffarenotqualifiedtogive any legal advice.

For more information contact: Aggie Ohara, Business & Information Librarian Phone: 01908 254051

The Mobility Roadshow


Mobility Roadshow 2016 26th-28th May Silverstone Circuit Silverstone, Northants NN12 8TN

Opening times: 10am-5pm Thursday 26th and Friday 27th May10am-4pm Saturday 28th MayFree admission

For more information contact: Mobility Choice general visitor enquiries and mediaEmail: [email protected]: www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk/

Arts for Health WorkshopsArts for Health offer a range or art workshops aimed at improving health and wellbeing. Arts on Prescription - workshops for people who experience stress, anxietyordepression.Benefitsof attending these workshops includeincreasedconfidence,improved wellbeing and reduced socialisolation.Wealsofindthatthese workshops are good for people who experience chronic pain as they help with distraction.Arts workshops for people who have dementia and their carers People with dementia are able to enjoy art as it triggers instant reactions and responses which can override the stress and confusion of memory loss. Carers are also welcome to take part and these workshops offer an opportunity

to do something fun together. Art workshops for people who have had a stroke. Expression through art can help people who have had a Stroke develop their confidence,motivatethemselvesand recognise that they are more capable of achieving goals than they thought they were. Working with an artist will open up the opportunity for communication and expression in a number of ways. During the workshops participants will explore the use of art materials for their own creativity as well as being rehabilitative activity.Workshops are FREE and all materials are provided.The workshops take place at Arts for Health’s workshop which is upstairs at Kingston Library, 54 Winchester Circle, MK10 0BA

For more information or to book a place Email: [email protected] or call:01908 996124 www.artsforhealthmk.com

Quiz answers 1. Amsterdam2. Fifty3. 4000 miles4. Enzo Ferrari5. Aaron6. Eight strings7. Pegasus8. Quentin Tarantino9. Albanian10. Red


Recipe for Tomato Soup

Ingredients

Serves: 4

•2tablespoonsoliveoil

•2onions, coarsely chopped

•1tablespoonoregano

•2bayleaves

•3sprigsfreshthyme(or1tablespoon dried thyme)

•1tablespoondriedbasil

•Saltandblackpeppertotaste

•Sugartotaste

•2(400g)tinspeeledtomatoes

•1-2tablespoonstomatopuree (optional)

•500mlchickenstock

•150mlcreamormilk

Method

Preparation: 20min Cook:1hr Ready in:1hr 20min

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and lightly fry the onions over a medium heat for about 15 minutes until soft. They should not brown.

2. Add the garlic, oregano, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary andbasilandbrieflystirso that the spices soak up the olive oil. Season with salt, pepper and sugar.

3. Then add the tomatoes. Break up the tomatoes slightly with a wooden spoon and stir everything. Pour in the chicken stock and cover, increase the temperature and bring to the boil. Reduce the temperature, remove the lid and simmer for about 10 minutes.

4. Take the soup off the hob, allow to cool slightly and remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Puree soup with hand blender and heat

again (don’t boil it again). Add cream or milk to taste, and season again with salt, pepper and a little sugar.


News from ULOs:Carers MK

Help and Support for Carers in Milton Keynes If you are providing unpaid care or support to a family member, friend or neighbour who is ill, frail or has a disability, then you are entitled to information, advice and support for yourself.

Carers MK is a free service for carers and we offer:

• Uptodateinformationandadvice about carers’ issues

• Socialeventsincludingacarers’ choir, writing group and male carers group

• Trainingandworkshopstohelp you in your caring role

• Emotionalsupport,a ‘listening ear’ and counselling

• Supportgroupstoenableyou to meet other carers

• Yogaand relaxation therapies

• Guidanceon health, wellbeing and social care issues

• Opportunitiesto give your views and shape services

• Advocacy• Carerssupportservice

at MK Hospital• Supportforyoungcarers

We also work closely with GP Practices in Milton Keynes. It’s important that you inform your GP that you are a carer and together we can support you.

Contact Us:Tel: 01908 231 703 Email: [email protected]

Margaret Powell House, 439 Midsummer Boulevard Central Milton Keynes MK9 3BN

www.carersmiltonkeynes.org Twitter: @CarersMK Facebook: www.facebook.com/Carers-MK

Registered Charity No. 1116804; Company Registration No. 05577393


Milton Keynes Inclusive Tennis

Currently we are running wheelchair tennis for adults and young people 11-25 years, blind/VI tennis for adults, young people 11-25 years and children from 5-11 years and deaf/HI tennis for young people 11-25 years.

We provide all of the equipment free of charge including sports wheelchairs, sound balls for the VI sessions and

rackets, so all you need to do is come dressed for sport and bring a sense of fun!

Whilst learning about tennis, we also promote higher self-esteem, optimism, a healthier lifestyle, discipline, responsibility and teamwork.

All of our sessions are led by fullyqualified,LTAregistered,DBS checked and First Aid trained coaches who have been working with disabled children and adults for many years.

Tennis is a wonderfully social sport to play and can really help with hand/eye coordination along with agility, balance, co-ordination and speed.

If you would like any more information on any of our sessions, please visit our website: www.mkinclusivetennis.co.ukemail Emma Maitland on [email protected] call on 07790 000586

Would you like to have a go at playing tennis?MK Inclusive Tennis run accessible and affordable tennis lessons for disabled children and adults throughout Milton Keynes, and are currently offering free tennis lessons for children and young adults between the ages of 11-25 years.

We run disability tennis sessions for wheelchair users, the blind/visually impaired and the deaf/hearing impaired. These are at a number of locations in Milton Keynes including David Lloyd, Newport Pagnell Tennis Club and Oakgrove Leisure Centre.


Community Car Service

As the Community Car Service is proving to be a successful and much needed service for Milton Keynes, Community Action:MK has set up a Crowdfunding web page to raise funds to extend the project to other areas in Milton Keynes next year. They are looking for people/groups/ organisations/companies to pledge, or sponsor the project.There are some great rewards available for those that pledge

so please check out the page! Please feel free to share this information/link with others so we can continue to make this project a valuable service for residents in Milton Keynes!

Pledges and Sponsorship required to help expand the Community Car Service!

If you require any further information please contact Tracy Whitmore, Community Car Service Co-ordinator or Laura Jeffrey the Community Car Service Administrator on 01908 670 309 or 01908 661 623 or email at [email protected].

Leisurebility Specialist Disabled Travel

From our experience people with disabilities or mobility concerns often return to the same destination year after year as they know it is suitable for their needs.We believe your physical ability should not restrict you experiencing new places and having new adventures in lifeWe are a small family business based in Milton Keynes who have had personal experience of the frustrationinfindingtheperfectholiday when one of the party has disabilities. Eve Checkley is the founder and director of leisurebility.com. Eve is a university graduate and has been a senior manager in retail for over 10 years before founding leisurebility.com.We can offer an individual consultation to assess your

needs to create a shortlist of suitable properties that we will talk you through personally. We offer competitive rates and a wide range of services from an overnight bed and breakfast break to a luxury holiday, we can also help arrange suitable activities at your chosen destination. We work with the property owners to ensure that your accommodation iscompletelyfitforpurposeforthe mobility concern, personally where possible and through video calling and dialogue with the property owners.Here are some of our previous experiencestogiveyouaflavourof what we offer: Wheelchair friendly cottage in rural Oban, Boutique bed and breakfast in Jersey, urban hotels in major cities. All our feedback has been positive to date. We offer UK destinations for year round breaks. www.leisurebility.com Facebook: Leisurebility email: [email protected] Call 01908 721 109


Disability Awareness Day in Milton Keynes

The MK Rose was opened in 2013 as the public space in Milton Keynes for celebration, commemoration and contemplation. Located in Campbell Park, it is a vast granite piazza designed by internationally renowned artist Gordon Young, featuring a series of granite columns engraved with dates. These act as a Calendar of Events significanttoMiltonKeynes,

By celebrating as a society we raise awareness of the needs of everyone and by understanding these needs, we can become a truly inclusive community.

We will hope for sunshine, however in case of inclement weather, please dress to be warm and dry as we will be outside. We recommend that you park near to the Theatre and Gallery and it is then a short walk over the bridge into Campbell Park to the MK Rose. There will of course be disability parking within Campbell Park.

(Affectionately known as MK DAD)Thursday 14th July 11am at The MK Rose Campbell Park

MK DAD has been celebrated for two years now and is growing in popularity and has become a permanent fixtureontheMKCalendar.We look forward to welcoming you to the event and would be delighted if you could confirmyourattendancebyemailing: [email protected]

As part of the ongoing celebrations we will be holding a ‘Picnic on the Green’, on Saturday 16th July from 2.00pm - 6.00pm at the Walnut Tree playing fields and MK Snap.

reflectingitshistory,itspeopleand its global links. One of the pillars is proudly engraved with the date of National Disability Awareness Day, 14th July and we invite you to join us to mark this day.

MK DAD aims to highlight the enormous talents and strengths of people with disabilities and to empower them to play an integral part in the communities in which they live.

Tel: 0300 200 0084 (charged at local rate) Minicom: 0300 456 2364 email: [email protected] www.pohwer.net

mk cil team talk winter 2016

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