Hello newsletter Spring 2017 edition

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

their ambitions and go beyond expectations.

Henshaws, 10 Duke Street, Liverpool L1 5AS

Phone: 0151 708 7055 Visit: henshaws.org.uk

ContentsPage 3 Henshaws StoriesPage 4 Community Services NewsPage 7 Fundraising UpdatesPage 9 Groups’ UpdatesPage 12 Creative Writing CornerPage 14 Henshaws Merseyside TimetablePage 15 Arts and CulturePage 17 Other News and Services

Hello and welcome to the spring 2017 edition of Henshaws ‘Hello’ NewsletterWe hope you’ve had a wonderful year so far, and you’re enjoying the longer days as we start to move away from the dark winter months.In this edition of our newsletter, you’ll hear from Joan, who shares her advice on talking to family members about sight loss, following a recent experience of her own. You’ll find out what our busy centre has been up to, including a visit to the Maritime Museum with Henshaws’ Culture Group, an introduction to our User Voice Group, and celebrations for Global Scouse Day. You’ll also hear from our two new volunteers, Adele and Rosina, who have been giving their time generously over the past few weeks.The fundraising team is busy planning for Henshaws 180th birthday and the Henshaws Awards, which will be coming to Manchester this June, and you can find out how to take part in the celebrations by throwing your own 180th themed event.

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We hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Hello’, and as always, if you would like more details about anything, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on 0151 708 7055.Robert Cooper, Director of Services, North West and North East

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A Henshaws' Story“How much do you think I can see?” - Joan’s story

Sight levels often change over time, and those close to you may not be as aware of your vision level as you think. Joan from Manchester has kindly shared with us her recent experience, and provided her advice:

“I've had my trusty guide dog Chester for four years now, and when it’s just me and Chester, I always make sure I stay close to the wall as I don’t feel safe walking in the open. I’m registered severely sight impaired and have no peripheral vision; although I can see outlines, I’m unable to see features or tell someone’s gender.

When I recently went a trip around Halifax with my son, who was guiding on my right with Chester on my left, I was being tugged on both sides and felt like a wishbone!

When I got home, I asked my son “How much do you think I can see?” He said he hadn’t thought much about it before, and I was surprised to find that my son thought I was able to see much more than I could. I then explained to him my level of sight, and why it was that I stayed close to the wall. Since that conversation I can already tell the difference as, when we go out together now, my son pulls less strongly on my arm, and leaves more of the guiding to Chester. I’ve also had a similar conversation with my daughter, who now knows to announce herself in conversation, which is really helpful for me.

My recommendation is just to initiate a conversation, and ask your family what they think your sight is, then 4

explain your vision level and what your preferences are - it’ll really help you all to come to an understanding.”Community Services NewsWell Fit! returnsWe have restarted our Well Fit! sessions, with a different timeslot, so they are now at 3pm every Monday. Each session consists of a 45 minute light exercise work-out, a weighing session, and a short talk about healthy lifestyles. Members set achievable goals to work towards each week, such as drinking more water, cutting the fat off bacon, drinking less alcohol, swimming, etc. The exercise sessions have been excellent in helping people increase their movement, muscle tone and balance, as well as becoming more motivated to take other exercise.One group member said, “I've come back to the group so I can feel better in myself, and the social part of it is great too. The instructors are excellent; it’s brilliant to have an instructor who understands me and my needs.”We have already seen good results, so why not join us? It costs just £5 per session, and the first session is free. Get in touch with Hannah on 0151 708 7055, or email hannah.frith@henshaws.org.uk.

‘Saving Money, Keeping Warm’ workshops

Last month we held our first energy saving workshops run by Jimmy Pugh, the Project Development Co-ordinator from National Energy Action. We discussed different ways to save money, and discovered how just a few changes can save a household up to £200 a year; this was followed by a quiz, where the winning team won a slow cooker!5

During the next workshop, we will be looking at how we can reduce the draughts in our homes through different interactive activities. Jimmy will be staying on after the workshop to meet people on a one-to-one basis to give advice and support; it’s a free session, and refreshments will be provided. Ring 0151 708 7055 for further details and to book your place.Henshaws’ day trip to Quarry BankOn Wednesday 3rd May, come along and join Henshaws on a day trip to Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire, one of the best preserved textile mills of the Industrial Revolution, and now a museum of the cotton industry.On arrival, we will have a guided tour of the working mill, with its clattering sounds and ancient machines bringing the history of the mill to life. After the tour, we will be served a delicious lunch of homemade soup and sandwiches followed by tea and coffee in a dining area exclusive to our group. We will then visit the beautifully restored gardens and glass house, as well as the Greg family home and a worker's cottage, discovering the two contrasting worlds of the mill owner and his workers. To finish the day, we will visit the apprentice house to find out how the pauper children who worked in the mill lived.The price of the trip is £35 per person, which includes return transport from the centre and venue, entry to Quarry Bank Mill, and lunch. Everyone is welcome, but we have limited places, so please call 0151 708 7055 or drop in to the centre to book your place now.

Henshaws Life Hacks

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We return with another Hello Henshaws Life Hack, and this edition, we’re sharing a tip from Henshaws Rehab Officer Simon in Liverpool:

If you have talking tin lids, try keeping one next to your telephone answering machine. When someone rings and leaves their phone number, you can record the number being said, and repeat it as many times as you need, in your own time - very handy!

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. If you’d like to see more of our Life Hacks, you can check out 52 other 'tricks, tips & tech', as well as our short videos, at henshaws.org.uk/lifehacks.

CCG ResearchHenshaws was approached by the NHS Liverpool CCG to work in partnership with them to support their aim to improve cataract services. Henshaws contacted a number of our service users to share the NHS Liverpool CCG plans for the proposed redesign of cataract services, and completed surveys with them detailing how they felt about the plans and what impact the plans would have on individuals.Henshaws would like to thank all those involved in the research and for taking the time to complete the surveys.

Children & FamiliesOur next date for our ‘I Can Do It’ course runs at St Vincent’s, every Friday from 5th May up to 30th June, and registration for the course is now open. ‘I Can Do It’ is

our interactive course for ages 8-18, that covers kitchen 7

skills, handling money, confidence building and future plans, including transitions to education, employment and training.

We’ve also arranged an exciting afternoon of bowling during the Easter holidays and all families are welcome. Come and join us on the Marine promenade, next to a variety of restaurants and New Brighton beach. The group will meet at Riverside Bowl at 1.15pm on Thursday 13th April, and the cost is £4 on the day. Contact Sophie on 0151 708 7055 to book on either of these activities, or email sophie.thompson@henshaws.org.uk.

Fundraising UpdatesChallenge eventsWe have free charity places for the Great Manchester Run 10k - the biggest and best 10k in Europe! In return for one of our free places, we ask for a pledge to raise a minimum of £150 and will be here to support you every step of the way with your fundraising. To find out more and to sign-up, call Rachael on 0161 786 3656 or email rachael.pratt@henshaws.org.uk

180 ChallengeAs 2017 marks 180 years of Henshaws, we want to challenge all our supporters to help us celebrate, whether by holding a cake sale or even doing a 180th themed challenge - the sky's the limit when it comes to ideas! To get involved or to find out more, call our fundraising team on 0161 786 3656 or email us at fundraising@henshaws.org.uk.8

Volunteer news

New volunteersWe’d like to say a huge thank you and welcome to Rosina and Adele, our two new brilliant volunteers who have been kindly supporting our centre in Liverpool this year. We asked them to introduce themselves –Adele: “My name is Adele and I run the Culture Group in Liverpool. I left a 14 year career with the National Health Service to study at Liverpool John Moores University, where I will qualify in 2018 with a BA in Education and Special Inclusive Needs. After graduation I will then go on to study a Master’s Degree in Social Work. I like travelling in other countries, going to the cinema and gardening.Volunteering at Henshaws is enjoyable and everyone is so welcoming. I like to make a difference to peoples’ lives, not just the service users, but also the staff. I support the staff by phoning up service users to provide them with up-to-date information about Henshaws’ activities and by completing telephone surveys. I support the service users in many different ways, and even simple things such as making a tea or coffee or sitting with them for a chat makes a big difference to someone’s day.

I enjoy volunteering because I like to think that small or large gestures will make a difference to someone’s life,

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and I get to make friends and increase my knowledge of working with people who are visually impaired.”

Rosina:“Hi everyone! My name is Rosina Burman, and I have been a volunteer at Henshaws in Liverpool since January 2017. I work part time as a primary teacher but on Monday mornings you can find me treading the boards on Henshaws behalf. Everyone in the office is friendly and the morning always goes in a flash!”

Groups’ UpdatesUser Voice GroupWhat is the User Voice Group?Henshaws User Voice Group is a consultative group, which meets four times a year to discuss issues that affect the members. The group gets involved with new proposals to help shape their direction or express concerns, and it’s an opportunity to speak face-to-face with Henshaws management.

Who can I speak to if I’d like to have something brought up by User Voice Group?You can speak to any member of the group as they represent your voice, and Henshaws will soon have posters in our centres showing the different members’ names. You can also bring up any issues with Margaret, who is the chair of the group. Margaret has been coming 10

to Henshaws since it started in Liverpool, and you can find her at the Macular and PSS Group, History Group, and Baking Group.

What things can I talk about?Group members act as advocates for anyone who uses Henshaws’ services, so it could be a new group you would be interested in having started, an issue you want resolved, or even just to ask a simple question. The User Voice Group is also keen to attract new members, so if you’d like to get involved, get in touch with Margaret at one of the groups mentioned or call 0161 872 1234 and leave a message for her. The next group meeting will be in April 2017.

What have our Friendship Matters groups been up to? Healthy Kitchen SkillsTwo groups have just completed their six week ‘Healthy Kitchen Skills’ course, where they learnt a range of new, healthy and delicious recipes, as well as brushing up on kitchen skills which increased their confidence in the kitchen.

One member has been using the recipes at home and has lost over a stone since joining! She said: “The best tip has been learning to make chips from scratch, in the oven, with 'fry light'. Making chips healthy has been great, as I don’t feel as if I am missing out.”

Another course will be starting soon so if you’d like to get involved, register your interest by ringing 0151 708 7055.

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Memory LaneWe have had a great start to our Memory Lane group with a getting to know you session, followed by smells of the past.In March, we borrowed a back drop of an old- fashioned shop, bought a variety of old- fashioned sweets, and set up our own Henshaws Shop. It was a fantastic morning, bringing back memories of pocket money well spent! Henshaws own music group came to play for us (pictured), and in one session we also had a memory suitcase with dockets and artefacts from the museum. One group member said, “The group is really welcoming. I like the way time is given to everyone to share their memories. It’s supportive and interesting.”

Each Memory Lane session is both visual impairment and dementia friendly, with a variety of sensory activities, such as music, to help create interactive environments and invoke memories. The group meets weekly on Mondays, from 11am to 1pm; we ask for a small donation of £2 to cover materials and refreshments, and would love some new members.

Culture GroupIn February, for their first trip, The Culture Group visited Kaspas Desserts restaurant, where they enjoyed various desserts. The carrot cake was the winning favourite, with the strawberry and chocolate waffle not far behind.12

In March, the group were given a personal tour around the Maritime Museum in Liverpool (pictured), where they had the chance to handle items found in the old docks, such as a horse’s skeleton and a brick which had a large, dog’s paw-print deep inside - both of which were 160 years old!

Here are a few quotes from the group's members: “Going out for cake and tea was a treat for me because I only usually stay at home or go to Henshaws”, “My mates won’t believe I'm sitting here eating apple pie and custard!” and “I really enjoyed the interactive museum tour.”

As the warmer weather comes closer, the Culture Group is planning many trips out in the sun, including an audio-described trip on the ferry across the river Mersey, a bus tour around Liverpool with a sight impaired tour guide, and a trip to the Liver Building, followed by a picnic. If you’re interest in joining the group and getting involved with the trips, ring us on 0151 708 7055.Social Group visits Jamie Oliver’s RestaurantOn Thursday 2nd March, a group of eleven service users attended Jamie Oliver’s Restaurant in Liverpool One; this was a first for most of the group, as only one of them had ever been to Jamie Oliver’s. The atmosphere was brilliant with everyone chatting and having a good laugh. One person said, “I really enjoyed the food. I would 13

definitely go back on my own and next time even bring a friend.”

The Social Group has lots of great activities planned over spring, including a cake decorating competition and Crazy Bingo with cake and coffee. Get in touch on 0151 708 7055 to find out more about our upcoming events and to take part.

Global Scouse DayOn Tuesday 28th February, Henshaws celebrated Global Scouse Day by serving scouse, the classic Liverpudlian stew, at the centre. Our new volunteer Adele was brilliant, in taking on the big challenge of making an enormous pot of scouse to feed everyone!Everyone who visited Henshaws on that day had the opportunity to join in the celebration and enjoy a big bowlful of scouse for lunch (pictured). It was a brilliant afternoon, and in total £103 was raised to help support our groups and events around Liverpool.

Creative Writing CornerHenshaws’ Creative Writing Group meets on a Tuesday from 1.30 to 3pm every fortnight, to discuss a wide range of topics and get creative by writing prose, plays, verses or jokes, and they’ve kindly shared some of their creative writing for ‘Hello’:Riddles (answers on page 18)

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Riddle #1 - Two girls were born to the same mother, on the same day, at the same time, in the same month and year and yet they’re not twins. How is that possible?Riddle #2 - A man and his son were in an accident, and rushed to hospital in a critical state. The surgeon looked at the boy and exclaimed, "I can't operate on this boy, he's my son!" How could this be?

‘Shells’, a short story by MandyPeter came running through the back door, “Mum, Mum, look what I’ve got!” As she turned around, her eyebrows rose, “More rubbish,” she muttered. “No, they’re called shells,” Pete replied. “I know what they are, but what are you going to do with them?” she asked. “I dunno really,” smiled Peter, shrugging his shoulders, “but I’m keeping them,”. “Wash them first”, instructed his mother.

A bucket was filled with warm water and in went the shells. One shell was different from the others, as inside it was a little snail. “Mmm, this water’s better than the cold, muddy water the rain brings,” murmured the little snail to himself, “Oh, oh, that tickles!,” laughed the snail, as his shell was cleaned with an old scourer, “Ooh, carry on, carry on”, as he relaxed in the water, then “Aye, aye, what’s happening?” Down the drain went the dirty water, bucket rinsed out, and the shells thrown back in. “Mind me shell, will yer,” as they were all thrown on to an old towel.

“I’m going to make a little beach in my bedroom,” Pete told his mum. “You’re not having water or sand up there!” Mum called back. “Bang goes my beach then!” cried Pete. “Draw it on paper,” suggested mum, “it’s cleaner and you can draw a deckchair and things.”

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“Mmm - OK, thanks,” said Pete as he ran up the stairs with his bucket of shells.

Nearly an hour later, mum went upstairs to see what Pete was up to. “That’s looking good, what’s wrong?” she asked as she stood in the doorway. “I keep putting this shell over here on the gold card, which is my sand, and then it rolls off,” Pete mumbled back, close to tears. “Let’s have a look at it.” said mum, so Pete handed the shell over, “Ah, there’s a snail in here,” she said, “And he obviously doesn’t like card.” “There's a what?” Pete answered, “Whoa, look at that, I think he’s smiling at me!” “Really,” laughed his mum, “come on, time for lunch.”

“Can I have egg on toast today?” asked Pete. “Surely can,” said mum. As she cracked the egg into the frying pan, she handed the shell to Peter and said, “Can you put that shell in the bin please, then wash your hands.” As Pete looked into the broken shell he asked, “Why aren’t there snails in these shells?” “Because it’s a different shell and anyway, snails and eggs wouldn’t taste very good. Come on, wash your hands,” said mum. Pete tucked in.

“Thank goodness for that, I thought I was going into the frying pan then!” thought the little snail as he slowly made his way from under his chair to the back door and into the garden. “Ooh home at last,” he thought, as he trailed into the grass and lay sunbathing.

Henshaws Merseyside TimetableMonday Time £Yoga 11-12 pm £5.0016

Touch Typing 1-3pm FreeHistory Group (Fortnightly) 1-3pm FreeLunch Club (Fortnightly) 1-3pm £5.00Well Fit! 3-4.30pm £5.00

Tuesday Time £Music Club 10-12pm FreeTech Talk (Monthly) 10-12pm FreeCreative Writing (Fortnightly) 1.45–3.45pm Free

WednesdayBraille Group (Weekly 10.30–12pm FreeSupper Club (Monthly) 4-6pm £8.00Scurry Club (Monthly) 4-7pm £7.00Walking Group (Weekly) 11.30-1pm Free

ThursdaySocial Group (Fortnightly) 12-2pm PSS & Macular Group (Monthly) 1.30–3.30pm Free

FridayIT drop in 10-4pm FreeCore Strength 2-3pm £5.00Culture Club (Monthly) 11–2.30pm Free

To find out more about any of the groups and courses we run at our Liverpool centre, get in touch on 0151 708 7055 or visit https://henshaws.org.uk/courses-merseyside.

Arts and CultureAudio Described Events: April – June 201717

The following list has been compiled from information provided by Anne Hornsby of Minds Eye Professional Description 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. You can also check ticket prices (including concessions) and book your seats and headsets in advance through the Box Office. NB: Most theatres offer special prices to blind and visually impaired people, so please enquire; the telephone numbers are at the end of the listings.

April1 14:30 The Suppliant Women Royal Exchange3 19:30 The Commitments Palace Theatre5 19:30 Grease Liverpool Empire6 19:30 Conquest of the South Pole Liverpool Everyman11 19:30 Ghost The Musical Liverpool Empire13 19:30 Bat out of Hell Opera House18 19:30 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall Bolton Octagon22 14:30 Spring and Port Wine Oldham Coliseum27 10:30 Story Giant Liverpool Everyman

May4 19:30 I Capture the Castle Bolton Octagon6 14.00 Casanova (Northern Ballet) The Lowry11 19:30 The Sum Liverpool Everyman13 14:30 Twelfth Night Royal Exchange17 19:30 The Wedding Singer Opera House18

18 19:30 Winter Hill Bolton Octagon24 19:30 Hard Times Oldham Coliseum25 19:30 Billy Elliot Liverpool Empire

June5 17:30 Romeo and Juliet Liverpool Everyman14 19:30 Talking Heads Bolton Octagon17 14:30 Persuasion Royal Exchange28 19:30 The Father Oldham Coliseum

Useful telephone numbers:Mind's Eye 01204 522481 or 07889 232438Bolton Octagon Theatre 01204 520 661HOME 0161 200 1500Liverpool Empire Theatre 0844 871 7677Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse 0151 709 4776Oldham Coliseum Theatre 0161 624 1731Palace Theatre & Opera House, Manchester 0161 245 6605Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester 0845 450 4808The Lowry 0843 208 6000The Lowry Galleries 0161 876 2057VocalEyes 0207 375 1043

Other News and ServicesBecome a member of the Blind Veterans UKIf you’re blind or visually impaired and have been a member of the armed forces, you could become a member of Blind Veterans UK, which offers free support 19

services for veterans, including training and rehabilitation, equipment, emotional support and social activities. If you’d like to speak to someone who uses their services and find out more about them, ring 0161 872 1234 to leave a message for Marion.

Legacies – why do they matter?Writing a Will can be a daunting and complicated process, but it is one of the most important legal documents you will ever make, and helps to ensure that your wishes are carried out upon your death. Writing a Will is an easy thing to put off - in fact, around two thirds of people in the UK die without making one, meaning that their wishes may not be carried out, such as the people that they wanted to inherit their estate not being able to.Slater Heelis Solicitors from Manchester have shared with us the reasons why legacies are so important and also given advice for making a Will; this is available on our website at: henshaws.org.uk/importance-making-will. If you would like a copy in an alternative format, or would like to hear more about Legacy Giving, please contact Stewart on 0161 786 3640.Answers to the riddles on page 13Riddle #1 – They’re tripletsRiddle #2 – The surgeon is the boys mother.

Get involvedIf you think your family or friends would be interested in hearing about our services, volunteering at Henshaws, or taking part in fundraising – please tell them to get in touch! Our First Step team is here on 0161 872 1234 to offer any advice, support or information about our services. You can get involved in supporting our services by letting others know about Henshaws, coming along to one of our events, or becoming a volunteer or 20

ambassador. Please contact our fundraising team on 0161 876 3656, or email fundraising@henshaws.org.uk.

and of course, please 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, doctor’s surgery, church or library to see if you could leave it there for others to read or listen to. We also have leaflets and posters, explaining who we are and what we do – maybe you could ask about leaving some of these as well as the newsletter; you can get a supply of these by calling us on 0161 872 1234. 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.

DisclaimerAlthough 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.

This is a paid advert from Enhanced Vision:

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