May 2014 Creative Support goes Gospel Creative Support s first gospel event took place over the Easter holidays in Wolverhampton and it was a huge success. Gavin Price and his gospel choir performed an afternoon of singing and dancing for Creative Support clients, friends, family and members of the public. The event raised over 300 for the Wolverhampton Learning Disability Services who are hoping to go on a trip this Summer. Thanks to everyone for your support and help on the day! Deaf Awareness 19th to 25th May EQUALITY IN COMMUNICATION FOR ALL Some facts about deafness 1 in 6 people in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing 2 million people in the UK have hearing aids. Things to remember if you meet a deaf person Face the person and get their attention Speak clearly Repeat yourself Never say it doesn t matter If the person doesn t understand, don t give up! Write it down or draw a picture. Next time learn sign language! 1
Represent the West Midlands in Creative Support s Football Tournament This year the West Midlands are hoping to send a number of teams to Leeds to compete in the 5-a-side tournament. We will be organising free transport to and from Leeds. If you d like to join a team contact: Tom Greenall for Wolverhampton 01902 458 797 Holly Murfin for Birmingham and Sandwell 0121 200 3147 Sterling Leith for South Birmingham 0121 476 4349 At the Zoo Trying something new with the Gateway Award The Lads from Cannock recently signed up to the Gateway Award. There are 5 challenges to complete during the year: 16 clients and staff from Wolverhampton went on a last minute day trip to Dudley Zoo and Castle. They had a really fun day and would recommend for anyone to go. Prices start from 11 and carers go free. Hobbies Fitness Volunteering Lifestyle Gateway Challenge Carl joined Zumba gold and has started a regular dance class which he really enjoys. If you d like to take up dancing he d recommend Zumba gold. Derek has started riding his bike. Now he can ride without a stabilizer or any aids and has started to go on bike rides regularly with support staff. If you d like to sign up to the Gateway Award ask a member of staff for more information. Happy Birthday Derek! Derek celebrated his birthday this weekend and is going Alton Towers. The guys from Cannock also took a trip to Twycross Zoo for Ian s birthday and had a great time. Highlights included the monkey enclosure. Book online for a 10% discount. Tickets from 13. 2
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Fresh, Fit and Healthy Healthy Living Grants were awarded by Creative Support to services across the West Midlands in March. Here are a few of the highlights. Staffordshire Supported Living and friends went to Shugborough Estate for a day of outdoor adventure Activities Sandwell partnered up with My Time Active who delivered an open cooking and exercise event 4
Muffin or Pitta Pizzas Ingredients 1 wholemeal pitta bread or English muffin 1 tablespoon tinned tomatoes (drained), tomato puree or passata Toppings of your choice chopped up as you like, such as; Onion, mushroom, peppers, tomatoes, pineapple and ham, sweetcorn. 1 tablespoon reduced fat cheese, grated Sprinkle of dried mixed herbs Method 1. Preheat the oven to gas mark 4/350 F/180 C 2. Spread the muffin or pitta with tomato sauce 3. Top with the toppings of your choice 4. Top with the cheese and sprinkle on some herbs. 5. Place on a baking tray and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until hot through and the cheese has melted. Serve with a salad of your choice 5
Fairground Thrills Members from the Women s Wellbeing Centre let their hair down and went to the Wolverhampton s West Park Fair for an afternoon on the rides. The members said it felt like they were supporting the staff! And it was nice to let go and hear free flowing natural laughter Making the Most of your Money April was Client Finance week across Creative Support. Sharon from the Heart of Birmingham has been working hard to make the most of her money and is close to being completely debt free. What impact did the debt have on you? It stopped me being able to go out socialising and it made me feel down Help with your Debt Facing up to debt can be a tough process. But there is lots of free confidential advice available, so there s no need to pay a debt management company to sort out your money worries. What did you do to bring it down? I contacted a debt management company who took all my correspondence and liaised with the debtors. I was able to pay a fixed amount every month which I was able to manage What tip would you give someone trying to do the same? Encourage them to go on the internet to find a good debt management company and get a support worker to help How do you feel now? Brilliant! Really happy. Confident and I have self-belief again, I can socialise and enjoy myself without worrying about debt Congratulations Sharon! * Watch out for companies with misleading names that sound like debt charities. Never pay for services from this type of company. 6
Salvation Army s newest Adherant Mike has been supported by staff to become an Adherent member of the Salvation Army. He s been part of the community for over 6 months, meeting twice a week at the 60+ club and Sunday evening service. In February he went on a group holiday to Llandudno, North Wales. His ceremony took place on 27th April where he was recognised by the Major for his commitment to the Church. Congratulations Mike! Picnic in the Park On Bank Holiday Monday the service users at Shakespear went to Canon Hill Park for a picnic to make the most of the great weather. They enjoyed their walk round the lake. A fun day out for all. Going out doesn t need to cost the world if you take a picnic to your local park! Canal Boat Trip Service users from Wolverhampton enjoyed an afternoon canal boat trip ride along the Dudley Canal. The next trip takes place later on in the summer. If you d like to go, contact the Wolverhampton Office for more details. 7
Coming up this Spring... Mental Health Awareness Week The theme of this year s Mental Health Awareness Week is anxiety, one of the leading causes of mental ill-health in the world. Managing Anxiety A person cannot just simply decide not to be anxious anymore (Anxiety Care UK). Fear and anxiety can affect all of us every now and then. Most people get through passing moments of anxiety with no lasting effect. People experiencing anxiety in their everyday lives often find the personal resources to cope through simple remedies. Organisations including Creative Support are holding events across the UK. If you d like to find out more visit ww.mentalhealth.org.uk Creative Support West Midlands Office 1 st Floor 64 Water Street Hockley Birmingham B3 1HN CHANGE, free national event for people with Learning Disabilities Saturday 26 th June, Shine, Leeds, LS8 5HS CHANGE, supported by Lumos, are calling for ALL people with learning disabilities to come and be part of a movement for change. CHANGE is a leading national human rights organisation led by disabled people. What is Rihanna s favourite Cheese? Mozzarella ella ella eh eh! Head Office Dale House 35 Dale Street Manchester M1 2HF tel 0161 236 0829 fax 0161 237 5126 8