CQC ‘Good’ Rating

BULLETINSeptember/October 2016

Following an inspection of our Personal Assistant Service for Adults the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated Bromley Mencap as ‘Good’ for all standards inspected. CQC inspections ensure services are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. We were found to meet all legal requirements in a service which ‘focuses on encouraging people’s independence, well-being and involvement in their community, as well as providing some respite for families.’ You can read the full report here http://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-278923729

Family Services Activities and Events

What’s in this issue?

FAMILY SERVICES EVENTS 3

CHIEF EXECUTIVE REPORT 4 NEWS CORNER 5 UPCOMING EVENTS 6 DO YOU KNOW? 7

DAY OPPORTUNITIES & DAY OPPS XTRA 8

KEEP FIT CLASS 2016 10

MAYOR’S RECEPTION FOR VOLUNTEERS 13 COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING 14-17

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Hello everyone!

I hope you are all well and enjoyed the summer. It’s tough getting back into the old routine but we’ve got another jam-packed Bulletin to ease you into it.

As well as all the usual event listings and fundraising news, we have updates from over the summer including a catch up on our excellent Day Opportunities scheme. I love your entry in the scarecrow competition guys!

Make sure you read all about the Mayor’s Reception for Volunteers on page 13, sounds like a lovely evening and a wonderful way to thank some of our volunteers for all their hard work.

See you in November everyone. As always if anyone has anything to say about Bulletin or ideas about interesting things we could include, please feel free to email me!

All the best,

Luanluanlanham@btinternet.com

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Family Services Activities and Events

For more details on any of the above events please call the office on 020 8466 0790

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Carers Lunch Club and Information Session (age 55+)

Monday Afternooners’ - Quiz and cream tea

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Monday Afternooners’ - BBC Tour or Museum

Carers Lunch Club and Information Session (age 55+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Outdoor Activity Club (15th) - Scadbury Park Walk (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE REPORT

EDDIE LYNCH

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NEW SERVICES UPDATE

We are delighted to have been commissioned by Bromley Council to deliver a new family support service for children and young people with social and communication needs. We will deliver this service in partnership with CASPA, who will run quarterly workshops for parents and young people.

Our part-time Family Support Worker will provide advice, guidance and signposting to local and national services for parents and carers who have concerns about their children’s social and communication needs, awaiting assessment or post diagnosis of assessment. Our Family Support Worker is available to attend diagnostic assessments with parents and offer a follow up meeting within two weeks of the diagnostic meeting.

CASPA will deliver quarterly workshops for parents, carers and young people which are user-led, focus on the needs of families and include a wide range of autism-specific topics. The workshops will offer peer support and signposting.

In addition Bromley Mencap will provide a weekly drop-in for families.

To contact the service please telephone Sarah Jefferies through our Helpline on 020 8466 0790.

I am also pleased to report that, following the success of our pilot project, our Preparation for Work contract at Bromley College will run for the full 2016/17 academic year. The service will support employment outcomes and generate placement and employment opportunities for 17 Bromley College students on the Supported Internship programme. Our Employment Consultant will be responsible for supporting Access to Work applications and ensure support is in place when each young person moves from college into employment.

NEWS CORNERSupported HousingMencap, along with 15 of the UK’s leading disability charities have written to the Department for Work and Pensions calling on it to end the “shadow of uncertainty” cast on vulnerable people by its latest round of housing benefit cut, following failure to clarify whether specialist supported housing will be hit by a cap on social housing. Mencap chief executive Jan Tregelles urged the Government to remove this threat “so people with a learning disability can live independent lives and access their community.” More here:http://www.indepen-dent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/dwp-lha-cuts-cap-supported-hous-ing-womens-refuges-homeless-hostels-wont-say-no-answer-freeze-date-a7170631.html

The Resolution FoundationThe Resolution Foundation released a report on how to best boost employment for

people with health conditions and disabili-ties. It called on government to establish a statutory ‘right to return’ period of one year following the onset of sick leave, and the expansion of Access to Work. For the full report click here:http://www.resolutionfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Retention-deficit.pdf

Research Report On Disability And WorkNew research from Citizens Advice finds that disabled people are three times less likely to move into employment. More here:https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/CitizensAdvice/Work%20Publications/Work-ing%20with%20a%20health%20condi-tion%20or%20disability%20FINAL.pdf

Life On The Edge Of The CliffFor every person with autism, ADHD and/or Tourette’s, the impact is on the whole family. A parent in Scotland describes her own feelings as her son made the transition into adult services. More here:http://lifeontheedgeofthecliff.com/transi-tions/real-life-a-step-into-the-unknown/

Expecting To FlyPhotographer Polly Braden spent two years with people with learning disabilities, and captured their breakthroughs – from quiet moments in a swimming pool to the joy of getting married. More here:https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2016/aug/05/expecting-to-fly-disabled-people-learn-laugh-and-love-in-pictures?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Our round-up of local and national disability news and developments

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Upcoming Events

Oxleas Free Family Health Festival

Oxleas are running a free family health festival on 17th September, 10am to 1pm, at Townley Grammar School in Bexleyheath. The event will focus on family health – eating well, exercise and child development, with lots of information on offer from specialist clinicians to help you. There will be something for everyone including a crèche, face painting, children’s activities, cookery classes, table-top gardening, plus sing and sign and animals to hold for the little ones. There will be a penalty shoot-out for older children and for young people there will be information and advice on emotions, thoughts and behaviour from clinicians and a theatre workshop, as well as careers advice. More details: http://oxleas.nhs.uk/oxleas-members/annual-members-meeting-amm-2016/

Annual Health Check EventNHS England Learning Disability Team is running an event in London on 29th September about Annual Health Checks. The event is for people with a learning disability and/or autism, family carers and people who work in Primary Care and Specialist Services. At the event you will find out what is happening with Annual Health Checks and help to make the most of Annual Health Checks. For more details:email diane.gardner-wren@nhs.net or call 07736 484378.

Girls On The Autism Spectrum; The Big Shout ConferenceThere is shared concern among parents, schools, families and professionals about the vulnerability of girls on the Autistic Spectrum. What is emerging is that the presentation of autism in girls is different to boys; yet many of our diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and interventions in education and psychology, are based on research conducted with predominantly male populations. This conference in London on 27th January, brings together school leaders, teachers, health professionals, parents and carers with high profile speakers and experts. The conference will give delegates an insight into the experiences of girls on the Autism Spectrum and prepare a ‘Call for Action’ to highlight future areas for development. For full details and to book click here:http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/naht-events/conferences/girls-on-the-autism-spectrum-the-big-shout-conference/

Training For Employers And Their Personal AssistantsThis project is being delivered by Bromley Experts by Experience and Greenwich Association of Disabled People. For dates and information on the free training, which includes free lunch, click here:http://www.xbyxbromley.com/2016/07/free-training-for-employers-their-pas-22nd-august-book-now/

Do you know?Find out about new services or changes that could have an impact on YOU

Want An Autism-friendly High Street?Public spaces can be overwhelming for an autistic person trying to deal with too much information. Autistic people and their families give up using shops, restaurants and other high street outlets because they do not find them accessible, and their worlds shrink leading to social isolation. The National Autistic Society is calling on The British Retail Consortium to work with their membership, which includes some of the country’s biggest retailers, to make the high street autism-friendly. Sign the petition here: http://www.autism.org.uk/brc?utm_source=The%20National%20Autistic%20Society&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=7299458_July%202016%20Newsletter&dm_i=YA3,4CGAQ,FL3KPW,FXN8I,1

Your Autism MagazineDelivered straight to your door four times a year, Your Autism Magazine, is a great source of information and practical advice about living with autism. Subscription details here:http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/membership/magazine.aspx?utm_source=The%20National%20Autistic%20Society&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=7396008_August%202016%20e-newsletter&dm_i=YA3,4EISO,BB5DCQ,G6ZJL,1

Feeling Down - Looking After My Mental HealthThe Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities has produced an easy read guide available here:http://mhf-ld.unified.co.uk/content/assets/pdf/publications/feeling-down-guide.pdf

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It’s been a busy few weeks at Day Opps, with our regular scheme running Wednesday to Friday and our holiday project Day Opps Xtra, running Monday and Tuesday throughout the long summer break.

The group have enjoyed a wide range of activities, including cooking, keeping fit, planning journeys, arts and crafts, allotment visits, a range of quizzes, photography, film making and they closely followed Team GB at the Olympics!

All these activities have encouraged independence skills by looking at healthy eating and keeping fit, budgeting, research, and planning. Surprisingly the group really enjoyed the cleaning quiz – hopefully they have been putting these skills to good use in their own homes….

There have been lots of highlights over the summer, but just a few to share:-

This is Molly Mencap, our scarecrow.

The West Wickham Allotment Association held their Annual Open Day and Scarecrow competition in August – Molly was our entry. Walking around the allotment there are now a lot of scarecrows – some look friendlier than others!

The allotment has worked brilliantly. Everyone enjoys their time there and it is a very calm session with everyone working away, either weeding, hoeing, watering or picking the produce.

There is always a lot to see there and by looking at other people’s plots we are getting some ideas for next year. We have courgettes, runner beans, pumpkins, tomatoes, rhubarb, raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, strawberries, plums, leeks, lettuces, squashes and potatoes all growing on our plot. It is fantastic to see what the group has achieved in such a short period of time.

The group are now able to use the produce to cook recipes – the beetroot and chocolate cake tasted much better than it sounded!

Day Opportunties and

Day Opps Xtra

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Animal Days Out visited earlier in the summer. The snakes are always a favourite with the participants if not with the staff team.

Summer Dance

In July we held our first ever summer dance for our members aged 25 years and over. Nearly 50 people attended the dance, and many of the dance routines that had been learnt at our Keep Fit classes were demonstrated during the evening.

DJ Steve provided the music, and our fantastic volunteers kept everyone hydrated with our fruity cocktails – all with an umbrella of course!

The event was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, with people asking ‘When’s the next one?’ as they left. We’ll definitely be planning another one.

NEW

Day Opportunties and Day Opps Xtra, continued.

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The ‘Rocking Around Rio’ presentation evening was held on 20th July. Congratulations to all the keep fitters for a great performance. Well done everyone!

Those who attended the classes received a certificate and a flag of Brazil.

The keep fit programme was enjoyed by everyone who came along and many of the members are looking forward to next year.

The Ann Kean Award and cash prize, which is given to the most improved person, was presented by Paul Williams, Trustee, on behalf of Ann Kean to Holly Pace.

Holly said that she really enjoyed coming to the classes and she feels stronger. Well done Holly!

And finally … the evening was rounded off with a lovely buffet and the ever popular ‘hokey cokey’.

A big ‘thank you’ from us at Bromley Mencap and all the Keep Fitters to our wonderful volunteers of many years, Sue Scrase and Marion Gee.

Keep Fit Class 2016

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QUOTESLaura Frewin (Keep Fitter) – “I had good fun, enjoyed exercising and being with my friends and am looking forward to next year“

Gillian Rees (Keep Fitter) – “I really enjoyed the music this year and everyone loved the new t-shirts”

Paul Cannon (Keep Fitter) – “I had a laugh, enjoyed seeing my friends and doing the workouts”

Ryan Naylor (Keep Fitter) and Dawn (Mum) – “Ryan loves coming to the classes and looks forward to Wednesdays. The classes gives him confidence and always puts a smile on his face”

Natalja – Support Worker - “The girls look forward to coming to the classes and I enjoy joining in too!”

Bromley College Suported

Internship Programme

Our pilot employment support programme, in partnership with Bromley College, helped disabled students to equip themselves with the skills needed to enter employment. The programme ran in the last academic year and Fran Dillnutt, Employment Consultant, provided employment support to the students in the latter stages of their programme.

The Internship Programme provided students with a minimum of two days per week at a work placement and one day per week at college, where their functional skills were developed in line with what is expected by employers.

Fran introduced Jobmatch systems such as vocational profiling, self assessments and employment plans. She conducted one to one sessions with the students, visited them in their placements and held job search sessions as well as developing relationships with new employers.

Whilst work experience placements were there to develop the students’ skills, confidence and experience, some employers offered paid employment to the students including Wyevale Garden Centre in Shirley, The Crown Toby Carvery in Bromley, Certitude and Bromley College who offered a student an apprenticeship in their Facilities Estates department.

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SAVE THE D Obituaries Mencap President Lord Brian Rix, has died aged 92. When his daughter was born in 1951, Brian Rix was a household name, a comic actor loved by the British public. He used this fame to raise money for Mencap, and was awarded a CBE in 1977 for his fundraising efforts. He continued to campaign on behalf of people with a learning disability and their families for the rest of his life.

Brian Rix was awarded a knighthood in 1986 and became a life peer in 1992. He was a tireless force in the House of Lords, using his position to influence critical legislation, and ensure the interests of people with a learning disability were represented.

You can read more about his life and achievements on the Mencap website https://www.mencap.org.uk/lordrix

Brigette Kemp We are sad to report that Brigitte Kemp, a long-term member, has passed away after a long illness. Brigitte is mother of Frances Studart and was a member of our parent group run by Jane Ungmuth.

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Notification of AGMBROMLEY MENCAP

Annual General Meeting Chaired by the Worshipful Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Ian Payne.

Date: Wednesday 19th OctoberTime: 11am to 2pm

Place: Bromley United Reformed Church, Bromley

Theme for our workshops – Are we making a difference? Are our services helping or supporting you?

Voting papers will be emailed/posted to members.

Please call the office on 020 8466 0790 if you have not received your paperwork by 21st September.

Mayor’s Reception for Voluntary Workers Every year voluntary workers are invited to the Mayor of Bromley’s Reception at the Civic Centre. Geoff Gostt and Peter & Janet Bevan, who have been volunteering for many years for Bromley Mencap, attended this year’s Reception which was held on 21st July. Here is Geoff’s account of the evening: “I was pleased when Bromley Mencap invited me to attend the Volunteer’s Reception held in the Old Palace Gardens. On arriving I ventured to say it looked like it was a lovely evening, then felt a few drops of rain! Fortunately that’s all it was, and the evening was fine. Never tempt fate!

We were greeted by the Mayor, Councillor Ian Paine, and settled down at one of the many tables laid out in the gardens. The Mayor gave a welcome address, thanking all the organisations for their outstanding work in the Borough and stressing how much the Local Authority valued the contribution given by voluntary parties to the life of our community. The Mayor is deeply involved himself in voluntary work. Being a member of the Salvation Army he was accompanied by their Band which performed for us during the evening. We were provided with an excellent meal served from a marquee in the grounds and drinks from a covered bar in the gardens. We were able to discuss our work with other volunteers and hear about their efforts as well as putting our views to Councillors and others. It was a privilege to be invited to a most enjoyable evening”. And here is what Peter Bevan had to say about the event: “I find voluntary work very fulfilling and it was a privilege to be selected by Bromley Mencap to attend the Mayor’s Reception. I’m sure that there are many other volunteers just as worthy!” Thank you to Geoff, Peter and Janet for all their continued support.

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Community Fundraising Skydive at HeadcornOn 2nd July, five of our supporters arrived at Headcorn Airfield, Maidstone to take part in tandem skydives for charity. They were all prepped and ready to climb to 10,000ft in an aircraft, stand at the edge of the open doorway, lean forward out of that doorway and let go - falling forward into the clouds, skydiving down through the air and start freefalling at over 120mph!

Sarah Jefferies, one of our support workers, was in the first plane of the day.

She was followed by Fiona Coppard and her son, Max, then Tracey Davis. Our last jumper for the day was Billie-Jane Price, another staff member, but unfortunately her jump was postponed due to bad weather. Billie-Jane was really disappointed but she rearranged and completed her skydive on 27 July.

An amazing £2,096 has been raised by our adrenalin rush-seeking supporters and we are truly grateful. It was a great experience and if you would like to take part in a skydive for charity then please contact me.

Chislehurst Golf ClubWe were very pleased to have been chosen as the Captain’s Charity at Chislehurst Golf Club this year. Their members have been busy fundraising throughout the year. A special thank you to Trevor Marsh who took on a sponsored slim. The Big Slim saw Trevor achieve his goal of losing 20 Kilos (3 stone 2Ib) since 1st January. Trevor weighed in at 14 stones 13½ pounds on 30th June and his efforts have raised just over £7000 to be shared between Breast Cancer Now and Bromley Mencap. Trevor said “It looked doubtful at times but ramp-ing up the cycling and living off soups, salads and water in the last week helped me achieve my target.”

The Golf Club held a Summer Concert on 13 August with music from The Sticklebacks, Soprano Amy Manford and Tenor Thomas Hood while guests enjoyed picnics in the grounds. Thank you to everyone involved in all these fundraising events.

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Bromley RotaractWe were proudly presented with a cheque from Bromley Rotaract for £1,200 raised from a quiz night they held earlier this year. David Bowers, the President of the group, met me at the Lodge in Norman Park to make the presentation as the funds were raised for our new Community Hub.

Homebase, CatfordWe were invited to hold a Community BBQ at Homebase, Catford on 27th August. We set up our gazebo and were provided with a smart new barbeque to cook sausages, which were then handed out to customers for donations. Thanks go to David Price and all the staff at Homebase for helping us on the day and for the continued support they provide. Our volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the day and we raised £254.25.

Thank You To Another Great FundraiserDeclan Clark, a keen cyclist, undertook the Prudential Ride London 100 challenge during the summer and raised funds for Bromley Mencap.

Here’s a quote from Declan’s fundraising page:- ‘My adorable four year old daughter, Josie, was born with a genetic condition called Sotos Syndrome. As well as the physical symptoms, the condition is responsible for cognitive issues, developmental delays and autism-like symptoms. Bromley Mencap has been absolutely marvellous in providing help and support to us; they work tirelessly for kids just like Josie, and of course grown-ups with learning disabilities, too. As they’ve been so good to us, I wanted to give something back; hence me saddling up and doing 100 miles all around London and Surrey.’

Declan completed the ride and raised over £2,000 for Bromley Mencap - a fantastic physical challenge for him and an amazing amount of money to raise.

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Summer Drinks with Laptops & Lipsticks Network GroupThank you to all the ladies at Laptops & Lipsticks for organising summer drinks at Grand Cru Co, Beckenham. It was a great venue with fantastic nibbles and wine. There was lots of networking and they raised £161 for our cause too. To read more about Laptops & Lipsticks visit their website:www.laptopsandlipstick.co.uk

Quiz Night – 8th OctoberOur annual Quiz Night is back! It will be held at St George’s Church Hall, Bickley Park Road at 7.30pm on Saturday 8th October. Book for teams of 6 – 8 people. Tickets cost £5 each and please bring your own drinks and nibbles. Don’t forget there will be a small prize for the best dressed table so get your creative side thinking too. Last year we had lots of brilliant designs so let’s see if we can top it !

Chinese Buffet Evening – 9th NovemberOn Wednesday 9th November we are running a fundraising meal. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets will be £20 for all you can eat Chinese food at Peking Diner, Burnt Ash Lane. The cost includes a £1 strip of tickets for the raffle to be drawn on the evening. Further tickets can be purchased on the night

This is a joint initiative between Bromley Mencap, Bromley Lions and JusB. Please support us as we look to work together for the benefit of the local community. You can reserve a place by contacting me at the office.

Grand RaffleDare I say it but Christmas is coming so enclosed with this issue of Bulletin are two books of raffle tickets plus a Freepost envelope. If you receive Bulletin via email the raffle tickets will be posted to you separately. First prize is £250 cash.

Please support us by doing your best to buy or sell the tickets to your family and friends.

When you have sold the tickets please return the completed stubs together with cash or a cheque, made payable to Bromley Mencap, in the envelope provided.

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17Jane Barnes, Corporate and Community Fundraiser

Email jane.barnes@bromleymencap.org Tel: 020 8466 0790

Twitter / FacebookAll our upcoming events will be on Twitter and/or Facebook so if you don’t follow us already then please do so. It is the easiest way to get up to date information and learn of ways you can help and give back to the services that we provide.

Community Fundraising

Upcoming EventsWe have lots of collections coming up and also our Christmas events are lined up. As ever, these events will only be a success with help from you so please volunteer wherever possible. It really is a fun way to give back to the charity that helps and supports you.

Date Event & Location Help needed TimesSaturday 17 and Sunday 18 September

Homebase, Catford Branch Collectors 10am – 12noon12noon – 2pm2pm – 3pm

Saturday 8 October Quiz Night at St George’s Church Hall, Bickley Road

Help with setting up and clearing away

6.30pm (starts 7.30pm)

Wednesday 9 November Chinese Buffet Evening at Peking Diner71 Burnt Ash Lane,BromleyBR1 5AA

Buffet dinner - tickets £20 to include £1 raffle entry

7pm for 7.30pm start

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November

Homebase, Catford Branch Collectors 10am – 12noon12noon – 2pm2pm – 4pm

Wednesday 7 December Carol singing at Intu, Bromley

Collectors and choirs 2pm – 4pm4pm – 6pm6pm -7pm

Saturday 10 December Xmas Tombola, High Street, Bromley

Volunteers to help on stall

10am – 12noon12noon – 2pm2pm – 3pm

Thursday 15 December Carol singing at Intu, Bromley

Collectors and singers 11am – 1pm1pm – 3pm3pm – 5pm5pm - 7pm

Sunday 18 December Carol singing at Tesco, Orpington

Collectors and choirs 10am – 12noon12noon – 2pm2pm – 4pm

Tuesday 20 December Sainsbury’s, Bromley Collectors 10am – 12noon12noon – 2pm2pm – 4pm

Copy deadline for November/December 2016 is 1st November Editor: Luan Lanham, email: luanlanham@btinternet.comPublisher: Bromley Mencap, Rutland House, 44 Masons HillBromley Kent BR2 9JG TEL: 020 8466 0790

Copyright © Bromley Mencap Charity Number: 800685

The opinions expressed in Bromley Mencap Bulletin are thoseof the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Bromley Mencap. We reserve the right to edit articles before publication.