YOUR TWICE YEARLY MAGAZINE FROM FAMILY MOSAIC WINTER 2012

NOW HAND IN HAND WITH TOUCHED BY GLORY

Carried away by a summer of sports! Your stories, pages 4-7 editorial Call us news and events SUMMER OF FAMILY MOSAIC ESSEX SKY DIVE AND CAR WASH General enquiries INSPIRATION ✆ 01268 498 500 RAISE CASH FOR MENCAP Visiting support services Welcome to the latest edition, rounding up the news and Thurrock, Basildon, Castle Point, Residents and staff from Bramble Court in Essex events of the past six months. As you can see there has been Rochford, Rayleigh have been raising money for Mencap, starting ✆ 0800 288 8883 a lot going on in our services. We also saw Britain host a very ✆ with a car wash, writes Samantha Hampshire successful Olympics, followed by the Paralympics, and both Southend 01702 445 870 Havering ✆ 01708 776 770 2 thankfully with no disruption to our services. All staff were able Family, friends and neighbours boost Bramble’s reputation 3 to get in to work and our legacy seems to have been a big LONDON got involved in the car wash - and give some of us the thrill jump in activities among many of our customers. You’ve had - and all left with sparkling of a lifetime! sports days, set up healthy living groups and started lots of General enquiries cars. Local PCSOs Jen Adams Residents Louise Lloyd and new activity groups. This is all great and really gives a big boost ✆ 020 7089 1000 and Anna Groves also got their Joshua Hume and I did the to your health and wellbeing. We’re keen to encourage it so if Visiting support services police car washed. jump in September, with my you have any ideas for a new group in your area please talk to Hackney, Islington colleague Carolyn Orman your support worker. On page eight you’ll find a mention of ✆ 020 7241 7940 Helping hands joining us at the last minute. welfare reforms. There are more changes on the way for the Hammersmith & Fulham A barbecue kept our car Our fundraising was further benefits many of you claim. If you are worried about how ✆ 0800 123 1991 washers fed, and DJ Chris boosted with money raised by these might affect you, please talk to your support worker. Redbridge ✆ 0800 970 8401 Waite, who gave his services staff and tenants who packed I continue to be inspired by your stories and hope that they Kensington & Chelsea for free, played music to keep shoppers’ bags at Asda and inspire others. They really do show how a little support can ✆ 020 7351 2522 us motivated. Claire Philbrick Tesco, baked cakes to sell at help people to change their lives. set up a sweet shop and Rowan House, and lots more. www.familymosaic.co.uk kindly donated some of her We’ve now raised more than EDITORIAL PIC: CRISPIN HUGHES COVER PIC: EDDIE OLALEYE YVONNE ARROWSMITH, GROUP OPERATIONS DIRECTOR [email protected] takings. In the end all our £1200 for Mencap. Thanks to hard work raised £136. our backers and fundraisers, IN TOUCH Planning for our charity sky with a special mention for Other languages General enquiries dive started back in January. the Bramble Court tenants, ✆ 01273 468 010 As well as raising money for Carolyn, Serena, Sue, Martin, www.in-touchsupport.co.uk Mencap, we hoped it would Miko and all the Mencap staff. Above: Jasmine and Paul at [email protected] the car wash. Below: Joshua, Samantha and Louise prepare EDITORIAL PANEL 102 & COUNTING to take the plunge for Mencap reachout, Family Mosaic Konut Kurumu’nun Doğu Londra yöresindeki kiracıları Our thanks to the editorial panel Congratulations to Elsie için çıkardığı bir dergidir. Bu derginin Ingilizcesini okuyamıyorsanız ve herhangi for its help putting this edition of bir bölümünün Türkçe’ye çevrilmesini istiyorsanız, lütfen ✆ 020 7089 1069 Hurford who celebrated her numaraya telefon ederek ya da internete bağlanıp enquiries@familymosaic. Reachout together. 102nd birthday on 24 July. co.uk adresine mesaj göndererek bizimle iletişim kurun. Katrina Harmer Elsie moved to Beaufort Gemma Biddlecombe reachout Court in St Leonards in Sharine Goring 2002. Before retiring, Elsie Matthew Pickard was a nurse, working with Deleray Richards her husband at the London Warsidahan goboleed waa mid loogu talogalay ijaartayaasha, reachout. Hadii Allan Winstanley City Mission for 30 years. aadan warsidahan ku akhrin karin Ingiriisi, isla markaana u baahato in qeybo Daniel Hood lagugu soo turjubaano luqadahan halkan ku xusan, fadlan nagala soo xiriir [email protected] ama soo wac ✆ 020 7089 1069. Look out for our quirky Este es su boletín de noticias regional reachout. En caso de que no pueda Christmas facts all the leer este boletín en inglés y necesita que alguna parte de éste sea traducido a una de los idiomas que aquí se indica, le rogamos se ponga en contacto con way through this issue. nosotros a través de la dirección de correo electrónico enquiries@ Cover story: customers familymosaic.co.uk o llamando al ✆ 020 7089 1069. and staff posing with Errol Voici reachout, le bulletin régional des locataires. Si vous ne pouvez pas lire McKellar's Olympic torch. ce bulletin en anglais et s’il y a des articles qu’il vous faudrait faire traduire See story on page four en l’une des langues mentionnées ci-dessous, veuillez nous contacter à [email protected] ou téléphoner au ✆ 020 7089 1069. olympic fever TORCH RUNNER OLYMPICS AND ERROL SHARES PARALYMPICS OLYMPIC TORCH: HIS BRUSH CAST THEIR FOLLOWING THE WITH GLORY GLOW ON KENT Over at St Paul’s church On 17 July the Olympic torch FLAME THROUGH... hall in west Hackney, torch relay went through Tunbridge runner Errol McKellar Wells, with six junior and (pictured below) was sharing senior torchbearers, ...HATFIELD PEVERAL his experience with our accompanied by police floating support service for outriders and co-runners. Joshua Hume from Bramble Court was one of the lucky few 4 older people. Delighted 5 to be a steward for the Olympic torch relay at Hatfield Peveral guests queued up for photos Being there: handing over Warm up acts ‘Harry, one of our support We had to be in place by with Errol and his torch. the Olympic torch close to Before the torch passed by, workers, secured four places 6am to be ready for the torch The day rounded off with Starling Close in Hadleigh a trick cyclist performed and asked if he could bring to come through at 8.45am. singing and dancing, ten pin stunts and a bus passed three tenants with him,' We wore high-visibility jackets bowling and quoits. carrying a gospel choir. writes Joshua. 'We first had and I had a two-way radio for The flame then went to ‘I enjoyed the dancing, to attend meetings at emergencies. Tonbridge Castle, carried by the singing and most of Braintree Council. 'It was raining and cold double gold medal winner all holding the torch!’ 'We were asked if we really but as more people turned Dame Kelly Holmes, with a wanted to do it and they up it became livelier. The only torch bearer from the 1948 explained what we'd have to shocking thing was how London Olympics. do, told us how to look for quickly it ended – months of On 22 August a Paralympics terrorism suspects and what preparation over in a flash! tour came to Tunbridge Wells to do in an emergency. I had a great time and will on a double decker bus. 'Finally 6 July arrived. remember it forever.' There were photos and footage from the 2008 ...RAYLEIGH games in Beijing. In the park there were demonstrations of Later that same day the Olympic torch travelled past one of Everyone onto the bouncy wheelchair fencing and tennis. our schemes at Starling Close in Rayleigh castle in Havering to Two days later I saw the Essex visiting support team torch so we spent time with celebrate the Olympics Paralympics flame in Crawley. put the call out to customers the Chinese runner who took I hope you have all enjoyed to come to Starling Close, the torch further.’ Britain's golden summer! which is home to people with ‘Once the flame had Cheers: the torch gets a Allan Winstanley an acquired brain injury. passed, we had cake and Tunbridge Wells ‘The weather was appalling games in the Starling Close colourful welcome from but our luck was in,’ wrote gardens to find our own customers at Marsh Hill Louise Payne. ‘Our vantage champions at tough sports MANY THANKS TO point was the spot where the like Jenga, Connect Four and runners handed over the the exercise bikes!' MAISIE SHEED FUND The Maisie Sheed Fund is ...AND HACKNEY! owed a big thank you for funding the Bramble Court, The torch also passed our Earlier customers helped Starling Close, Marsh Hill, Marsh Hill centre where care out at the Family Mosaic stall Medina Road and Devon and support customers at Hackney's own Olympic House celebrations and the displayed torches and medals celebration at Mabley Green. tall ships outing. The fund made at their art group as The day rounded off with also paid for the trip to the they watched the procession. a tasty barbecue cooked by war museum (see page 12) A lucky few got to touch the customer Euan, assisted by and the jubilee party in torch as it was handed over support worker (and sous Braintree (see page 15). outside Marsh Hill. chef!) Ashni Bassi. olympic inspiration QUICK OFF FREE PASS TO THE YOU CAN HELP OUR HOME GROWN THE BLOCKS TO CHANGE A LIFE MEDINA ROAD OLYMPIC STADIUM BY BECOMING Staff and customers from A VOLUNTEER SPORTING SUCCESS Carlton Williams from Little Parndon in supported housing and Harlow pulled the trump card, landing a registered and nursing Feeling lonely is one of the role as an Olympic programme seller. ‘I had a fantastic day schemes in south Essex biggest problems for older Little Parndon is home to some of the at the Medina Road were fast off the starting and vulnerable people and young people we support and Carlton 'Olympics'. I really enjoyed blocks in the race to Medina being a friend is something was one of the youngest in his team. the day with you.’ Road on 7 August, for an all of us can do. It's also a After a long security check, he was Wendy Munkenbeck afternoon of Olympic-style typical example of the way 6 cleared to work at two venues: the 7 fun. Sporting skills were our volunteers help to make White Water Rafting Centre in the Lee ‘I liked the croquet and put to the test with wellie other people's lives happier. Valley and the Olympic Stadium. archery and won three throwing and egg and Family Mosaic has a big Carlton said the atmosphere was medals. I enjoyed having spoon races, followed by programme of organised amazing. He bumped into famous faces lots of people to talk to.’ a barbecue and disco. All of volunteering. And having including Usain Bolt and Paula Radcliffe, Keith Lomax our talented athletes took seen what a fantastic job Olympic record: took loads of photos and made friends. home gold medals. volunteers did to make the ‘I enjoyed the croquet Carlton Williams Carlton said: I enjoyed every minute. Olympics such a success, and playing quoits. I won It was very good work experience and a we're giving a fresh start to three gold medals. I liked good opportunity to improve my CV. the barbecue food. I ate DEVON HOUSE our volunteeering work. burgers and hotdogs and GOES FOR GOLD Over 70,000 Games Makers we had music from Grease.’ helped out at the Olympics. Almost all were volunteers. Linda Barnard The Devon House Games Anyone can join our enjoyed perfect weather, ‘I enjoyed playing games programme, just so long as delicious food (thanks to and I won five medals. you are over the age of 16. fantastic chef Tania) and I liked playing darts.’ There is no upper age limit. Contestants our athletes got lots of Andrew Rayner All reasonable expenses are from Medina opportunities to make new paid and we will train you. Road and friends. Everyone who took ‘I enjoyed it because it was We offer lots of different Devon House part was awarded an about the Olympics and I ways for you to volunteer so go for gold, ‘Olympic medal’ and a lot enjoyed chatting to people there should be something silver, bronze of our guests have asked South London customers set and I had a nice burger.’ that suits you. As well as at their for the day to be repeated. off for a trip on a very tall ship sports events Victoria Peaford befriending, we need mentors to help people learning to use a computer, RECORDS SMASHED IN KENT OLYMPIC TOUR BY SHIP we need people who like gardening, anyone who can The learning disabilities team in Kent got a head start on the A parade of tall ships and a flotilla of smaller vessels marked help with painting and Olympics, offering customers their own fun day in the park. the start of Sail Royal Greenwich in the first week of the decorating and lots more. Excitement mounting, our guests navigated the course in Olympic events. Joining them on a tall ship for a two-hour Some volunteering is regular pairs. The pace picked up as they aimed beanbags at hula cruise were 12 customers of the London supported living and one-to-one but other hoops, guided balls around cones with a hockey stick, team from Bromley, Croydon, Southwark and Greenwich. tasks are one-off and you did a spot of skipping and bounced a tennis ball. The Tolkein took them past four Olympic venues, through would work with a group. Personal bests were beaten in the second round. An extra the Thames Barrier, under the new cable car and past the O2 cheer went up for completing the course in one minute, until Arena, Canary Wharf, Observatory and the Queen’s House. To apply to be a volunteer the sprinters smashed the record. Wheelchair users got a On the way they spotted HMS Ocean, the newest battleship, or to ask about getting helpful push to get through the exercises and deckchairs which carries landing boats that can go on water and land. voluntary help for yourself were set out for those who wanted to sit while throwing. The ship was part of the security put in place to protect the or a friend, call Toni Rushton Later there was time for a picnic followed by an award Olympic Park and City of London during the games. on q 020 7089 1096 or presentation. Speedy Sarah got a cup for the fastest time Our guests really enjoyed themselves and would love to email Toni at volunteering and chocolate medals were awarded to everyone. take another trip on one of these magnificent boats. @familymosaic.co.uk finding work career opportunity FREE TRAINING FIRST SUCCESS NEAR HOME IN XXJOURNEY OF MY LIFE FOR JOBS COURSE WORK SKILLS FROM BENEFITS TO IT ENGINEER We are running FREE training 3 courses closer to your home. Two care and support to support her job Short courses are normally With the help and encouragement of visiting support worker customers in Kent have applications. She asked held in our offices or at   found jobs after getting Mandy to think how her Bisi Oluwatusin, Joseph Oki has been able to gain useful schemes, while vocational specialist guidance from personal experience could be training will usually be at a qualifications and a job that gives him pride and purpose their support worker, Rachel useful in a job and how to college or training venue. Rogers. Rachel had herself answer questions about her 8 There too many courses 3 9 just finished a training course ability to do different tasks. have moved from living in She also helped my housing to list here, but they include on helping vulnerable people Congratulations to Mandy Chadwell St Mary on full bid with the council. Just one-day courses like I to become ‘job ready’. who is now working for benefit – with no hope, no  before I was offered a nice  confidence building and Customer Mandy is one of Sandgate Manor Care Home. family and no drive – to being Family Mosaic property in interview skills. Some, like the two now working full- The training that Rachel a junior executive in a City of Purfleet, my support worker setting up a business, run time. When she first met and other support staff have London IT company. suggested matching me to a over two days. And some last Rachel, Mandy had never been getting is designed to I would like to express my3 mentor in IT to help me with for several months, like the used a computer. Rachel give staff useful tools and heartfelt gratitude to my rock the technical questions I’d be City and Guilds certificate in showed her how to use a resources to help more of you – support officer Bisi asked in interviews and to hospitality and catering.   computer in the local library find ways to use your skills in Oluwatusin (Ms B) who held check my CV was correct. Ask your support worker for to find jobs being advertised a workplace and identify jobs my hand through thick and I got my first interview details of courses in your area. and openings at companies you can do well. thin. When Ms B started with Geek Squad IT Solutions We can also offer help with: Mandy was keen to work for. Paul Corcoran is running the working with me in 2010, she at Carphone Warehouse after ● the cost of travelling to 3 She also showed Mandy helped me draw up a road The next step was finding just three weeks with my employability support and from courses how to apply for a job over training for In Touch staff in map for my life. I put it on a job. At the Jobcentre and mentor. After eight months ● childcare costs the internet and write a letter Sussex, Hampshire and Kent the wall in my room and look other recruitment agencies with Geek Squad my mentor  ● preparing your career at it every day. It prompts me all the jobs were in retail in suggested that it was time to path action plan (see to take the next step even Lakeside or local warehouses. move up in my career and Joseph's story, right) when I don’t feel motivated. Ms B suggested I take up showed me how to post my ● job search techniques I started to see the benefit voluntary work in an IT CV online. Other IT agencies ● 3 finding specialist support ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR: when I got my first certificate organisation and work now began to call for ● your personal and social EMPLOYMENT BOOST FOR YOUNG PEOPLE in IT computer engineering. exceptionally hard to show interviews and I have now development.   I then pocketed another my skills and ability. started a job with Moreton A job fair just for young people attracted a stream of certificate in higher level I was reluctant to work for Smith in London as a level visitors earlier this year. The fair kicked off with an open Microsoft support free at first but she had been II support engineer. forum discussion overseen by mental health charity Mind, YOUR BENEFITS: engineering, then a right so many times that I As a 20 year old with on the barriers that young jobseekers face. 3 certificate in A++. In 2011, took on a voluntary job at no family or any formal Young delegates described their experience of trying to GET ADVICE ON Microsoft head office in the a college. After a while, Ms B education, I owe Ms B so find work and were given tips on how to make themselves THE CHANGES USA formally recognised me said it was time for me to much. Thank you Ms B.  employable and to set and work towards personal goals. as a certified Microsoft move on, using the voluntary I will never forget you. Agencies looking to Even more changes to the support engineer with four job as a reference. Joseph Oki, Thurrock recruit young people held benefits system are on their certificates. We registered with IT floating support customer informal chats with young way. If you are at all 3recruitment agencies online. people over a buffet lunch. concerned about how these Nothing came through for Later they signed up young may affect you, please don’t  a while and I was getting people wanting to do an worry. Speak to your support depressed but she kept apprenticeship or voluntary worker who can advise you. working on me to stay work and ran workshops in If your situation is a bit positive. Ms B also started useful skills like writing a CV complicated, your support coaching me in interview and presenting yourself worker can refer you to one skills, like answering 3 well in an interview. of our dedicated welfare questions and dressing rights advisers. appropriately.   fresh air creative talent ALL I WANTED WAS A BIGGER HOME GROWN! BALCONY... COLOUR MAP My flat at the back of Coventina House had no view We're delighted to introduce the hugely talented so I asked to move to the Liam Hassan-Beserekumo, an artist who lives in front. I love gardening and thought I could at least have Redbridge, in a supported housing scheme a few baskets and tubs. Two empty flats with long what I call ‘thought-therapy’. Earlier in the year I was balconies went to others with 10 I first started to paint to help the only artist with a 11 priority over me and I got a relax my mind and emotions disability to show a selection flat with just a small balcony. and channel them into a of works at The Rickshaw I noticed a single man had positive creative process. Gallery in London. one of the big balconies and This has been a very busy A large number of my watched to see if he would year for me. At the beginning paintings were also on put pots on it. I saw no sign of it I moved into my own display until recently at the of flowers, but with winter flat, supported by Family café where my studio is coming up I wasn’t surprised. Mosaic. Since then I’ve and I have shown paintings I kept my eye out, watching painted a large number of at other exhibitions this year. amused one day as he swept new works. I am now developing a the balcony with a broom I am a self-taught artist with I was a joint winner of a workshop for others with Residents at Catley Court have raised flourishing that kept losing its head. learning disabilities, and six Diamond Jubilee competition learning disabilities to teach vegetable crops, helped by some homemade compost years’ experience in painting and exhibited a special series them some of my skills and and a lot of elbow grease. Jean Stuart reports and drawing. I specialise of five paintings in the Tate show how rewarding creating in semi-abstract painting, Modern. I currently have your own art can be. A group of us have built two Strawberries in hanging figurative images and one painting on display in raised beds on the back lawn baskets were less successful landscapes, working from Philadelphia, USA, as part of Liam Hassan-Beserekumo lives and filled them with our own but the abundant runners will the studio that I rent in a competition for disabled in a Family Mosaic scheme for compost and some topsoil. hopefully bear fruit next year. south-east London. artists from across the world. people with learning disabilities We planted radishes, Two residents donated an beetroot, lettuce, French apple and a pear tree and we beans, carrots, spring onions, mean to get a Victoria plum Open mind I tend to work in phases, cabbage, purple broccoli, tree later this year. An orchard Eventually we met at the producing many paintings spinach, potatoes, onions and is defined as a plot of land Christmas lunch, then again of a similar style for several leeks and have had a good with fruit trees so we can say at the New Year’s Eve party. months and then move on crop from most. we now have an orchard! We arranged to go to Bingo to the next idea. together then Don invited me All of my work is untitled to a home-cooked dinner. because I think titles limit We have been together interpretation and I like to OUTDOOR THERAPY ever since, getting engaged hear what each individual Our thriving vegetable and bodied get stuck in with the at my 70th birthday party in thinks they can see in my salad crops are the result of harder tasks, while the rest September last year. Our paintings. talks with staff, a lot of hard help out with watering and children and grandchildren It is often completely work by residents and a gentle weeding and hoeing. all get on and we have lots of different to what I'd welcome donation from We feel we’re doing our bit big family get-togethers and imagined when I created Family Mosaic, writes Ann for the environment and even do a lot of babysitting. the piece but that is the Lambert from Lund House. residents with health So I finally got my big great thing about abstract The first job was digging up problems can take part. balcony, where this summer art – there can be as many and transplanting turf, shrubs The therapeutic effect is so we grew baskets of flowers interpretations of an art work and plants. The more able good and we really enjoy it. and masses of vegetables as there are viewers. in our tubs and growbags. I produce my art as part of Catley Court and Lund House were funded by Greening Communities Pauline Phillips healthy outlook stepping out WAR MUSEUM NIGHT AT THE OUTING TAKES IN TOUCH MASSIVE THEATRE: SHOW GUIDED OUT OF A GROUP BACK TO TIME FOR PAM WORLD WAR II VISIT RADIO SOLENT SPIRAL OF DECLINE Pam, who is supported by care services in Clacton, Doing something constructive has given STEPS Learning disabled customers The In Touch Massive got an saw one of the presenters recently enjoyed her first ever customer Cliff Slack a renewed sense of drive. from Havering and Thurrock, inside view of the BBC with live on air. They also met trip to the theatre. But Pam who have agreed that all a behind-the scenes tour presenter Alex Dyke, who got an added bonus, also Cliff explains what a difference STEPS support their meetings should have around the offices of BBC kindly signed autographs meeting some of the cast of. worker Susan has made to his life a World War II theme, Radio Solent in June. and posed for a photograph. Dirty Dancing, in Norwich, 12 recently visited the Imperial The group were told what after the show. And she got 13 War Museum in London. different lights were for in the her first ever overnight stay in hen STEPS came into devise ways to restore Some had never been to radio studio and learnt that, a hotel. Pam, pictured below, my life I was in a her health, focusing on W London before or on a train. to work there, every single has been telling friends and downward spiral, with the problem allergens. ‘I have never been to the member of staff had to pay visitors all about her trip and personal, financial and health There were lapses in her Imperial War Museum their TV licence! is already planning her next, problems. I had no answers. health over the next few before,’ said Gemma. Next up were the weather to a show in London. When Susan, a support years but gradually we saw ‘My favourite part was looking and sports sections and a worker from STEPS, arrived a definite improvement. at the planes they used in the chance to see the producers, I was just seven days away I decided to set up the war. I bought a toy plane directors and stars of ‘South from having my house allergy support group to from the shop. Today’. The group glimpsed repossessed. share my experience and 'I really enjoyed going into Planning interesting days South Today presenter Sally Susan immediately put support people with similar the bunker to see what it out is one of the big perks Taylor preparing her show. in place an action plan and problems. From our first would have been like during for the group, which uses our The tour finished with a visit established my priorities. social meeting we have the Blitz. It was a good floating support for people to the BBC South Today With some luck, and established a dedicated journey out.’ with learning disabilities in studio. James got to sit in the Susan’s determination, group, committed to the New Forest and Eastleigh. news desk seat and test the my immediate problems seeking answers. Behind the scenes: our group Ricky, Henry, Amy, Robert, TV cameras while others in were resolved and I now Each member is working takes in the war museum Karen, Jim and James set off the group chatted to the TV had a sound financial plan. with their GP for a proper with support assistants cameraman about his job. Susan then set about diagnosis and we hope that Russell and Carl. They were Everyone left with souvenirs restoring my confidence. with more support and taken straight to the main of their visit – publicity cards, At last I could see a future. motivation we can reduce recording studios where they pens and key rings. their dependence on ow it feels like my time medication and restore N to put something back their wellbeing, letting into the community so them live life to the full. FISH FOR HEALTH AT Fishy: Havering customers I recently set up a support cast off at Puddle Dock Farm group for people suffering PUDDLE DOCK FARM from allergies. Allergies and food Men’s Health Week earlier this year intolerance can make life inspired staff and customers of our a misery, as I found out Havering visiting support to arrange a many years ago when day out with some gentle exercise. my wife became ill. Having had a career in Daytrip funds food I had the confidence A bid to the Maisie Sheed Fund raised to research, experiment and enough for a fishing trip to Puddle Dock Farm in Upminster. Lots of people came along. Several of STEPS IS THE OLDER PEOPLE’S VISITING SUPPORT us even caught some fish! Everyone said they would love the opportunity to try SERVICE RUN BY IN TOUCH IN EAST SUSSEX their hand at fishing again. life-changing jubilee parties LET THEM EAT CAKE! BAKE OFF MOVING HOME FOR QUEEN'S HAVERING GARAGE PROJECT JUBILEE PICNIC

Moving into your own home for the first time Down in Eastleigh, customers can be tough. The Havering visiting support of the In Touch Southampton disabilities service signed up service has a way to make it a little less painful for a five-week baking course to make cakes for a stall for a 14 Jubilee picnic in the park with 15 the New Forest service. They learnt a new recipe every week: first scones, then it was millionaire shortbread biscuits, fairy cakes the week after, and finally tray bakes coated in lemon drizzle, cherries or almonds. For the last lesson they baked the lot, ready for the cake stall. There were lots of stalls at the picnic so there were jobs for everyone, from donating goodies and wrapping prizes Brush up: Roger and Jack for the lucky dip to keeping stack tins of donated paint an eye on the money float.

Setting up a new home is Reporters from the two BRAINTREE hard if you can't afford to buy local newspapers visited and the furniture you need. their articles raised enough We are quite often offered donations to completely fill PARTIES FOR second-hand goods but had the first garage. Work has nowhere to store them. So we now started on the second. talked to Havering Council, Julie from Hornchurch, who which kindly donated two donated wardrobes, drawers, THE QUEEN empty garages for free. bedside cabinets and a fridge Staff knocked garage freezer, told us: ‘It feels good It was Lisa Jones who tracked down a balloon- number one into shape and helping people in Havering.’ Yum: In Touch customers box suggested we hold a street modelling magician and a welcome £2,000 from the Romford volunteer Roger up their cakes for the stall party to celebrate the found a singing guitarist. Maisie Sheed Fund paid for said: ‘It has helped me by Queen’s Jubilee. an electricity generator, tools getting me out to help people Lisa uses our learning Home-made fun and shelving. Soon we were needing a bit of support.’ Customers went home disability service in Alexandra Customers made posters ready for the first delivery. Our plan is for the scheme carrying medals they'd won Mews in Braintree and this to advertise the party and To promote the project, to end up managed entirely and telling stories of a fun was a great way for Lisa and paper chains and artwork staff called Time FM, by customers, giving them day. There were good takings others from our local services to liven up the venue. Havering’s local radio station. valuable work experience. from all the stalls, especially to make new friends. Guests from other schemes An interview the station the cake stall. All the money Lisa and another customer, arrived by bus and a lot of repeated all day led to a To offer goods or apply for has gone into the social fund. Leshana Riley, told us they’d new friendships were forged. stream of calls from locals help furnishing your new The picnic was paid for by the like magic, balloon modelling We’ve been helping the new wanting to donate goods. home call q01708 776 774 Maisie Sheed Fund. and music at the party. So we friends to stay in touch. 16

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