NMC Training’s Exciting Developments by Dee Valkering

New room

The training department has gone through lots of exciting developments in the last couple of months. We have currently moved into a new, larger training room. This will give us the possibility to expand our work stations and deliver training to more students at any one time. It also gives us the opportunity to run more courses and/or workshops along side each other.

More courses on offer NMC

Training has expanded their course offer to Life Skills, including English & Maths and personal skills, Animation, Digital Music and a soon to be started Photography workshop. Currently we run Graphic design and Digital Music courses at the same time. It is great to see how the graphic design students are also keen to try the digital music course once they see their peers working on a piece of music. The digital music course is a fun course for anyone who enjoys music and would like to compose a piece of music themselves. Candidates work on a computer with a piece of music software called “Garageband”. This easy to use program allows users to put together music from pre-prepared loops in a variety of styles. Newcomers will be guided through the early stages of making something simple, but sounding good. Equally, users with more experience are coached through more advanced skills and using more complex combinations of music.

New tutors

We would like to officially welcome Steve Gaffney and Chris Burden as new members of the training team. Steve Gaffney is an experienced tutor and talented musician. Steve delivers Life Skills and Digital Music on Mondays and Tuesdays. Chris Burden graduated with a BA in Animation at Edge Hill University last year and currently delivers a 20 week Animation course, which is held once a fortnight on a Monday.

Taster sessions for ALL ages

The courses at NMC Training are for ALL ages and no previous experience is necessary.  Would you like to try any of the courses? Feel free to come along for a taster session and gain new skills in a friendly and informal environment. Suggestions for new courses/workshops welcome We welcome everyone with suggestions on other skills they would like to gain as we are currently looking for more ideas on a range of workshops/courses.

Or do you have a particular skill which you would love to pass on to other people? Please do pop into training and have a chat with us as we are open to delivering a wide range of workshops/courses. You can also email Dee dee.valkering@nmcentre.com

Animation Courseat NMC by Andrew Woodvine

On the Animation course my experience, at first, was I thought it was boring. But as I pressed on, I got to know Chris and what animation entailed, and now I’m enjoying it so much that I’ve started animating at home! So far I’ve achieved 7 out of 10
seconds of my animation - it’s taken a while but I’m pleased with what I’ve done.

I would recommend this class to other people because I felt that I was given freedom to use any program and any technique to complete my work. This is unlike previous courses I’ve done where you’re sometimes limited to what has been set in a brief, or by the tutor. I felt happier choosing how I went about animating. I like doing the course at the NMC because it’s a familiar place as I also attend for physio there and know a few people. That makes it more comfortable as sometimes it can be difficult talking to new people, but as I say the NMC is a familiar place so it makes talking to people easier. I also feel I’ve made friends on the course so that makes going more fun. By the end of this course I hope to gain some knowledge and skills in Photoshop as well as animation and I hope to have maybe gained some friends. All in all I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the course and would do it again.
Do you fancy creating an animation like Andy? Would you like to do a taster session? Please go and see Kay in the training department or drop us an email: dee.valkering@nmcentre.com

Animation by Chris Burden

I have played games on many different games consoles. I was fascinated by the way they had been designed. This interest developed while I was in Secondary School, but there was a lack of software in school and the teachers at school only taught I.T. The school’s career advisor was aware of the NMC and the types of computer study that were available there, and eventually I attended the NMC 1 day per week over a period of three years. It was here where my horizons widened! I became adept at designing and producing posters, leaflets etc. Upon leaving school I went to Hereward Residential F.E. College, which was primarily for disabled people. It was here where my graphic skills went to a new level, and I was working from briefs and working to deadlines. It was at Hereward that I got certificates in design and graphics.

I stayed at Hereward for three years. I have to say I enjoyed every minute of my time there, not only learning about graphics, but I learnt how to live independently, and the social life was excellent. After leaving Hereward I returned to my family home, and Knowsley Council appointed a social worker (Ruth Jones) to me. She persuaded me to continue my studies. I visited a few local F.E. colleges, Knowsley Community College and Hugh Baird College in the borough of Sefton. I chose Hugh Baird College because it had a wider range of courses that would add to my graphic skills. The course was Art & Design leading to a H.N.D. The course was a ‘condensed one year course’, but I completed it over two years. The reason why I completed the course over two years was because my work rate was quite slow due to my disability, and my tutor wanted to assess what equipment and software I could use to help me complete the course. It was the teaching assistant at Hugh Baird who got me to try creating animation. I produced a short animation and I also developed directing skills which was useful in producing diary type videos depicting everyday activities. I had to produce a portfolio of work in support of my H.N.D. At the end of the course all the students displayed their portfolios to the general public.

I went to Hugh Baird with no intention of doing a degree in Animation, but whilst on the course the tutors used gentle persuasion to get me to do the degree course. It helped that I enjoyed the H.N.D. Course in Art and Design, so I applied for an animation degree course at Edge Hill University.

One of the criteria for the degree course was G.C.S.E. in English language. I studied for this in parallel with my H.N.D. Course. I was accepted by Edge Hill onto the animation degree course. I lived on campus throughout my degree. I learnt how to produce animation to a professional standard and learnt how to write scripts and introduce the necessary elements that go into producing an animation.

For my final project I had to produce a promotional video for a company. So I contacted Matthew Lanham, the Chief Executive at the NMC, and discussed producing a video promoting the Centre and to install it on their website to attract new clients.

Upon Graduation I contacted Dee Valkering (Head of Training at the NMC) to suggest teaching my animation skills to any of her students who may have been interested in learning about the subject. I presented a ‘tester workshop’ to gauge the level of interest in the course, and there appeared to be a keen interest from the students. So now I am teaching one lesson per fortnight at the NMC!

My life at the NMC has come full circle from a student to a teacher! At the end of the course the students will have produced a ten seconds animation. Different students work at different paces, which is understandable, but all the students appear to enjoy being on the course.

Cheshire West and Chester Supported Internships - Joanna Davies, Supported Internship Coordinator

Cheshire West and Chester Council are working in partnership with local Colleges and training providers to offer supported internships to young people across the borough.

A Supported Internship is a structured programme of study undertaken by a young person aged 16-24 with learning difficulties or disabilities who has a real desire to work.

It is a job specially adapted to meet the skills and ability of an individual whilst fulfilling a genuine business need for the employer.

The Supported Internship programme combines a work placement with an employer and time in College to gain skills such as Maths, English, ICT, health & safety and employability skills. The young person can spend up to 4 days in placement and one day at College working towards a qualification depending on their individual needs.

A supported internship offers a consistent package of support for the young person, including a job coach who will be on hand at the placement to guide and mentor the young person as appropriate and offer support to the employer.

The overall aim is to equip those young people with the skills they need to progress in the workplace.
To be eligible to access the programme the young person must be aged between 16 – 24 years old and have a current Learning Difficulty Assessment or Education Health Care Plan and have a real desire to work.

As well as offering placements within many of our own departments, Cheshire West and Chester Council are working with a wide range of employers to offer young people the opportunity to access a diverse mix of career pathways, ensuring that placements will support their career aspirations. For example we have three young people placed at Chester Zoo, (Chris, Bradley & Kyle are undertaking roles in the restaurants and with the grounds and maintenance teams) and all have said how much they are enjoying their placements and how caring and supportive Chester Zoo have been towards them.

If you would like to find out more about Supported Internships or know a young person who may benefit from being on the programme please contact: Joanna Davies, Supported Internship Coordinator, Cheshire West and Chester Council. Mobile: 07770703544 Email: Joanna.davies@ cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Want to kick started your career in Graphic design?

We offer training opportunities in digital graphic design and web design with an option of home study. You could be working towards a national recognized qualification and learn valuable computer skills in Adobe software using the latest up to date Apple Mac equipment. We pride ourselves on offering a very unique, friendly and supportive environment with one-to-one tuition for all our students.

Our main goal is to provide a unique service that is an alternative to a main stream college environment. Students receive full care and one-to-one training in a fully adapted training suite. We encourage students to reach their full potential and they are able to work at their own pace. Learning is very much forced around the individuals needs and requirements. We are proud to offer our students a warm and friendly place to study. All courses are completely free and no previous experience or qualifications are required for any of the courses. Participants should have a general interest in graphic design and design software programs.

Taster sessions for any of the courses are always offered to see whether it really meets your needs and requirements. When you come for assessment we will work with you to identify the appropriate start date, duration, level of study and content which will help you achieve your personal goals. Study At Home The Neuromuscular Centre (NMC) also offers a home study programme. The NMC is looking to recruit graphic design students with muscular dystrophy who have the enthusiasm and motivation to Study at home. We offer NFCE Level 1 & 2 in Graphic Design as a home study option. Our tutors are available for online support three days a week and use the latest software to ensure all home study students are fully supported throughout their course.

What’s Next

Once students gain a national recognized qualification it can lead to many new and exciting opportunities, such as:

• Progressing onto another course to gain an even higher level qualification at the NMC or at college or university.
• Gaining employment in a Graphic Design company.
• Gaining employment in NMC’s own NMC Design+Print  - our very own in house    commercial graphic design and print company.
• Freelance Designing - maybe working from home.

If you would like more information please contact Kay on 01606 860911or e-mail kay.briggs@nmcentre.com

Aromatherapy at the Neuromuscular Centre - Beverley Langley

Hello!  My name is Beverley and I run the Complementary Therapy Clinic at the NMC.   One of the therapies I practice is Aromatherapy.   Aromatherapy can be traced back to 3,500 years B.C..  At that time it was linked to aromatic medicine which was associated with religion and magic. Ancient Egyptians burnt incense from woods, herbs and spices to honour their Gods and used Frankincense, Myrrh, Cinnamon, Cedarwood and Juniperberry to preserve the bodies of their Royalty in the afterlife.

Modern Aromatherapy uses natural oils extracted from various parts of a plant to enhance physical and emotional wellbeing.  The oils may be extracted by distillation or cold pressing.  Essential oils consist of tiny aromatic molecules that are absorbed via the skin thereby entering the bloodstream and being carried around the body to deliver their beneficial effects.  When inhaling the aroma, a signal is sent to the limbic system of the brain which is the centre of emotions and memory and is directly connected to parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, stress, and hormone balance.

Essential oils are concentrated and must always be diluted by a qualified Aromatherapist into a carrier oil before being applied to the skin.   Massage is most commonly associated with aromatherapy, but there are a variety of other methods that essential oils can be used including diluting the oils and adding them to the bath, by steam inhalation and diffusers.

Here at the NMC, I use aromatherapy for a variety of applications including pain relief, stress relief, mood enhancement and cognitive function.  Each essential oil has its own properties that may give health benefits.  Some oils are thought to have an anti inflammatory effect which may help with arthritis and muscular pain.

The therapeutic effects of essential oils together with massage can help relax and calm you and boost your wellbeing. I choose the oils that I feel may help manage your symptoms and help you the most.  I also do a full consultation at your first visit to ensure there is no medical reason why you should not have aromatherapy.   It is important not to use oils instead of taking prescribed medicines or seeing your G.P.

I am happy to see service users, carers and staff by appointment on Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Please feel free to have a chat with me when I am not with a client or contact me on 07756853089.

Live Life – Marc Chapman

I have written this article to show that life with a disability isn’t all doom and gloom! I believe we are the same and can do the same as anyone. I’m proof of that and I have never let anything get in my way preventing me from doing something.

I used to go to Hebden Green School (next to the NMC). When I was doing my GCSE’s, I didn’t get the results that I wanted in Maths and English and ended up with a D in English and an E in Maths when I needed a C or above. I thought this would ruin my chances of getting to college.
However, whilst at school I started coming to the NMC and studied Graphic Design which I very much enjoyed. I achieved an NCFE Level 1.

Inspired by my success in Graphic Design I moved on to college and studied BTEC Level 3 in Moving Image (Film and TV), where I achieved a Distinction. I also continued with functional skills in Maths and English.

This just proves that if you don’t get the grades at school it isn’t always the end of the world. There’s nearly always a way round it and you can end up being successful.

During my time at college I still carried on coming to NMC for physiotherapy. It kept me fit and healthy and was a huge boost to my well-being.

Although my next step was to pursue a HNC course at college, the course did not run, due to being under-subscribed. So I took a gap year. I have kept myself busy. I approached Matthew at NMC who was able to offer me some work experience with the Design and Print team on Wednesdays. I have loved every minute of it and never looked back. The camaraderie is second to none.

I have regular physiotherapy and I have started doing a web design course in training which I have also really enjoyed.

Coming to the NMC is a big part of my life and it provides me with the opportunity to socialise with many like-minded people. If I have any problems with my ventilator or wheelchair, someone in the building will have a solution, which puts your mind ease. I have made some good friends along the way, so I would definitely recommend the NMC to anyone with muscular dystrophy!

University, work and independence - James Taubman

I am a 23 year old business graduate originally from North Wales. I have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which I was diagnosed with at birth. I have used a wheelchair ever since I was 12 years old.

University
In 2013 I graduated from Glyndwr University in Wrexham with a BA in Business Marketing (2:2). The assessment consisted of coursework, examinations, group work and presentations. Attending university was a really enjoyable 3 years both from a social point of view and an educational aspect. The facilities and services for disabled students were very good.

Work Experience and Training
The NMC has given me with vital work experience, which was the initial reason that I made contact. Fresh from graduating from University, the NMC have provided me with a platform to gain new skills, which have included learning database software, speaking at events, marketing tasks such as creating product packages, and I recently began a graphic design course in-house.

I work at NMC as a Database and Marketing Assistant, and my main role involves assisting in the management of all the NMC databases. Joining and being part of NMC has brought so many benefits.
My condition has a physical impact on my work ability in the following ways;

• Difficulty in using standard desks
• Using a keyboard to type is a  struggle  - Drinking and eating  - Using the toilet.

NMC services that help me include;

• Height adjustable desks throughout the building  - Providing computers or laptops with on-screen keyboard devices 
• Care assistance with eating,  drinking or anything physical  - Providing unique and specialist physiotherapy
• Fully accessible toilets and rooms with hoists
• Helpful support and advice  about the condition or just general matters
• Work experience and training motivation.

Physiotherapy & Exercise Prior to attending NMC I had not received any physiotherapy since school. I now have physiotherapy once a week, which helped me physically and mentally. This treatment also allows me to access the specialist equipment including the exercise arm and leg pedals and tilt table beds to stand supported.

I find the Neuromuscular Centre a great and welcoming place to visit. It provides a sense of community with an enjoyable work environment that is professional and highly sociable at the same time.

Independent Living
I live in Chester City in my own apartment with 24 hour care. Many of the people that help care for me are friends that I have met, so we are a close knit team. Whilst at university I began my care package with a care agency. However, after a year we switched to direct payments which has proved easier, providing me with more choice over who cares for me.

Leisure / Driving
I did attempt to learn to drive and had several lessons with an instructor in an adapted vehicle. However I felt it just wasn’t for me. This hasn’t stopped me getting around as I have a Motability vehicle which my PA drives. I have travelled abroad around Europe, USA & Canada, the most memorable places being Amsterdam, Toronto and New York.

I enjoy nights out with friends, going to the cinema, music concerts, days out/walks and eating out. One of my big passions is football. I‘m an Everton fan and also a season ticket holder so I go to home games. I have also been to Wembley twice.