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

Going to University

My first year at the University of Southampton has been the best of my life so far. The step to university from school or college is a big one because it’s often your first time living away from home and the learning style is totally different to school with a much greater emphasis on independent learning.

University life is about a lot more than the course too, I’d say that being part of societies is definitely as important as your course itself because they’re a great way to meet others and try new skills. I’m lucky enough to be both studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Southampton and also to be Factual Executive for SUSUtv, the University’s student TV station. This role has seen me produce a documentary on the Spitfire which provided me with the opportunity to interview a real Spitfire pilot, something which I definitely did not think I would be doing when I started University! I’m also fortunate enough to have been elected as a Course Representative for my year group too which involves representing the views of students to Faculty staff. Now the reason for me mentioning these experiences of mine is that, being both Factual Executive and Course Representative, communicating to groups of people is absolutely crucial, whether that be a video production team or the year group on the course. Without being in Facebook groups I doubt that I’d be able to do this as they are such an effective means of communication. They also provide a wonderful open environment to discuss ideas as well as meaning that you are always contactable.

So how is this relevant to the NMC? During this summer 2015 I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to volunteer here and part of that included setting up a Facebook group in order to provide an open forum for discussion on the topic of moving to University. Having had such a great experience at University this year I do truly feel that other people who have muscular dystrophy such as myself should have the opportunity to attend University. This is the purpose behind the Facebook
group, allowing everyone to make a well informed choice about their future. The group is open to everyone at the NMC, whether you’re looking to go to University, are currently there or have finished your degree it’s the ideal place to find out about all aspects of University life or help those looking to go. The group is only visible to members so it is a totally secure place for an open and honest discussion.

Of course the most important aspect of any group is the people in it so if you are looking to go to University, are there or have been in the past, this is definitely the group for you. To join the group you need to be registered on Facebook and search for “NeuroMuscular Centre University Discussion Group”.  If the group doesn’t come up go to the top menu and click on the MORE tab, then click the GROUPS tab.  The link has a button where you can request to join.

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.

New Transition Team – Cheshire West and Chester

Cheshire West and Chester Council has set up a specialised team to assess the needs of young people with disabilities and arrange appropriate support for them and their families. These young people aged between 16 and 25 years old, may have physical and/or learning disabilities or sensory impairment. The team will ensure that each has their own plan, setting out the steps required for a smooth transition from children’s to adult’s care and support services. Comprising seven full time staff, the team will work closely with the Council’s social care services and Special Educational Needs teams to ensure that every disabled young person has opportunities for paid employment, the potential to live independently, good health, and develops the skills to form friendships, relationships and be part of his or her community.

Councillor Brenda Dowding, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, commented: “The new service recognises the need to target support to those families who have disabled children growing up to adulthood. By concentrating on the needs and wishes of the young person, we aim to put together a personalised plan which nurtures potential, opens up a range of new opportunities and reduces stress for families at a critical part of a young person’s life. “

Councillor Mark Stocks, Executive Member for Education and Children, commended the development as, “Emphasising what can be done when key services work together, putting the wellbeing of the young person at the centre of planning for their changing and future needs, so that they get the very best possible start in life.”

For further information contact: Louise Hill, Senior Manager,
Disabled Children and Personal Budgets. Tel. 0151 337 6300
Keith Evans, Senior Manager,
Prevention and Wellbeing Tel. 01244 972990
Samantha Williams, Senior
Practice Lead/Practice
Manager Tel 01606 271939

A Parents Perspective – Sophie Hawes

Millie has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and during secondary school received 'brief' physio sessions every two weeks or so. These sessions were too short for anything really worthwhile to be achieved, and it became deeply frustrating for me as her Mum knowing that she needed more. 

When she was 16, Millie was lucky enough to be referred to the NeuroMuscular Centre. She was a little apprehensive to begin with as the NMC is an adult facility and she was so young, but her fears were soon allayed as the welcome was so warm from everyone. 

Each week she attends either a Physio session of 1.5-2hrs or a hydrotherapy session of 1hr -1.5 hr. Millie has gained so much from her time at the NMC, not only in maintaining her physical strength ( with those fabulous lengthy sessions) but also gleaning so much new invaluable information from the physios or other 'customers'. This has been particularly helpful with regard to her incredibly tough application for social care funding to enable her to study Law at Durham University. 

The NMC were able to introduce Millie to other like-minded people in a similar situation to herself who were able to share their experiences and she could learn from them. It was reassuring to know others had succeeded in achieving their goals and this increased Millie's own confidence. Millie feels totally at ease when I leave her in the capable hands of Jonny, Chloe, Paul or Gill and I know they have a lot of fun during the sessions - lots of healthy banter! 

All the knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment the physios have given Millie has been invaluable and we are both incredibly grateful.