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

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

What's it like to Foster

I have spent the last hour sitting at my computer trying to find the words to convey what it's like to be a foster carer...Its not an easy thing to sum up. Most of the time, I do exactly the same as any other parent. School runs, meals, homework, cleaning up, shopping,...etc...etc...etc......most of the time.

On occasions I have to deal with difficult behaviour, or listen to harrowing things, but that's rare, there are lots of misconceptions about the children in care, and how they behave. These kids have had hard lives, they don't know how to deal with it. They don't have the skills. They need to be taught. They don't know why they do what they do, and their behaviour is a reflection of what has happened to them....but don't all children behave badly at times?...besides Iʼm trained how to handle it. Iʼm the professional.

The difference is in the detail. People say to me “I couldn't do it”,  but I often wonder if they mix up couldn't with wouldn't...would they allow their own children to be neglected or abused or exploited, the answer is NO....if they knew that was happening to their own children could they do something about it, the answer is YES.

Why is it different for someone else's child than your own?
The detail is, these children are just like yours, with all the bad bits that your good parenting protected them from. It was you as a parent that protected them from harm...it was your good upbringing that gave you the skills to be able to protect a child from harm...

The children I look after are all different, have all had different experiences, but they all share a common base, they know fear, and pain, and neglect, and abuse...they only know that people hurt them. They don't know how to trust. Why would they. The people they trusted the most also let them down the most.

Fostering is about change. Its about proving to a child that life is not what they think it is. It's about being prepared to show them no matter how hard they try to show you youʼre wrong. Its mostly about patience, and consistency, and honesty. Its also about being like a swan......calm on the surface and all that......

Its the part the children donʼt see thatʼs perhaps the most important, The ability to be professional in the face of hostility or conflict. The ability to challenge poor decisions and poor practice. Being the person who fights for whatʼs right not whatʼs cost efficient. The person who retains balance and common sense and the over riding desire to speak for and defend a child who canʼt defend themselves. The doing whatʼs right not whatʼs easy.

Sound dramatic?.. itʼs not really. Itʼs all about working together with other professionals for whatʼs best, and doing so when not everyone agrees. In this process the foster carer is the most important person in the room. Youʼre the one with all the facts about that child, you live with them, and you make the most difference to them with what you do every day.

Fostering isnʼt for everyone, some people canʼt deal with the realities of what these children have faced, or the realities of trying to repair it. I wonʼt say itʼs easy, itʼs not. It is challenging, and can be stressful. Itʼs in no way easy money.

For me, when you help these kids heal and grow and thrive, and you see it. Itʼs worth it. Are they always grateful, no, but its not about gratitude, its about the long term future, and the kind of society we want to live in, and breaking the repeating patterns of these families.
Itʼs about making lives better....thatʼs enough for me.

Unequal opportunities... Unexpected avenues by Jon Powton

As a sufferer of Becker Muscular dystrophy I have had my fair share of doors slammed in my face over the years. 

It has always been a bug bear for me that despite my qualifications and my experience in engineering that my disability has been such an obstacle for potential employers. It’s amazing how attitudes change when disability gets mentioned...and how continuous rejection eventually made me stop trying.

I am sure in this I am not alone...I can say with a fair amount of confidence that many disabled people face this kind of attitudinal prejudice, and are not truly offered an even playing field.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing to find a path where not only are we given the same chances as everyone else, but where overcoming the struggles of disability can be used in a positive way. My illness has changed the way I think. My whole adult life has been about challenge and obstacle and how I have to do things differently from able bodied people, in short it has given me a unique set of skills. I’m more thoughtful, honest, organised, introspective and determined, and perhaps most importantly I’m more caring.

5 years ago I became a foster carer with The National Fostering Agency, my disability has not been a barrier for me. I foster children on my abilities not my disability. The fact that my illness inherently gave me some of the skills needed for this job, is I suppose ironic. but it’s a fact. I followed the same assessment process as every other carer, no special treatment, but most importantly no pre-judgements. I was told, “If you’re capable, and have the right skills and meet the right criteria. You can foster”.

I found the allusive fair crack of the whip.... Fostering disadvantaged children is a privilege, it’s the hardest job in the world, but is by far the most rewarding. It is also a professional role, just as is a doctor or a nurse or a social worker, and as such commands a professional salary. No-one fosters for the money, but no one would do it for free, it’s a career, and it has to pay the mortgage. FACT.
Fostering is not for everyone, but maybe it’s for you. I am striving to give disabled people the information, there is an avenue that maybe you have never considered, that is actually willing to consider you. Without bias, without saying no just because you have a disability. You may still be told no, but the reasons will be considered, in a fair an equal way.

If you think this is for you, or would like more information. Disabled or not. Please contact The National Fostering Agency at www.nfa.co.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

Steve Bebe on the Radio

Many people have said over the years that you should be on the radio.  How did you get the opportunity to be on the radio? I was asked by our Community Fundraiser Amy Swatkins to join her on the “Charities Today” show on RedShift Radio to talk about the NMC, and after the show I asked the presenter about how you go about becoming a DJ on RedShift.  She told me to email Liz Southall who runs the radio station. So I emailed Liz and we arranged a meeting at the station to discuss what type of show I would like to do and straight away she offered me a time slot - which was fantastic. So I went back the following week for my training which including showing me how everything works and then I went on air for a short 20 minute trial, firstly talking to her on air and then leaving me on my own for about 10 minutes to play a couple of songs and do a few links, and then after that I was told i could start my own show! 

What does it involve and what do you actually do? I present a community news and music show called ‘What’s Happening with Steve Bebe’ which initially started on a Monday afternoon between 2 and 3 pm before moving to a new slot. In my first few shows I spoke about the different areas of the NMC and now I talk about upcoming fundraising events every week. I also did a spot about Nantwich Cricket Club (where i do the cricket scoring) during the cricket season, talking about the previous weekends results. I promote events going on in Crewe and Nantwich and also Redshift Radio events and other Redshift shows.

What have you learnt? I’ve learnt how a radio station works and how to set up shows with music, hub sweepers (which play over the start over an intro to a song before the vocals start) commercials and community highlight news at the top of the hour. I’ve also learnt about how to speak properly on air including remembering to give time checks and learning how to talk over songs, especially how to get the fader levels right - all very technical and very radio geeky things...Haha!!

What do you get out of it? The opportunity to finally fulfil a boyhood dream to be a radio DJ, following in the footsteps of my radio heroes like Steve Wright, Mark and Lard, Terry Wogan and Chris Moyles. It’s a lot better than playing your tape cassettes and CDs at home while talking to yourself (which is exactly what I used to do as a kid....and in recent years using my iTunes if I’m being honest...Haha!!) Also the fact that I get the opportunity to spread the word about the fabulous work that we do here at The NeuroMuscular Centre.

Has it impacted other areas of your life? Like I said above, giving me the chance to talk about the work that I do at the centre, and also promote The NMC on radio, gives me a huge sense of pride. Also it’s made me an even more confident person (and those of you that know me know I’m a very confident person)

Tell us about the new things you’re learning about radio editing and production? At the end of August, Redshift Radio relocated studios from Crewe to Nantwich and Liz asked me if I was interested in getting involved with the production and editing side of RedShift in addition to doing my radio show.  I was only too happy to do so. I started doing my additional role at the end of September, editing the community news and also adding backing tracks to our new Jingles...including my own....a very proud moment.

How and when can people listen in, make requests, and how can they catch up with shows they’ve missed? Since we relocated I’ve moved my show so now I’m on air every Tuesday evening between 6 and 8pm. We are an internet station so you can listen online at www.redshiftradio.co.uk/player or you can download the RedShift Radio app for free from your mobile app store (just search for ‘RedShift Radio’). You can also find us on the ‘Tune-In Radio’ app. You can send requests to my Twitter account which is @StevenBebe or www.twitter.com/ StevenBebe or message me on Facebook  www.facebook. com/steven.bebe but you may
have to add me as a friend if you’re not already. Alternatively you can call or text the RedShift studio on 01270 262 262 when I’m on air.

If you cannot catch me live, I always upload my show to Mixcloud for people to listen to the following day www. mixcloud.com/steven-bebe/ (you may have to create an account to do so, but it is free

Access to Work.

The number of disabled people being helped by Access to Work is up by over 10% on last year, according to the DWP. The Department says that new figures show that nearly 10,000 new disabled people claimed support from the scheme last year, which provides financial help towards the extra costs faced by disabled people at work, such as support workers, specialist aids and equipment and travel to work support. For more information about Access to Work visit:  https://www.gov.uk/ access-to-work/overview

Access to Work.

The number of disabled people being helped by Access to Work is up by over 10% on last year, according to the DWP. The Department says that new figures show that nearly 10,000 new disabled people claimed support from the scheme last year, which provides financial help towards the extra costs faced by disabled people at work, such as support workers, specialist aids and equipment and travel to work support. For more information about Access to Work visit:  https://www.gov.uk/ access-to-work/overview

My Changing Care Package – Heather Murrant

I have had a care package for the last 20 years and as my life as changed so my package has changed. It started as a small package of care with an agency. However this didn’t fit into my life at all and it had a big impact on my daughter who was then only a year old, as we never knew who was coming through the door next. 

My friend told me about Direct Payments and the Independent Living Fund and this was the start of a great journey to freedom for both my children and me. At this time there were only 3 people on direct payments so I was asked to help write the remit for the Council as the Government said this was the way to go. So, we had several meetings with members of Wired, the Council and myself. During this time I had employed my first PA and found it worked well. We had children of a similar age so we all went for days out etc. My life started to open up and I came to the NMC.

Then followed college a couple of times a week where I met my next PA. She has become one of my best friends. I have found most of my PA’s through friends or acquaintances. 

As I have got older my needs have changed and so has my package. It is quite a large package now as I cannot turn in bed etc. so I have night care (which can be difficult to find). There have also been a couple of instances where my PA’s have been off on long term sick and this did put added strain on my girls and I, so 18 months ago I made the decision to combine using an agency and PA. 

As I work from home I have to be able to guarantee that I am up and ready for work so I use an agency. When I am out and about and have night care I use PA’s and when it comes to holiday cover I ask the PA’s first and then if they can’t cover I ask the agency. I find that by combining an agency with PA’s it works quite well and it does not leave me vulnerable. It also gives me more freedom. 

When I was younger, I was very reliant emotionally and physically on my personal assistants and very close to them. They become like family and sometimes could over step the mark, which was a fault on my part too for not instilling clear boundaries. 

I now don’t need that support. I make my own decisions and I feel quite happy to have time on my own. I am not frightened to live my life independently. My children are grown up and I am looking forward to the freedom the package will allow me in the next phase of my life