Editorial
Welcome to the latest (and late!) B&T. Technical problems in our IT department (i.e. Brett broke his computer) were the root cause of the delay.
A new B&T, a new editor and two new sections: a review and A Grand Day Out. If you have read a book, seen a TV program or come across anything else you would like to recommend to our other readers, just write a brief review and send it to the office.
If you would prefer to read a printed version, there is now a PDF version you can download and print.
The Grand Day Out section is a way to share ideas of interesting things to do or places to visit. So if you've been anywhere good recently let us know. If you have a photo, even better!
Update
Supported Lives are now providing well over 300 hours support per week, and have 33 staff supporting 25 clients. A warm welcome to new staff who have joined us since the last Bugle and Trumpet, which include: Michelle, Steve, Vicky, Marta, Emma and Kristen.
A Grand Day Out...
The Yorkshire Motor Museum
Simon and I had a grand morning out at the
Yorkshire Motor Museum in Batley. Entry is free to their collection
of over 60 cars dating from 1885 to 1985 (although a donation is
appreciated).
The cars are all laid out in one large area which is easily accessible to people with mobility difficulties. Restorations take place on site, which Simon found particularly interesting. The volunteers were more than happy to discuss their restoration work with Simon; we found it a friendly place overall.
As well as the cars there are many old bicycles scattered about the walls and there is a replica Sopwith Camel being constructed in one of the workshops. The museum is open every day and is a ten minute walk from Batley bus station, on Alexandra Road (there are frequent buses to Batley from the Interchange).
Brett
Talent Trek
Supported Lives have entered the Talent Trek competition. This will take place at the Town and Country Club (Manningham Lane), on the evening of Thursday 14 July. The annual event, which raises money for learning disabilities in Bradford, involves competing teams giving a performance, dance, singing etc. Supported Lives have entered as a group, and all the very talented musicians on the team have agreed to take part. Unfortunately, so have the untalented ones!
If you'd like tickets to attend the event please let us know as we are buying a bulk amount to give away free to our clients, carers and staff.
Note: Talent Trek tickets cannot be bought on the night.
Review...
Being Joe Michael Blastland, Radio 4, April
2005
Joe is 10 and has a severe Autistic Spectrum Disorder; his father, Michael, made this thoughtful piece of radio about what it is like to be Joe. As well as thoughtful, it is also thought provoking as he tries to make more sense of who we are through understanding who Joe is.
Michael looks at some of the annoying, amusing and irritating incidents that make up their life together but then goes on to consider some profound questions. Michael discusses whether Joe has true self-conciousness, whether he is fully part of humanity.
This may sound very heavy, abstract and depressing. However, the evident love that Michael has for his son and his desire to make sense of their situation, makes listening to him a really postive experience.
I would recommend this half-hour talk to anyone who wants to share somebody else's experience of living with a person with an ASD, or who wants to understand more about being human.
Brett
New Emergency Number
Attention all clients, carers and staff: the new Supported Lives emergency on call number is: 07962 401 150
This number is for any out of hours emergency situations where you need to speak to a senior member of staff. Please note that if you ring this number you will be transferred through to a member of staff in their own home, so it should only be used in matters what need to be resolved before the next working day.
Who Am I?:
Simon Nunn
My name is Simon Nunn and I get most of my outside support from Supported Lives. Although I have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder, I am very good at communicating verbally. I am learning keyboard skills but still have a long way to go so one of my support assistants is helping me with this article.
I am very interested in traction engines and trains. I know most of the manufacturers of both traction engines and steam trains. I can easily identify the wheel configuration of any steam train. I particularly like Burrel traction engines. I often visit the York Railway Museum and attend as many traction engine rallies as I can. I also have a great fascination for feathers and, as it is my favorite word, I will drop it into conversation at every opportunity!
Simon
Supported Lives Launch
We held our official launch on 15 June, which was attended by about 100 of our clients, carers and staff as well people from other care organisations in Bradford. Clicking on the picture below will take you to a montage of pictures from the event.
