Supported Lives Bugle and Trumpet

Issue 27, March 2011

Who Am I?
Paul Rae

PaulHello, my name is Paul Rae, I am 21 years old and new to Supported Lives. I have an electric wheelchair and live at home with my family.

I am really enjoying my days out with Diane and Sam, we have a great time. I get the chance to go off and do things without my family and although I love living at home with them I am really enjoying the independence of being able to go off with support on my own.

We have been all over: to the pub, shopping, the cinema, out for meals and a visit to Skipton. I am really enjoying going on the bus and train which is a fairly new experience, especially the bus which is actually a first for me.

PaulDiane and Sam are both great fun and I am really glad that I have them as support workers.

Who Am I?
Jenny Blackshaw

JennyMy name is Jenny Blackshaw. I am a social work student from Bradford University and have just started a 6 month placement at Supported Lives. Everyone has made me feel very welcome and I am looking forward to my time here.

Before starting my social work course I worked for many years in welfare rights, advising people of their benefit entitlements and representing them at social security appeal tribunals. I previously worked in the Manchester area so I am enjoying getting to know Bradford, particularly its art galleries and curry houses.

I live near Hebden Bridge with my partner where we enjoy walking and exploring the countryside.

Soft Play Area

Just to let you all know that Naz Shah (sister of our very own Imi Shah) has opened a new soft play area within the Lister Mill complex on Heaton Road (BD9 4SH, tel: 01274 406 144).

On the first and third Tuesday of each month outside of school holidays, it welcomes people with disabilities between the hours of 10 and 4, and is called Disability Friendly Day. These days are specifically set aside for people with disabilities.

Entrance fee is £3.00 per person, carer goes free. At present this is for an unlimited time in the soft play area, but this may change if the day becomes very popular.

The area was designed for children, so very big people may find it unsuitable. It's worth calling to sample the very reasonably priced food and to check it out as a venue.

John Drury

Leisure Library Saturday Sessions

The Leisure Library are planning to run sessions at Melville House on Saturdays, (start date to be announced, but will probably begin in March).

It will be open for anyone who wants to drop in for activities such as craft sessions. You will need to check with Jon Wright before going to see if there are vacancies, but it is expected that there will be plenty of opportunities for people to attend. More details to follow!

Remember that the Leisure Library also continues to run a session at Shipley Resource Centre every Thursday, 1:30-3:00pm, to which clients with support staff are most welcome.

Jon Wright

A Grand Day Out
Coffee Station

Mark at Coffee StationCoffee Station is a great little cafe I have discovered whilst out with my clients. It's in what used to be the parcel office on Hebden Bridge railway station.

The do a great range of home made cakes and all their sandwiches are freshly made.

The prices are brilliant too. Mark and I recently had a cup of tea and a slice of banana bread each, total cost £3.00. The staff are really friendly and there's a good atmosphere.

Mark at Hebden Bridge StationAfter you've pigged out on their excellent cakes you could take the short walk through the park to Hebden Bridge town centre; and if you've a lot of calories to work off there are lots of walking opportunities along the canal or up into the hills.

Brett

Coffee Mornings

We are planning to re-start the coffee mornings for clients and staff. For the present they will take place 10:00‑12:00 at the office on the first Tuesday of each month. Do turn up and meet all your friends!

John Drury

Wills Explained

In this feature Schofield Sweeney Solicitors provide a definition of some of the terms used in wills and explain why it is important that everyone makes a will.

A Will
is a legal document by which a person provides for who will benefit from their assets on their death.
Codicil
is an addition or amendment to an existing will.
Testator
is the person making the will.
Estate
the money, property and other assets that are left after the payment of the testator’s debts and other liabilities including any tax and funeral expenses.
Executors
are the people chosen by the testator to deal with and carry out the terms of the will.
Guardians
are the people chosen by the testator to care for any children who are under the age of 18 at the testator’s death.
Beneficiary
a person entitled to a particular asset or part of the estate under a will.
Inheritance Tax
is a tax payable on death if the value of a persons estate exceeds the tax threshold currently £325,000 (the nil rate band or tax free band).
Transferable Nil Rate Band
allows the tax free band (currently £325,000) to be transferred to a husband or wife increasing the nil rate band on the death of the surviving spouse to currently £650,000.
Intestacy
when a person dies without making a will.
A Trust
is a relationship whereby assets are managed by a person or persons for the benefit of another. Trusts can be used to ensure that people who are unable to manage money can be provided for without the responsibility of dealing with the assets themselves. They can also be used to protect vulnerable persons.

It is a fact that 7 out of 10 people do not have a will when they die. This can leave loved ones in a difficult financial position and inadequately provided for. It can cause delay in obtaining money and can leave vulnerable children/adults inadequately protected.

Schofield Sweeney Solicitors will be holding a series of meetings to discuss the importance of wills and answer any questions you may have. If you are interested in attending would you please contact Donna at the office.