People First Dorset. Newsletter. April - September 2019 Your guide to our news and events

Transcription

1 People First Dorset Newsletter April - September 2019 Your guide to our news and events

2 2 Contents Where to find events 3 Welcome 4-5 Who s who 6 Meet the Management Committee 7 Thank you to supporters/volunteers 8 Being Part of People First Dorset 9 You Tube 10 People Profiles 11 Women s Group 12 Finance Workshop 12 Dorchester Speaking Up 13 Dorset Literary Festival 13 Quality Checkers Speaking Up Friendship Club Community Led Events Fundraising 58 Our Grant Funders 59 Contact Details 60

3 Where to find our events You can find our events on these Social Media sites, or the Events Calendar page on our People First Search for People First Dorset on You Tube Important: RESPONSIBILITY Please remember we cannot offer any support or be responsible for you at any of our events. If you need support, please bring someone to support you or contact us before the event. Thank you. 3

4 Welcome to our People First Dorset Newsletter We are excited to have our first People First Dorset newsletter, which replaces our Friendship Club Guide. Inside you will find information about our different projects. Who are People First Dorset? We are a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities, with support from staff and volunteers. We want to be independent, to have our voices heard and be included in community life. Our three main projects help us do that. Speaking Up We meet up and learn how to have a stronger voice, to speak up about what is important to us. We then talk to decision makers who can make change happen. Registered charity no:

5 Friendship Club We meet, make friends and have fun. Our activities include meals in restaurants, pub quizzes, bowling, visiting museums and walks. Quality Checkers Service We visit local services to see how well they are supporting people with learning disabilities, and suggest ways they can improve. In this newsletter you can read about what we have been up to and how to get involved. Any questions? If you would like to know more about People First Dorset, or have questions about anything in this magazine then please get in touch. Call: Write: People First Dorset, Unit 2 Herringston Barn, Dorchester DT2 9PU 5

6 Who s who at People First Dorset Kerry Martin Project Worker Chris Mellor Project Worker Laura Kerr Manager Laura Dunne Deputy Manager Lisa Dixon Speaking Up Project Manager Zoe Howe Quality Checkers Project Co-ordinator Jo White Friendship Club Project Co-ordinator Sara Whistance Finance Officer Katy Tigg Administrator 6 For more information visit:

7 Meet our Management Committee The Management Committee work with our People First Dorset trustees to make sure the charity runs well. They look at what is working well, what can be improved, and explore new ideas. Our current Management Committee members are Bill, Darryl, Diane, Ellie, Jack, James and Nick. 7

8 Thank you to our supporters! Pageant Productions Lloyds Community Foundation The New Vic Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance Coffee#1 Mencap Dorset Healthcare Folke Golf Club Lots of people, volunteers, organisations and businesses support us and we are very grateful to you all. Without this support, we simply could not keep going. IT365 Dorset County Council Suttle Stone Quarries Dorset Community Foundation Southampton University Advantage Digital Print Dorchester Baptist Church The Junction Hotel And everyone else we don t have the space to mention! 8 Volunteers If you are interested in joining our fabulous team of volunteers, please contact Katy on or office@peoplefirstdorset.org.uk

9 Being part of People First Dorset - IMPORTANT If you are person with a learning disability, we are asking everyone to fill in a new membership form. We have sent you one with this newsletter. A new law means we are not allowed to send you information about People First Dorset, like this newsletter, if you do not fill in the new membership form. Please send it back to us before 31st May 2019, in the stamped addressed envelope. If you do not have a new membership form, please contact us on , and we will send you one. We will be contacting professionals soon, to collect your details too. 9

10 This year we ve made lots of films about some of the work we do at People First Dorset. 10 Find our videos on the YouTube website and search for People First Dorset. What do you think of our music video about the barriers that people with learning disabilities face? Do watch our Glitter Ball video, and see how our members organised the Ball.

11 People Profiles Each newsletter we will introduce you to different people in our team. This is Kerry, our Project Worker on the Forum project. Kerry has worked at People First Dorset for ten years and has a lot of experience of speaking up, both at local and national level. She was Co-Chair of the National Forum, which represented the views of people with learning disabilities across the country! This is Katy, our administrator. She is the person who will answer the phone if you ring the office. She keeps us organised and helps staff with their paperwork. Her personal interests are photography and nutrition. 11

12 Women s group Join our new Women s Group, a safe place for women to talk and find information, i.e. health, relationships, work. We are running these with Dorset Healthcare professionals. Dates available at Friendship Club events soon. For more information call Finance Workshops Last year we ran some Finance Workshops for members, to better understand dealing with money. 12 We have made a Money Toolkit booklet with top tips to help you better manage money. Available at Speaking Up and Friendship Club events.

13 Dorchester Speaking Up Dorchester Speaking Up group is now independent. This means they are meeting without support from People First Dorset staff. They are organising their own meetings, choosing topics to talk about and writing up minutes. Well done Diane, who has taken on managing the group, with a little help from a volunteer. Dorset Literary Festival 16th to 20th October 2019 A big thank you to Dorset Literary Festival who have kindly chosen People First Dorset as their charity for this year. If you would like to go to the festival, you can buy tickets from their website, Waterstones in Dorchester and the Dorchester TIC from August Please contact us if you would like to volunteer at the festival. 13

14 Quality checking helps to make sure services are supporting people with learning disabilities to be independent, learn new skills and be part of their community. The Quality Checkers are a team of people with a learning disability and are experts by experience. We judge the quality of the services against a set of standards. 14

15 Quality Checkers We visit people s homes or day services, and ask them questions. We then write a report and share our ideas about what is working well, and what could be better. We have lots more visits planned over the next few months. We look forward to telling you about these next time. 15

16 Where we ve been We have visited Employ My Ability, at The Walled Gardens in Moreton. They offer educational experiences for people with a learning disability. We went to High Mead Farm, in Ferndown. It is a working therapeutic farm and offers a day provision for people with learning disabilities and people experiencing mental health problems. The team have been working with idirect to do a Quality Check of their services. We visited five people who are supported by idirect to live independently in Dorset. 16

17 Would you like to join the Quality Checkers Team? Some good things about being a quality checker are: You learn new skills Meet new people Help make services better Gain confidence Earn community credits If you would like to find out more about becoming a Quality Checker, call and speak with Zoe Howe. 17

18 Our Speaking Up groups are where we learn to speak up about issues important to us. It could be love, friendships, staying safe, housing or getting a job. We then talk to decision makes who can make change happen. 18

19 Things to remember about Speaking Up clubs Speaking Up meetings are free but please bring money for extra drinks and snacks. If you require personal assistance or support, you must bring someone with you. We do not provide personal care. Contact us to find out more or to join a group in your area. Call: office@peoplefirstdorset.org.uk 19

20 20 Our Speaking Up groups in action

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22 Speaking Up If you are over 18 years old, have a learning disability, and want to: Become more confident speaking up Talk about what s important to you Get information and support Meet friends and have fun Join a Speaking Up group near you. Blandford Connect: 1st Tuesday of every month 10.30am - 12pm Bridport Youth Centre: Mondays - 1st April, 20th May, 17th June, 22nd July 1pm pm Sherborne, The Weavers: 2nd Thursday of every month 6.30pm - 8pm Sturminster Newton, Stour Connect: 2nd Monday of every month 10.30am - 12pm Wareham, Purbeck Connect: 1st Friday of every month 10.30am - 12pm Weymouth College: 3rd Wednesday of every month 10.30am - 12pm 22 We meet once a month in each area aross Dorset. Sessions are free but please bring money for drinks or snacks.

23 Keeping Healthy If you have a learning disability and want to chat to a healthcare professional, learn how to stay well, or try your hand at making some healthy mocktails, come along come along to one of these Keeping Healthy sessions. Bridport, Youth Centre: Monday 1st April 1pm pm Wareham, Purbeck Connect: Friday 5th April 10.30am - 12pm Stour Connect, Sturminster Newton: Monday 8th April 10.30am - 12pm The Weavers, Sherborne: Thursday 11th April 6.30pm - 8pm Blandford Connect: Tuesday 2nd April 10.30am - 12pm Weymouth College: Wednesday 17th April 10.30am - 12pm 23

24 Culture and Diversity Do you know how the chinese celebrate new year? Or what food is considered sacred in the Hindu religion? Come along to one of these Speaking Up groups to find out more about different cultures. Blandford Connect: Tuesday 7th May 10.30am - 12pm Bridport, Youth Centre: Monday 20th May 1pm pm Stour Connect, Sturminster Newton: Monday 13th May 10.30am - 12pm The Weavers, Sherboarne: Thursday 9th May 6.30pm - 8pm Wareham, Purbeck Connect: Friday 3rd May 10.30am - 12pm Weymouth College: Wednesday 15th May 10.30am - 12pm 24

25 Environment Learn how you can do your bit to take care of our planet at our June Speaking Up meeting. Come along to one of these sessions to find out more. Blandford Connect: Tuesday 4th June 10.30am - 12pm The Weavers, Sherborne: Thursday 13th June 6.30pm - 8pm Bridport, Youth Centre: Monday 17th June 1pm pm Wareham, Purbeck Connect: Friday 7th June 10.30am - 12pm Stour Connect, Sturminster Newton: Monday 10th June 10.30am - 12pm Weymouth College: Wednesday 19th June 10.30am - 12pm 25

26 Picnic with the Police Meet your local police and speak up about any isues you are facing in your area. Blandford Connect: Tuesday 2nd July 10.30am - 12pm Bridport, Youth Centre: Monday 15th July 1pm pm Wareham, Purbeck Connect: Friday 5th July 10.30am - 12pm The Weavers, Sherborne: Thursday 11th July 6.30pm - 8pm Stour Connect, Sturminster Newton: Monday 15th July 10.30am - 12pm Weymouth College: Wednesday 17th July 10.30am - 12pm Juice and cake will be available at this meeting. 26

27 Want to improve your communication skills? Have you ever used British Sign Language? How would you communicate without using words? Come along to one of these sessions to find out more. Bridport Youth Centre: Monday 16th September 1pm pm Blandford, Blandford Connect: Tuesday 3rd September 10.30am - 12pm Sturminster Newton, Stour Connect: Monday 9th September 10.30am - 12pm The Weavers, Sherborne: Thursday 12th September 6.30pm - 8pm Weymouth College: Wednesday 18th September 10.30am - 12pm Wareham, Purbeck Connect: Friday 5th September 10.30am - 12pm 27

28 Speaking Up Events Dorchester 2019 Wednesday 17th April Wednesday 8th May Wednesday 5th June Wednesday 10th July Wednesday 7th August Wednesday 4th September Location: The Junction 6.00pm pm Dorchester Speaking Up is an independent group, not supported by People First Dorset staff. NOTE: Please remember we cannot offer any support or be responsible for you at any events. If you need support, please bring someone to support you or contact us before the event. Thank you. 28

29 Speaking Up Events Blandford 2019 Tuesday 2nd April Tuesday 7th May Tuesday 4th June Tuesday 2nd July Tuesday 3rd September Location: Blandford Connect 10.30am to 12.00pm Bridport 2019 Monday 1st April Monday 20th May Monday 17th June Monday 22nd July Monday 16th September Location: Bridport Youth Centre 1.00pm to 3.30pm 29

30 Speaking Up Events Sturminster Newton 2019 Monday 8th April Monday 13th May Monday 10th June Monday 8th July Monday 9th September Location: Stour Connect 10.30am pm Sherborne 2019 Thursday 11th April Thursday 9th May Thursday 13th June Thursday 11th July Thursday 12th September Location: The Weavers, Sherborne 6.30pm to 8.00pm 30

31 Speaking Up Events Wareham 2019 Friday 5th April Friday 3rd May Friday 7th June Friday 5th July Friday 6th September Location: Purbeck Connect 10.30am to 12.00pm Weymouth 2019 Wednesday 17th April Wednesday 15th May Wednesday 19th June Wednesday 17th July Wednesday 18th September Location: Weymouth College 10.30am to 12.00pm 31

32 The Friendship Club is where people with learning disabilities can make and meet friends. Members choose what we do and where we meet. Our events include meeting friends for a meal in the pub, a quiz in a café, ten pin bowling or going on an adventure walk around town. 32

33 Ten Pin Bowling Enjoy a game of bowling at Weymouth Bowl. Please arrive on time so you can join a team. You can stay later than 8.30pm but our staff will not be there after this time. Don t forget extra money for food and drinks! Friday Friends This will now be run as an independent event on the second Friday of each month. Our staff won t attend, but volunteers will be there. Venue: The Gurkha, Weymouth 6pm 8pm. Simply Supper Simply Supper is a new project to help people eat more healthily when out with friends. We are starting this as a Friendship Club event. We plan to develop it into an event where everyone in the community is welcome to attend. 33

34 Things to remember about Friendship Club The Friendship Club is a place to make and meet friends. we look out for, and help each other at our events. If you require personal assistance or support, you must bring someone with you. We do not provide personal care. Most events ask you to pay subs. You may need extra food for drinks and snacks. Please make sure you bring enough money. Contact us to find out more. Call: office@peoplefirstdorset.org.uk 34

35 Friendship Club Steering Group The Steering Group is made up of People First Dorset members, who volunteer to help run the Friendship Club. They meet every other month to talk about what is going well with events, what could be better and see how we can keep improving. If you have any feedback, or want to get involved, please call us on

36 36 Our Friendship Club in action

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38 Big Night Out Join us on Thursday 11th April to dance the night away at Cameo nightclub in Bournemouth. Big Night Out is especially for people with learning disabilities. Timings are 7pm 11pm. Tickets 4, plus money for food and drinks. If you want to join us on the train, please contact us on

39 Durlston Country Park We had a great time last year at Durlston Country Park, so we are going again! Join us on Tuesday 23rd July, from 6.30pm 8.30pm. Cost is only 4 for activities and a delicious BBQ. Call us on to book a place. We also have limited transport spaces available. 39

40 Friendship Club - Dorchester 2019 Cafe Evenings Tuesday 9th April - Health Information Night Tuesday 14th May - Exercise Class with Hollie Tuesday 24th September - Information Night Location: Coffee #1 Subs: 6.00pm pm 3 subs plus food and drinks money Simply Supper Tuesday 30th April Tuesday 28th May Tuesday 25th June Location: Subs: Walnut Grove 6.00pm pm 3 subs plus for food and drinks 40

41 Friendship Club - Dorchester 2019 Picnic in the Park Tuesday 11th June Location: Subs: Information: Borough Gardens, Bandstand 6.00pm pm 3 subs Bring a healthy picnic and outdoor games Outdoor Quiz and Meal Tuesday 16th July Location: Subs: The Sun Inn 6.00pm pm 3 subs plus food and drinks money 41

42 Friendship Club - Dorchester 2019 Burger Night Tuesday 30th July Location: Subs: Information: Brewhouse 6.00pm pm 3 subs plus food and drinks money Come and celebrate International Friendship Day. History Walk with Alistair Tuesday 10th September Location: Subs: Information: Meet at Vivo Lounge 6.00pm pm 3 subs plus food and drinks money Walk starts 6.15pm PROMPT! 42

43 Friendship Club - Weymouth 2019 Bowling Tuesday 2nd April Tuesday 7th May Tuesday 4th June Tuesday 9th July Tuesday 3rd September Location: Cost Weymouth Bowl 7.00pm to 8.30pm 3.50 for 1 game of bowling Subs: s theme disco Tuesday 16th April Location: Cost Subs: New Vic 7.00pm to 9.00pm 3.50 for 1 game of bowling 4 subs plus drinks money 43

44 Friendship Club - Weymouth 2019 Fish and Chip night Tuesday 21st May Location: Cost Subs: New Vic 7.00pm to 9.00pm 7 for food 3 subs with crafts Big Night Out Thursday 11th April Location: Subs: Information: Cameo, Bournemouth 7.00pm to11pm 4 for a ticket plus money for the train, food and drinks If you want to join us on the train, please contact us on

45 Friendship Club - Weymouth 2019 Grease theme disco Tuesday 18th June Location: Subs: New Vic 7.00pm to 9.00pm 4 subs plus drinks money Durlston Country Park, Swanage Tuesday 23rd July Subs: Information: 6.30pm to 8.30pm 4.00 includes food, bring money for drinks BBQ and Activities. Ring the office for transport, limited spaces available Keep Fit theme disco Tuesday 17th September Location: Subs: New Vic 7.00pm to 9.00pm 4 subs plus drinks money 45

46 Friendship Club - North Dorset 2019 We can pick you up from Sherborne to take to these events in a community bus. If you would like a lift, please call us on and ask for Jo. Disco and Healthy Meal Thursday 25th April Location: Subs: Information: Folke Golf Club, Sherborne 7.00pm pm 3 subs 8 for jacket potato and disco Skittles and Supper in the Pub Thursday 30th May Location: Subs: The Red House, Yeovil 7.00pm pm 3 subs, plus food and drinks money 46

47 Friendship Club - North Dorset 2019 Walk and BBQ at Ham Hill Thursday 27th June Location: Subs: Information: Prince of Wales Pub, Ham Hill 6.30pm pm 12 subs and BBQ, plus drinks money 6.30pm walk, 7.15pm supper Football Golf and Supper Thursday 25th July Location: Subs: Folke Golf Club, Sherborne 7.00pm pm 3 subs plus food and drinks money General Knowledge Quiz and Supper Thursday 26th September Location: Carpenters Arms, Sherborne 7.00pm pm Subs: 3 subs plus food and drinks money 47

48 Young Friendship Club 2019 Weymouth Ten Pin Bowling Friday 26th April Friday 17th May Friday 7th June Friday 19th July Friday 13th September Location: Weymouth Bowl 6.00pm pm Information: 5 for two games of bowling and pizza Young Friendship Club is for young people aged years old, who must be accompanied by a parent or carer. 48

49 NOTE: Please remember we cannot offer any support or be responsible for you at any events. If you need support, please bring someone to support you or contact us before the event. Thank you. 49

50 Community events These are events run by other groups which you might enjoy. Purbeck Together Purbeck Together Group Social will be held at Not Just Sundaes Cafe in Wareham. For dates and more information please call

51 Holiday Opportunities Come and join us on one of our supported holidays this summer. You ll have a chance to make new friends, try different activities and explore the local area. Lots of fun and laughter is guaranteed! If you re interested in joining us on one of our holidays at Holton Lee, please contact: Wendy on organiser@greenislandholidaytrust.com or find us on Facebook. Busy Bees Club Busy Bees run social activities, mostly in Bridport and Beaminster. For more details ring Carolyn on or Angie on or look on the Bridport Busy Bees Facebook page. 51

52 Easter Praise Sunday 14th April, Dorford Centre 4pm - 6pm An inclusive celebration of the Easter message, involving people with a learning disability and friends. Songs, puppets, dancing, your prayers and poems. Followed by tea. Please call if you are coming so we have enough food for all. Harvest Celebration will be on 22nd September, 4pm - 6pm. 52

53 Bridport Events 2019 Gateway Club dates: Wednesday 3rd April 2019 Wednesday 17th April 2019 Wednesday 1st May 2019 Wednesday 15th May 2019 Wednesday 29th May 2019 Wednesday 12th June 2019 Wednesday 26th June 2019 Location: Bridport WI Hall, North Street 7.00pm pm Subs: 2.00 For more information rosinarosbrook45@gmail.com Please note: These events are not run by People First Dorset. 53

54 Dorchester Events 2019 Cafe Refresh Thursday 4th April Thursday 18th April Thursday 16th May Thursday 6th June Thursday 20th June Thursday 5th September Thursday 19th September Location: Dorford Centre 7.00pm pm For more information call Please note: These events are not run by People First Dorset. 54

55 Poole Events 2019 East Dorset Bowling dates: Monday 29th April 2019 Monday 20th May 2019 Monday 24th June 2019 Monday 29th July 2019 Monday 19th August 2019 Monday 30th September 2019 Location: Subs: Hollywood Bowl, Tower Park 6.30pm pm 3.50 per game For more information call Tracy on Please note: These events are not run by People First Dorset. 55

56 Sherborne Events 2019 Open Gate dates: Thursday 4th April Thursday 18th April Thursday 2nd May Thursday 16th May Thursday 6th June Thursday 20th June Thursday 4th July Thursday 18th July Thursday 5th September Thursday 19th September 7.00pm pm For more information call Christine on Please note: These events are not run by People First Dorset. 56

57 Wareham Events 2019 R&B Boccia Club dates: Wednesday 10th April Wednesday 15th May Wednesday 12th June Location: Purbeck Centre 6.30pm pm Subs: 2.50 For more information call R&B Boccia Club will have a break in July and August, new dates will be available in September Please note: These events are not run by People First Dorset. 57

58 Why fundraise for us? Friendships, being part of our community, and being able to speak up are important to us. People First Dorset run projects which to help us do this. A lot of us help fundraise, so the projects can keep going. You can help too. To join our fundraising team, please contact: office@peoplefirstdorset.org.uk or call To make a donation, please visit: How will you use my donation? We thought you d like to know what some of our work costs. 10 pays for a community bus to transport of our members safely to and from events 50 allows us to run a Speaking Up group 120 pays for a Friendship Club social event for up to 80 members 58

59 Our Grant Funders Thanks to the organisations below, who are helping fund us with a grant For more information visit: 59

60 For more information see: Call: Write: People First Dorset, Unit 2 Herringston Barn, Dorchester DT2 9PU Registered charity no: