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Days Out
Hello!
Welcome to this issue of VoiceBox – our service user magazine.
We hope you enjoy this issue of the
magazine. Once again, we have had
a fantastic response from service
users sending in a lot of varied items
for the magazine – so please keep
them coming.
In this issue we have some fantastic stories
and pictures of service users out and about
and activities they have been involved in –
clearly they have had a lot of fun!
We never fail to be moved about our service
users achievement and the difficulties they
overcome in their lives. Check out their stories
in this issue - once again it shows how lives
can be turned around with the right support.
Look out for our new service user calendar for
2017 which will feature twelve service users
and their fantastic achievements.
The editorial team
Sue Parker
based at Clumber Court
Nina Carr
based at Clumber Court
You can contact Nina and Sue from the
VoiceBox editorial team by emailing
[email protected] or pass your
comments to your support worker to send
onto us.
For the next edition we would like to include
pictures of you, your pets, your gardens and
anything else you think may interest other
service users – we can help with the article so
you don’t need to be an expert with words.
Our service user art competition on page 16
shows our ‘winners’ – we think you will agree
that we have some very talented artists. Well
done to everyone that entered the competition
– the judging gets to be more difficult every
year due to the very high standards!
Snowmen Competition
Can you spot how many snowmen are
hidden in this issue of VoiceBox? Email your
answers to [email protected] or ask
your support worker to send it to us. Don’t
forget to include your name and address and
we will enter you into a prize draw where one
lucky winner will receive a £30 voucher.
Deadline for competition entries is
31 January 2017 – good luck!
Mini Sun Competition
Congratulations to Mehmoodah Hadi who
correctly guessed the number of mini suns
in the last issue. Well done to Mehmoodah
and we hope you enjoy your £30 voucher.
My holiday to York
By Michael Elleray, Lombard Street
This is the first holiday that I have been on in
a long time and it was fantastic! I had been
looking forward to this all year from the
moment I started to plan it with my support
worker. I decided to go to York as I have not
been here in a long time.
I did all the tourist things that I could possibly
squeeze into my holiday. This included going
on the tour bus, which you can get on and off
at any time to go exploring. This allowed me to
see a lot of York.
I explored the York Wall where I saw a dog on
a roof; took a trip on the river boat; and visited
the York Dungeon where I learned about all
manner of horrible histories! I also paid a
visit to the Railway Museum, took a trip
to Poppleton and even found time to visit
plenty of the cafés on offer.
Of course, I couldn’t visit York and not
pay a visit to the Shambles market. I got
plenty of goodies including sweet treats
from here. I ended my holiday by going on
York’s famous Ghost Hunt which was fantastic.
All in all I had a great week away and look
forward to planning my next holiday. I would
like to thank everyone involved in supporting
me to achieve this.
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Twycross Zoo trip
“You shall go to the Ball”
By service users, PST Nottingham
By Nina, Foothold
Ge ne r a l
On a rainy day we got on the bus to go to
Twycross Zoo with our support workers
Terrill, Glen, Wendy and Naomi.
We saw elephants that love water and
swimming, kangaroos from Australia and
giraffes with very long necks. There was a very
fishy smell when we went to feed the penguins
because of all the fish they like to eat.
Our favourites were the monkeys but
particularly because one of them looked like
one of our quality supervisors – so cute!
We had a great day out.
My name is Nina and I am 16 years old. I was
referred to Kim who supports young people
to help me talk about some problems I had.
At first I didn’t like talking about what was
going on but I soon got to know her and felt
comfortable talking to her.
Trip to Derby
By Neil, PST Derbyshire
I wanted to go on a trip to Derby
on the bus, so it was arranged for
my support worker Mitzi to go with
me. My Dad drove us both to the
bus station in the morning, and
collected us later in the day. The
bus journey took about an hour
from Chesterfield.
We went to the shopping centre in
Derby which was very busy and had
a look around the various shops.
This was an achievement for me as
I was calm and managed to have
something to eat in a public place.
I was nervous at first but Mitzi
talked to me and this made me feel
better. I really enjoyed a meal at
Burger King and my day out.
Kim has supported me and my family for eight
months now and things are so much better. I
have just finished my exams and got a lot of
support from a CAF (Common Assessment
Framework) that Kim did for me. I had a lot of
support from my school and from other people
because of the CAF.
I could always talk to Kim if I had a problem
or was worried about something. All my family
talked to Kim and my mum says she’s
been brilliant and that she’s supported
us with everything.
We now have a new house
and we are all very happy.
I left school this year and had a prom to go
to. Kim arranged for me to have a make-over
done at the Benefit counter in Victoria Centre.
She bought me make-up for my prom and
some make-up brushes.
She also helped me choose my dress. I had
a lovely time at the prom and am now looking
forward to going to college in September.
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My 70th Birthday
My new flat
By Hughie, Ashland Road West
I made a bucket list of all the
things I would like to do and
buy to celebrate my 70th
birthday with my keyworker
Margaret. I decided to treat
myself to some new clothes
and for my bedroom, some new
bedding, a bigger television and
a bat light for my wall.
Next I thought about how I
would like to celebrate my
birthday – so for my party we
arranged lots of cakes that I
could share with my friends.
Jolly Jingle the clown came
By Andy, Moving Forward - Victoria Street
along and made great things out
of balloons. I was very happy,
but even more so because my
sister Heather came along and
joined in the fun too.
To finish of my celebrations, I
had a day out at Silverstone with
some of my friends – there were
classic cars, a funfair and races.
The staff supported me so I got
to see everything I wanted.
I have lived in supported housing for many
years and staff members, Traci and Julie
supported me to get a new flat. They helped
me to bid for a really nice flat with a balcony
so I can go out for a smoke.
I moved in on 1st August and Traci rang me
to see how I was getting on. I have been able
to keep some support including a cleaner
to help me which I am really pleased about.
Staff come to see me most days, and I am
now working
towards
reducing their
support. I
find all the
space in my flat a little
scary, but I am getting there.
I would like to say thank you to Traci and Julie
from Moving Forward for your support and
help – I have certainly ‘moved forward’!
I had a great birthday and hope
you enjoy my party photograph.
Lutangu enjoys
success
My 80th birthday
By Lutangu Sando, Sound as a Pound
By Margaret, Ashland Road West
I have always had support to do what I like on
my birthday, but this year was a special birthday!
Tracey my keyworker spent time with me and I
told her how I would like to celebrate this special
80th birthday.
I decided I would like to go out to lunch with
my boyfriend Alan as it was his birthday the day
before. Tracey made the booking and supported
us to dine together at the Duke of Wellington pub
at Kirkby in Ashfield - it was very nice and we
both enjoyed it. We then both gave each other
gifts.
On the day of my birthday, Tracey supported me
to hold a vintage tea party (with lots of cakes!) at
home, which was decorated with flags, birthday
banners and balloons. My friends and lots of
other people popped in to celebrate with me and
later we had a karaoke session.
I thoroughly enjoyed my celebrations as you can
see from my photographs!
This is me with my Level 1 Peer Mentoring
Certificate that I received from the National
Open College Network. I am a volunteer peer
mentor and give my time to help out and
promote Sound as a Pound which supports
people living in Nottingham experiencing
difficulties in managing their money. The project
also helps volunteers to gain qualifications.
I work part time, so I can’t volunteer as much
as I’d like to, but Sound as a Pound is very
important to me. It’s helped to build up my skills
and experience, so I get involved as much as
possible. I also think the project does important
work and benefits the community in different
ways. It’s not about just helping people with their
finances – it helps to build their confidence too.
I’m pleased to have been able to get something
out of volunteering, like this certificate, as well as
meeting new people and enjoying what I do.
I am the seventh peer mentor to have achieved
a qualification, which is a good result for me,
Sound as a Pound and all those who we support!
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EU Referendum
discussions
By Luke Grant, Midworth Street
We were feeling a little unsure of what we
needed to do about the EU referendum
so our support workers Ricky-Lee and
Richard held a discussion session at
Midworth Street on 2nd June 2016.
Bridge Street BBQ
This meant we could look at the various leaflets
produced by the “Stronger In” and “Vote Leave”
campaigns, whilst sharing our own opinions on
our membership of the European Union.
By service users, Bridge Street
The sun was shining on 15th July, and the service users
celebrated with food, games and a good time!
Voting intentions were split right down the
middle but a few tenants said they were keeping
their options open and were eager to watch
the televised debates to find out more. It also
gave us the opportunity to make sure we were
registered to vote.
One of the many reasons we planned a BBQ
afternoon was for tenants and ex-tenants to get
involved and contribute to the community in
their own unique ways. Our BBQ was co-hosted
with staff and we had individual responsibilities
for making sure the event happened and was a
success. Some of us were involved in making
bunting, planting flowers, sprucing up the garden
and surroundings, varnishing the garden furniture,
making food and desserts as well as invitation cards.
I really enjoyed the discussion. I have never
voted before because I did not understand it,
but after the discussion I felt like I got what it all
means and I did go and vote.
BBQ at
Branching Out
By Alex Quambro and Megan Lacey,
Branching Out Retford
We took advantage of the lovely
weather recently and had a BBQ for the
tenants and staff. We had a great deal
of fun with lots of laughter and talent
matches. As you can see, Megan and
Alex were guarding the BBQ.
As you can see, there was a lot of planning and
preparation for the BBQ which was well attended
and we were all happy with the results.
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Social afternoon at All Saints
By Edward, Peter and M.Porter, All Saints
The All Saints project held a social afternoon
for all residents on 24th August where table
games, pizza and chicken were all on offer.
‘Today was fun, can’t wait to do it again.’
Edward
‘It was great and the staff treated us to
a lovely day, we had a fantastic game of
Monopoly – a big thank you to everyone.’
M.Porter
‘The social activity was a perfect
afternoon with great tasting food.
We enjoyed the games and the staff and
tenants were great company. I am looking
forward to the project doing more social
activities like this.’
Peter
Jake’s story
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By Jake Burton, Housing Matters
to get things like a washing machine,
new carpets and cooker. These have
meant I can have my two daughters
round to visit and stay regularly. I am
managing my tenancy very well and
I love being here – my flat is homely
and really comfortable. I have made some good
friends locally and now my next goal is to get
back to work in the near future.
Whilst working in Coventry on a new
development for Rolls Royce, I fell damaging
my skull and broke a tendon in my finger.
It was touch and go for me for while and I
spent eight days in intensive care following
a craniotomy and removal of a large blood
clot. Eight weeks later I was discharged from
hospital to the Falcon Centre at Loughborough
having made a good recovery.
During my ten months in Loughborough in
preparation for my move to independent
living, I helped with charity events and spoke
at Leicester Tigers to raise funds. The Falcon
Centre helped me to get a new flat with NCHA
in December 2015 and I was referred to one
of their projects, Housing Matters, to help with
floating support.
The support staff at Housing Matters helped me
Opening new doors
By Cynthia, Ozanam House
Living at Ozanam House and having the
support I received from the staff gave me the
strength and confidence to tell someone about
the abuse I suffered as a child. As a result, the
Police and Safeguarding Team were contacted
and staff supported me during some very
upsetting interviews. IMARA, who provide
support to families following child abuse,
also helped me during this difficult time but
unfortunately there was not enough evidence
for a prosecution.
The emotional support from the staff at
Ozanam House and IMARA whilst I was at my
lowest point helped me to stay focussed on
my education, as well as helping me achieve
my goals by getting a qualification in Forensic
Science. Their support and motivation allowed
me to find myself as a person and has opened
a variety of doors with different organisations
in the hope of starting my own business one
day. I am now ready to move on and looking
forward to taking on new challenges in life.
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My time in refuge
We are safe
By S, Octavia House
By L, Octavia House
have been on day trips which we
have not done as a family for a long
time. My children have settled in well
and love the staff who they know they
can always turn to with a problem
and who always give them the time of
day. I am now getting my life back on
track without the feeling of being on edge.
Leaving everything I knew behind was a very
scary experience when I came to the refuge,
but as the weeks have gone on, I feel safe
and secure as well as part of a family unit.
The staff have made my life here liveable
for the first time in 16 years – they are very
welcoming, always there for you and nothing
is too much trouble. You can talk to them
about anything and they help in any way they
can. The staff even helped with taking me to
the doctors and getting professional help and
support for my depression, anxiety and OCD
to help me become a stronger person.
I now feel so secure that I can concentrate on
getting better for myself and my children – we
The flats are beautiful and clean when you
move in so for me this made the transition to
the refuge much easier. Added to this is the
little things that can mean a lot – staff went the
extra mile to make my daughter’s birthday a
special day for her. So for all this, I would like
to thank the staff as words cannot describe
what you have actually done for us.
My time in refuge has been so safe, secure and
quiet. There are some lovely people living here
and we have fun when the staff take us out on
days out, to the cinema or to the beach. Staff
are always there to help. My Mum suffers with
depression and they really help her. We left our
house, family and friends behind, but we have
gained a lot of new friends. There’s no fighting,
shouting or arguing - we are safe.
All the staff are really nice and I could not thank
them all enough for helping my Mum and my
sister to make our lives better. I can have a better
night’s sleep now. We are safe, the staff make
you feel welcome and make you feel special. It
was my 12th birthday and they found a way to
make it special, giving me presents and letting
me have pets - it’s great, lovely and caring.
My guidance
from Foothold
By Emma, Foothold
I started working with Foothold in February
2016 and the support staff are helping me
to find another house because of my family
circumstances.
One of my support workers is Shelley, and
she has been very helpful not only helping
me to find a house, but also a job. With her
support, I am now volunteering at Pelham
Kitchen and I am really enjoying it as well
as meeting some lovely people.
Picture by L & M from Octavia House
s
Dear staff
Thank you so
much for
keeping all of
us safe
and making u
s very
happy. You ar
e all so
nice and than
k you for
helping Mum
my.
“M” at Octavia
House
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Embracing the journey
By Anonymous, Foothold
As a former service user at Umuada,
I have come to embrace two mantras.
The first is to keep moving no matter
how little the steps, as each step will
eventually count.
The second is that every closed door, no
matter how daunting the prospects, signifies
a new beginning. The key is to embrace and
accept the new beginning, the new opportunity
- or whatever it might be.
With these mantras in mind, I wholeheartedly
accepted a voluntary student placement at
Foothold, offering support to families who are
homeless or on the brink of homelessness
within Nottingham City. For I too could
recall a time I was faced with the prospect
of homelessness, and not knowing where
the children and I would be living in the next
following weeks or months.
The staff at Foothold (some of them my former
key workers) welcomed me with open arms,
and were at the ready with answers to my
numerous questions (and there were plenty of
those!). But more so, my working hours could
be tailored around my child care arrangements.
Despite only working a few hours a week, I
always felt a part of the team and this included
being enrolled on staff training courses.
A typical day included going out with a
colleague to carry out assessments for
new or existing referrals. Sometimes this
included making phone calls to Welfare
Rights or Environmental Services or simply
accompanying a service user to Housing Aid.
What I enjoyed the most about my
placement was that each day was
different, each family different to the
other. All with their own unique set of
needs and more reassuringly, that each
received a service that was uniquely
tailored to their individual needs.
I enjoyed every step of my time at Foothold.
I’ve now left to embark on my journey at
university feeling that whilst I have tried to
give something back, I have gained more in
knowledge and friends. My journey continues
and who knows, I may just be back!
Words of wisdom about drug use
By Z aged 9,
Derbyshire WISH
By Z aged 9,
Derbyshire WISH
By Anonymous, Branching Out
I think young people take drugs in their spare
time because they are not in education or
work. I feel that more should be done to help
young people. It can be very difficult when your
friends and others around you use drugs.
I would like to see more information about drug
use and its effects made available through schools
for young people, but also for their families or
carers so they would know what to look for.
I wish I had been better educated about drugs
and their effects, but the positive thing is I am
now receiving support from staff to turn things
around. So my key message is education,
education, education.
Trip to Brugge
By Neville Lightburn,
Watcombe Circus
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2016 service user
art competition
We had lots of entries into this year’s
art competition.
We selected 12 winners, and each winner
received £25. We’d like to say a big thank you
to everyone who sent in an artwork.
All the winning entries will now be put up on
display at the HWCS department head office
at Clumber Court, Nottingham.
Carnival horse
Lorraine Reynolds,
Forster Street
Flowers
Alan Bickerton, Muskham View
Stand right where you are
Komi, All Saints
Tree collage
Laureena Storer, Peatfield Court
NCHA the future
Sharna Smith, Branching Out
Newark
Seaside
Martin Keith Searson, Warwick Flats
Mosiac artwork
Richard Taylor, Queen Street
A cottage in Cornwall
Ann Turner, Lilac Court
Mental illness is invisible
Amelia Rose, Stephanie Lodge
Baby safe with Mum
JB, Umuada
Beach fun
Brenda Gené, John Woolman House
Snow scene
James Anthony, Marklew Close
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Pu zzle s
Count the acorns
How many times can you find the word ‘acorn’ in the puzzle below?
Pelham Kitchen’s flapjack
Serves 12
Less than 10p per slice
Ingredients:
4oz margarine
4 level tablespoons
golden syrup
3oz granulated sugar
8oz rolled oats
¼ teaspoon salt
Method:
Grease a shallow baking tray,
approx 20cm square.
Place the margarine and
syrup in a saucepan and melt
together over a gentle heat.
Remove from the heat and
mix in the sugar, oats and salt.
Turn the mixture into the
greased baking tray. Cook on
a moderate heat (gas mark 4;
180°C, 160°C fan) for 30-40
minutes or until golden brown.
Leave to cool for five minutes,
then cut into 12 evenly sized
squares, whilst till warm in the
tray (this stops the flapjack
from braking up).
Place on a rack to cool. Enjoy!
10%off
your first order
at Pelham Kitchen
Simply present this voucher at
the counter for 10% off your
first order at Pelham Kitchen.
Valid until 31st Jan 2017.
Great coffee, great food,
good people
Pelham Kitchen,
16a Pelham Road,
Sherwood Rise,
Nottingham, NG5 1AP
0115 985 8209
Celebrating the life of Basharat Khan
Staff and service users, Ashland Road West
Sadly, Basharat died recently
and his family and everyone at
Ashland Road West decided
to get together on his birthday
to celebrate his life. Basharat’s
family came along to the party
and we were all able to speak
about him and the loss we all felt.
We also let off balloons in the sky
to which we attached personal
messages. We will always
remember Basharat, who was
such a happy person and he will
be sadly missed by everyone.
Sarah
David
Jayne
Liam
James
Colin
Julie
Jean
Andrew
Fai
Mel
Lee
Steve
Charlotte
Darren
Terry
Sinead
Andy
Samaira
TO CONTACT US PRESS THE
RED BUTTON ON YOUR LIFELINE
YOU CAN ALSO TELEPHONE
0345 650 5599
OR TEXT
07506 628693
SEPTEMBER 2016