Barrow & District Disability Association BDDA News Link Spring 2015 Adult Education Special Issue Find the right course for you in our special course supplement inside (Pages 7-13) n Lear y Enjo eve i h c A Also inside this issue… Changes to the State Pension Page 4 Upcoming Events Page 6 Page Dear Members I hope you are able to enjoy the lovely weather we have been having on and off lately. How fast this year is going! It is hard to believe we are in the fourth month of 2015 and it doesn't seem very long ago that we were all getting ready for the Millennium. So much has happened since then. It is with pleasure that I tell you Terry Waiting, the husband of our Chairman Jean, is making steady progress after two lots of heart surgery. It has been a very worrying time for them both. I am sure you will join me in wishing Terry a speedy recovery and saying Well done Jean! She has been so worried about Terry and we have been very worried about both of them. Congratulations are due to our Disability Advice & Benefits Service team Members. They have worked so hard in the last four years to either protect, get back, or get new benefits. Sadly, we only have one more year of funding for this much needed project. Calculating the four years it has been running plus estimating what we expect to do in the final year, I have great pleasure in telling you that the money they will have brought into Barrow will be between £6,708,680 & £6,934,542 in total. We hope The Big Lottery will be pleased with this result and hopefully extend our grant to enable us to continue this project. Well done everyone - give yourselves a massive pat on the back! With funding in mind please can I appeal to you for help? Debbie is organising two Tesco store collections on Weds 13th & Thurs 14th May & a Flag Day in the town centre on Fri 22nd May. We are desperately looking for volunteers to help us with these collections, please can you help? We would be so grateful plus it is very enjoyable meeting people whilst they are out and about shopping, etc. If you can spare an hour or two, that would be great, longer would be even better. Just let us know on 01229 432599 or by calling into the centre. Remember no money means no centre or organisation! Helene Burrow and her hockey friends are turning out once again to help swell our coffers by doing the Keswick to Barrow Walk to help raise money for us. If you would like to sponsor the walkers they would be very pleased to hear from you. Oh Page 2 my, the thought of 40 miles along the beautiful but challenging route from Keswick is daunting. Good luck everyone, you are fantastic! Fancy Afternoon Tea in our Willow Tree Cafe? With good food & good company at £10 per head. Please contact us for dates on 01229 432599 or call in to speak to Marilyn. This is a great way to celebrate a friend’s birthday or other special occasion. The Cafe is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 3pm. Please note we stop serving cooked food at 2pm. Additional to this we need able volunteers to help serve in the Café. If you can write down orders and add up costs, with or without a calculator and you would like to volunteer, please contact us and Marilyn will arrange a light hearted chat with you so that we can discuss what we can offer each other. It is very rewarding doing volunteering as it enriches the lives of other people. You will see this issue of our newsletter is mostly dedicated to our adult education section. Our courses are very successful, with 138 students already attending them. All the courses run on and off until the end of July, but we can also put your name on a waiting list for the new academic year starting in September. All our tutors are handpicked and are amazing - it never ceases to impress me what our students and tutors achieve. I hope you have a wonderful summer. Please remember we are always here to help you should you need us. Better still, how about thinking of joining our DABS volunteer team to help with the telephone, taking messages, and directing people to the correct person or section within BDDA. Once every three months we need volunteers to send newsletters out to our 2,559 members. You can appreciate this is a massive task performed by staff and volunteers, in other words all hands to the pumps! It is a nice feeling knowing your efforts makes some other people's lives better in some shape or form. Should you like to help with this worthwhile task either here in the centre, or at home, please let us know. Also if you would like your newsletter sent by email please email Debbie at [email protected] - it comes in colour too! Take care Margaret Margaret Burrow MBE, Honorary Secretary Page 3 Disability Advice & Benefits Service The State Pension is changing for people who reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016. Currently to get a full State Retirement Pension you need to have paid or been credited with National Insurance Contributions for 30 years. From April 2016, you will need to have paid or been credited with National Insurance Contributions for 35 years to get the full State Pension. For those people who currently receive another Benefit that gives a National Insurance credit, we would advise you to apply for a State Pension Forecast before ending a benefit in favour of applying for Pension Credit when you reach State Pension Credit Age For example A 63 year old man currently claiming Employment & Support Allowance has received a letter to say he has reached State Pension Credit Age, therefore he could make a claim to Pension Credit instead of claiming Employment Support Allowance. If he makes this change, he will no longer be entitled to his NI credits payable with ESA. Should his National Insurance record only be credited with 33 qualifying years, he would not receive the full amount of State Retirement Pension when he reaches age 65 as he would be missing 2 years of contributions. Had he known this, he could have remained on ESA, as long as entitlement continued, and receive National Insurance Credits for the period, therefore entitled to his full State Retirement Pension at age 65. For people reaching State Retirement Age prior to the 6th April 2016, current rules still apply. You can apply for a Retirement Pension Forecast online at the Direct.gov website and completing the PDF from BR19 Or you can ring on 0345 000 168Or write to Newcastle Pension Centre, Futures Group The Pension Service 9 Mail Handling Site A WOLVERHAMPTON WV98 1LU Page 4 OTHER CHANGES TO STATE PENSION FROM APRIL 2016 Current State Pension - if you reach State Pension age before 6 April 2016 Basic State Pension The basic State Pension is a regular payment you can get from the government when you reach State Pension age. The amount you get depends on your National Insurance contributions and credits. The maximum you get is currently £113.10 per week. Additional State Pension An extra amount on top of your State Pension. Not a fixed amount. How much you get depends on your earnings and whether you claim certain benefits. Pension Credit For people on a low income. Tops up your weekly income to £148.35 (single people) or £226.50 (couples). You may get more if you’re a carer or severely disabled or if you have certain housing costs. New State Pension scheme - if you reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 New State Pension The new State Pension is a regular payment you can get from the government if you reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016. The amount you get depends on your National Insurance contributions and credits. The full new State Pension will be no less than £148.40 per week. Protected payment Any amount over the full new State Pension (around £148.40) that you may get from your National Insurance contributions or credits from before 6 April 2016 will be protected and paid on top of the new State Pension. Pension Credit For people on a low income. Tops up your weekly income to £148.35 (single people) or £226.50 (couples) per week. You may get more if you’re a carer or severely disabled or if you have certain housing costs Page 5 BDDA Upcoming Events 2015 We have many fundraising events planned for this year. Volunteers are key to running these events, so If you can spare an hour or two on any of theses events, please get in touch. Some of the events confirmed so far are:- Tesco Store Collections Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th May 10am - 3pm Annual Town Centre Flag Day Friday 22nd May 10am - 3pm Table Top Sale Saturday 25th July 10am - 3pm in the Willow Tree Cafe For more details, see page 15 We urgently need Volunteers for all the above events - can you spare an hour or two and help us raise money for the Centre? We have many more events planned throughout the year, so keep checking in the Centre and on our Facebook page for further details! Page 6 Barrow & District Disability Association Registered Charity No. 513162 Courses Brochure 2015 Learn Enjoy Achieve Page 7 Welcome H ere at BDDA you are guaranteed a positive learning experience in a friendly, relaxed environment. Our range of courses offers the opportunity for adults in the community to develop their skills and access training courses in a location close to them. Our Centre is fully accessible and there are disabled parking bays in the adjacent car park. We are delighted to introduce our new course brochure, detailing our wide range of quality day and evening courses and we think we have something for everyone. Our courses range from complete beginners to more advanced level and run throughout the year. We are always looking to offer new courses, so if there is a course you would like to do which is not listed here, please get in touch. All of our courses run throughout the year, so to find out when the next course is available, to reserve a place, or for more information, either call into our Centre, telephone or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you and getting started! Page 8 Computers O ur com pu ter suite is equipped with the latest technology and provides a comfortabl e, safe and accessible learning zone. Classes are also restricted to a maximum of 10 students per class, thereby ensuring you get the best possible support from your tutor. These are just some of the courses on offer... BEGINNER S COMPUT ERS Featuring processing internet, email, in Publishe, creating publicaword files and fi r, saving and op tions ening le manag ement. your own ING Create H IS L reate B U P P ges and c tions. a im DESKTO re a p pre vita in ns, publicatio ers , calendars and st flyers, po An old damaged photograph restored using Photoshop. PHOTOSH O your photog P Learn to use Photosh photos, crea raphs. Restore old and op to enhance multiple ima te your own drawings adamaged ges to make nd combine a digital colla ge. Page 9 Art Heléne Burrow, our Art Tutor, is a selfemployed full-time Artist and as well as teaching, she is also a demonstrator for Derwent Pencils and a member of the Society of Animal Artists in New York. WATERCOLOU R S (Monday 1-3p learn about lin m) Stude e an n d colour wash course, they w es. By the end ts will ill h a ve p of the a inte at lest 1 paintin g of a Veniced 3 sample pieces and scene. 1-3.30pm) look at lls, (FRIDAY cks and waterfall palette ACRYLICS ok ro t in pa to w ho fu s at ga This course lo d be shown how to paint usin composition an lue, Temperature and Chroma. utilising Hue, Va MIX ED MEDIA (FRIDAY 6-8pm ) Students will compl own project in their ete th to finish at least onechosen medium. They will be encour eir aged pa int ing or drawing, with consta supervision from the nt tutor. ing 9 week course show uc students how to produce a balanced composition and a od pr e, . in a landscap ing depth and form finished drawing show 10 - 12) DRAWING (Mondayse a drawing of a bird, animal or person BEGINNER 3.30 - 5pm S DRAWING (Mond how to de ) 12 week course sh ays and compsign a good compoowing drawing ill lete a fully rendere sition use of valuustrating depth by d the es. Page 10 Dressmaking All of these courses are suitable for anyone interested in learning how to sew, or for those wishing to improve their sewing skills. Projects can include clothes or accessories such as bags, cushions and patchwork projects, etc. classesg in k a , either: r Dressm All of ou on a Tuesday oon are held m - 12 n or or 9.30 a - 3.30 pm 1.00 pm - 8.30 pm 6.00 pm Page 11 Soft Furnishings Mo T pm pm - 9 6.30 ndays T his is a practical course, which can be tailored to meet students’ needs and will enable them to tackle their own soft furnishing projects with confidence. Suitable for beginners and more experienced students. Sign Language his fun course will show students how to communicate with and learn about British Sign Language. They will learn how to communicate with people on a variety of topics including:* The Alphabet and Numbers * Lip-reading * Food and Drink * Finger-spelling games * Leisure, sports and hobbies … and lots more pm pm - 8 6 s y a Mond Page 12 Paper Crafts A very popular course with students, allowing both beginner and intermediate level students the opportunity to experience tools and techniques to produce professional cards and other exciting projects. s 1pm rsday Thu - 3pm Holiday French for Beginners s 11am Friday -1pm A fun, friendly course for absolute beginners. Topics will include greetings, personal information, asking for directions, shopping, ordering food and drink in a café / restaurant. The course is taught in a small, friendly group with an emphasis on fun and interaction and will give you the confidence to use useful everyday phrases on holiday. The course runs for 9 weeks. Page 13 As part of our fundraising events this year, we are holding several collections and would really appreciate some volunteers to help us on the following dates:Weds 13th and Thurs 14th May at Tesco (Cornerhouse Park store) Friday 22nd May (Flag Day) in Barrow Town Centre (Dalton Road / Market Hall) There will be refreshments available in the Willow Tree Café for all collectors. If you can spare an hour (or maybe two), please let us know. You can telephone Debbie on 01229 432599 or email her at [email protected]. Any help will be really appreciated. Thankyou Page 14 Barrow & District Disability Association is holding a TABLE TOP SALE Saturday 25th July 10am – 3pm in the Willow Tree Cafe Books, Toys, Games, Bric-A-Brac Home made Cakes and refreshments Page 15 Exterior Painting, Rainwater Goods, Fencing, Gates Interior Decorating & Fixings Flooring, Joinery, Plumbing FOR SALE Second hand Pride Mobility Scooter, ‘Celebrity X’ model. Not been used for 18 months, in reasonable condition. For more information, please contact BDDA on 01229 432599. Can arrange local delivery, if required. Page 16 IAN SHARP JOINERY SERVICE Tel: 01229 825542 / 07966 507886 TIME SERVED CRAFTSMAN PURPOSE MADE JOINERY 24HR CALL OUT - BOARDING UP / RE RE--GLAZING HARDWOOD, SOFTWOOD, UPVC DOORS & WINDOWS DOUBLE & TRIPLE GLAZED UNITS FITTED KITCHENS & BEDROOMS HOME MAINTENANCE WALLS & FLOORS TILED Page 17 OCTOBER 1ST - £26.50 - J McShane 2ND - £16.00 - Louise Fell 3RD - £11.50 - M Abernethy NOVEMBER 1ST - £26.50 - J McShane 2ND - £16.00 - Gail Hindley 3RD - £11.50 - Trevor White DECEMBER 1ST - £26.50 - E McDonald 2ND - £16.00 - J Rayner 3RD - £11.50 - S Hague JANUARY 1ST - £26.50 - Sylvia Wicks 2ND - £16.00 - Mary Smith 3RD - £11.50 - Angela Jennings FEBRUARY 1ST - £26.50 - Irene Laidler (122) 2ND - £16.00 - Doreen Wright (36) 3RD - £11.50 - Helene Burrow (56) MARCH 1ST - £26.50 - Mr R Knox (78) 2ND - £16.00 - Val McDonald (18) 3RD - £11.50 - Peter Clarke (74) If you would like to join, contact us on 01229 432599 or email [email protected]. Membership is only £12 per year. Page 18 JOIN OUR 100 CLUB FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A CASH PRIZE EVERY MONTH! By joining our 100 Club, you will be helping to raise funds for BDDA. Membership costs £12 per year and this entitles you to your unique number and the chance to win a cash prize every month. There are no restrictions on how many numbers you subscribe to, but applicants must be over 16 years of age to participate. The draw will take place on a monthly basis and the total income collected will be split 50% towards the prize fund and 50% towards BDDA fundraising efforts, so the more members we have, the more prize money! To join BDDA 100 Club, please complete the form below and return it to the Centre with your subscription amount. BDDA 100 CLUB MEMBERSHIP FORM NAME: …………………………………………………………. ADDRESS: ……………………………………………………… Post Code: .............................. TEL NO: …………………… How many subscriptions (numbers) would you like? ..…… Please enclose your total Subscription amount (Cheque or Cash) £.............. Page 19 Barrow & District Disability Association Regd Charity No. 513162 71-77 School Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 1EJ Telephone: 01229 432599 Facsimile: 01229 834884 email: [email protected] www.bdda.org.uk Patron: Rt.Hon.Lord Hutton of Furness Services and Activities we provide: Disability Advice & Benefits Service Computer Courses Leisure Courses Cafe Room Hire Youth Section Fundraising Social Events Foot Clinic Complementary Therapies Disabled Access Advice Please note that BDDA cannot recommend any of the advertisers in the newsletter. We can offer information about businesses but it is up to you to accept any services or goods bought as a result of reading the advertisement. You may want to seek further legal advice before agreeing to purchase anything. Page 20
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