Life-support

newsSummer 2010 Issue 8

Livability creates choices for disabled people and brings life tolocal communities. We trace our history back to the Victorianpioneers Lord Shaftesbury and John Groom. Today we offer awide range of support and education for disabled people andalso provide churches with resources to impact their communities.Livability’s president is Baroness Howarth of Breckland and ourroyal patron is HRH The Princess Royal.

Wedding party6

The time oftheir lives 8

Keep onrunning 14

Loving Life

ContentsAppeal receives royal support 4

Are you being served? 5

A brave new world 11

Staff & supporters 12

Livability’s oldest friends 13

Help us make Livability even better!

We’re looking for enthusiastic, talented people to get involved in new local fundraisingprojects. Whether you’re good at organising, befriending, baking, inventing or inspiring,we need you!

We’d love to put you in touch with other Livability supporters in your area and give youloads of great ideas for getting involved and making a difference.

If you love life, and think that disabled people deserve a life that they love too, then getin touch to request your free Loving Life pack. Call 020 7452 2112 or emailevents@livability.org.uk

Dear supporter,

As you are aware, this will be my lastcolumn in Livability News. There is somuch that I would like to say, which ishard to summarise in just a few words.On reflecting on all the things that wehave done over the last eight years,my thoughts can best be conveyed bysaying two little words – ‘thank you’.

Thank you for your support, whichmakes the world of difference to thepeople we work with. Your generosityenables us to provide a service thatgoes beyond the bare minimum andprovides real opportunities for disabledand disadvantaged people.

Livability has been on a long journeyover these last few years. And yoursupport has been a real encouragementto me and to all Livability staff.Knowing that there are so manypeople who give generously to ourwork and pray diligently for us hasbeen a constant source of inspiration.

It is people that make an organisationspecial and I will forever treasurememories of Livability as a very specialplace to work. I know that the charitywill continue to face the future withhope and confidence and wish it everyblessing for this next phase.

Therefore, in ending this letter, as Ihave ended so many before, I wouldlike to conclude once again by usingthese two little words,

Thank you,

Mary Bishop, chief executive4

Message fromMary

And the Oscar goes to…Livability has just been awarded the International VisualCommunications Association’s (IVCA) silver award for a short filmmade by a charity. The award-winning films feature a Livabilityservice user at Treetops and two pupils at Victoria Education Centre.

The glittering awards ceremony was held at London’s GrosvenorHouse Hotel. Over 700 filmmakers, industry professionals andgovernment representatives saw Livability receive theprestigious award.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for Livability.“Winning the IVCA silver award means the world to us”, enthusesRachael Christophides, head of communications and campaigns.“Finally, the work we are doing with disabled people is beingrecognised by the media and other mainstream organisations.Disabled people are being given a voice and it is being heard.”

Watch the short films for yourself on our website:www.livability.org.uk/films

As any shop or restaurant employee knows, goodcustomer service is invaluable. No matter how goodthe food or the merchandise, a rude salesman orwaiter can ruin your experience.

Unfortunately, for our students at Nash College, badservice is an all too common experience. They workhard to build up the skills and confidence to go outinto town, but often end up hurt or humiliated by theway they are treated. So they decided that enoughwas enough.

The students took matters into their own hands toshow the world that disabled people will no longeraccept poor service. They created a survey to discoverhow disability-friendly their local businesses are. Thesurvey records accessibility, staff friendliness and theoverall experience. After each visit to a shop or a café,the students fill in the survey and give the business ascore.

On a recent visit to Starbucks in West Wickham, thestudents were so impressed with the customer servicethey received that they decided the coffee shop staffdeserved some recognition. They designed acertificate and presented it to Starbucks manager

Peter Botros. “We were over the moon to get thecertificate” exclaims Peter. ”We try to make sure allour guests are happy and we’re glad the people fromNash liked our store."

Following the success of the project, more Nashstudents are fired up about becoming mysteryshoppers. So high streets beware - Nash studentsare coming!

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Thanks to your generosity, our June appeal for theSparkle project at Victoria Education Centre (VEC) inDorset is going swimmingly. The money raised willgo to the new hydrotherapy centre at the school.The pool will not just benefit Victoria pupils for manyyears to come, but also be a community resourcefor others to use.

The new facilities will be state-of-the-art, allowing usto provide even better therapy to our students,improving their health and independence.

We wrote to you about Michelle, a 9 year old pupilwhose life is being transformed through Victoria'sexcellent therapy. She has been attending VEC fromthe age of 2, and was a wheelchair user until a fewyears ago. Through intensive daily therapy sessions,she started to use a walking frame. Then, lastSeptember, the breakthrough that her family hadscarcely dared hope for finally came: Michelle tookher first independent steps.

This would not havepossible without thededicated therapyMichelle receives atVEC which, in turn,could not beprovided without yourkind support. Somany people havegiven generously andhave now becomeFriends of Sparkle.Sparkle Champions are people who have madeparticularly large gifts - they will have their name, orthat of a loved-one engraved in the reception area.Thanks to all of you who were able to give.We hope you will continue to support Sparkle overthe next few years until the project is complete.In the meantime, we’ll keep you up to date with ourprogress!

In the swim of things

Are you being served?

AppealreceivesroyalsupportHRH The Princess Royalhas thrown her supportbehind our Norwich buildingappeal. She was the guestof honour at our recentreception at SandringhamHouse, HM the Queen’s Norfolk retreat. The other guests werefriends and supporters of John Grooms Court.

John Grooms Court is our Norwich residential care home. We arecurrently raising money to modernise and expand the service. Weaim to install a second lift, enhance the communal space and buildfive new ensuite bedrooms.

As well as Princess Anne, the other famous face at the event wasformer ITN political editor, Michael Brunson, who is a member of theappeal committee. Michael dusted off his journalist's skills tointerview Dave, one of the residents. Dave gave everyone a glimpseinto life at John Grooms Court, and explained what a difference thedevelopments will make.

The event was brought to a close by the Princess, as she spokewarmly about Livability, the John Grooms Court campaign, and ourexciting vision for the future.

Starbucks manager Peter receives students' award

Michelle - progressing onestep at a time

Princess Anne meets service user Dave

Elaine had imagined her moment as mother-of-the-bride since the day her daughter Lisa was born. “It’sthe dream of every mother to see her daughter getmarried,” she says.

But in 2004, a life-changing event threatened to endElaine's dream before it had a chance to come true.In the preceding weeks, she sensed something waswrong. There was a numbness in her hand thatwould not go away. Elaine explained her symptomsto the doctor, but her GP could not provide asuccessful diagnosis. “I felt something was going tohappen,” Elaine says “I felt the numbness in myhand get worse.”

She had also fallen over unexpectedly a few times,without understanding why. Then, one evening, aftera sudden and intense headache, she collapsed athome. Her daughter, Lisa, called an ambulanceimmediately and Elaine was rushed to hospital inBirmingham. She was later moved back to Hereford,but it was 10 months before she was well enough tobe discharged.

Elaine had suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage, orbleeding in the subarachnoid space of the brain, arare but particularly dangerous type of stroke. Up tohalf of all cases are fatal, and 10-15 per cent ofpeople diagnosed die before they are able to reach ahospital. Those who survive, like Elaine, oftenbecome severely disabled.

Her movement became restricted and she lost herability to speak. For months, Elaine communicatedwith her family through picture cards, pointing toexplain what she wanted to say. Thankfully, a courseof speech therapy worked wonders. Now she canspeak again, and although her words come slowerthan they used to, she is careful to repeat herselfuntil she gets her point across.

Her next goal is to walk again, and through weeklyphysiotherapy, she is making gentle progress. Elainelives in Livability’s Wall Street centre in Hereford,where she receives full-time care. “It’s wonderfulhere,” she says. “They really look after me.”

She has her own room, decorated with photos ofher daughters growing up. She enjoys playing on her

computer, watching TVand reading celebritybiographies. Yet sheadmits that she is hardlyever in during the day. “Igo out a lot with myfriends,” she says. “I goto day centres where Ican do all sorts ofactivities. I listen tomusic, practisecommunication, and dowoodwork. I evenmade my own bedsidetable.”

Elaine also loves taking cookery lessons in a groupof ten at the day centre. She particularly enjoysmaking sweets. “Sweets are my favourite, but theybring different ingredients every week. You have togo with the flow,” she says.

Elaine has accommodated the radical change in hercircumstances with admirable grace, patience andfortitude over the last six years. “She does as muchas she can,” says Lisa, her daughter. “She’s a bigpart of our family.”

So it only seems right that, in May 2010, her dreamof helping her daughter to get married should cometrue. “It was a very good day,” says Elaine. “It was asmall affair, as we are a very close family. The sunshone all day – it only rained later when it was allover.”

The marriage took place in a registry office, followedby a reception at a golf club. “We had pork for themeal,” explains Elaine, “Then the wedding cake wasa tower of cupcakes.” Lisa carefully arranged theday so that there would be wheelchair access forher mum at every venue. “I organised the wholewedding so that Mum could be there,” Lisa says. “Itmeant the world to me that she was able to come. Iwouldn’t have done it without her."

Elaine wore a stunning outfit in red: matching suit,shoes, bag and a fascinator in her hair. She enjoyedspending the morning of the wedding at home with

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Proud mother of the bride

Lisa, helping her to get ready. “Lisa put her dress onupstairs,” she says. “When I saw her, I was soproud. She looked so pretty.” Elaine describes Lisa’sdress fondly: strapless, straight, with pretty detailacross the middle. But what is her verdict on thegroom? “Simon is a good son-in-law,” she says. “Iapprove.”

Elaine is looking forward to collating the weddingphotographs in an album, and adding them to thecollection on her wardrobe door. But she’ll need to

leave space, as her other daughter, Terry-Ann, hasjust announced her engagement and is planning awedding for next year. It’s not time to pack thefascinator away just yet.

Despite the stroke that threatened her life, Elaine hassurvived, achieved the goal of regaining her speech,and developed the personal strength and courage toadjust to a new way of life. Now, her reward is toenjoy the fulfilment of the dream that any mother hasfor her child. Happily, she gets to do it twice.

One mother had to overcome more than most to bepart of her daughter’s wedding day.

Where she belongs: Elaine at the heart of her family

Thanks to Livability, a stroke didn't stop Elaine from being part of her daughter's wedding

Andrew chases a blue-and-white tea towel roundthe inside of his mug. He places the mug back in thecupboard, smiling, leaving the draining board sparklyand clear. Here is a man who loves the washing-up.

“I’m not like most men,” he laughs.“I like cleaning.”

Kitchen chores may sound like a hassle, but toAndrew they mean freedom. Living in supportedaccommodation at Livability’s Shaftesbury Court inBournemouth means Andrew can plan his own day,get up when he wants, and look after his home. Fora lifelong wheelchair user, independence is everything.

“I find it great, living here,” says Andrew.“It’s my home.”

Your support for Livability has allowed Andrew toenjoy quality care and the opportunity to thrivethroughout his life. As a child, he studied atLivability’s Victoria Education Centre in Poole, whereone of his favourite memories was feeling the intense

The time of their livesFrom school, to residential care, to their own flat: two friends celebrate theopportunities and care they’ve received through a lifetime of support from Livability.

heat of the stage lights as he performed in Josephand his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Later, bridging the often traumatic transition fromschool life to adulthood, he lived in Livability’s TalbotManor, just outside Bournemouth. Here, he receivedthe full-time residential care he needed. But throughworking with staff at Talbot Manor, the time camewhen he didn’t need such constant support. He wasable to do his own washing up.

Andrew joined a waiting list to move into a block ofshared flats where staff members are on-hand tosupport him when he needs help. Four years ago,

he moved to Shaftesbury Court.

In his kitchen at Shaftesbury Court, the worksurfaces are deliberately low so that Andrew and hisflatmates can use them easily from a wheelchair. Adetachable tray helps him to balance the mugs ashe dries them. He can control the doors and otherfunctions within the flat using his “magic key”, as hecalls the electronic device in his pocket.

He can choose his own food and goes shoppingevery Monday with his mum to stock up his shelves.Shaftesbury Court staff members then cook the foodwith him when he wants to eat. Timing his dayaccording to his own agenda is one of the manybenefits Andrew enjoys from supported living.

“I enjoy the independence I have here,”he says.

Another benefit Andrew has discovered is having hisown space. He’s proud of the 37-inch plasma TV inhis bedroom, where he watches sport on Sky andcatches up with the soaps. His room is a retreat, aprivate place that clearly means a lot to him.

When you rely on other people to help you bath anddress, it’s understandable to crave time to yourself.But Andrew does have the chance to make friendsand get outside, too. He’s just back from a sailingtrip on a catamaran in Poole Harbour. In a group ofpartially sighted people, he was the only wheelchairuser on board, but that didn’t stop him wanting tosteer the boat.

“I wanted a challenge,” he says. “Besides, I love thesea. Once, I went on holiday in the Mediterraneanand I steered the ship then. We got caught in a bigthunderstorm. The sky went dark and blue flashesappeared. Then there was a massive bang. I loved it.”

Andrew shares his flat with two friends, includingDavid, who shared his path from Victoria EducationCentre to Talbot Manor and now Shaftesbury Court.

“He follows me everywhere,” says Andrew, beforeteasing David on the baseball cap he’s wearing.“Take your hat off, Mr. Gangster,” he says.

Andrew and David go back a long way. They haveboth experienced the uncertainty of moving on froma school that was well suited to their needs. Theyhave both chosen college coursesto develop their interests and improve their skills.Now they share a desire to be ableto do more for themselves at home.

David moved into the flat more recently, but hispresence already shows in the wrestling stickersglued to the fridge. Posters of his fighting heroesplaster his bedroom door, too. He has an

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‘I’m not like most men -I like cleaning’

‘I find it great living here.It’s my home’

‘I cook lasagne, cottage pie,I couldn’t do that before.’

The recent general election was the most closelyfought in living memory and resulted in the first hungparliament for a generation. Out of the chaosemerged Britain’s first coalition government for 70years and the first Conservative-Liberal alliance since1922. But what does this mean for the UK’s 10.6million disabled people?

We now have both a new Minister for DisabledPeople, Maria Millar MP, and a new Minister for CareServices, Paul Burstow MP. Together they areresponsible for delivering the government’s healthand social care policy and the decisions they take inthe coming months and years will have an enormousimpact on the lives of disabled people.

The new government has announced theestablishment of an independent commission on thefuture funding of care which will report within a yearand lead to the introduction of a new system byAutumn 2011. The commission’s work will takeplace at a time when the UK is facing the biggestfinancial crisis since the Great Depression. Themoney allocated to local authorities to deliver carehas already been slashed by over a billion poundsand further cuts are inevitable.

It is more important than ever that the voices ofdisabled people are heard by those who have thepower to make a real and lasting difference to theirlives. This is why Livability will be working closelywith the new government and the commission toensure that the rights of disabled people are at theheart of the political agenda.

encyclopaedic knowledge of the World WrestlingFederation and is keen to explain the strengths of allthe wrestlers, past and present, as well as theirsignature moves.

“My favourite wrestler is John Cena,”he enthuses. “He’s a real champion.”

David draws well, and is studying art at college. Topractise, he copies pictures of wrestlers from booksin the Resource Centre of Shaftesbury Court. This isan open-plan area of sofas, tables, DVDs and boardgames: a place where the residents can spend timetogether, watch TV and learn new skills. David is alsolearning to cook for himself in lessons he’s taking inthe Resource Centre.

“I like peeling and chopping carrots,” he says. “Icook lasagne, cottage pie. I couldn’t do that beforebut I can now I live here. I’ve got moreindependence.”

At Shaftesbury Court, David has a support worker,Zac, who helps him to go out and have an eveningsocial life. Together they go to the cinema, to playsand recently to a comedy night at BournemouthInternational Centre.

“We saw Katy Brand,” says David. “She’s reallyfunny. I liked her impression of Lady Gaga.”

David also goes out locally with his friend Adrian,who shares one of the other 13 flats in ShaftesburyCourt. Together they are regulars at the local pub.

“We take ourselves there,” says David. “Well, Adrianuses a scooter so I hang on behind. Sometimes wewent to the pub at Talbot Manor, but never byourselves.”

Moving to Shaftesbury Court has given David moreindependence than he has ever experienced before.And his confidence and determination are growingto help him take advantage of all his newopportunities.

Garry Stevens, deputy head of Shaftesbury Court,has watched David develop:

“One morning, he surprised us all. He suddenlyappeared fully dressed all by himself. He’d chosen asmart combination of clothes, his hair was combed– he’d even put his shoes on, which we had thoughtwas too difficult for him to do for himself.”

Perhaps David had been inspired by his favouritewrestler’s signature move, known as ‘AttitudeAdjustment’. Or maybe his fresh motivation was aneffort to impress Kellie, the girlfriend who has justbecome his fiancée.

The couple met when they were both living at TalbotManor. When David proposed in March, Kellie saidyes straight away. He claims she was “very pleasedand a bit surprised”. It hadn’t been quite the same, afew years ago, when he first asked her out in front ofher whole family.

“She didn’t know what to say,” David remembers.“But her family were there and they all told her, ‘Goon Kellie, say yes!’”

Getting married will not be straightforward for Kellieand David, as moving into a new home together will

A brave new world?

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involve waiting for a suitably adapted property andhiring home-help. One married couple already livesat Shaftesbury Court, but most of the flats are forthree sharers and waiting lists are long.

“For disabled people, it’s a parallel universe,” saysGarry. “Everything we take for granted becomesmore complicated.”

The dream of living in their own place is not entirelyout of reach for David or Andrew, but it would take alot of patience, planning and adjustment.

“Some people could never live independently, butothers can move further out if that’s what they wantto do,” Garry explains.

Major life changes can be difficult for anyone, but forpeople like Andrew and David, who rely on others forhelp in their everyday lives, it is crucial that theyalways have a choice in how they live.

That’s why Livability has supported these men, andhundreds of people like them, as they have madeimportant transitions towards greater independence.

Thanks to your generous support for Livability overthe years, both Andrew and David are able to liverich and varied lives, full of interesting experiencesand achievements. They’ve been able to study,follow their interests, make friends and go onholidays.

Andrew and David may have experienced greaterobstacles than others to reach the milestones intheir lives. But, as their progression to supportedliving in Shaftesbury Court shows, the everydayindependence they hunger for can be achieved. Onesink-full of washing-up at a time.

‘For disabled people, it’s aparallel universe. Everythingwe take for granted becomesmore complicated.’

What does a new government mean fordisabled people? Livability's parliamentaryexpert Rachael Christophides explains.

Stress-free givingJohn Chappell has been supporting Livabilityfor six years with a Direct Debit. We spoke tohim to find out a little more about him and whyhe is so dedicated to the work we do withdisabled people.

Why Livability?I started supporting John Grooms back in 2004before it merged with the Shaftesbury Society andbecame Livability. I think the work they do fordisabled people is excellent and I want to be apart of that.

Why a Direct Debit?Direct Debits are the easiest way to give. I don’thave to think about it once I’ve set it up. I knowexactly when my money is going out and whereit’s going and I can just relax knowing that I amcontributing to a marvellous charity.

Are you interested in supporting us with aDirect Debit? To find out more give us a callon 020 7452 2121.

Long before Livability started working with disabled people, weexisted as a string of churches across London. In the 1800s,London was the world’s biggest city and was rife with socialproblems including a sky-rocketing crime rate, widespreadalcoholism, and a lack of sanitation leading to terrible diseases. TheShaftesbury Society set up mission churches in some of London’sroughest, poorest areas. They reached out to offer people bothpractical support and spiritual hope.

Today the churches that Shaftesbury set up are independent, hiringtheir own leaders and making their own plans. Yet we still enjoyclose relationships with them.

Brian Watts runs the Shaftesbury Christian Centre in Battersea, amission church set up by the Shaftesbury Society over 150 yearsago. “We’ve never lost our mission ethos” he says. “150 years agowe fed people, looked after single mums and took local children onholiday, and today we still do all of those things. “

“We really appreciate our relationship with Livability. The CommunityMission team give us advice and support and they help us out invery practical ways like staff training and payroll. Above all, they helpus to keep our focus on reaching out into our community.”

Cat is a support worker at Livability’s HinwickHall College. For five years she has dedicatedher time and energy to the care and support ofdisabled people. We wanted to find out a littlebit more about Cat and the kind of the workshe does.

Building independence On a mission

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Tell us a little bit about your job at Hinwick.Well, I am a care support worker which basicallymeans I support students at Hinwick in all areas oftheir lives. This can be anything from helping themwash and dress in the morning to supporting themin lectures throughout the day.

What is the ultimate goal of your work?I work to help my students become moreindependent, develop their abilities and make surethey are happy and safe. Livability is all abouthelping disabled people live their lives asindependently as possible. Even if that meanshelping someone make a sandwich for themselvesfor the first time, I am there to help my studentsachieve that.

What does working at Hinwick mean to you?It means the world to me. I can’t imagine doing anyother job – I love it. Working with thestudents at Hinwick is so rewarding. Seeing howthey change and develop is incredible. There isnothing like seeing someone achieve a goal theynever thought possible. The students inspire me.

What would you like to say to our supporters?I just want to say thank you. I think Livabilitysupporters like you are brilliant. You help so manydisabled people achieve so much. Every day I get tocome to work and see how much of a difference youhave made. Thank you.

Livability’s oldest friends I’m writing this column on the trainback from Birmingham, where I’vejust spoken at a conference run bythe Church Urban Fund, which helpschurches work positively in theircommunities.

One of the main speakers wasEugenie Harvey who wrote a bookcalled “Change the World for a Fiver”and started the “We are what we do”movement. Her words wereparticularly inspiring as she explainedthat her motivation to see peoplemake positive steps for local andglobal change arose from her owndifficult and painful childhood.

“We are what we do” is a greatclarion call for Livability. We are aboutbringing choice, challenging injustice,being with the isolated and simplybeing all God has called us to bewherever we find ourselves workingand living.

Eugenie encourages us to considerhow our every day choices about ourtime and money really can changethe world just as many Christianheroes like Mother Teresa have donebefore us.

Adam is interim director of Livability'sCommunity Mission team, helpingchurches transform their communities.

“Seeing students change is incredible”: supportworker Cat

Shaftesbury Society mothers and toddlers group, 1920

Stop press:

Livability film goes toCannes!Our award-winning film has just been entered into the CannesCorporate Media & TV Awards. The competition may not havethe glitz of the summer film festival, but it will still mean thateven more people are able to find out about our work.

Garden open day19 SeptemberFeeringbury, EssexIt’s our last garden party of the year!Bring your friends and family to enjoythis beautiful garden. At Feeringbury,ancient meets modern with acontemporary garden surrounding a14th Century house. As well asexploring the garden, you will havethe opportunity to buy cuttings, enjoyrefreshments, and find out a littlemore about Livability’s work.

Harrow lecture14 OctoberLivability has enjoyed a closerelationship with Harrow school forover a century, and we are pleased tocontinue that tradition by hosting theregular Harrow Lecture. This year ourspeaker is General Sir RichardDannatt. Currently Constable of theTower of London, he has had anillustrious military career, includingleading troops in Bosnia, East Timor,Sierra Leone and Afghanistan. Itpromises to be a fascinating evening.

Date for your diaryAlthough Christmas is a long way off,we just wanted to let you know thatwe have secured the beautiful churchof St-Martin-in-the-Fields, TrafalgarSquare, for our carol service. Theservice will be held on 13 December.We’ll send out more details later inthe year, but this event is our mostpopular of the year, so you may wantto put it in your diary now.

For tickets or more information onany of these events, please call theevents team on 020 4752 2115 oremail events@livability.org.uk.

Events calendar

Keep on runningCongratulations to all Livability runners in the 2010 LondonMarathon! They put in a huge effort, both on the day and over themonths of training. All 44 runners who started the race crossed thefinish line.

Running a marathon for charity isn't just an impressive physical feat.The team also raised over £60,000 in sponsorship, which willmake a huge difference to Livability's work.

Join us for 2011Although the official ballot for entry into next year's Virgin LondonMarathon has closed, Livability has a number of places still availablefor the race.

If you'd like to run the marathon and think you could raisesponsorship money for Livability, we'd love to hear from you. Aspart of the Livability team, we will support you every step of the way.You will receive:• Professional training advice to help you prepare for the big day• A Livability t-shirt or running vest (your preference)• A ‘carb-loaded’ pre-marathon party at a central London location• A fundraising pack and your own online sponsorship page• Regular newsletters to inspire you and help you with your training

For more information, contact Yvette either by email atmarathonteam@livability.org.uk or phone on 020 7452 2115.

“Ever since watching the firstLondon Marathon on TV backin 1981, I have alwayswondered what it would be liketo be part of such an amazingexperience. I decided when Ihit the big 4-0 that I shouldhave a go but it was hearingabout Livability which pushedme into doing it.”Stephen Reed

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A legacyof choiceFor too long, disabled people havehad decisions made for them.Questions like where to live, who tolive with, and how to spend theirtime have been decided byprofessionals in offices.

But Livability believes that disabledpeople deserve to live lives ofindependence and choice. Theyshould be supported to makedecisions for themselves.

Leaving us a gift in your will help ussupport disabled people to live thelife they choose.

For more information or aconfidential discussion, pleasecontact Alastair Emblem on020 7452 2118

Title First Name:

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Yes, I want to contribute to bringing change to the lives of disabledpeople across the United Kingdom. I’d like to make a gift of:

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Please debit my/our Mastercard/Visa/Amex/Delta/Maestro/CAF Charity Card(please delete as appropriate)

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It is our usual policy to acknowledge donations. However, if you do not wish toreceive an acknowledgement please tick here.

Please send your gift in the enclosed envelope to:Livability, FREEPOST RLYJ – UJHU – EKHJ, Slough, SL3 0EN.Thank you.Registered charity number 1116530

Make your gift worth more at no extra cost to you.If you are a taxpayer, Livability can reclaim 28p* for every£1 you give to help disabled people. All you need to do istick below.

Yes, I am a UK taxpayer and would like Livability to treat all donations I havemade in the last four years, and all donations I make from now on, as Gift Aiddonations. I confirm that I pay an amount of income tax or capital gains tax atleast equal to the tax that Livability will reclaim on my donations in the tax year.

Sorry, I am not a UK taxpayer.

From time to time, Livability agrees to share its supporters’ information with othercarefully selected organisation for their use in seeking support. If you would prefer usnot to, please tick this box.

Please help Livability continue to change people’s lives.

LN108b *Livability reclaims 25p and the government pays an extra 3p.

Livability50 Scrutton Street, London EC2A 4XQTel: 0845 264 1194 Fax: 020 7452 2001fundraising@livability.org.uk www.livability.org.uk

Livability is the new face of John Groomsand the Shaftesbury Society

Inspiration“Prejudice is a mist, which in ourjourney through the world oftendims the brightest and obscuresthe best of all the good andglorious objects that meet uson our way.”Lord Shaftesbury