Changing timesChanging timesChanging timesChanging times

Andy Meakin talks unintentional

assumptions and systems change

Learning togetherLearning togetherLearning togetherLearning together

FREE learning opportunities

available through VOICES

MarkMarkMarkMark’’’’s storys storys storys story

A tale of recovery from violence,

alcoholism, and mental ill-health

JanetteJanetteJanetteJanette’’’’s storys storys storys story

Job success through our

volunteering programme

Challenging media stigmaChallenging media stigmaChallenging media stigmaChallenging media stigma

Expert Citizens help to reveal

The Real Bene*ts Street

CongratulationsCongratulationsCongratulationsCongratulations

Guardian Volunteer of the Year Finalist

Dost tha knowst?Dost tha knowst?Dost tha knowst?Dost tha knowst?

Identify local celebrities in

these anagrams of their names

ISSUE 3: ISSUE 3: ISSUE 3: ISSUE 3: AUGUST 2015AUGUST 2015AUGUST 2015AUGUST 2015

CHANGING T IMES

VVVV OICES OICES OICES OICES is committed to pro-

moting change in the systems

that affect people with multiple

needs.

Too often, people with multiple

needs perceive that they are exclud-

ed from the services necessary for

their recovery.

Systems are often premised on an

assumption of rational choice. They

may presume that because a cus-

tomer doesn’t attend an appoint-

ment, that it was their preference to

be somewhere else. Case notes may

then re8ect their ‘failure’ to attend

the appointment.

Such non-attendance may be equat-

ed with an unwillingness to engage

in services or a lack of motivation.

Blame inevitably attributed to the

customer.

What could possibly have been

more important than the appoint-

ment?

Perhaps too infrequently do com-

missioners and services seek to un-

derstand the decisions customers

make, why these may be different

than is convenient for our manicured

service models, and the implications

for systems change.

As a result, the chance to re8ect on

assumptions and consider other

ways of working may seem distant.

Listening and learning are constant Listening and learning are constant Listening and learning are constant Listening and learning are constant

activities in systems change activities in systems change activities in systems change activities in systems change ————

that run alongside doing.that run alongside doing.that run alongside doing.that run alongside doing.

Systems change involves everyone.

Customers. Frontline workers. Man-

agers. Commissioners. Strategic

leaders. Executives. Politicians.

It occurs at the level of practice, in

values, attitudes and cultures, at eve-

ry layer to the board room, and in

the political debating chamber.

Changing systems is all our responsi-

bilities — let’s start now.

Andy MeakinAndy MeakinAndy MeakinAndy Meakin

DirectorDirectorDirectorDirector

P a g e 1P a g e 1P a g e 1P a g e 1

V O I C E S

Fulfilling Lives: Supporting

people with multiple needs in

Stoke-on-Trent

Funded by the National Lottery Funded by the National Lottery Funded by the National Lottery Funded by the National Lottery

through the Big Lottery Fundthrough the Big Lottery Fundthrough the Big Lottery Fundthrough the Big Lottery Fund

e n q u i r i e s @ v o i c e s o f s t o k e . o r g . u k

@voicesofstoke facebook.com/voicesofstoke voicesofstoke.org.uk

P a g e 2P a g e 2P a g e 2P a g e 2

E arly in 2014 I was introduced

to VOICES while looking for

volunteering opportunities. At that

time, I had no idea who they were

or what they were about.

However, within minutes of a

presentation about the project be-

ginning, I knew that I wanted to be

part of it.

The most amazing thing about

VOICES is the genuine passion of

everyone to help those people

facing life’s most dif*cult struggles

and challenges. No one is judged.

Everyone is given a chance to

change and supported to access

services that may bene*t that

change.

VOICES is a big commitment from

everyone involved. It’s only going

to get bigger as the eight years of

funding unfold. I’ve seen that the

links to other services are getting

stronger all the time. The project

has become well known across

Stoke-on-Trent.

Whilst at VOICES I have made new

friends all of which have a story of

their own. I am happy to be a part

of a life-changing venture. Volun-

teering at VOICES has increased

my con*dence in all aspects of my

life. As a result, I have pursued a

new career path and have been

successful in *nding myself a new

job supporting people with learn-

ing disabilities.”

If you would like to volunteer If you would like to volunteer If you would like to volunteer If you would like to volunteer

with VOICES, please get in touch with VOICES, please get in touch with VOICES, please get in touch with VOICES, please get in touch

on 01782 450760 or via emailon 01782 450760 or via emailon 01782 450760 or via emailon 01782 450760 or via email

enquiries@voicesofstoke.org.ukenquiries@voicesofstoke.org.ukenquiries@voicesofstoke.org.ukenquiries@voicesofstoke.org.uk

Janette's story of volunteering at VOICES

F orty professionals from

across the VOICES part-

nership are bene*ting from a

new quali*cation in Re-

source Based Therapies.

The course, which is FREE to

partners and approved by

the British Psychological So-

ciety, is being delivered by

SDS. Modules include:

• Positive therapy

• Motivational interviewing

• Solution focused therapy

Sharon Sharman, Learning

and Evaluation Manager at

VOICES said, “We’ve had

really positive feedback. The

course provides a great

grounding in asset-based

approaches to practice.”

You can contact Sharon for

more information about the

learning programme by email

at:

enquiries@voicesofstoke.org.uk

We want you to make sug-We want you to make sug-We want you to make sug-We want you to make sug-

gestions for future gestions for future gestions for future gestions for future FREEFREEFREEFREE

learning opportunities from learning opportunities from learning opportunities from learning opportunities from

the VOICES partnership.the VOICES partnership.the VOICES partnership.the VOICES partnership.

Mark£s story

People power challenges media stigmaS toke Expert Citizens have recently featured

in an excellent national campaign against

stigma by

campaign, called

based around short films highlighting the sto-

ries of real people experiencing the benefits

system. As the campaign states, their stories

are the “

Expert Citizens from Stoke feature in five short

films on the Real Benefits Street

channel. Jackie Cox of Church Action on Pov-

erty produced and directed the films which

highlight people

ing their experiences of the benefits system.

Darren, Chair of Expert Citizens, first met up

with Jackie towards the end February this

year. Immediately, they

tual interest in tackling stigma and the oppor-

tunity of working together .

In a sign of the impact that the partnership

had, two Expert Citizens from Stoke were

L ea r n i ng t oge t her

Paul Grantham, Consultant Paul Grantham, Consultant Paul Grantham, Consultant Paul Grantham, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at SDSClinical Psychologist at SDSClinical Psychologist at SDSClinical Psychologist at SDS

“

M ark’s parent’s marriage ended when he

was a toddler. As a temporary meas-

ure they moved to his grandparents which

was already overcrowded. Eventually,

Mark’s Mum secured a 8at. Their new home

was in a rough area.

Mark’s Mum met another partner, they

moved in together, and were soon married.

Mark started primary school. He found mix-

ing with other children dif*cult and experi-

enced sustained bullying by a teacher who

would often hit him with the corner of a

book.

Only a few hours a week were spent with his

Dad. Mark was never allowed to stay over

and they rarely ventured out together.

The family moved to a more rural area and

for a while life was good. Then things start-

ed to change.

Mark’s Mum and Stepdad would stay out

late and things became physical. It began

with rough play *ghts. These would be se-

vere enough to leave bruises or bite marks.

These were sometimes on Mark’s throat.

Late at night, Mark would hear his Stepdad

hitting his Mum. Sometimes, he’d see her

slip in to the bathroom bleeding and

bruised. They

would become chaotic. In the car, Mark

Stepdad had a tendency to slam on the

brakes when he lost his temper. As a young

child, Mark found all this extremely frighten-

ing. But, eventually, his Mum found the

strength to leave.

Mark become withdrawn and shut himself

away. As a teenager he took up bodybuild-

ing. For a while this provided some focus.

But, it wasn’t really Mark

Mark started drinking aged 16. He

pubs and eventually met up with his Step-

dad. They started hanging around together .

Soon, the manipulation and abuse began

again. He sometimes made Mark assault

complete strangers in the street.

Mark’s Stepdad introduced him to associates

who needed things

they’d go abroad to places like Miami, Flori-

da. Mark felt like he was living the highlife.

Still only 18-years old, Mark gradually be-

came addicted to alcohol and prescription

tablets. He found he needed more and

more alcohol. But, he also needed the mon-

P a g e 3P a g e 3P a g e 3P a g e 3

People power challenges media stigma toke Expert Citizens have recently featured

in an excellent national campaign against

stigma by Church Action on Poverty. The

campaign, called The Real Benefits Street, is

based around short films highlighting the sto-

ries of real people experiencing the benefits

system. As the campaign states, their stories

“reality that doesn't make it onto TV.”

Expert Citizens from Stoke feature in five short

films on the Real Benefits Street YouTube

. Jackie Cox of Church Action on Pov-

erty produced and directed the films which

highlight people’s stories of hardship includ-

ing their experiences of the benefits system.

Darren, Chair of Expert Citizens, first met up

with Jackie towards the end February this

year. Immediately, they recognised their mu-

tual interest in tackling stigma and the oppor-

tunity of working together .

In a sign of the impact that the partnership

had, two Expert Citizens from Stoke were

invited along with Church Action on Poverty

to meet with producers of the controversial

second series of the TV show Benefits Street

which was shown on Channel 4 recently.

One aim of the meeting was to inform the

producers about the impact of the show on

people experiencing multiple needs.

Simon, an Expert Citizen said, “I worked full-

time for about 30-years before needing the

benefits system. The process of claiming be-

came a source of severe anxiety for me which

made matters worse at an already difficult

time. The constant form filling meant that I

dreaded each brown envelope that dropped

through my door. Even when things took

months, my anxiety and patience weren’t

acknowledged by the people processing my

claim. There was no apology. Instead, I got

an impersonal ruling letter. I hope that telling

my story will help change perceptions and

contribute to better services for other people

in my situation.”

You can see all the short films, including those

featuring Stoke Expert Citizens, on The Real

Benefits Street website and YouTube channel.

For more information contact Rachele Hine For more information contact Rachele Hine For more information contact Rachele Hine For more information contact Rachele Hine

on 01782 450760.on 01782 450760.on 01782 450760.on 01782 450760.

K i m b e r l e y t e l l i n g h e r s t o r yK i m b e r l e y t e l l i n g h e r s t o r yK i m b e r l e y t e l l i n g h e r s t o r yK i m b e r l e y t e l l i n g h e r s t o r y

slip in to the bathroom bleeding and

bruised. They’d often argue and things

would become chaotic. In the car, Mark’s

Stepdad had a tendency to slam on the

brakes when he lost his temper. As a young

child, Mark found all this extremely frighten-

ing. But, eventually, his Mum found the

strength to leave.

Mark become withdrawn and shut himself

away. As a teenager he took up bodybuild-

ing. For a while this provided some focus.

t really Mark’s thing.

Mark started drinking aged 16. He’d go to

pubs and eventually met up with his Step-

dad. They started hanging around together .

Soon, the manipulation and abuse began

again. He sometimes made Mark assault

complete strangers in the street.

s Stepdad introduced him to associates

who needed things ‘sorted out’. Sometimes

d go abroad to places like Miami, Flori-

da. Mark felt like he was living the highlife.

years old, Mark gradually be-

came addicted to alcohol and prescription

tablets. He found he needed more and

more alcohol. But, he also needed the mon-

ey to fund his addiction. Bareknuckle

*ghting, selling possessions, and dodgy

deals all featured in his efforts.

Meanwhile, Mark lost contact with his bio-

logical father altogether because he had

moved to live abroad in the far east.

Mark’s addiction to alcohol and tablets took

over his whole life. Mentally and physically

he began to shut down. He’d been admit-

ted to hospital for *ve weeks already be-

cause of his mental health. One day, his hal-

lucinations were so severe that he barricad-

ed himself in the house. With this, Mark’s

Mum realised that she couldn't cope and

they sought any help they could *nd. This

included doctors, hypnosis, counselling,

etc., but — initially — nothing worked.

Eventually, Mark found something that

clicked for him. Day care provision, through

the BAC O’Connor centre, was the start of

Mark’s recovery. After three months, he

graduated from the service full of self-

esteem, con*dence, and with a support net-

work around him.

Mark became a volunteer with RIOT and then

an Expert Citizen because he wanted to help

other people through what he’d learnt.

Through his determination, volunteering and

attending courses, Mark secured full-time

employment helping other people with simi-

lar experiences to his own.

Mark has been sober for four-years. He can

now travel again, drive, and cope with

crowds. He still manages occasional de-

pression and anxiety. But, he’s positive

about the future.

Mark is not his real name.Mark is not his real name.Mark is not his real name.Mark is not his real name.

P a g e 4P a g e 4P a g e 4P a g e 4

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s

T his year’s shortlist for The

Guardian’s prestigious Volun-

teer of the Year featured Darren

Murinas of Stoke Expert Citizens.

Darren was selected from a *eld

of around one hundred and *fty

nominations to make the shortlist

of just *ve *nalists.

“It was an honour just to be nom-

inated”, he said, “so I’m really

pleased to have made the

shortlist of *nalists. The nomina-

tion is a credit to the work of all

Stoke Expert Citizens. I’m proud

to be part of it.”

Darren has appeared on Radio 4

and BBC Radio Stoke telling his

story to help overcome stigma

and stereotyping of people ex-

periencing multiple needs.

Among Darren’s many achieve-

ments is being appointed to the

board of trustees for The Lankelly-

Chase Foundation.

Andy Meakin, VOICES Project

Director said, “Expert Citizens are

a valued and key part of what

we’re about. I’m delighted for

Darren and all the Expert Citizens

that their achievements and tal-

ents are being so widely recog-

nised.”

D o s t t h a k n o w s t ? We love Stoke-on-Trent. It’s a fabulous City with a great heritage and huge

opportunity for the future. To celebrate some of the notable sons and

daughters of our marvellous city, we’ve put together a little puzzle for you.

Just solve the anagrams to work out the names of these awesome local ce-

lebrities, sports people, and industrialists.

The clues may help, but beware!

1.1.1.1. IIII’’’’M THRILLED GLANCEM THRILLED GLANCEM THRILLED GLANCEM THRILLED GLANCE

Flying high

2.2.2.2. BLONDER TENANTBLONDER TENANTBLONDER TENANTBLONDER TENANT

Tells a tale or two

3.3.3.3. HAIL PORTLYHAIL PORTLYHAIL PORTLYHAIL PORTLY

Cra%y po'er power

4.4.4.4. STEALTHY WEST MANSTEALTHY WEST MANSTEALTHY WEST MANSTEALTHY WEST MAN

First knight of the realm

5.5.5.5. JIGSAW HE WOOD DOJIGSAW HE WOOD DOJIGSAW HE WOOD DOJIGSAW HE WOOD DO

An0-slavery campaigner

6.6.6.6. WAGERED BRAT MIMEWAGERED BRAT MIMEWAGERED BRAT MIMEWAGERED BRAT MIME

Po'y for 30 years

7.7.7.7. JOWL HUED CLANJOWL HUED CLANJOWL HUED CLANJOWL HUED CLAN

Philanthropy for you

8.8.8.8. BILLOW MIRE BIASBILLOW MIRE BIASBILLOW MIRE BIASBILLOW MIRE BIAS

Angel of the vale

9.9.9.9. AGREEING AT ITAGREEING AT ITAGREEING AT ITAGREEING AT IT

Cinderella of Staffordshire

10.10.10.10. WIDEN BALL IN WIDEN BALL IN WIDEN BALL IN WIDEN BALL IN

2015 supporter of the year

We will give a £10 shopping voucher to the *rst person that responds with

all the correct answers.

Entries must be sent to enquiries@voicesofstoke.org.uk including your name

and contact details with the subject line “Dost tha knowst?” You must be

the *rst to send ten correct answers to get the shopping voucher.

Good luck!Good luck!Good luck!Good luck!

Y O U R M A N A G E M E N T T E A M

Andy Meakin

Director

Bruno Ornelas

Serv ice Manager

Vicki Nash

Engagement Manager

Marguerite Castille

Admin is trator

We are available to

help you with any

questions that you

have about VOICES.

If you want to discuss

what can be done to

make a positive differ-

ence for people with

multiple and complex

needs in Stoke-on-

Trent, please get in

touch.

0 1 7 8 2 4 5 0 7 6 00 1 7 8 2 4 5 0 7 6 00 1 7 8 2 4 5 0 7 6 00 1 7 8 2 4 5 0 7 6 0

Sharon Sharman

Learn ing and Evaluat ion Manager

Darren Murinas, Chair of Stoke Darren Murinas, Chair of Stoke Darren Murinas, Chair of Stoke Darren Murinas, Chair of Stoke

Expert Citizens GroupExpert Citizens GroupExpert Citizens GroupExpert Citizens Group