Hello newsletter

Spring 2017 editionWe are a charity that helps people living with sight

loss and a range of other disabilities to achieve their ambitions and go beyond expectations.

Henshaws, Atherton House, 88-92 Talbot Road, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0GS

Phone: 0161 872 1234 Visit: henshaws.org.uk

ContentsPage 3 Henshaws StoriesPage 4 Community Services NewsPage 10 Fundraising UpdatesPage 11 Groups’ UpdatesPage 19 Arts and CulturePage 20 Other News, Services and Useful NumbersHello and welcome to the spring 2017 edition of Henshaws ‘Hello’ Newsletter

We hope you’ve had a wonderful new year so far, and that you’re enjoying the longer days as we start to move away from the dark winter months.

In this edition of our newsletter, you’ll hear from Joan, who shares her advice on talking to family members about sight loss, following a recent experience of her own. You’ll also hear from our Enablement Officers across Greater Manchester about the different groups and courses they can offer you, including our new services available around Oldham and Wigan.

The fundraising team are busy planning for Henshaws 180th birthday and the Henshaws Awards, which will be coming to Manchester this June. You can find out how you can give someone the recognition they deserve for going beyond expectations, by nominating them for a Henshaws Award.

We hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Hello’ and, as always, if you would like more details about anything mentioned in this issue, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on 0161 872 1234.2

Robert Cooper, Director of Services, North West and North East

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Henshaws Stories“How much do you think I can see?” - Joan’s story

As sight levels often change over time, those close to you may not realise just how much your level of vision has altered. Joan from Manchester has kindly shared with us her recent experience, and provided her advice:

“I have had my trusty guide dog Chester for four years now, and when it’s just me and Chester, I always make sure I stay close to the wall as I don’t feel safe walking in the open. I’m registered severely sight impaired and have no peripheral vision; although I can see outlines, I’m unable to see features or tell someone’s gender.

When I recently went on a trip around Halifax with my son guiding on my right and Chester on my left, I was being tugged on both sides and felt like a wishbone!

When I got home, I asked my son “how much do you think I can see?” He said he hadn’t thought much about it before, and I was surprised to find that he thought I could see much more than I was able to. I explained to him my level of sight, and why it was that I stayed close to the wall, and since that conversation I can already tell the difference. When we go to places together now my son pulls less strongly on my arm, and leaves more of the guiding to Chester. I’ve also had a similar conversation with my daughter, who now knows to announce herself in conversation, which is really helpful for me.

My recommendation is to just initiate a conversation - ask your family what they think your sight is, and then

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explain your vision level and your preferences. It’ll really help you all to come to an understanding.”Community Services NewsNew ‘suggestion tree’Is there a new service you’d like us to offer, or are there any things we could do better? Our First Step team has started a new ‘suggestion tree’, waiting to be filled up with any ideas or feedback you have about Henshaws services.

If you’d like to add to the tree, please get in touch on 0161 872 1234, or email info@henshaws.org.uk, and we’ll add your suggestion to our tree at Atherton House.

Henshaws in OldhamThe following is an update from Kate Nattrass, our Community Enablement Officer in the Oldham area:

“Henshaws in Oldham has really started to take off and there's more to come! The first new Friendship Matters group has been set up in Uppermill, and the Pennine Vale Group meets every third Friday of the month between 10.30am-12.30pm at the Sacred Heart Centre in Uppermill (OL3 6HS). The group is open to all ages and there is always a very warm welcome, with a good brew and cake along with the opportunity to meet new people. The RoyShaw Vale group continues to meet each Tuesday morning at Downy House in Royton (OL2 5JS), again for fun, friendship, games of bingo or quizzes, and occasional entertainment and lunches out.

Carrie is Henshaws’ new Technology Rehabilitation Officer, and is now in Oldham every Wednesday. Oldham TechTalk started in February, and is on the first 5

Wednesday of each month from 10.30am-12.30pm at Medtia Place in Oldham (OL1 1DJ). This is a group for those with an interest in technology, at any skill or confidence level, to be able to learn from each other. The sessions have gone well so far, with topics such as OrCam and the new braille tablet BLITAB. Carrie will be running a Digital Demo on these afternoons as well, from 1-3pm, with the opportunity to demonstrate various technologies. Carrie will be holding digital assessments on the other Wednesdays, so get in touch on 0161 872 1234 to join our IT waiting list.

Things coming to Oldham in early spring include a gentle exercise class piloting for three months at the Link Centre (OL1 1DZ) between 10.30am and 12noon, which is an opportunity to have fun and make friends as well as take gentle exercise. Another Friendship Matters group will be starting on Wednesday 12th April between 10am and 12noon, and will take place at St Herbert’s Court in Chadderton (OL9 0JD) every 2nd Wednesday of the month. We’re hoping to start a further Friendship group in the central Oldham area – more details will follow, but get in touch with me on 0161 770 1824 if you’d like to register your interest.

I am always open to new ideas – from a young person’s group to ‘knit and knatter’ - so if there is something in particular that interests you, and you think it may interest others, please let me know and I will look into incorporating it into a group for you.

Volunteers are required for all groups, so if you're interested please contact me on 0161 770 1824 to find out more. Whether it’s every week or once a month, it’ll be a valuable and fantastic experience and you're guaranteed to have fun and meet new people too!”6

Children & FamiliesThanks to a generous legacy left to Sight Support Oldham and the support of The Stoller Charitable Trust, we have a new Children & Families Enablement Officer. Sara Akhtar will be working full time in Oldham in partnership with the Oldham Vision and Physical Impairment Team.How can Sara support you?Sara can offer emotional and practical support to families affected by sight loss, advice and guidance, home visits and telephone support, signposting and referrals, and different events and activities in the Oldham area.

Sara recently ran her first Children & Families Day in Oldham (pictured), with different fun activities including pottery making, creating woven pictures, painting, as well as a sensory corner with different tactile materials, a bubble machine and a moving projection of an aquarium!

Where can you find her?Sara is based at the Civic Centre, in Oldham (OL1 1UT). If you want to get involved with our children and families services in Oldham, please ring 0161 872 1234 or email Sara at sara.akhtar@henshaws.org.uk.

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Henshaws in Wigan and LeighIf you are in the Wigan and Leigh area, you may have already spoken to Claire Carey, our Wigan Community Enablement Officer, who has been in the area offering support over the telephone and through home visits for the past six months.

Henshaws will now also be running a number of groups and courses for you to get involved with. Claire will be holding Friendship Matters groups, where you’ll have the opportunity to socialise and chat to others going through similar journeys as yours. The groups are in:Wigan at 40c Warrington Lane, Wigan (WN1 3RT) onTuesdays, from 10am–12noon andLeigh at Charles House, Leigh (WN7 1DB) onThursdays from 10am–12noon

There will also be a weekly Movement and Strength Class starting on Monday March 20th at:40c Warrington Lane, Wigan (WN1 3RT) onMondays from 10–11.30am

These classes are designed to get you moving, at your own pace and ability, to improve your range of movement, strength and fitness. Chairs are provided if required and you can participate as much or as little as you feel able. Refreshments will also be provided - no specific equipment or clothing required.

Lastly, there is also a weekly Information, Advice and Guidance Drop In Session (IAG) starting on Wednesday March 1st at:Olympic House, Platt Bridge (WN2 5DA) onWednesdays from 10am–12pm

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These informal drop in sessions are provided should you wish to receive information, advice, or guidance on a range of issues, including housing, benefits, daily living skills, aids and equipment, education/employment, and much more. Feel free to drop in and have a chat.

Living with Sight Loss, our free six week course that provides you with advice about living with your sight loss, information about hospital procedures and registration, as well as the opportunity to talk to other people experiencing the same issues as you, is also planned for the area for May/June. If you would be interested in registering onto the course, contact Claire on claire.carey@henshaws.org.uk or ring 07973 948654.

New staffLots of new staff members have joined the Henshaws team over the past few months. If you come to our Trafford, Wythenshawe or Harpurhey groups, you’ve probably met Katy Whitwell and Chris Garry, who are our new Enablement Officers. They will be running exercise and social groups, as well as our Living with Sight Loss course, with Chris working in Trafford and Katy covering Harpurhey and Wythenshawe.

Sara Akhtar has joined us as our Children & Families Officer for Oldham, and Andrea Finch is our new Children & Families Officer for Trafford, running different events and providing support for children and families in the area, including a new, monthly Toddlers Group which will be on Thursdays from 10am-12pm. Carrie Sant is our new Rehabilitation Specialist Officer around Oldham and Manchester, and she will be offering Tech Talk, digital demos, and digital assessments.

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If you’d like to get involved with any of these groups and activities, please ring our First Step number on 0161 872 1234 and you'll be put in touch with the group organiser.

Henshaws Life Hacks We return with another Hello Henshaws Life Hack, and this time we’re sharing a tip from Henshaws Rehab Officer Simon in Liverpool, who says:

“If you have talking tin lids, try keeping one next to your telephone answering machine. When someone rings and leaves their phone number, rather than listening to the whole message again, you can simply record the number being said and repeat it as many times as you need, in your own time - very handy!”

If you have a life hack that works well for you, get in touch at stories@henshaws.org.uk, so we can share your useful tip with others. If you’d like to see more of our Life Hacks, you can check out 52 other 'tricks, tips & tech' as well as our short videos, at henshaws.org.uk/lifehacks.

New Emotional Support GroupAt Henshaws, we often hear the phrase "it's so nice to talk to people in the same boat as me.” Talking to others who understand what you're going through in a safe, confidential environment can be really comforting. That's why we are offering a new Emotional Support Group in Manchester, where you can explore the emotional impact of sight loss, and gain insight and support from others in the group.

The group is free to attend, and runs for 12 weeks starting from Wednesday 29th March, from 2.30-4pm. If you're interested in participating, or know someone who 10

may benefit from this opportunity, please get in touch with us on 0161 872 1234.

We also offer one-to-one Counselling in Trafford, Wythenshawe, Harpurhey and Salford; if you would be interested in this service, please ring 0161 872 1234.

Volunteer newsIn the last edition of Hello, we announced that our long running volunteer Mary Gifford was nominated for the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ at the MEN Be Proud Awards. We’re pleased to announce that Mary won the award, in recognition of her fantastic work in enabling access to arts, galleries and exhibitions to those who are often excluded from it.

Mary has been volunteering at Henshaws for over 13 years and runs our 'Art Galleries and Museums Group'. Every month she organises a trip to a Greater Manchester museum or gallery for a group of visually impaired adults, and it's one of our most popular groups - often 30 people strong! The award was hugely deserved for a lady who has raised awareness on accessibility to the arts and made a difference to many lives in Manchester. Congratulations Mary!

Fundraising Updates

Christmas raffl e Thanks to everyone who bought raffle tickets for the 2016 Christmas raffle - your generosity made a massive difference to those with sight loss, and helped raise just over £5,000. We couldn’t help so many people without the support of people like you! The list of winners is

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available on our website at henshaws.org.uk/news/raffle-winners-2016.

Henshaws Awards – nominations now open ! On June 15th 2017, Henshaws will be holding an awards event to celebrate the achievements of our service users. There are seven awards this year: Gillian Lawrence Award, Friendship Matters Award, Volunteer of the Year Award, Technology Award, Henshaws Young Person of The Year (ages under 12, and ages 12-25), and Visual Impairment Friendly Business of the Year Award. In order to have an event and give out awards to the worthy winners, we need your help, so if you know someone who you think deserves an award this year, we would love you to nominate them.

You can pick up a nomination form from your local Henshaws centre or you can go onto our website and fill in a form online. If you have any questions or would like a form sent to you in the post, contact Holly in Fundraising on 0161 786 3656.

Challenge eventsWe have free charity places for the Great Manchester Run 10k - the biggest and best 10k in Europe! In return for one of our free places, we ask for a pledge to raise a minimum of £150 and we will be here to support you every step of the way with your fundraising. If running is not your thing, maybe you fancy something a bit different – how about chucking yourself out of a plane in the name of Henshaws? Our next skydive is on Sunday 7th May - to find out more and to sign-up, call Rachael on 0161 786 3656 or email rachael.pratt@henshaws.org.uk

180 Challenge

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As 2017 marks 180 years of Henshaws supporting the people of Greater Manchester, we want to challenge all our supporters to help us celebrate. Whether that's by holding a cake sale or doing a 180th themed challenge, the sky's the limit when it comes to ideas. To get involved or to find out more, call our fundraising team on 0161 786 3656 or email us at fundraising@henshaws.org.uk.

Group UpdatesUser Voice GroupWhat is the User Voice Group?Henshaws User Voice Group is a consultative group, which meets four times a year to discuss issues that affect the members. The group gets involved with new proposals to help shape their direction or express concerns, and it’s an opportunity to speak face-to-face with Henshaws management.

Who can I speak to if I’d like to have something brought up by the User Voice Group?You can speak to any member of the group as they represent your voice, and Henshaws centres will soon have posters giving members’ names. You can also bring up any issues with Les, who is the Chair of the group. Les has been coming to Henshaws for four years, and you can find him at the Guitar Group on Mondays, the Wednesday Group, or Wythenshawe social mornings on Thursdays, where he is always happy to have a chat about anything you’d like to bring up.What things can I talk about?The group members act as advocates for anyone who uses Henshaws’ services, so it could be a new group you would be interested in having started, an issue you want resolved, or even just to ask a simple question. The User 13

Voice Group last met in January, and discussed a variety of issues including new staff, fire evacuation updates, marketing and fundraising updates, and volunteer drivers.

The User Voice Group is also keen to have new members from the hubs around Greater Manchester, so if you’d like to be involved, get in touch with Les at one of the groups mentioned or call 0161 872 1234 and leave a message for him. The next group meeting will be in April 2017.

What have our Friendship Matters groups been up to?An update from Rob, group leader for Wednesday Group and Henshaws Hikers:

“Since last autumn, the Wednesday Group has taken part in a diverse range of activities and events. Cheese and tea tasting sessions were well received by all, and the beer tasting afternoon was especially well received by some (they know who they are)! We've played games including Bingo and Play Your Cards Right, and attempted various quizzes. We've had visitors to the group, including Action for the Blind and a splendid ukulele band, and visits by the group to local hostelries for Christmas dinner and to beat any mid-February blues - the group also made Christmas cards for family and friends.In the foreseeable future we have more entertainment lined up - singing, a band and perhaps a visit by more wild animals!

During autumn and winter, Henshaws Hikers constrain their ambitions a little and attempt shorter walks in less wild places. We've visited Heaton Park (did you know that at 108m it's the highest location in Manchester?), the 14

River Mersey and Cheadle Water Park (the lowest at 25m), Worsley Delph and the Bridgewater Canal, Marple and the Macclesfield Canal, and the ancient trees of Dunham Massey. With spring around the corner we will be heading out again - the Pennines and North Wales here we come!”

Our Art Gallery & Museums group visited the ‘Big, Big Camera’ exhibition at Gallery Oldham at the start of March.The group enjoyed a brilliant talk by the curator and photographer Ian Beesley, sharing their adventures about restoring and taking photos with their (appropriately named) big, big camera! Anne Hornsby described the camera and exhibition photographs, and everyone then had the chance to touch the camera for themselves (pictured).

Group featureWe’re introducing a new segment in ‘Hello’ called ‘Group feature’, where we’ll be featuring a different Henshaws group in each edition, introducing you to the members, and finding out what they get up to. In this edition, we’ll introduce you to our monthly Film Club at Atherton House:

Film Club15

The Film Club meets on the first Monday of each month at Atherton House to watch the latest films on a large screen with surround sound system. All the films have audio description (a narration track that plays over the film, describing events as they happen) so whether you have some useful sight or no sight at all, you can enjoy the latest films.

We asked some film club members what types of films they liked ...Mike: “Thrillers, action – none of that mushy stuff!”Arthur: “Action, thrillers, comedies… anything with a good storyline”Peter: “Same! Mystery or action. My favourite film is Top Gun, and I enjoyed the Batman series too.”Elena: “I enjoy all films - a bit of action, some mystery, anything with a good story.”

We then asked why they came to the Film Club …...Arthur: “It’s an environment you can get comfortable in, and you have an input into what you watch. It’s easier than going to the cinema, and you get a better quality than at home. We always have a drink and opportunity to chat about the film after, or if it’s a rubbish film, chat about something else!”Elena: “I’ve been coming to Film Group since it started.It’s nice to be with people experiencing the film all together, and you feel secure at Henshaws. You get to watch things you would never have dreamt of watching.”

The group have a number of films planned for spring, including:The Take, The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything and Dad’s Army.16

Film Club is always open to new members, and if you’d like to join, or if you’d like to donate any audio described films, please ring 0161 872 1234. The group asks for a £3 donation per session, which helps cover the cost of the films.

Greater Manchester Groups TimetableMonday Time

Where? Guitar Jamming Group (weekly) 1000–1400

Trafford IT Zoomers (weekly) 1000-1200

TraffordTech Talk (monthly) 1030-1100

TraffordGlaucoma Group (monthly) 1230-1430 TraffordFilm Group (monthly) 1300-1500 TraffordDigital Demo (monthly) 1300-1500

TraffordTuesdayBroadwalk Group (monthly) 1030-1230

SalfordRoyShaw Group (weekly) 1100-1300

RoytonYoga (weekly) 1145-1315 TraffordTuesday Group (weekly) 1330-1530

TraffordI Spy Group (fortnightly) 1400-1600

Salford

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Digital Demo (monthly) 1030-1230Oldham

Tech Talk (monthly) 1030-1100Oldham

Eye Eye Group (weekly) 1230-1430Salford

Wednesday Group (weekly) 1230-1430Trafford

ThursdayHenshaws Hikers (monthly) 1030-1600

TraffordArt Galleries & Museums 1030-1300 GMR (monthly) Times and location changeFridayBraille (weekly) 1000-1400

TraffordIT & touch typing (weekly) 1000-1400 TraffordArts and crafts (fortnightly) 1300-1500

TraffordPennine Vale Group (monthly) 1030-1230 Oldham

Our next Skillstep course will be running from 25th April until 13th July 2017, including a two week work placement. Skillstep is a 12-week course for people who want to work, volunteer or continue studying, and is a mix of IT, career guidance and work placement. If you are interested in joining our next course, or would like to find out more, contact Julie on 0161 872 1234 or email julie.parrish@henshaws.org.uk.As part of our Pathway to Wellbeing (funded by Big Lottery Fund), we run different exercise classes and social

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mornings across Manchester. Find your local group in the following list:Social meet-upsAltrincham LibraryThursdays 10.30am-12.30pm, monthlyNorth City Fitness Centre, HarpurheyTuesdays 1.30-3.30pm, monthlyWythenshawe Forum, WythenshaweThursdays 10.30am-12.30pm, monthly

Exercise classes:These classes are designed to get you moving, at your own pace and ability, to improve your range of movement, strength, and fitness, and are followed by coffee and a chat.Atherton House, TraffordEvery Wednesday, 10.30am-12.00pmNorth City Family & Fitness Centre, HarpurheyEvery Monday, 1.30-3pmWythenshawe Forum, WythenshaweEvery Friday, 1.30-3.30pm

We also run exercise classes in the following areas –Wigan Wellbeing and Resilience centreEvery Monday, 10-11.30amThe Link Centre, OldhamEvery Monday, 10.30am-12noonThe Art Gallery & Museums Group meet on Thursday, once a month, at a variety of Museums & Galleries across Manchester.Group leader Mary Gifford takes an escorted group to a museum or gallery event, many of which include audio description and sometimes a touch and handling element, and are an ideal way for blind and visually 19

impaired people to appreciate the arts. The events finish with refreshments and time for a chat; where possible, transport is provided for the participants. For more information about the group, please ring the Henshaws office.

Future visits:Thursday 23 March, 10.30am –12.30pm. To Manchester Art Gallery for the Modern Japanese Design Gallery. Because our visit last April was cut short by a fire alarm evacuation, we will revisit this exhibition, but this time the talk will be by the Gallery Curator, Janet Boston. The tour will be led by Meg Parnell, and the description by Anne Hornsby.

Thursday 11 May 10.30am –12.30pm. The Costume Gallery at Platt Hall for the “Mary Quant: Fashion Icon” exhibition. Tour led by Kate Day and description by Anne Hornsby.

Thursday 8 June morning. Event to be confirmed.

Thursday 6 July, 10.30am–12.30pm. Manchester Art Gallery – we are invited by the Manchester International Festival to an audio described tour of their specially commissioned exhibition by an international artist. Further details to be released nearer the time, but MIF have taken account of our feedback to the last MIF event. Description by Anne Hornsby.

Note: All days and timings can be subject to change.

Can’t find a group in your area?20

Following on from the success of our Coffee Mornings in Wythenshawe and Oldham, we are keen to set up new volunteer led local groups. If you would be interested in helping to set up a group in your area, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with Kay George on 0161 872 1234.

Arts and Culture

Making Conversation workshop at Manchester Art Gallery These lively and sociable workshops are led by artist Naomi Kendrick and supported by audio description. They are open to everyone and take place every third Thursday in the month, from 1-4pm.

Future dates:16 March – “Strange and Familiar” exhibition13 April- “The Edwardians” exhibition18 May - “The Edwardians” exhibition22 June – new South Asia Crafts and Design Gallery

Materials and refreshments are provided, and Manchester Art Gallery may be able to help with travel costs/arrangements. If you would like to attend, you will need to book a place before the session. Call Kate Day at the Gallery on 0161 235 8855 or email k.day1@manchester.gov.uk for further information.

Audio Described Events: April – June 2017The following list has been compiled from information provided by Anne Hornsby of Minds Eye Professional Description Service, The Lowry and Vocaleyes. Most theatre performances include a touch-tour about an hour before the performance and you can check with the Box 21

Office or Mind’s Eye for details. You can also check ticket prices (including concessions) and book your seats and headsets in advance through the Box Office. NB/ Most theatres offer special prices to blind and visually impaired people, so please enquire; the telephone numbers are at the end of the listings.

April1 2:30pmThe Suppliant Women Royal Exchange3 7:30 The Commitments Palace Theatre5 7:30 Grease Liverpool Empire6 7:30 Conquest of the South Pole Liverpool Everyman11 7:30 Ghost The Musical Liverpool Empire13 7:30 Bat out of Hell Opera House18 7:30 The Tenant of Wildfell Hall Bolton Octagon22 2:30 Spring and Port Wine Oldham Coliseum27 10:30 Story Giant Liverpool Everyman

May4 7:30pmI Capture the Castle Bolton Octagon6 2pm Casanova (Northern Ballet) The Lowry11 7:30 The Sum Liverpool Everyman13 2:30 Twelfth Night Royal Exchange17 7:30 The Wedding Singer Opera House

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18 7:30 Winter Hill Bolton Octagon24 7:30 Hard Times Oldham Coliseum25 7:30 Billy Elliot Liverpool Empire

June5 5:30pmRomeo and Juliet Liverpool Everyman14 7:30 Talking Heads Bolton Octagon17 2:30 Persuasion Royal Exchange28 7:30 The Father Oldham Coliseum

Useful telephone numbers:Mind's Eye 01204 522481 or 07889 232438Bolton Octagon Theatre 01204 520 661HOME 0161 200 1500Liverpool Empire Theatre 0844 871 7677Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse 0151 709 4776Oldham Coliseum Theatre 0161 624 1731Palace Theatre & Opera House, Manchester 0161 245 6605Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester 0845 450 4808The Lowry 0843 208 6000The Lowry Galleries 0161 876 2057VocalEyes 0207 375 1043

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Other News, Services and Useful NumbersFor saleMonoMouse, £50 – a magnification ‘mouse’ that can be plugged into the TV and magnify the text and images on your television.Contact Risat Abidi on 07821736621 if you're interested in purchasing.

Become a member of the Blind Veterans UKIf you’re blind or visually impaired and have been a member of the armed forces, you could become a member of Blind Veterans UK. Blind Veterans UK offer free support services for veterans, including training and rehabilitation, equipment, emotional support and social activities. If you’d like to speak to someone who uses their services and find out more about them, contact 0161 872 1234 and ask to leave a message for Marion.

New accessibility changes at Old Trafford StadiumOld Trafford Stadium has announced a number of new accessibility changes, with an extension of the current East Stand wheelchair platform as well as new amenity seating (seating for disabled supporters who may require extra leg-room, space for storing crutches or walking sticks, and accommodation of assistance dogs) to be added in these areas. This will increase the total number of wheelchair positions from 120 to 277, and the number of amenity seats from 126 to 278. These changes are expected to have been completed by the 2017-18 season.

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To find out more, please visit: www.manutd.com/homeforallreds/policychanges. Legacies – why do they matter?Writing a Will can be a daunting and complicated process, but it is one of the most important legal documents you will ever make, and helps to ensure that your wishes are carried out upon your death. Writing a Will is an easy thing to put off - in fact, around two thirds of people in the UK die without making one, meaning that their wishes may not have been carried out, such as the people that they wanted to inherit their estate not being able to.

Slater Heelis Solicitors from Manchester have shared their knowledge of the importance of legacies and their top advice for making a Will, all of which is available on our website at: henshaws.org.uk/importance-making-will.

If you would like a copy in an alternative format, or would like to hear more about Legacy Giving, please contact Stewart on 0161 786 3640.

Get involvedIf you think your family or friends would be interested in hearing about our services, volunteering at Henshaws, or taking part in fundraising – please get in touch! Our First Step team is here on 0161 872 1234 to offer any advice, support or information about our services.

You can get involved in supporting our services by letting others know about Henshaws, coming along to one of our events, or becoming a volunteer or ambassador. Please contact our fundraising team on 0161 876 3656, or email fundraising@henshaws.org.uk.

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…. and of course, please help us spread the word!

Once you have read or listened to our newsletter, please pass it on to a friend or family member, or you could enquire at your local community centre, doctor’s surgery, church or library to see if you could leave it there for others to read or listen to. We also have leaflets and posters, explaining who we are and what we do – maybe you could ask about leaving some of these as well as the newsletter; you can get a supply of these by calling us on 0161 872 1234.

Remember, the more people know about us and support us, the more support we can offer visually impaired people, so please do all you can to help us get the word out.

DisclaimerAlthough every attempt is made to ensure that the information contained within this newsletter is timely and accurate,Henshaws cannot be held responsible for any information herein. This newsletter is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be either legally binding or contractual in nature.

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Where to find usHenshaws Community Services enable people of all ages living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to make informed choices about their future. Independence and friendship are at the heart of what we do, helping people to find the confidence to go beyond their expectations.

Our hubs are spread across Greater Manchester, so you never have to travel too far to find us. We are in:

TraffordAtherton House, 88-92 Talbot Road, Trafford M16 0GS

Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH)MREH, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL

Altrincham HospitalAltrincham Hospital, Railway Street, Altrincham WA14 2RE

SalfordRoom 2, Pendleton Gateway, Salford M6 5FX

HarpurheyNorth City Family & Fitness Centre, Harpurhey M9 4DA

WythenshaweWythenshawe Forum, Simonsway, Wythenshawe M22 5RX

OldhamThe Link Centre, Union Street, Oldham OL1 1DZMedtia Place, 80 Union St, Oldham OL1 1DJ

Wigan, Leigh and Platt Bridge27

40c Warrington Lane, Wigan WN1 3RTCharles House, Leigh WN7 1DBOlympic House, Platt Bridge WN2 5DAThis is a paid advert from Enhanced Vision:

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