Month: July 2023

Services for Independent Living (SIL) provides support services Hereford resident Lindsey Muckles, but what it can’t do is provide the technology to develop new aides to make Lindsey’s life a little bit easier.

Step up NMITE, Herefordshire’s new engineering higher education institute, whose staff and students are exactly the people Lindsey need to help with her reablement project.

Students are working under the tutelage of Ian Chapman, to design a range of mouth tools which are vital for Lindsey to help her in carrying out a wide range of daily activities and creative tasks. Lindsey loves cooking, knitting and art, but these tasks are incredibly difficult for her because of her reliance on mouth-held tools. And, while she has used these types of implements for many years, they simply aren’t up to the work Lindsey puts them through!

Lindsey recently attended a full day session with eighteen students from the Corps of Royal Engineers, facilitated by Ian along with NMITE engineering academics Peter Broks and Steve Bertasso. Steve, who is himself a wheelchair user and has a service dog, led the afternoon session, challenging the students to think about the realities of disability and to start thinking about solutions that will work for everyone.

Lindsey thoroughly enjoyed the day and the session evolved into an exchange of experience that really benefitted the students in understanding how a disabled person like Lindsey can overcome challenges to successfully lead an independent life.

Lindsey is now looking forward to the next session when she will get to see the outcomes from the students’ ideas and suggestions for reablement technology.

This partnership working has proved so successful that NMITE and SIL are already working together to identify other needs that can be addressed by the students of today for the reablement technology of the future.

Herefordshire charity, Services for Independent Living (SIL), has won a contract to deliver specialist training to Support staff and volunteers in schools across the county.

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, which will also be open to School Support staff and Holiday, Activity and Food (HAF) providers in the county, is being funded by Herefordshire Council as part of the Covid Recovery Grant.

SIL’s CEO, Euan McPherson, a qualified MHFA instructor, said: “We are delighted to be working with the local authority to deliver this training and welcome the focus on mental health and wellbeing, which we know is an increasingly challenging issue for many.

“SIL has worked for several years delivering MHFA accredited course, not only to its own workforce, but also to a number of organisations across Herefordshire.”

As well as providing a mixture of one day, two day and half day courses, Euan was one of the founders of Hereford Mens Mental Health (HMMH), a group that meets monthly in the city to offer a place of peer support for men who have suffered, or are suffering, with mental health issues.

SIL runs MHFA courses throughout the year, providing accredited, yet affordable, training.

If you would like more information about SIL’s MHFA training or HMMH call 01568 616653, or visit www.s4il.co.uk

If there’s one thing, we all know about SIL service user Pat, it’s his unwavering love of football. On Sunday 11th June, that passion led him to the iconic Old Trafford for Soccer Aid, a charity football match that had the whole nation buzzing.

Pat was on his way, a broad smile on his face and excitement in his heart. His favourite football legends and celebrities were about to take the field. For Pat, who cherishes every opportunity to go places, this was more than just a match—it was an adventure!

As the match progressed, Pat was completely drawn into the game’s energy and spirit. His eyes lit up with every goal scored, and he was cheering with the thrill of the game, the electric atmosphere. Pat’s enthusiasm was infectious, spreading joy to those around him.

Studies have shown that getting out and about can significantly enhance physical and mental health. It can lower stress levels, improve mood, and boost overall life satisfaction. For Pat, these benefits were evident. His spirits were high, his energy was boundless, and his heart was full of joy.

Attending such events encourages social interaction, fostering a sense of belonging and improving interpersonal skills. Pat’s experience at Soccer Aid was a testament to this. He connected with fellow fans, shared laughs, and made beautiful memories. His day at Old Trafford was not just a soccer match; it was a celebration of community, humanity, and the sheer joy of living.

This story is a reminder for all of us. Regardless of our physical abilities or disabilities, we should strive to engage in activities that bring us joy and foster community connection. Like Pat, let’s make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.

So, let’s cheer on for Pat and his spirit of adventure! He’s not just a fan of Football; he’s a fan of life, a beacon of positivity that inspires us all. Here’s to many more adventures, Pat!

And we shouldn’t forget the extra miles that Tom, Pat’s support worker, went to so that Pat could have a great day out. Not getting home until the early hours of Monday morning. This didn’t phase Tom – he was just as happy as Pat with this fantastic day out.