Covid restrictions are making it harder for people to get the support and information they need, so we’re holding a series of online sessions you can take part in from home.

The first session, this Saturday 7th November, from 10am-11.30am, is ‘Your online guide to filling in your Personal Independence Payment Form (PIP).’

Alongside My Life’s Advocates Gill Lachman and Gail Ambrose, who is also a Benefits expert, our CEO Caroline Tomlinson will help you understand the questions on your PIP form more clearly, making it easier for you to fill in.

You can ask any questions during the session – we’ll be happy to answer them! If you know somebody who this session will help, please let them know about it. Nobody should have to struggle alone.

Register now by calling 01257 472 900 or emailing info@my-life.org.uk.

Many people have been confused by what is and isn’t allowed in their local area.

On Monday the Government announced a new three tiered system to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. The new system places different areas in England into three tiers – areas with more cases will face further rules.

The diagrams below explain each of the three tiers and what you can and can’t do, according to which tier the area you live in falls into.

Very High Tier

High Tier

Medium Tier

For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-levels-what-you-need-to-know

We’ve been lucky enough to have a group of Social Work students from The University of Central Lancashire join us for their placements.

We found out more about students Hannah and Lisa and what their first impressions of My Life have been!

Hannah

Hannah decided to study Social Work after working as a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator in a nursery. She explains:

“I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at My Life and felt a sense of ‘family’ within the My Life community. It’s very clear to see the caring and trusting relationships staff have built with members.

I was also surprised to see how staff members are able to use the surroundings at My Life to provide educational and sensory opportunities for the members. The large open grounds provide a calming environment for everyone and allow the luxury of having animals on site. I’ve learnt that the members can learn a lot through working with the animals and helping to care for them.

I’ve been able to see first-hand how the horses helped members to relax and I was particularly pleased to see how the staff members provided a person centred and strengths-based approach to each member, ensuring they had an enjoyable sensory experience regardless of their needs.

In the future I hope to continue working with children and families. My Life has taught me the importance of using person-centred approaches to ensure the best care is provided for every individual, and how crucial it is to create a relationship with members built on trust and respect. This is something I will take with me in my social work career.”

Lisa

Lisa decided to pursue a career in social work after working thirteen years for her family’s business. Lisa says:

“I have always been a people’s person and try to stay positive and upbeat, no matter what is thrown my way. Becoming a Social Worker will allow me to be a voice for those who are not heard in our ever-changing society.

My Life CEO Caroline Tomlinson was a guest speaker at university back in 2018 and I was impressed by what she had achieved with My Life Legacy. I feel lucky to be doing my first placement here and am looking forward to learning the ropes.

I love the ‘family’ feel of all the members and staff at My Life and I hope to take new skills I learn during this placement along with me throughout my future career in Social Work. I love the idea of working with people and families in an outdoor setting, in a person-centred way, whilst focusing on the person’s strengths.”

Hello everyone out there, it’s great to be in touch once again.

Here at My Life we keep going strong and are learning how to be together under the new guidance, keeping everyone safe without inhibiting opportunities. We are so blessed to have had such amazing weather which will hopefully be creeping into the autumn months.

We have been working hard over the last few weeks and months to bring together positive stories about individuals so we can share and inspire others. We will be publishing these stories very soon and over time would like to capture every person’s story – so watch out, as we may be asking you to share your story next!

These stories and the vast amount of conversations we have had with individuals and their families have equally enabled us to plan our vision over the next 18 months. We obviously need to think about the impact of Covid-19 and it probably being around for some time to come, so have included this in our plan. This includes:-

• Enabling more individuals to make meaningful contributions by actively seeking opportunities within our communities. This could involve anything from work experience to new types of micro enterprises under the My Life umbrella.
• How we deliver in small clusters, including using our own vehicles and extending our fleet of vehicles, as we know transport is a problem for many people.
• We are developing a ‘hybrid’ model which is a combination of Day Opportunities and My Life Support. This will be around providing meaningful opportunities in people’s own homes and in the community, with a consistent team.
• Creating connections and friendships whilst promoting independence and new experiences. We are offering a wide range of opportunities, from horsey clubs, crafty evenings, cooking camps to walking weekends. This will include staying safely in our self-contained holiday lets with support, doing things together safely and enabling families to have a much needed break.

If you have any ideas, or opportunities that you would like to experience, please send them our way, as we will and do consider all things!

Caroline Tomlinson, My Life CEO

Having been due to take place in March, The Great British Spring Clean was sadly postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.   

With over 680,000 volunteers ready and waiting to take part and clean up Britain, hope was not lost and fortunately, with planning around social distancing in place, a few months later, organisers were ready to bring it all back, with The Great British September Clean.

At My Life, we’re all known for our love of the environment, so when we heard about the event, which is supported by celebrities such as the BBC’s Steve Backshall, we were all too ready to take part!

Our Day Opportunities members and learners from My Life Learning took part in this big litter pick and worked really hard to get local areas spick and span, including the sports stadium, local roads and parks.

Sue Cadman, Deputy Head of My Life Learning said:

“We wanted to be part of such a fantastic event and do our share to help the environment and we’re really proud of the amazing job everyone has done. We know that our learners and members care about the environment and they’ve really stepped up to make it look beautiful, for everyone in the local community to enjoy.”

A big well done to everyone who took part, we think you’re the best!

What better time to cosy up with some deliciously heart-warming homecooked food than October?

This month, you can blow away the autumn blues with 20% off all food and drink*, every Tuesday in October at our Stable Door Cafe!

Take a look at our menu, here.

Want to give the kids a treat this half-term holiday?

Head Chef Paul and sponge monkey Dawn have been working hard to create this spell-binding kids’ afternoon tea. It’s only available this half term holiday, just in time for Halloween, so make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment.  

With spine-tingling jam sandwich fingers, severed finger hot dogs, fiendish fries, satsuma pumpkins, ghost strawberries and creepy cupcakes, it’s just £9.95 for two children.

We’re following government guidelines, so bookings only please on 01257 676 076. If you’d prefer to eat out, we have an outdoor area, or take away is available, simply ring ahead.

All profits from The Stable Door Café are reinvested into the work of My Life, you can support us and find out more by following our Facebook page, we look forward to welcoming you in!

*Offer excludes alcohol and is not to be used in conjunction with other offers.