My Life Learning’s support assistants adjusted their time off over the Easter Holidays so that we were able to keep a team onsite and keep in touch with learners.

We’ve also been able to help develop our Standish site alongside staff from other departments and volunteers, whilst social distancing of course. When this is all over, we can’t wait for you to come and enjoy our new flower beds across the site!

We held our weekly Zoom meeting with the learners and staff, with some staff who are on their staycations joining us from their gardens. It was great to hear from those who attended and apart from being a bit perplexed at this whole situation, learners were all in good spirits.

Caroline Lamb tested our knowledge on fast food logos with a quiz and it’s funny how fast some of these were identified by our staff and learners – though most were stumped by these ones below, can you guess what they are? 

John Mitchell, Head of My Life Learning

We know that many of our members and their families have had questions about coronavirus and food. We thought it might be useful to update you on the latest government guidance.

Common questions are: “Is Covid-19 carried on food packaging? “Should I wash fruit and vegetables?” And: “Can I have a takeaway?”

From food hygiene and storage, to questions around social distancing when shopping, you can read all about it here.

Members who are still attending our Day Opportunities have been turning old tyres and pallets into bright and vibrant planters, giving us hope and colour!

We’ve been making the most of the sunshine and using our new found skills to get My Life’s Standish site looking bright and beautiful, ready for when all our members are able to return.

Members have been working independently or social distancing to help carry, paint, plant and create our display, which has been positioned near our outdoor railway, for everyone to enjoy!

We’re proud to say that the display is already looking really great (even if we do say so ourselves) especially with the addition of our beautiful market cart, which has been painted by our artist Janice Rogers.

Don’t forget, our Standish site can be accessed via our public footpaths. If you would like to spend some time here, to get some fresh air, please call in advance so that we can ensure that there is enough space for you to observe safe distancing. Simply call our Reception on 01257 472 900 and we can book you in.

From social media and remote meetings with friends, to shopping for essentials, for many of us, connection to the internet has been essential during the pandemic.

If you know a vulnerable adult living in Wigan who doesn’t have access to both digital technology and the internet, Wigan Council may be able to help.

They’re hoping to be in a position soon where they will have devices ready to go out to those most in need in our community and are particularly interested to hear about people who meet the following criteria.

BOTH: 18+ years old AND with no access to the internet at home (and who cannot afford to buy a device and connectivity)

AND WHO QUALIFIES IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE FOLLOWING:

Has received a letter from the NHS asking them to self-isolate for 12 weeks

AND/OR

Has a low income and/or is aged 70 or over and/or has an underlying health condition or disability and/or has no social support network either nearby or at a distance.

If you know someone who meets these criteria, please email info@my-life.org.uk.

The Covid-19 pandemic has proved challenging for many people. 

An international collaboration of researchers have joined forces to investigate how Covid-19 and its political, social and economic repercussions are impacting on people with additional needs and their families, so that any future interventions can be designed to help improve their quality of life.

If you’re a parent of someone with additional needs, you can take part, simply by answering a questionnaire about how you and your child are experiencing the pandemic. It’s completely anonymous and only takes about 30 minutes.

You can find out more about the study here.

To take part, simply click here. 

Versatile and so, so, delicious, Head Chef of The Stable Door Café Paul Plumbley shares his recipe for the perfect focaccia bread.

Nice and easy to make at home, eat it as bread or add some extra bits and you’ve got garlic bread, bruschetta, or a mouth-watering pizza!

Paul has developed this from a traditional focaccia recipe. Incredibly versatile, you can add some garlic and rosemary for the best EVER garlic bread, perfect for pasta soups and salads.

You can also slice it nice and thin and pop it back in the oven for five minutes, then top with chopped tomato and basil for the best bruschetta.

Or, roll the dough thin, top with a tomato and basil passata, mozzarella cheese – and now you have the best ever pizza – yum-mee!

We’d like to see your focaccia once you’ve made it – why not send us a photo of you enjoying it, to info@my-life.org.uk?

Here’s how to make two focaccia loaves:

Ingredients:

• 1kg bread flour
• 5g salt
• 16g sugar
• 5g fresh yeast
• 650ml water (warm)
• Olive oil
• Garlic and herbs (optional)

Please note, the allergen in this recipe is flour.

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200c
2. Mix the warm water, yeast and sugar together and leave until this starts to foam
3. Sieve the flour and mix with the salt
4. Put the flour in a food mixer and using the dough hook start mixing on slow, slowly adding the water and yeast
5. Mix for 15 minutes until the dough is silky and smooth, alternatively, knead by hand for 20 minutes
6. Oil a bowl with olive oil and place dough in it
7. Rub the dough with a little olive oil, cover with cling film and let it prove (rest) till it doubles in size
8. Knock all the air out, mould into shape and let it prove (rest) again until it doubles
9. Bake for 25 minutes
10. Eat and enjoy!