We have had some telephone improvements and as a result the new phone number at our Leigh site is 01942 318051, the old number no longer works! The Standish number is still the same.

Thanks!

My Life Learning Student Dan Pout has been starring in the multi-award winning Imaginarium Theatre’s touring production of Romeo and Juliet.

Always passionate about drama and acting from a young age, over the years Dan has performed in several productions at the Citadel Arts Centre in St Helens and also trod the boards whilst at college in Sheffield.

First involved with Imaginarium Theatre last year, Dan has previously acted in their children’s production of ‘Willo the Wisp and the Fire Sprite.’ Specialising in spectacular site-specific and outdoor touring productions of Shakespeare’s plays, Imaginarium bring re-imaginings of literary classics and enchanting walkabout fairy-tale productions to life for children and families.

And the production of Romeo and Juliet certainly was spectacular. Playing a number of characters, including the seller of that critical bottle of poison, Dan has been part of a very successful six week run.

Currently on a supported internship at My Life Learning, Dan has a clear love for drama. Sue Cadman, Deputy Head of My Life Learning said on seeing the production:

“We’re all very proud of Dan, he knew all his words so well and it really was a stunning production – his acting was fantastic.”

Having thoroughly enjoyed his experience of Romeo and Juliet, Dan is now planning to continue with Imaginarium for their next show in the autumn – we’re booking our tickets now!

After both being nominated for Apprentice of the Year in Health and Social Care 2019, Summer Grimshaw and Mia Carrier did My Life proud at a glittering awards evening.

Chosen from over 500 apprentices in the North West of England, Mia and Summer were amongst 15 young people who were all nominated for awards. Both attended an awards evening at Bolton University, where their achievements were celebrated amongst other apprentices from the North West.

We’re proud to announce that Summer was awarded Apprentice of the Year in Health and Social Care 2019 and Mia was Highly Commended in the same category. Considering they were down to the last two for the award, this was no mean feat!

For the past 18 months, both Mia and Summer have been working at My Life Learning, supporting our learners with their education.

Showing their hard work and dedication, both have been involved supporting learners in activities such as exciting off-site trips, gardening, animal care, personal and social development, music, literacy and numeracy, health and fitness and The Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Emma Reed, My Life Learning’s Education Officer said:

“Mia and Summer have both had amazing achievements since they started with us in 2017 and it’s so wonderful to see these achievements being recognised with these awards– we’re all so very proud of them!”

As part of our inspiring tailor-made curriculum for young people with additional needs, My Life Learning offer a wide range of work experience and supported internships, both of which take place off site.

Learner Sumaiyah has made amazing progress during her weekly work experience at Barnardo’s. Despite initially being slightly hesitant to make decisions for herself, after building up good relationships with Barnardo’s staff and her support, she is now working more independently and showing a good level of confidence whilst she completes her tasks.

Teaching Assistant Nichola Aspinall says:

“It has been lovely to see Sumaiyah develop and flourish within a real working environment – the positive attitude she now has towards work should be celebrated!”

Luke Unsworth has also been performing brilliantly during his work placement at The Grange Community Gardens in Preston. Luke has been given a wide variety of gardening tasks to complete by manager Chris, including planting tomato plants, wildflowers, potatoes, peas, spreading manure(!) weeding and edging.

Learning Support Jane Crompton says of Luke:

“The Grange has proved a great placement for Luke. It’s a very welcoming and relaxing space that is used by many volunteers and has a real community feel about it. Luke has been enthusiastic about his placement. We have been working a lot on increasing Luke’s attention and independence when completing tasks. This is an area Luke is improving in and he had a great session re-planting 16 tomato plants recently, almost entirely independently (from sorting different varieties to making sure they were firmly bedded in). I was very proud of him.”

Alongside Luke, My Life Learning’s off-site horticulture group have also been tending to The Grange Community Gardens – showing that we have a wealth of very talented green fingers on hand!

If you would like to learn more about My Life Learning’s work experience and supported internships please email info@my-life.org.uk or call 01257 472 900.

My Life Members in Leigh have been showing what they’re made of, with Martial Arts and Self Defence classes.

Designed to increase confidence and resilience in any situation, our members certainly showed they had strength in both body and mind as they were put through their paces.

Instructor Mike Jones from Calicross Martial Arts and Self Defence said:

“When it comes to self-defence, even just having that little bit of confidence can make all the difference. Keeping safe starts with your brain and ensuring you’re not putting yourself in any unwelcome situations.

The members were absolutely belting – they showed everything is possible, even members in wheelchairs were skipping with a rope. Even if you think you can’t do something, they’ve proved you can.”

Describing the classes, Kim Mirrelson, Deputy Manager of My Life’s Leigh site said:

“Our members have all spoken about what an amazing session this was – Mike has had everyone interacting in one way or another and we’ve all learnt so much!”

To find out more about My Life and any opportunities that may be available to you call 01257 472 900 or email info@my-life.org.uk

We’re sad to announce the passing of Clive Fellows, who was part of the My Life family, and much loved by us all.

Born in West Bromwich, Clive was a keen supporter of West Bromwich Albion and even met future England Manager Roy Hodgson during his time at the club. He adored going on holiday and leapt at any chance of adventure, from swimming with dolphins in Mexico, to sailing for a week on a tall ship in the channel, Clive even once flew with The Red Arrows and loved every minute of it!

A cameraman and actor with One Vision Media Productions for over twenty years, Clive had a very special way about him that meant people warmed to him wherever he went. In recent years Clive spent a lot of time at My Life, quickly becoming part of the fabric of the organisation. My Life CEO Caroline Tomlinson says of Clive:

“Clive was a true inspiration to many people, demonstrating what it was like to live an ordinary life with support needs. He was a popular member of the community and was known for his gentle soul, kindness and sense of fun. Even as he became older and his dementia got worse his personality remained – our team loved supporting him as he made them laugh, cry and got up to so much mischief all in one shift. You can’t help but love him, was a common phrase used – we will all miss him so much, but we are all smiling because he was here, and we had the pleasure of knowing him.”

Describing Clive, his brother Robert says: “He was such a fun-loving guy with a terrific sense of humour, everybody loved him. He had an infectious smile and an infectious personality, he was just a wonderful, wonderful lad. When they gave the charisma out in our house, he got it all. He touched everyone everywhere he went.”

Paying tribute to Clive, Caroline Tomlinson perfectly sums up how we all feel about him:

“Clive, you showed us the importance of family and friends and what being included really felt like. You were popular, witty, playful and so much fun to be with. Everyone loved every special moment they were with you.

Today we are so sad you have left us but are equally so happy we had the privilege of knowing you. You truly are leaving a legacy and are a legend of our time. Sleep tight our wonderful friend Clive – we love you to the moon and back.”

All our love and thoughts are with Clive’s brother Robert, sister-in-law Christine and the rest of his family and friends at this sad time.