BLACKBURN with DARWEN

SOCIAL INCLUSION SERVICE

JULY 2016

SOCIAL INCLUSION SERVICE, 22 STRAWBERRY BANK, BLACKBURN BB2 6AA T: 01254 664975 E: blackburn@creativesupport.org.uk

#SIFL

ART @ bb1 For Life Resident artist Cath has overseen our most successful Art Group to date! Based at bb1 For Life (opposite King George’s Hall in Blackburn town centre) the Group meets every Wednesday. Cath has done a series of blogs to keep us up to date with how the Group is progressing…here’s a couple she made earlier!

W hen I began this project I imagined that we would spend time together, talking about mental health and creating work inspired by our conversations, however quite early

on I realised that what people were actually seeking was a space and time to escape from thinking and talking about illness and wellness. Our afternoon sessions are loud, crowded and full of laughter. I have learned that I can maintain the focus of the group on a conversation for about, ooh, thirty seconds! What people want is

to do, not listen or talk about doing. The group comprises people of all different abilities, some work quickly and others really slowly, some understand concepts and can create work in response to stimuli whilst others struggle. For some their inspiration comes from within, whilst others are inspired by cartoon characters and want to produce work which reflects their interests, some like to work on individual projects whilst others love collaborating. Finding a way for everyone to be able to participate and contribute at a level which is right for them and yet encourage them to take risks and try new approaches has been one of the challenges and joys of the project. Several months in I am learning what individuals different learning styles are, how much I can push someone and what they will respond to best. Together, we are working towards an exhibition to coincide with World Mental Health Day in October. Some of the work will be about mental health, whilst other work will be examples of the group’s work and creative expression. I realise now that our work doesn’t have to explicitly be about mental health. If the work we produce reflects just a fraction of the joy, creativity and positive atmosphere of the sessions, then it is all about positive mental health. Last week I asked a couple of people who come to the morning group to talk a bit about how they feel about the sessions…

I ’ve been pleasantly surprised at the commitment of everyone in the group. Personally, attending is very therapeutic for me. It’s a really nice environment to look forward to leave the

house for. That’s a godsend. Something to look forward to and meet with like minded people who understand what you’ve got through and the journey you’re trying to make back to a fulfilling life. And this is the ideal place to start on a journey like that. I’d thoroughly recommend it to anyone, who doesn’t have to be artistically minded, but by coming to have a go it is surprising what you can do. Individually I’d like to explore different artistic fields. Look what other people have done. It’s a really, really accessible session,

you’ll meet people in the same sort of place you are or have been and you don’t have to feel that you’re the odd one out. There are people to talk to and you can express yourself any way you want to take it . TH

I really enjoy it. It keeps me busy. I look forward to coming to the class. I’ve enjoyed doing different things. I like the

pottery and I love the fimo too and the mosaics. I’ve found out today that I’m really good at painting. It feels good that I was able to create the flower designs. NK Why not pop down to bb1 For Life on a Wednesday afternoon between 1-3pm. Alternitively, if Art isn’t your thing we are also at bb1 every Friday afternoon 1-3pm for a brew and a chinwag!

The LADIES GROUP

C athryn gives us the lowdown on what is possibly the most secretive and mischievous group based at Strawberry Bank… It’s always a safe bet that on a Tuesday, Sarah and I (often referred to

as Barb + Dwire) will be frequenting some local food establishment or bustling market with their posse of ladies all eager to escape the testosterone flying around Strawberry Bank. All Ladies are more than welcome, we depart from Strawberry Bank at 11am and most Tuesdays are back before 3.30pm. As a group we tend to plan six weeks worth of activities/days out where everyone contributes their suggestions whether it be a museum, tea and cake in town, a stroll in the park or a pamper day we try to mix it up and do something different every week. As the weather gets nicer we tend to go further afield. Most Tuesdays are pleasant calm days out with any real dramas other than a missed bus stop or two. (OH IT’S A

GREAT LIFE ON THE BUSES…..) No Olive wisecracks thank-you very much! One Tuesday every month we have a lovely pamper day at our local wellbeing centre where the offer us half an hours treatment at a reduced rate of £10 per lady. We are always made to feel really welcome and a get showered with cups of tea/coffee, fruit, biccies and cake. (We like cake) Treatments on offer include Hot stones, Indian head and neck massage, Aromatherapy, mini facials and hands and feet treatments. Also if you have a particular muscle problem they always accommodate around that too. We always come away feeling refreshed and ready to face (cough, rule) the world again!

Cathryn conceals a jam tart whilst reciting Jerusalem to onlookers...

W hether its music, cooking, gardening or sport we should

all do things we enjoy. Why do so many of us give up

things we enjoy? I think many of us give up things we

love for reasons not always clear. Do we think we need to grow up

and leave things behind? Clearly growing up has nothing to do

with surrendering a passion. We can be over worked or under-

stimulated but having that “something” in your life seems to reduce

that overwhelming feeling or can lift your mood. Having a hobby

can be a social outlet for people who don’t get out and about as

much as they should leading to group activities and the social side

that may come with that. Try and think back to what you used to

enjoy doing. If something gave you joy as a child, work your way

from that point and find something equivalent to give yourself that

same feeling again. If it was competitive sports then obviously

don’t go back into it thinking everything will be as it was. Find

something at your level now and you will be amazed at how much

we can adapt to things and still enjoy them just as much. The

health benefits can be positive too. If its physical then all the better because of course exercise is not only

good for the body it is also an effective way to improve your mental health. And you don’t have to be a

gym freak - just gentle regular exercise can reduce stress and have a positive impact on depression.

Music can also help with a positive state of mind and relaxation. Music can be used daily for stress

management or relaxation and the best thing about that is you don’t have to go to the gym to use it. Just

put a CD or the radio on and just enjoy the moment.

Cathryn on one of her many jogs down Witton Park...

GOOD FOOD GROUP

T here’s always a smell of food at Strawberry Bank on a Monday. We meet as a group to cook and enjoy a meal together. We all “muck in” with someone different every week wanting to cook their

signature dish. There is always something different on the menu, varying from Corned Beef Hash to Authentic Asian Curries. Everyone contributes £2 per head and this covers the cost of the ingredients – sometimes we even build up a kitty and are able to eat out now and again! (which is a real treat as there is no washing up that week).

There are some people who are confident in the kitchen and will help the groups not so confident achieve something they perhaps wouldn’t attempt on their own at home, which always boosts the self-esteem of both parties. It’s not all about the cooking either so don’t panic if you can’t cook there’s the shopping, preparation of food, menu planning and cleaning up all available for people to get involved with. It really is a group effort for all abilities. Six of our service users have just completed their level 1 in Food Safety (CIEH) giving themselves the confidence to move on to level 2. Some of our groups Culinary Creations include, Home-made Meat and Potato or Cheese and Onion Pie served with Mushy Peas. Carrot and Coriander Soup served with Garlic Bread and Home-made Lasagne served with Salad and Coleslaw. If you would like to get involved in any aspect of the Good Food Group please don’t be shy? Just ask, we are always looking for new ideas. We serve up at 1pm (ish) most Mondays.

Is this little one poking fun at our Ken? Yes, yes she is!

View our Social Inclusion Football League Fanzine ‘One2’ on the Blackburn Rovers

Community Trust Website!

FOOTBALL

A week after losing out in the Semi’s at Manchester’s Street 2 Feet tournament, Blackburn Brasilia headed South for the 3rd consecutive year to play in Lewes FC’s Football Therapy Cup.

On Tuesday 26th April, after weeks of saving and planning, the team left East Lancashire to set up base at Brighton YHA on the seafront. With Chris Rea’s ‘Road to Hell’ ringing in his ears Ken left three hours before the 2nd carload to avoid the M25. 14 hours later, as they left Winchester (Where everything costs a fiver), Ken noticed in his rear view mirror that Star Striker Simon kept banging his head on the ceiling. Poor old Simon. If Ken had checked his mirrors more often he would have noticed this had been the case since they drove over the Thelwall Viaduct. But Simon doesn’t like to cause a fuss...even after leaving Winchester thirty quid light. After another detour, this time to a local garage, Ken and the boys got back on the road but not without leaving with a souvenir. The mechanic kindly gave Ken his handbrake back in a Sainsbury’s carrier bag. The hilly South Downs would now become a cruel test of Ken’s clutch control. The second car arrived intact with no incidents to report on the M25 and checked in at around 5pm. The boys’ rooms were compact and consisted of bunk-beds. Gaffer had done the bookings and there were a few raised eyebrows when she was given the key to the Penthouse Suite. A king-size bed, widescreen TV and a concierge stood in the corner holding a silver tray containing a pyramid of Ferrero Rocher. Ken and the rest of the team arrived about an hour later...pale and gaunt looking. Neil still had a cupful of coffee left in his flask until it started leaking in the Foyer and Wayne was wearing sun glasses, even though the sun hadn’t made an appearance since the previous Thursday. Simon had been dropped off at A&E. But what the hell, we were on holiday! With my car parked about 2 miles away at a cost of sixteen quid Ken finally had lady luck on his side when a space became available outside the hostel. Sorted. So, a quick swill in the sink, glad rags on and a mooch up to the local Wetherspoons for some tea and a cheeky pint. As we all met up outside smelling like the perfume aisle at Superdrug we all looked at Ken’s car. No-one said a word. We just stood and watched as Ken reluctantly peeled off his parking ticket, gently weeping as he did so. He was a changed man at Wetherspoons though. Gorging on a double cheese and bacon deluxe burger. Smearing himself in every sauce known to man. Writhing in ecstasy. And all for under a tenner. Bargain! Dan meanwhile hadn’t eaten for at least an hour so we patiently waited as he demolished every item on the menu. Before returning to the hostel for an early night (cough) in preparation for the tournament we stumbled across bohemia in the shape of a café / bar. One more wouldn’t hurt and Dan was still feeling a bit peckish. We ordered some drinks and a buy-one get-one-free Lasagne for Dan and found a pacman table being invaded by parachuted action-men. Ken remained at the bar, leaning in nonchalantly towards the barmaid. The sound of poets leaving the dimly lit cavern of twentieth century memorabilia drowned out his voice but his body language suggested he may have found a kindred spirit to share his love of kitchen-sink bathing and rustic Battenberg. Excitement grew as Ken returned to the table. Always defensive is our Ken. “She started talking to me. Honest!” “What did she say?” “What can I get you?” “Well she would Ken, she’s a barmaid!” “ Yeah, but

she’s reet fit.” The general consensus was that he was punching well above his weight and besides she was a lot younger. But was she? We learnt that Ken had recently been working on some mathematical formulas that allow him to date anyone half his age plus 7 years. Good luck ladies. A quick night cap back at the hostel followed before it was heads down for the big day. Looking back its hard to imagine that we were actually there to play football. We woke up early the next morning to be greeted by Simon wandering around the foyer in his new superhero pyjamas. It transpired that he still thought he was in Blackburn and couldn’t work out why there were loads of French students in his kitchen. Me and Dan went on a 2 mile jog and successfully beat the clamper van as we made it to my car in time. I only threw up once and actually beat Dan there as he’d stopped off at Subway for his breakfast. The Football Therapy Cup at Lewes FC is easily the best tournament around. The Dripping Pan ground oozes character and teams from all over compete each year. This year there were two group stages followed by QF, SF and Final. The surface at the Dripping Pan was in much better nick than in previous years which was just as well as we experienced hot sunshine, snow, sleet and rain throughout the day. Despite a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal’s Community Trust we comfortably won our group qualifying us for the main Cup competition. We dominated the Arsenal game but like their professional counterparts from the 70’s they ground out the win. The quality of the teams qualifying for the second group stage naturally goes up a notch. Three wins and a loss again saw us qualify comfortably for the Quarter-Finals. The defeat came against a very strong Everton side but the performance gave the lads a lot of confidence. After being one down we got a goal back and Everton had to work as hard as they had all day to create a winner. The Quarter Final put us up against a Community team from Brighton & Hove Albion. This was our eighth game of the day and legs were getting weary. I looked at Ken and I know he knew. Carrying on like this at our age would only result in bringing the hip-replacements forward a few years. Until then we will carry on using our Cash ‘n’ Carry cards at the Deep Heat Warehouse. This was another tough, tough game but two excellent worked goals in the second half saw us through. So here we were again. Semi-finalist specialists bar a one-off tournament win in Leeds a couple years ago. Our opposition this time were Croydon Eagles, last years winners. All young, lean six footers with great all-round technical ability. But again, we gave it everything and matched them in all departments before bowing out with a 2-1 defeat. Everton were the eventual winners following a penalty shoot out which, it has to be said, was harsh on Croydon. It was a great day of football and showed us what we are capable of. There was nothing in our games against the two eventual finalists and the boys should be proud of how they played...both on and off the field! Back to the hostel for one final night in Brighton. Spirits were high but our bodies were broken. Simon briefly came to life when he took on a raw chilli challenge at the local Curry House before turning a funny colour and passing out in the corner. Dan ate his way through an entire tray of chicken wings prompting the staff to re-open the kitchen and Wayne kept missing his mouth because he couldn't see through his sunglasses.. Roll on next year...Paul

FOOTBALL

On Wednesday 1st June Blackburn Brasilia travelled down to Sixfields—home of League 2 Champions Northampton Town—to

take part in the annual Heads Up Mental Health Tournament. Organised by former Cobblers player of the year Russell Lewis and the Clubs Football in the Community Scheme the tournament featured teams from all over the country. Blackburn Brasilia finished the day with a victory in the 3rd Place Play-off Final before Middlesbrough eventually beat our old friends Everton on penalties in the Final. Here’s the lads holding the Sky Bet League 2 Trophy!

O n Wednesday 13th April we were very honoured to welcome Stoke City Community Trust to the Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre for

a friendly against their Brighter Futures team. The game was played in a great spirit before Blackburn ran out comfortable 12-1 winners. A big thank you to Paul Gavin for officiating the game, Adrian Ward for preparing the home dressing room with full Rovers kits and twitter updates and of course to all the players and staff who travelled up the M6 from Stoke.

If you love Football and want to start playing again then you are in the right place! Creative Support have a Football Group at the Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre every Wednesday morning from 11am. And if you want to take it a little more seriously we

have the Social Inclusion Football League which takes place once a month and features teams from all over the North West. Our own team, Blackburn Brasilia, are always looking for new players to join and you will have the opportunity to travel to various tournaments around the country! For general enquiries around the Football contact Paul on 01254 664975 or email him at blackburn@creativesupport.org.uk. For enquiries around Blackburn Brasilia please contact Cathryn using the same contact details as above.

WE RECENTLY RESCUED A VERY POORLY CAT WHO WE FOUND IN THE BACK YARD AT

STRAWBERRY BANK. HE LOOKED VERY UNWELL BUT HAD A LOVELY NATURE WANTING TO BE CLOSE AND PETTED BY THOSE WHO FOUND HIM. COLLECTIVELY WE DECIDED TO TAKE HIM TO THE CLOSEST VETS AND GET HIM TREATED. SARAH AND JAMES TOOK HIM TO THE VETS WHO THOUGHT HE WAS DEHYDRATED AND HAD NOT HAD ANY FOOD FOR SOME TIME. STRAWBERRY BANK DECIDED WE WOULD PAY THE VETS BILL WITH THE HELP OF THE RSPCA AND ADOPT HIM. WE WERE DECIDING ON A NAME AND PEOPLE WERE BRINGING THINGS IN FOR HIM. THE VET WAS LOVELY BUT WORRIED AS HE WAS NOT GETTING ANY BETTER. SHE TOLD US SHE WANTED TO GIVE HIM THE BEST CHANCE AS SHE THOUGHT WE WOULD LOOK AFTER HIM AND HE WOULD BE LOVED. UNFORTUNATLEY HE PASSED AWAY DURING THE NIGHT DUE TO A PROGRESSIVE DISEASE HE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RECOVER FROM. THE VET SAID “IT WAS A

LOVELY THING WE HAD DONE AND HE SPENT HIS REMAINING TIME SAFE AND SECURE”. THEY HAD NAMED HIM FALLON AFTER SARAH WHO TOOK HIM IN AND THE VET AND STAFF AT THE VETS HAD MADE A FUSS OF HIM. THE VET TOLD ME IF WE WANTED ANOTHER CAT WE SHOULD ADOPT A RESCUE CAT AS IT WAS OBVIOUS WE ALL CARED. IT IS SAD BUT FALLON WAS SAFE AND COMFORTABLE THANKS TO STRAWBERRY BANK. WE ARE NOW

CONSIDERING A RECUE CAT IN MEMORY OF FALLON. - DEBRA

POOL GROUP

S habbs and James take us through life in the Pool Group. It’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it…

The Creative Support Pool Championship is well underway and now in its 3

rd season, even though we

had to shift the venues a couple of times due to businesses closing down unexpectedly. Eventually, James sprung to life utilising his SOCC Degree (Searching Officer of Community Centres) and saving the day. His efforts and hard work paid off as he found a venue in the shape of Mill Hill Community Centre. The reason for choosing the local community centre was to stay within the community which would help and encourage local participants to meet at the venue to encourage and promote Independence. This season we have seen ups and downs in numbers as at one point we could not fit everyone in

Shabbs ‘n’ Jimmy take time out from the Pool Group to present Simon Cowell with an award for services to their ipods...

Andy (centre) was our first ever Pool Champion. Andy is pictured with Runner Up Jim and special guest Olive from On the Buses...

the two cars at our disposal. But now that players are able to make their own way to the venue things have settled back down. In the next few weeks the final is going to be held at Preston’s Stephen Hendry Snooker Club. A Trophy will be warded to the Winner which has been won in the past by Andy and James. This season’s playoff competition will be decided by the league’s top 8 players battling it out in a knockout style tournament. Jim, Shabz and Yasin are the big favourites after a long hard fought league campaign, but with our once a month turn up’s like Neil, Andy and Javaid, there are no certainty’s as to who will be lifting the trophy at the end of the season. The competition has been fierce and feisty, the standard of our pool players is rising, and there are no easy matches anymore, although Ken’s 5 points doesn’t look like they will be getting him into the playoff spots. Our Italian stallion Joseph has been potting everything in sight and is looking like the dark horse for the competition. Our two time final loser Jim is smashing his way through the opposition with a 39 point lead over his next closest competitor. Jim has racked up a tasty 141 points this season, although the slight bend in the table has been benefitting him greatly! Could this be the season Jim finally collects some silverware? Check out our Social Inclusion Facebook page for all the latest results and league tables

WEEKLY TIMETABLE

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY SOCIAL INCLUSION FOOTBALL LEAGUE Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre Friday 12th August Div 1 + 2 Friday 19th August Div 3 + 4 Friday 9th September Div 1 + 2 Friday 16th September Div 3 + 4 Friday 14th October Div 1 + 2 Friday 21st October Div 3 + 4 Friday 11th November Div 1 + 2 Friday 18th November Div 3 + 4 Friday 9th December Div 1 + 2 Friday 16th December Div 3 + 4

Log onto Facebook and ’Like’ Creative Support - Blackburn Social Inclusion Service for all our latest news, views and pics!

Log onto Twitter and follow @One2Blackburn for all our latest football news and give us tweet!

Monday 10-1 Social Inclusion Morning @ Strawberry Bank

1-4 Good Food Group @ Strawberry Bank

Tuesday 10-1 Social Inclusion Morning @ Strawberry Bank 1-4 Ladies Group (various locations throughout the region) 1-4 Walking Group (various locations throughout the region)

1-4 Film Club @ Strawberry Bank Wednesday 10-1 Social Inclusion Morning @ Strawberry Bank 11-12 Football Session @ Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre 1-3 Art Group @ bb1 For Life

Thursday 10-1 Social Inclusion Morning @ Strawberry Bank 1-3 Pool Group @ Blackburn MILLHILL Community Centre

Friday 10-1 Social Inclusion Morning @ Strawberry Bank 1-4 Social Inclusion Afternoon @ bb1 For Life

Notes Good Food Group: There is a £2 cost to cover ingredients but you get a very good meal! Pool Group: £1.00 for a two hour session!

Information If you would like any information regarding the activities we provide or would like to know how to make a referral then please contact us on the following:

T: 01254 664975 E: blackburn@creativesupport.org.uk 22 Strawberry Bank, Blackburn BB2 6AA

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HOWE TOP, SOUTH LAKES HOLIDAY Monday 18th - Friday 22nd FULLY BOOKED Monday 25th - Friday 29th FULLY BOOKED

EID CELEBRATION STRAWBERRY BANK MONDAY 11TH JULY Beautiful authentic Asian curry and savouries, music and Henna painting throughout the day. Please book before as soon as possible to obtain a ticket. Tickets are £2.00 each and can be collect-ed from our office at Strawberry Bank

PUMP UP THE PAM! NEW LADIES GYM GROUP COMING SOON! CONTACT DEBRA ON 01254 664975 FOR MORE DETAILS. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE CALLED PAM TO JOIN...