Our new pack to help schools tackle bullying of people with learning disabilities

UR Consultants is a social enterprise set up by United Response and staffed by people with learning disabilities in the Trafford area of Greater Manchester.

Over the last year, they have been working with local schools to tackle the bullying of people with learning disabilities.

As a result, they have developed an exciting and interactive new curriculum-linked education pack to help teachers prepare lessons on the subject of bullying.

There will be more on the pack on our website soon but you can read the press release on our site to find out more.

Update: this has also been featured in the Times Educational Supplement as part of a bigger feature. To read more go to http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6004529&navcode=94

United Response awarded Good Relations grant

We have received a grant of £39,326 from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to help build relationships between people with learning disabilities and the wider community.

Allocated through the EHRC's Promoting Good Relations programme the grant will fund a year long project aimed primarily at employers and employees.

Through the project we will provide bespoke awareness training to help reduce the discrimination and barriers to work experienced by people with learning disabilities.

The training will be delivered by UR Consultants, a Manchester based social enterprise run by United Response and staffed by people with learning disabilities.

Read the press release about this project on our website

United Response goes from 'Good to Great' through winning National Training Award

We have won a National Training Award, a major nationwide accolade, for our 'Good to Great' training programme in the North West.

'Good to Great' - a partnership with Helen Sanderson Associates - is an innovative training programme aimed at transforming the lives of the people supported by United Response but which has also given a massive boost to support staff's own job satisfaction.

Embracing the best of international practice, 'Good to Great' emphasises the importance of teamwork and empowers staff by providing a set of simple and clear tools to help them take a creative approach to problem-solving. It embraces a commitment to continuous improvement, with a constant focus on evaluating what’s working and what’s not working so that successes can be built on and learning shared.

To find out more read the press release on our website

London half marathon - Sunday 12th October

Congratulations to all our fantastic half marathon runners who took part in the race this weekend.

We think you are fantastic. We really hope that you enjoyed the day and the lovely views that you took in.

Thank you so much for helping us raise such valuable funds for the people that we support - it really will make such a difference to the people we support.

A class act: flexible training is turning around lives of people with mental health needs

For people with mental health needs, one of the hardest parts of recovery can often be reintegrating back into everyday life. Winfield is a Kent-based IT training specialist working to change all that.

Winfield's flexible approach has helped many people complete their training programme and gain qualifications. Some students like the routine and structure and others like the companionship and understanding that is provided.

To find out more, read our article A class act: a flexible approach to training

10th October - World Mental Health Day - Awareness raising events

To help celebrate, various local mental health groups are holding awareness raising events ranging from art workshops, Tai Chi taster sessions through to discovery walks along the seafront.

Charities United Response and Mind will be joining with the Western Sussex Primary Care Trust and other local groups to stage a series of mental health events throughout West Sussex. Aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues and providing people with information on how to look after their own mental health, the theme for this year's global celebrations will be making mental health a global priority.

Tuesday 7th October

10.30am - 4pm - Try it for yourself day in Midhurst, Catholic Church Hall, Bepton Road - Come and try your hand at everything from art to tai chi at this event organised by MIND in Midhurst. Highlights include:
10.30 - 12 noon - Art workshop
12.45 - 1.45pm - Tai Chi taster session
2.30 - 4pm - Music workshop
Tea, coffee and workshop materials are available (50p donation recommended).

Also

1pm onwards - Launch of 'Open Forum', DJ's café bar, Bognor - Users of mental health services are invited to the launch of this client led support and discussion forum (service users only).

Thursday 9th October

11am - Walk towards recovery, DJ's café bar, Little High Street, Bognor - Find out about the benefits of exercise with a bracing walk along Bognor's seafront, followed by a healthy lunch at DJ's café bar.

Friday 10th October

10.30am - 1pm - World Mental Health Day event, Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre, seafront, Bognor - Join in the celebrations with complementary therapy taster sessions, handmade crafts, sign language demonstrations, raffles, refreshments, music and much much more. Local mental health groups will be giving out information on mental wellbeing and the services available in the local area.

Saturday 11th October

11am - 1pm - Sticky Jam, Sainsbury's in Chichester - By popular demand, local band Sticky jam are back to entertain you as you shop. Information on local mental health services will be available along with celebration balloons, ribbons and badges.

Christmas cards now on sale

Christmas is closer than you think!

Our Christmas cards now on sale.

These vibrant cards are designed by Bill Attack, who is supported by United Response.

They are available in packs of 10 and retail at £2.50 which includes P&P.

Order now to avoid disappointment:

• Through our online order form
  
• Directly through Laura Golland on 020 8246 5221
• Email laura.golland@unitedresponse.org.uk