This easy read version of New Directions' newsletter targets the requirements for accessibility of information. Full of news, views, stories, events and reports, New Directions' newsletter is packed with information about the charity, the people it supports, their families and carers.

1. New Directions’ newsletter with
news, views, stories, events and more.
• New Directions has a new supported
living service at Lennon Court and in
the community.
• This new service provides homes and
support services in the community
to 26 people with learning disabilities.
• Supported living is a stepping stone
into living more independently in the
community.
• Marygold Challenor is the Housing
Support Officer for New Directions.
• Marygold will help tenants to claim
benefits, manage their finances and
help them to find work, either paid
or as a volunteer.
NEW
SERVICE
NEW DIRECTIONS’
New Services in the Community
Right: Marygold providing support
Above and below: At home with
some of the tenants

2. Above: Quizmaster Chris with
Organiser Cheri
Above: Quiz teams pit their
wits to answer quiz questions
Charity Quiz Night
• Mark is helping New
Directions to make a
noticeboard display
with pictures and stories.
• The display includes a
history of New Directions
from the 1900s until now.
• This display includes the
latest Richmond Court
development.
• Mark said, “We have
been working on it a long
time and researched in
the library.”
Mark Helps With Charity History
Above: Mark and Tracy working on
the noticeboard display design
• Our Charity Quiz Night raised
£602 for New Directions.
• It was a fun evening with a
brilliant atmosphere.
• The money raised will be
used by New Directions for
art therapy.
• The funds will also be used by
art therapists coming to our
services who do drama, art
and music sessions.

3. Above: Poppy Place sensory
garden and water feature
• The Mayor of Rugby,
Cllr. Sally Bragg, officially
opened Poppy Place
residential home.
• The Mayor and special
guests were invited to take
a look around the home.
• CEO Doreen Woodward
said, “This home is
transforming the lives of
its residents, and is having
a positive impact on their
health and wellbeing.”
Above: Ian Southcott cutting
the celebration cake
Official Opening of
Poppy Place
Above: CEO Doreen, the Mayor
and JLR representatives

4. • Becky Aucott from
Particip8 has been
working with our drama
group at Community
Choices Network every
Friday.
• Together the group
have put together a
drama called ‘True
Colours’.
• The star of the show, Tina, played an excellent part as a
vulnerable girl who deals with being bullied by making
relationships with new friends.
Above: Friends and families watch the
drama performance in full swing at our
free space
Drama Performance About Bullying
• Some people who attend
Community Choices Network
visit Hilltop Farm every other
Friday, to enjoy arts and crafts.
• Each session is delivered to
the group by the owner of the
workshop.
• Individuals pay a cost for each
session and select a piece of
pottery from the workshop to
decorate and take home or
to give to their families.
Getting Creative at
Hilltop Farm Studio
Above: Taking part in studio
activities at Hilltop Farm

5. Richmond
Court Opening
March 2017
• Richmond Court will be
opening in March 2017.
• It will provide 11 one
bedroom supported
living flats for people with
learning and physical
disabilities.
• The people that will live
there will be supported to
live the life they choose.
• People living there will
be more independent.
• At Richmond Court
people will be able to
make new friends.
If you would like to get
more information phone:
01788 573318.
Above and below: The designs
for Richmond Court flats
opening soon

6. Senior Support Worker Dee said, “There was a wonderful
amount of support at the Christmas Fete from those that
popped in off the high street, friends and families.”
Charity
Christmas Fete
• Our Christmas Fete at
The Exchange raised an
impressive £320 toward
activities for people who use
our services.
• There was a steady flow of
visitors with faces old and
new throughout the event.
• The craft stall made
over £100 from
selling handmade
gifts such as table
runners, broaches,
bags and Christmas
table decorations.

7. Keeping Healthy and Happy
Paul’s Story
• Paul joined Slimming World
at the end of July 2016 and
has lost a total of 2 stone.
• He enjoys preparing healthy
meals, planning ahead,
and eating lots of fruit,
vegetables and yoghurt.
• Paul likes that he is in
control of his healthy eating
habits and said, “I love it,
it makes me happy.”
Above: Paul shows off his
certificates for losing 2 stone
Left: Keith
stretching
his legs and
strengthening
his muscles
Keith and Kyle’s Story
• Keith and Kyle have been
going to a wheelchair-
based exercise class at the
local sports centre for over
6 months.
• They are building up their
muscle tone and it helps
with their co-ordination.
• Asked what he thought
about the exercise classes,
Keith gave a double thumbs
up and smiled.
Right: Kyle
lifting weights
working his arm
muscles

8. Above: Janine, Maureen and Linda
Above: Peter Jackson
Cleaners Take To Their Roles
• Janine, Linda
and Maureen are
happy in paid
work with New
Directions.
• Their cleaning roles
give them more
independence,
confidence and
fulfilment.
Janine said, “I enjoy cleaning and I have more independence
earning my own money. I have bought myself some treats and
go out for meals.”
CEO Doreen said, “We thank
Peter for his dedication
and legacy of support that
helped people with learning
disabilities and their families.
He will be fondly missed.”
• Peter Jackson, who was a
trustee for a number of years
at New Directions, has sadly
passed away.
• He was also a family member
and will be remembered for
his commitment to getting the
voices of disabled people and
their carers heard.
A Tribute To Peter Jackson’s Memory

9. Sue Celebrates Another
Year Volunteering
• Volunteer Sue Windows
believes she is privileged to
be able to support Elaine
and Kyle at Gateway Court
and wishes she could devote
more time to helping out.
Kyle said, “I look forward to
the time Sue spends with me
every week.”
Elaine said, “I have been to lots
of exciting places with Sue.”
Thank You Volunteer Bernie
Above: Bernie supporting
Alison and Tony with
crafting and making cakes
• Bernie Watson, who volunteers
at Poppy Place, has supported
Alison, Tony and Denise with craft
making and cooking for over a
year now.
• Alison said, “I like putting things
together and seeing things work
like the printed holly Christmas
cards.”
• Bernie said, “I like coming to
Poppy Place and doing things with
everyone. I enjoy my time here
and have been friends with all
the residents for many years.”
Above: Sue with Elaine and Kyle

10. • Our RemPods™ were set up
for display at New Directions’
community space at Unit 8,
Webb Ellis Park, Rugby.
• This open day event showed
how useful the RemPods are
and how you can hire them.
• Senior Manager Laura said,
“New Directions successfully
received a grant from
Warwickshire County Council
to pay for the RemPods and
the RemPod vehicle.”
To hire the RemPods phone:
01788 577586
Pop Up Experiences on Display
Above: Some of the
RemPods set up and
available to hire

11. • A group of eager
teenagers took part
in ‘The Challenge’
fundraising event
for their National
Citizen Service, raising
over £279 for New
Directions’ activities.
• ‘The Challenge’ is a
government-funded
programme.
• Three keen pupils
from Caludon Castle
School in Coventry
have raised an
impressive £170 for
New Directions.
• They were sponsored
to walk around
Coventry Memorial
Park.
• The 12 year old pupils, Rachel, Lucy and Sophie,
enjoyed fundraising for our charity.
Young People Fundraising
for New Directions
Above: NCS participants at The
Exchange with Joyce and Mark
National Citizenship Challenge
Coventry Memorial Park Walkathon
Above: The fundraising
schoolgirls with Elaine and Kyle

12. ‘Browse’ Our
New Look
Website
• New Directions has
added new software
called Browsealoud to
the charity’s website.
• This software can make
text bigger, read text
outloud, access different
languages, change the
colour of text for easier
reading and more.
• New Directions has
created an easy read
information sheet to
show people to look
out for the Browsealoud
headphones icon and
how to use its toolbar.
Taking on Dementia Together
Deputy Manager Andrea is now our Dementia Champion.
Above: Andrea
Andrea said, “We help to support people to avoid getting anxious
about the symptoms of dementia, taking some of the confusion
away so thay can carry on with their daily tasks and interests.”

13. Media Officer Abbi caught up with Sam
before Christmas. Here’s what he had to
say...
Abbi: So Sam, you turned 20 this year?
Sam: Yes, I had a get together to celebrate
with my family.
Abbi: You have been supported by New
Directions for 4 years now. How have
things changed?
Sam: I am able to do more for
myself. I am at college now after
leaving school. We had a school prom
night.
Abbi: So I hear you also treated
yourself to a holiday in 2016?
Sam: Yes, I went to Bulgaria. I
enjoyed going on the jet ski. I like
different countries and want to
explore the world.
Spotlight on SamSpotlight on Sam
Above: Sam’s
birthday
Above: Sam on the jet ski
Below: Sam going to his
school prom in style

14. • New Directions is
keeping up-to-date
with the latest digital
technology to improve
our support services.
• These technologies
help people who use New
Directions’ services to
communicate better with
staff, families, friends and
carers.
• They also make it easier and safer to keep records about
everyone.
New Technologies Improve Services
• Police officers
from Warwickshire
Police talked to
some of the people
who use New
Directions’ services
all about keeping
safe.
• They also invited the group to see the police cells and custody
office which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Personal
Safety First
Police Visit
From left to right: Martin, Linda, Bob, Janet
and David in the police cells
Above: Laura supports Kyle with his
online food shopping

15. • Maureen and Janine visited
Maureen’s family in Ireland and
popped in to Dublin Zoo.
• They stayed in a 6 bedroom
cottage which ment Maureen
could invite her family to a big
get together meal there on the
Sunday.
• Maureen said ,“ I had a lovely
time. New Directions helps me
to visit my family.”
Terrific Tenerife Holiday
• Alison went on holiday to Tenerife.
• Support staff hired a car so she
could visit many areas around the
coast.
• The hotel where they stayed is
specificallyadaptedforpeoplewith
physical disabilities with features
like ramps, lifts and grab rails.
• Alison said, "The weather was hot
and I had a lovely room. The food
was nice. I am looking forward to
my next holiday."
Above: Janine and
Maureen at the Zoo
Below: Maureen
Maureen’s Family
Visit to Ireland
Above: Alison enjoying
sightseeing in Tenerife

16. Above: Kyle with his mobility car
Kyle’s New
Wheels
• Kyle has a new mobility
car that is helping him to
take part in community
activities. Kyle uses a
wheelchair so having this
vehicle is a lifeline.
Kyle said, “My Dad takes me out in my new car.
It is easy to get in and out. I feel safe inside.”
• Kyle uses the mobility car to go shopping and for day trips
but would really like to take it on holiday this year so that he
can visit tourist attractions.
Days in and out with New Directions
Art Gallery Experience
Milner House Museum Visit
Poppy Place Pantomime
Interactive Shopping Trip

17. • Dunchurch Park Hotel
hosted our Christmas
Celebration Lunch in their
marquee for 200 people.
• This seasonal event
celebrated our 65th
anniversary.
• The Long Lawford
Community Choir and New
Directions’ staff member
Caroline Imonikhe sang
Christmas songs before a
festive lunch.
Our Charity Celebrates 65th Anniversary
Above: Caroline (centre) and the
choir Below: Enjoying the festivities
Above: New Directions’ staff
member Dee, the hotel’s General
Manager George Briffa (centre),
with Santa and his elves

18. • New Directions received
donations for the celebration
lunch from local businesses.
• New Directions’ staff members
also spent months raising funds
to help cover the costs.
CEO Doreen
Woodward said,
“Dunchurch Park
Hotel have gone
the extra mile
to bring together
the people who
use our services
with their loved
ones in this
special way.”
Our Charity Celebrates
65th Anniversary (continued)

19. Above: Cynthia and Colin receive
their retiremment gifts
Above: The Trustees say
goodbye with a farewell meal
Farewell to
Two Trustees
• Anthony and Philip spent a
week in a log cabin in the
Peak District.
• During their stay they visited
Derby town centre where
Anthony bought a new
hat. They also took day
trips to Buxton, Dovedale
and Eyam Village.
Sneaky Peak District Holiday
Above: Anthony sporting
his newly purchased hat
• Trustees Colin Davis
and Cynthia Martin
have retired from
their voluntary roles
with New Directions
after many years of
supporting our charity.
• CEO Doreen said, “We are
very grateful to have had the
benefits of Colin and Cynthia’s
experience over many years. I
would like to thank them for
all their hard work.”

20. Milestone Birthdays
Above: Ian
Below: Tony
Tony is 70
There was a birthday
party to celebrate
Tony’s 70th with a gathering of friends
and family and a trip to the Sea Life
Centre in Birmingham which he
thoroughly enjoyed.
Contact Us:
New Directions (Rugby) Ltd.
Head Office
27 Bilton Road
Rugby
CV22 7AN
Tel: 01788 573318
Email:
admin@newdirectionsrugby.org.uk
Website: www.newdirectionsrugby.org.uk
Registered No: 2647131
Registered Charity No: 1005302
New Directions Rugby Ltd
newdirectionsrugbyltd
@CeoRugby
Right: Ian’s birthday cake
Ian Turns 50
Ian celebrated his birthday with family and
friends, including his neices and nephews,
and his sister Margaret who he had not seen
in years.
Ian said, “Thank you everybody and cheers.”