Gratitude Posted in: Covid-19 Wishing you a Happy, Helpful and Thankful Christmas In our Champions group at Include. We have been looking at the topic of wellbeing this term. For me, running a small charity at this busiest time of the year, it can feel like my own wellbeing is a long way from the top of my agenda.… Continue Reading
Breaking Down Barriers – there’s an app for that! Posted in: Blog, Co-production, Covid-19, Easy Read, equality, healthcare, Inclusive Communication, reasonable adjustments, rights, self advocacy, Speech and Language Therapist When healthcare information is accessible and understandable for all, it can literally save lives. Alix Lewer, Founder and CEO of Include and The Include Champions helped to develop an accessible version of the CardMedic app...a tool that breaks down barriers to good communication in healthcare settings. Continue Reading
Meet Beth Posted in: Blog, Breaking Down Barriers, Inclusive Communication, Inclusive interviews, Members-Stories, reasonable adjustments, self advocacy, Stroll and Sign, Supported Volunteering, The Include Champions, The Include Choir, Volunteering I want the world to know that there is no place anywhere that makes you feel so included, safe, comfortable, happy and purposeful as Include does. Continue Reading
Hello…we are the Champions! Posted in: Autism, Blog, Easy Read, equality, Inclusive Communication, kind communication, learning disability, mental health, Resources, self advocacy Our latest FREE Easy Read resource is made by the Include Champions about the Include Champions! It explains what the group does, why and how - all presented in an Easy Read format. Continue Reading
Mindfulness Posted in: Blog, Easy Read, Mindfulness, Resources Our Champions sessions are where Include members get together on Zoom to discuss and share ideas about important topics like The Mental Capacity Act, or in this case Mindfulness... We've made a new FREE Easy Read resource about it. Continue Reading
Happy 5th Birthday to us! Posted in: Blog, Covid-19 On our 5th birthday (4th May) we can’t physically get together to celebrate - instead we’ve gathered a few of our choir’s best bits from the last 5 years! The Include Choir has not stopped making brilliant memories, no matter what comes our way - global pandemic included. And there is plenty more planned for… Continue Reading
A Square Peg in a Pandemic-shaped hole Posted in: Blog, Covid-19 Reflections of a Small Charity CEO after an unprecedented year ‘Oh crumbs’ (or words to that effect), ‘this Covid-19 situation really is serious’ was roughly the thought crossing my mind as I arranged an emergency meeting of Trustees on Sunday 15th March 2020. What were we going to do? We’d already put some measures in… Continue Reading
Helen’s Story Posted in: Covid-19, Inclusive Communication Here’s Helen’s story... “People kept recommending the choir to me because they know I love singing and signing. Eventually, I thought I’m going to give this a try. From the minute I arrived everyone was so friendly; I knew it was something I wanted to stay involved with. I absolutely loved it and I was… Continue Reading
Josh’s Story Posted in: Covid-19, Inclusive Communication Meet Josh... The Include Choir has taught Josh singing and Makaton signing. He says; “The Include Choir makes me feel special because I’m very involved. I help a lot at meetings and rehearsals and keep the choir to time”! He is also a member of the steering group. Josh often takes part in the choir’s… Continue Reading
Sofia’s Story Posted in: Blog, Covid-19, Inclusive Communication Meet Sofia... Sofia is a volunteer for the Include Choir, and helps with a bit of everything! She says “My favourite song is I’m a Believer because I love signing it, and it’s one that makes everyone really happy and gets us dancing!” “Before lockdown, I supported members during choir rehearsals and meetings, helped record… Continue Reading