How To Boost Your Fitness Levels When You’re Living With A Disability

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23 January 2024

Embarking on a fitness journey when living with a disability can be a challenging yet rewarding decision. It requires a unique approach, one that embraces adaptability, resilience, and self-compassion. This guide offers practical advice and motivational insights for those seeking to enhance their physical well-being despite physical limitations or challenges.

Understanding Your Unique Body and Needs

The first step in boosting fitness levels is understanding and accepting your body’s unique requirements. Every disability presents its own set of challenges and limitations, so it’s crucial to acknowledge these differences. Consulting with healthcare professionals, such as a physical therapist or a doctor specialising in physical medicine, can provide valuable insights into what exercises and fitness routines are safe and beneficial for your specific condition. You should also find out more about the kind of technology and equipment that could help you achieve your goals, such as power wheelchairs or visual and audible aids.

Setting Realistic and Achievable Goals

Setting realistic goals is pivotal in maintaining motivation and tracking progress. Whether improving flexibility, building strength, or increasing stamina, your goals should be tailored to your abilities and limitations. Celebrating small victories is equally important, fostering a sense of achievement and encouraging continual effort.

Adaptive Exercise: Finding What Works for You

Adaptive exercise is about modifying traditional workouts to meet your needs. This can include using assistive devices, altering exercise techniques, or engaging in activities specifically designed for people with disabilities. For instance, seated yoga or Pilates can improve flexibility and core strength, while hand-cycling or wheelchair racing can be excellent for cardiovascular health. The key is to find activities that you enjoy and can perform consistently.

The Importance of Consistency and Routine

Consistency is the cornerstone of improving fitness. Establishing a routine that fits into your daily life makes sticking to your fitness plan easier. This could mean setting aside specific times for exercise, joining a fitness class designed for people with disabilities, or incorporating physical activity into everyday tasks.

Nutrition: Fuelling Your Body for Success

A balanced diet is essential for anyone looking to improve their fitness. Nutritional needs can vary based on your disability, so it’s advisable to consult a dietitian. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide the energy needed for exercise and aid in recovery and muscle building.

Mental Health and Fitness: A Dual Approach

Physical fitness and mental health are closely linked, especially for those living with disabilities. Exercise can be a powerful tool in managing stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s important to monitor your mental health and seek support if you’re struggling. Activities like mindfulness, meditation, or joining support groups can be beneficial alongside your physical fitness routine.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated

Challenges and setbacks are a natural part of any fitness journey. It’s crucial to stay patient and keep a positive mindset. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community, whether friends, family, or fellow fitness enthusiasts, can provide the encouragement needed to overcome obstacles.

Conclusion: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

Boosting your fitness levels while living with a disability is more than just physical improvement; it’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. You can make meaningful progress in your fitness journey by understanding your body, setting achievable goals, and embracing the resources available. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating.

The quest for accountability: still fighting against Post Office injustices

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Editorial team

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23 January 2024

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MP Chris Loder confronts the Post Office’s leadership, offering unwavering commitment to the Horizon scandal victims

Before I proceed, I would like to wish you, your families and your friends a very happy and prosperous 2024 – I do hope you had an enjoyable Christmas. I was organist at no fewer than three carol services, and I was overjoyed to see so many people coming to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus through the nativity (always wonderfully performed by children) and through listening to lessons and singing carols.

The arrogant board
I am always delighted to spend time inn our post offices in West Dorset and with their staff and sub postmasters, especially the ones I see most in Sherborne, Beaminster and Dorchester. Their work is incredible. These people have for a long time been community-driven, and I would like to place on record how grateful I am for everything they do.
But my respect for the senior management of the post office? Quite a different thing.
I find them disingenuous, greedy and predatory – so much so that I called out their lies in the House of Commons last year. Not just about the Horizon system itself, but their own behaviour.
The Post Office board attempted to award itself enormous executive bonuses which, after parliamentary intervention, were halted.
This, when many people deserving damages from the Horizon nightmare had not (and still have not) been paid, and when they have screwed down the transaction fees for our post offices to such a minimal amount that some postmasters can barely get by.
Their arrogance is unbelievable.

Four point plan
The Post Office Horizon outrage is something that has sickened me since being in Parliament.
Here in West Dorset, thankfully only one sub postmaster was a victim of this scandal. But that was one too many. Across the country many were falsely accused, and some have died since – without getting their names cleared. It is one of the worst institutional scandals in living memory.
I have spoken in the House of Commons on numerous occasions about this and while progress has been made, it needs to be quicker. The Metropolitan Police has this week announced it is investigating criminal proceedings.
The Mr Bates vs The Post Office drama on ITV was shocking to watch. So much is clearly laid out and brought into sharp focus – we the public have frequently looked on at this issue without properly understanding what actually happened.
But I want to let you know that I will stop at nothing until we:
Get Paula Vennells stripped of her CBE*
Remove the appeals and recompense process from the Post Office itself.
Get real and proper justice for every person who has been affected by this.
Get an answer out of the Leader of the Liberal Democrats as to why he took £275,000 from the Post Office’s legal firm who were fighting the sub-postmasters.
Ed Davey, the current leader of the Liberal Democrats, was Post Office minister in the coalition government during this time. He should answer to parliament why it is that, when he was the minister, he ignored the calls for help. Maybe the Lib Dems will be able to shed some light on that in next month’s edition.
Ed Davey worked as a consultant on political issues and policy analysis for Herbert Smith Freehills, from 2015 until November 2021. HSF is the firm engaged by the Post Office during the Horizon period. During this time, and continuing, many sub-postmasters were (and are) fighting to clear their names.
As always, if I can help, you can contact me by email:
[email protected]
or write to me at
House of Commons,
London, SW1A 0AA.

*Paula Vennells has since handed back her CBE

LEX Administrator | Clayesmore School

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Editorial team

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23 January 2024

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Named after the School’s founder, LEX is a carefully designed co-curricular programme for our pupils to acquire the skills, knowledge and passions to enable them to live rich and fulfilling lives.

This newly created role within the LEX Leadership Team will commence as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will have experience of working in a busy environment, have excellent communication skills and a good knowledge of IT. A flexible approach to work is essential, along with an ability to work proactively, be solution focused and with excellent attention to detail at all times.

The post is part time (2.5 days per week), term time only. The working hours have some flexibility during the week, but does require being in on Saturday mornings when the LEX programme is taking place (approx. 22 Saturdays per year).

Closing date is 8.00am on Wednesday, 7 February 2024.

Further information and an application form is available from our Work for Us page at: https://www.clayesmore.com/work-for-us

Clayesmore is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of children’s and young people’s welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment.

www.clayesmore.com

12 Angry Men at Lighthouse Poole – watching the table turn.

By

LauraHitchcock

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23 January 2024

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If you’ve never seen it, 12 Angry Men can be a bit of a tough sell on paper – a jury sits in a hot stuffy room and discusses their verdict on a murder trial. You never see the courtroom trial, you never meet the alleged murderer, you don’t hear from the lawyers. They never leave the room, there are no new characters, the scene never changes … And yet it’s compelling, intense and utterly absorbing.

Following a recording-breaking West End season, this powerful production is now touring, and this week comes to Lighthouse Poole. The production stars Jason Merrells (Casualty, Emmerdale), Gray O’Brien (Coronation Street, Peak Practice), Tristan Gemmill (Coronation Street, Casualty), Michael Greco (EastEnders), Ben Nealon (Soldier Soldier) and Gary Webster (Minder, Family Affairs) among the all-star ensemble.

The minimalist set, with its gently rotating central table smartly representing time passing, is effective and atmospheric. The room is tired and the lighting is oppressive; both do a good job of instilling the claustrophobia of the original. Purists will perhaps be a little surprised by the comedic breaks in tension – though they were welcomed by much of the audience, they do make for a difference in momentum. Laughs aside, here lies all the nuanced social introspection you would expect.

Jason Merrells plays pivotal juror eight, the single quiet voice of opposition, asking for just a little more thought and discussion. Slowly we uncover the crime, break down the evidence … and reveal the chasms that separate the seemingly-united 11 by class, religion, age, arrogance and ignorance.

The audience is held in the grip of the close atmosphere of the heat-stricken room – the break for intermission caused a spontaneous gasp for air by many in the audience, and the seamless rejoining in the second half immersed the audience instantly where they left off.

The unpleasantness rises and falls as we meet and dismiss case (and character) points. There are no names, and few personal details are obliquely revealed. Yet we come to love one, detest another, regard a third with pity, a fourth with frustrated fury …

The sense of menace created especially by the unravelling of juror number three, played by Tristan Gemmill, unrelentingly increases – but for me he was in the end perhaps just a little too angry? The powerful final scene might have been even more impactful if he hadn’t already been shouting for the last five minutes.

However, the payoff is the quiet as he’s handed his coat. It is utterly deafening.

Written in 1954, the relevance of the 70 year old plot is sadly striking. We all have ingrained prejudices. The need for civic responsibility and social justice. The importance of listening, of being open-minded, of looking for the truth rather than the mob’s easy answer. And the simple importance of quietly but firmly standing up for what is right.

12 Angry Men is on at Lighthouse Poole until Saturday 27^th, with matinees Wednesday and Saturday.

https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/twelve-angry-men/

Operations Assistant | Milton Abbey School

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Editorial team

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23 January 2024

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40 hours a week – Fixed Term Contract

Milton Abbey School seeks an experienced and competent Operations Assistant to work within our busy Operations Team. This will be 40 hours a week (all year round), varied role within the School Operations Team, meeting varied administrative needs. Working days will be Monday to Friday, and every other Saturday morning.

The successful candidate must have a broad understanding of general office tasks, with a reasonable knowledge level. Previous administrative experience is essential, as is the need for strong IT skills.

You will be part of a friendly and supportive team, and training will be available to enhance skills. Staff also benefit from 25 days annual holiday plus bank holidays, free parking and afree refreshment and three course hot lunch during term time.

Further details may be obtained from our website or from HR on 01258 882306 or email [email protected]. Applications must be submitted on the school’s application form. The closing date for applications is Friday 2nd February 2024. Please note that we are not accepting applications for this position through any employment agency and all applicationsshould be made direct to the school.

Milton Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The appointment will be the subject of an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Additionally, please be aware that Milton Abbey School will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. To avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Please note that our school is a no smoking site.

www.miltonabbey.co.uk Registered Charity No 306318

Kitchen/catering Assistant | Fairmead School

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Editorial team

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22 January 2024

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10 Hours per week, 12 – 2pm, 38 weeks, term time only

Grade 15 – Gross salary £5,646

Fairmead Community Special School transforms the lives of pupils aged between 4-19 years with additional learning needs (MLD and ASD). The school works in partnership with parents/carers and other stakeholders to develop our pupils in becoming positive individuals who make a valuable contribution to their community.

We are looking to appoint a reliable and motivated individual to join our existing Midday team. The Applicant will enjoy working with young people. Being a good team player is an essential requirement for the successful candidate. The focus of the role is to support the cleaning and catering of our daily hot meal provision. Previous experience in a similar setting would be an advantage but isn’t essential as full training will be given.

To obtain an application pack please view http://www.fairmeadschool.com/vacancies or contact [email protected]

Prospective candidates are warmly invited to visit our school; this can be arranged by contacting [email protected]

Closing/Shortlisting Date: Tuesday 13th February

Interviews: Tuesday 20^th February.

Fairmead School is committed to safeguarding the school community. All job applications must contain the disclosure of any spent convictions and cautions. The school will carry out pre-employment vetting procedures, which include an online search for shortlisted candidates and the successful outcome of an enhanced DBS

FULL & PART TIME CLASSROOM TEACHERS MPS/UPS + 1 SEN | Fairmead School

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Editorial team

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22 January 2024

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STARTING APRIL/SEPTEMBER 2024 (SUPPLY ALSO CONSIDERED)

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Fairmead School transforms the lives of young people aged between 4 and 19 years with additional learning needs (moderate learning difficulties and autism).

We are seeking to appoint both full-time and part-time enthusiastic and dynamic Classroom Teachers who have the flexibility to teach a range of curriculum subjects across the school. Successful candidates will be self-motivated, creative, fun and inspirational teachers who have a desire to build meaningful and positive relationships with all the young people they encounter. They will need to approach curriculum subjects in a purposeful, age-appropriate and exciting way, engaging young people through first-hand experiences. They will have high aspirations for our young people and will be committed to, and passionate about, preparing them for successful, independent and happy futures in adulthood.

The successful candidates will join our committed, passionate and dedicated staff team and play an integral role in building an exhilarating future for our school community.

We welcome applications from teachers with all levels of experience from a range of educational backgrounds. We would also welcome a teacher with a passion for ICT.

Full details (Job Description, Person Specification and application form) can be obtained by clicking the Apply Now button below or the school website www.fairmeadschool.com or by email to [email protected]

We welcome school visits, please email [email protected] to make an appointment.

Closing Date: 12/02/2024

Interview Date: 22/02/024

Fairmead School is committed to safeguarding the school community. All job applications must contain the disclosure of any spent convictions and cautions. The school will carry out pre-employment vetting procedures, which include an online search for shortlisted candidates and the successful outcome of an enhanced DBS

Apply Link: https://dasjobs.co.uk/job/classroom-teachers/

New Thomas Hardy lecture series

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Editorial team

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22 January 2024

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Dorset Archives Trust, in conjunction with the Thomas Hardy Society, have announced a series of three fascinating lectures examining different aspects of Hardy’s life and work, all referencing elements of his archival legacy.
Dorchester, Hardy’s Casterbridge, is home to the world’s largest Thomas Hardy archive. It is inscribed by UNESCO in its Memory of the World as a collection of international significance – Dorset History Centre holds 150 boxes of the author’s records, ranging from the original manuscript of The Mayor of Casterbridge through poetry, correspondence, photographs and much more. The challenge is to make the entire collection accessible; currently it is not visible to the outside world due to the lack of a digital catalogue.
Dorset Archives Trust is working hard to raise funds for an archivist to lead an 18-month project, producing a detailed catalogue of the author’s extensive archive. It will then be made freely available to all online, encouraging engagement with Hardy’s life and works through the personal letters, photographs, notes and work he left behind.
The first lecture is on Thursday 9th March 7pm: Thomas Hardy and Charles Darwin: Lives in Letters with Prof. Angelique Richardson and Dr Paul White.

You can find details of all three lectures here – all are via Zoom, and cost £10 each, or £25 for the series of three.

Energy crisis: soaring costs and corporate profits

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Editorial team

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22 January 2024

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From 1st January 2024, the price of energy for a typical household using gas and electricity and who pay by Direct Debit went up by another £94, rubbing more salt into the wound of the current cost-of-living crisis.
On an entirely unrelated note, the world’s five largest energy providers are expected this year to reward their investors with record payouts of more than $100 billion, following another year of record profits that continue to be triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its impact on global energy markets and gas prices across Europe.
With a dysfunctional fossil fuel market driving energy prices sky high, 2023 was still the second hottest year on record in the UK (the top spot goes to 2022) seeing a wet summer bookended by heat waves of 33º in both June and September, alongside stories of ever more extreme weather events around the globe. It is clear that the case for owning our own, clean energy has never been more overwhelming.
Fortunately, there is a choice. With a General Election on the cards in 2024, voters will get the opportunity to choose between Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives (who have, in 12 years, failed to get to grips with the energy crisis and continue to renege on their environmental commitments), and Keir Starmer’s Labour Party with their vision of a transformative plan to create Great British Energy: a new, publicly-owned clean energy company that will harness Britain’s sun, wind and rain to create jobs, cut energy bills, accelerate net zero – and make the UK energy independent.

Pat Osborne
North Dorset Labour